z-logo
open-access-imgOpen Access
Estimating the burden of influenza‐associated hospitalizations and deaths in Central America
Author(s) -
Descalzo Miguel A.,
Clara Wilfrido,
Guzmán Guiselle,
Mena Ricardo,
Armero Julio,
Lara Bredy,
Saenz Carlos,
Aragón Anabela,
Chacón Rafael,
ElOmeiri Nathalie,
MéndezRico Jairo,
Cerpa Mauricio,
Palekar Rakhee,
Jara Jorge,
AzzizBaumgartner Eduardo
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
influenza and other respiratory viruses
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.743
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1750-2659
pISSN - 1750-2640
DOI - 10.1111/irv.12385
Subject(s) - medicine , incidence (geometry) , vaccination , seasonal influenza , hospital discharge , population , demography , epidemiology , environmental health , pediatrics , emergency medicine , covid-19 , virology , intensive care medicine , disease , infectious disease (medical specialty) , physics , sociology , optics
Objectives Our objective was to estimate the incidence of influenza‐associated hospitalizations and in‐hospital deaths in Central American Region. Design and setting We used hospital discharge records, influenza surveillance virology data, and population projections collected from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua to estimate influenza‐associated hospitalizations and in‐hospital deaths. We performed a meta‐analysis of influenza‐associated hospitalizations and in‐hospital deaths. Main outcome measures The highest annual incidence was observed among children aged <5 years (136 influenza‐associated hospitalizations per 100 000 persons). Results Annually, 7 625–11 289 influenza‐associated hospitalizations and 352–594 deaths occurred in the subregion. Conclusions Our results suggest that a substantive number of persons are annually hospitalized because of influenza. Health officials should estimate how many illnesses could be averted through increased influenza vaccination.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.
Having issues? You can contact us here