Open AccessPandemic Influenza: Implications for Programs Controlling for HIV Infection, Tuberculosis, and Chronic Viral Hepatitis
Author(s) -
James D. Heffelfinger,
Pragna Patel,
John T. Brooks,
Helene Calvet,
Charles L. Daley,
Hazel D. Dean,
Brian R. Edlin,
Kathleen F. Gensheimer,
John A. Jereb,
Charlotte Kent,
Jeffrey L. Lennox,
Janice K. Louie,
Ruth Lynfield,
Philip J. Peters,
Lauretta Pinckney,
Philip R. Spradling,
Andrew C. Voetsch,
Anthony E. Fiore
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2008.158170
Subject(s) - medicine , pandemic , tuberculosis , immunology , viral hepatitis , population , virology , human mortality from h5n1 , environmental health , covid-19 , disease , infectious disease (medical specialty) , pathology
Among vulnerable populations during an influenza pandemic are persons with or at risk for HIV infection, tuberculosis, or chronic viral hepatitis. HIV-infected persons have higher rates of hospitalization, prolonged illness, and increased mortality from influenza compared with the general population. Persons with tuberculosis and chronic viral hepatitis may also be at increased risk of morbidity and mortality from influenza because of altered immunity and chronic illness. These populations also face social and structural barriers that will be exacerbated by a pandemic. Existing infrastructure should be expanded and pandemic planning should include preparations to reduce the risks for these populations.