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Complications of viral influenza

Michael B Rothberg1, Sarah D Haessler, Richard B Brown

  • 1Division of General Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA 01199, USA. michael.rothberg@bhs.org

The American Journal of Medicine
|April 1, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Viral influenza causes over 35,000 deaths annually in the US. New strategies are needed for prevention and treatment due to increasing antiviral resistance and potential reduced vaccine efficacy in older adults.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Viral influenza is a significant seasonal health concern in the US, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality.
  • Annual influenza cases result in over 35,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations, with increasing trends.
  • High-risk populations include young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with comorbid conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current prevention and treatment strategies for viral influenza.
  • To highlight the challenges posed by increasing antiviral resistance and potential reduced vaccine effectiveness in certain populations.
  • To discuss common and severe complications of influenza, including pulmonary, cardiac, and neuromuscular issues.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on influenza epidemiology, prevention, and treatment.
  • Analysis of current trends in influenza-associated morbidity and mortality.
  • Examination of challenges in influenza management, such as antiviral resistance and vaccine efficacy.

Main Results:

  • Annual vaccination remains the primary prevention method, though its efficacy may be reduced in some older individuals.
  • Prompt antiviral treatment can mitigate complications, but resistance to amantadine and neuraminidase inhibitors necessitates novel approaches.
  • Pulmonary complications, including primary viral and secondary bacterial pneumonia (especially Staphylococcus aureus), are most common and carry high mortality.

Conclusions:

  • There is a critical need for novel prevention and treatment strategies for viral influenza.
  • Effective management requires addressing antiviral resistance and considering alternative approaches for at-risk populations.
  • Prompt recognition and empiric treatment for secondary bacterial pneumonia, including coverage for Staphylococcus aureus, are crucial during influenza season.

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