Estimates of Influenza-Related Deaths in the U.S. (1995-2005)
Author Information
Author(s): Ivo M. Foppa, Md Monir Hossain
Primary Institution: Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
The study aims to obtain estimates of monthly excess mortality due to influenza based on an epidemiologically meaningful model.
Conclusion
The study found that annual estimates for influenza mortality were highly variable but systematically lower than previously published estimates.
Supporting Evidence
- The study estimated that 260,814 deaths were attributable to influenza over the study period.
- The annual average of excess deaths due to influenza was found to be 23,710.
- Most influenza-related deaths occurred in individuals aged 65 or older.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many people died from the flu in the U.S. over 11 years and found that the numbers were lower than what was thought before.
Methodology
The study used a hierarchical Poisson model to analyze U.S. monthly all-cause mortality data from 1995 to 2005.
Potential Biases
The reliance on influenza-certified deaths may lead to underestimation of total influenza mortality.
Limitations
The estimates may be biased due to the low specificity of influenza-certified mortality as an indicator of total influenza mortality.
Participant Demographics
The study analyzed mortality data across four age categories: <18, 18–49, 50–64, and 65+.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 201,011–290,556
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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