Deaths from influenza have increased in the US over the last two decades, partly because of the aging of the population.

Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cause a large number of deaths each year. RSV is a virus that causes respiratory tract infection and it is becoming an increasing problem among older people. Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have now found there has been a large increase in influenza and RSV-related deaths from 1976-77 to 1998-99. In the 1990s, as many as 90 per cent of influenza deaths occurred in the over 65s, and 78 per cent of the RSV deaths.

The increase is due, at least in part, to the aging of the population, the researchers say. Between 1976 and 1999, the number of people over 85 doubled in the US, and this age group is 16 times more likely to die of an influenza-related cause than those aged between 65 and 69. The study highlights the need for new and more effective vaccines against both influenza and RSV. It's also important that older people take the opportunity to prevent influenza by making sure they have regular vaccination against it.

Source

Journal of the American Medical Association 8th January 2003