The use of nutritional supplements (vitamins, minerals) has been reported to be as high as 66% for individuals and 54% for households. Among medical patients in metropolitan areas, 66% of suburban private patients and 31% of urban clinic patients use supplements. Reported here are results of a survey to assess the use of nutritional supplements by rural family medicine patients. A sample of patients (N = 199) in one practice completed a standardized questionnaire, and 54% reported that they had taken supplements (primarily multivitamins) during the previous 6 months. The desire to assure good nutrition and less fatigue were the major reasons cited for supplement use; 50% were daily users, and 42% had used supplements for longer than 3 years.
Retrospective data evaluated increases in advanced medical support for children with medically attended acute respiratory illness (MAARI) during influenza outbreak periods (IOP). Advanced support included hospitalisation, intensive care unit admission, or mechanical ventilation, for children aged 0-17 years hospitalised in Maryland's 50 acute-care hospitals over 12 influenza seasons. Weekly numbers of positive influenza tests in the Maryland area defined IOP for each season as the fewest consecutive weeks, including the peak week containing at least 85% of positive tests with a 2-week buffer on either side of the IOP. Peak IOP (PIOP) was defined as four consecutive weeks containing the peak week with the most number of positive influenza tests. Off-PIOP was defined as the 'shoulder' weeks during each IOP. Non-influenza season (NIS) was the remaining weeks of that study season. Rate ratios of mean daily MAARI-related admissions resulting in advanced medical support outcomes during PIOP or Off-PIOP were compared with the NIS and were significantly elevated for all 12 study seasons combined. The results suggest that influenza outbreaks are associated with increased advanced medical support utilisation by children with MAARI. We feel that this data may help preparedness for severe influenza epidemics or pandemic.
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