Morbidity and mortality associated with influenza exposure in long-term care facilities for dependant elderly people

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe the impact of exposure to influenza on hospitalizations and deaths in the elderly residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs). An observational, longitudinal, prospective, multicenter, cohort study collected influenza and influenza-like cases, diseases, hospitalizations, and deaths of dependent elderly residents of French LTCFs during the 2004-2005 seasonal influenza epidemic. A total of 8,041 residents of 98 participating LTCFs were included. The mean age was 85 +/- 9 years; 93% were vaccinated against influenza and 64% of the residents were exposed to influenza during the epidemic. Exposure to influenza increased both the all-cause risk of hospitalization (9.2% of the residents exposed vs. 7.4% of the residents not exposed) (relative risk, RR [95% confidence interval, CI] = 1.24 [1.05; 1.47]) and the all-cause risk of death (5.8% vs. 4.3%) (RR [95% CI] = 1.36 [1.10; 1.70]). Exposure to influenza increased the risks of death and hospitalization. Additional measures should be taken to avoid influenza exposure and apply recommendations more thoroughly in the particularly susceptible population of elderly LTCF residents.

Treating and Preventing Influenza in Aged Care Facilities: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial

“…In developed countries, the majority of deaths attributable to influenza occur in people aged over 65 years, especially those over 80 years with pre-existing health problems and residents of Aged Care Facilities (ACFs) [1]. Attack rates of 20–40% may occur in ACF outbreaks and are associated with increased rates of hospitalisation and death [2], [3]. The elderly may also shed influenza virus at higher levels and for longer duration than younger adults [4], [5], [6].…”

Effect of Influenza Vaccination on Mortality and Risk of Hospitalization in Elderly Individuals with and without Disabilities: A Nationwide, Population-Based Cohort Study

“…Age [22], gender [22], salary [23], urbanization level [23], CCI score [24] preexisting major illness status [25], status as a long-term care facility resident [26], number of outpatient visits [26], hospital admission [27], and the utilization of health examination services [28] were associated with rates of influenza-related mortality and hospitalization. In this study, the vaccinated elderly individuals were more likely to be male, older, having a lower premium salary, having higher CCI scores, having a catastrophic illnesses, residing in a long-term care facility, having more outpatient visits, hospital admissions, and use of health examination services.…”

Oseltamivir prophylaxis in controlling influenza outbreak in nursing homes: a comparison between three different approaches

“…Outbreaks are common and often severe. Attack rates vary from 25 to 70 %, and the fatality rate is reported to be between 10 and 55 % [1][2][3]. The main outbreak prevention strategy is annual influenza vaccination for all residents and caregivers.…”