Trends in Pneumonia and Influenza Morbidity and Mortality, USA 2008 (.pdf - American Lung Association)

[Laidback Al]

Introduction

Pneumonia and influenza are significant causes of morbidity and mortality. Together these conditions are ranked as the eighth leading cause of death in the United States. Along with other respiratory conditions, such as the common cold and acute bronchitis, these disorders are substantial contributors to days lost from work and school. The following tables delineate information available from national surveys and statistics on trends in morbidity and mortality attributed to pneumonia and influenza. In addition, vaccine recommendations to prevent pneumonia and influenza are included.

.pdf file below. It is full of historical data on pneumonia and influenza in the USA.

 

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Trends in Pneumonia and Influenza Morbidity and Mortality, USA 2008 (.pdf - American Lung Association)

The American Lung Association states:
"Pneumonia consistently accounts for the overwhelming majority of these deaths. In 2005, 61,189 people died from pneumonia and 1,812 people died from influenza."

Yet, the CDC states that about 36,000 die of influenza each year: "This statistic came from a 2003 JAMA study by CDC scientists. The study used statistical modeling to estimate that during 9 influenza seasons from 1990-91 through 1998-99, an annual average of 36,000 flu-related deaths occurred among people whose underlying cause of death on their death certificate was listed as a respiratory or circulatory disease. A 2009 study that appeared in the journal Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses made a similar estimate for the 10 influenza seasons from 1993 to 2003."