Morbid obesity as a risk factor for hospitalization and death due to 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) disease.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Severe illness due to 2009 pandemic A(H1N1) infection has been reported among persons who are obese or morbidly obese. We assessed whether obesity is a risk factor for hospitalization and death due to 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1), independent of chronic medical conditions considered by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to increase the risk of influenza-related complications.

Methodology/principal findings

We used a case-cohort design to compare cases of hospitalizations and deaths from 2009 pandemic A(H1N1) influenza occurring between April-July, 2009, with a cohort of the U.S. population estimated from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES); pregnant women and children <2 years old were excluded. For hospi

SUBMITTER: Morgan OW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2837749 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature