Effect modification of environmental factors on influenza-associated mortality: a time-series study in two Chinese cities.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Environmental factors have been associated with transmission and survival of influenza viruses but no studies have ever explored the role of environmental factors on severity of influenza infection.

Methods

We applied a Poisson regression model to the mortality data of two Chinese metropolitan cities located within the subtropical zone, to calculate the influenza associated excess mortality risks during the periods with different levels of temperature and humidity.

Results

The results showed that high absolute humidity (measured by vapor pressure) was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with increased risks of all-cause and cardiorespiratory deaths, but not with increased risks of pneumonia and influenza deaths. The association between absolute humidity and

SUBMITTER: Yang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3265445 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature