Timing of influenza epidemics and vaccines in the American tropics, 2002-2008, 2011-2014.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Influenza-associated illness results in increased morbidity and mortality in the Americas. These effects can be mitigated with an appropriately chosen and timed influenza vaccination campaign. To provide guidance in choosing the most suitable vaccine formulation and timing of administration, it is necessary to understand the timing of influenza seasonal epidemics.

Objectives

Our main objective was to determine whether influenza occurs in seasonal patterns in the American tropics and when these patterns occurred.

Methods

Publicly available, monthly seasonal influenza data from the Pan American Health Organization and WHO, from countries in the American tropics, were obtained during 2002-2008 and 2011-2014 (excluding unseasonal pandemic activity during 2009-2

SUBMITTER: Durand LO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4814866 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature