Annual estimates of the burden of seasonal influenza in the United States: A tool for strengthening influenza surveillance and preparedness.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Estimates of influenza disease burden are broadly useful for public health, helping national and local authorities monitor epidemiologic trends, plan and allocate resources, and promote influenza vaccination. Historically, estimates of the burden of seasonal influenza in the United States, focused mainly on influenza-related mortality and hospitalization, were generated every few years. Since the 2010-2011 influenza season, annual US influenza burden estimates have been generated and expanded to include estimates of influenza-related outpatient medical visits and symptomatic illness in the community.

Methods

We used routinely collected surveillance data, outbreak field investigations, and proportions of people seeking health care from survey results to estimate th

SUBMITTER: Rolfes MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5818346 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature