[Influenza-related respiratory illnesses and associated causes among the elderly in a city in Northeast Brazil].
Nationwide influenza vaccination campaigns are held annually in Brazil during the same time of the year. This study aimed to analyze deaths from respiratory illnesses and influenza-related causes among the elderly in the city of Aracaju, capital of Sergipe State, Brazil. Data were analyzed from the following databases: Information System on Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance (SIVEP_GRIPE), Hospital Information System (SIH), Mortality Information System (SIM), and Health Informatics Department (DATASUS), from 1998 to 2007, Sergipe State Central Laboratory (LACEN-SE), and rainfall data from the National Meteorology Institute (INMET). The year 2007 showed the highest mortality rate from influenza and related causes in elderly individuals. From 1998 to 2007, mortality rates from influenza-related respiratory illnesses and associated causes in Aracaju city were higher than in the States of Brazil, indicating the need to reformulate the influenza vaccination schedule in elderly residents of this city.
Coordenação de Vigilância Epidemiológica, Secretaria de Saúde do Estado de Sergipe, Aracaju, Brasil.
Aline de Andrade
Ade A
Gomes
Marco Antônio Prado
MA
Nunes
Cristiane Costa da Cunha
CC
Oliveira
Sônia Oliveira
SO
Lima
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control; D032541:Mass Vaccination; D008875:Middle Aged; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality*; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000401:mortality; D055815:Young Adult