Update on Prevention and Treatment of Influenza in the Elderly

INTRODUCTION
Influenza, a lower respiratory tract infection caused by influenza viruses infecting ciliated cells, is associated with up to 300,000 hospitalizations annually in the United States.1 The disease occurs in epidemics in both hemispheres during winter months, but summertime outbreaks do exist.2 Persons with chronic illness and those in long-term care (LTC) settings are at increased risk for complications, including secondary pneumonia.3 Influenza and pneumonia consistently rank as a leading cause of death, of which about 90% of victims are over 64 years old.4 Fatality rates ...