Tiran Rothman
Abstract Background: influenza epidemics are responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality every year in the United States. Vaccination strategies to reduce disease burden have been implemented. However, only few previous studies have systematically estimated the annual economic burden of influenza epidemics in the elderly population as the most vital part in understanding the economic burden, an estimate necessary to guide policy makers effectively. Objective: We estimate age specific disease burden for the elderly population (65+), and medical and indirect costs attributable to annual influenza epidemics in the United States. We estimate the total economic burden of annual influenza epidemics using also projected statistical life values in $34.7 billion (C.I. $13.2, $74.4). Conclusions: Our study indicates a lower economic burden than estimated in previous studies associate with the elderly group, mainly due to higher vaccination rates. However, these results highlight the enormous annual burden of influenza in the US. While hospitalization costs are important contributors, lost productivity from missed work days and lost lives comprise the bulk of the economic burden of influenza
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