“These findings remind us of the severity of the flu and that its prevention should be a global priority,” said Joe Bresee, one of the authors of the study published in The Lancet.
The results of the study also showed that the highest number of people who died from the flu is found among the elderly as well as in the poorest regions of the world. The elderly over the age of 75, as well as those living in sub-Saharan African countries, have the highest risk of death from influenza-related respiratory diseases.
Although the World Health Organization has recommended the use of influenza vaccines, few developing countries have influenza vaccination programs or have the capacity to produce and distribute seasonal or pandemic vaccines, the study said.
Influenza infection can lead to the appearance or exacerbation of other risk factors that are then mentioned as the cause on death certificates, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or associated complications.
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