Effect of influenza on cardiorespiratory and all-cause mortality in Hong Kong, Singapore and Guangzhou

• Published in: Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi Vol. 18 Suppl 2; pp. 8 - 11
• Main Authors: Wong, C M, Peiris, J S M, Yang, L, Chan, K P, Thach, T Q, Lai, H K, Lim, W W L, Hedley, A J, He, J, Chen, P, Ou, C, Deng, A, Zhang, X, Zhou, D, Ma, S, Chow, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: China 01.02.2012
• Subjects: Aged; Cause of Death; Hong Kong - epidemiology; Humans; Humidity; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype; Influenza, Human - complications; Influenza, Human - mortality; Myocardial Ischemia - complications; Myocardial Ischemia - mortality; Pneumonia - complications; Pneumonia - mortality; Poisson Distribution; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive - complications; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive - mortality; Seasons; Singapore - epidemiology; Temperature; Hong Kong; Singapore
• ISSN: 1024-2708

1. Using a common modelling approach, mortality attributable to influenza was higher in the two subtropical cities Guangzhou and Hong Kong than in the tropical city Singapore. 2. The virus activity appeared more synchronised in subtropical cities, whereas seasonality of influenza tended to be less marked in the tropical city. 3. High temperature was associated with increased mortality after influenza infection in Hong Kong, whereas relative humidity was an effect modifier for influenza in Guangzhou. No effect modification was found for Singapore. 4. Seasonal and environmental factors probably play a more important role than socioeconomic factors in regulating seasonality and disease burden of influenza. Further studies are needed in identifying the mechanism behind the regulatory role of environmental factors.