Laboratory Analysis of 1957-1958 Influenza Outbreak in New York City III. Further Seroepidemiological Studies

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Abstract
A definite seroepidemiological pattern appears to exist when a new influenza virus 1st appears in the community. All age groups are 1st equally infected. The younger age groups retain the antibodies, the older age groups lose theirs. When the virus reappears, the older age groups once again temporarily develop antibodies. Thus by studying the percentage of various age groups with hemagglutination inhibiting antibodies the presence or absence of the influenza virus in a community may be detected. This sero-epidemiological pattern was developed 4 times during 1957-1959, coincidentally with increases in pneumonia-influenza mortality in New York City.