A Study of the Impact of Influenza on the Functional Status of Frail Older People

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Abstract
INFLUENZA IS an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, with people 65 years or older experiencing the greatest impact. Extensive studies of influenza among older individuals living both in the community and in nursing homes have largely focused on mortality, hospitalization, respiratory symptoms, and cost as outcome measures.1-8 The literature on the impact of influenza on the functional status of older people is scant and limited to studies of changes in level of care following hospitalization. Two recent studies9,10 of outcomes of hospitalization of individuals older than 65 years for pneumonia caused by influenza and other respiratory tract pathogens reported that 10% to 12% were discharged to higher levels of care compared with their residence before hospitalization.