Mortality from influenza and allied infections in South Australia during 1968-1981

Numbers of deaths from pneumonia and influenza and other causes were analysed for successive four-week periods in South Australia during 1968-1981. An overall excess in deaths from pneumonia or influenza of 74% was evident during the winter months and early spring, compared with summer and early autumn. An accompanying excess of 18% occurred for deaths assigned to other causes. There was a strong association between numbers of deaths from pneumonia and influenza and other deaths, suggesting that influenza may have a broad impact on mortality. This mostly applied to individuals aged 60 years and over. There is a need for medical practitioners to provide prophylactic care to protect aged patients against the effects of influenza. This should be done in autumn, and special attention should be given to individuals with underlying conditions.