%0 Journal Article
%T Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09-Associated Pneumonia Deaths in Thailand
%A Charatdao Bunthi
%A Somsak Thamthitiwat
%A Henry C. Baggett
%A Pasakorn Akarasewi
%A Ruchira Ruangchira-urai
%A Susan A. Maloney
%A Kumnuan Ungchusak
%J PLOS ONE
%D 2013
%I Public Library of Science (PLoS)
%R 10.1371/journal.pone.0054946
%X Background The first human infections with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus were confirmed in April 2009. We describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09-associated pneumonia deaths in Thailand from May 2009-January 2010. Methods We identified influenza A(H1N1)pdm09-associated pneumonia deaths from a national influenza surveillance system and performed detailed reviews of a subset. Results Of 198 deaths reported, 49% were male and the median age was 37 years; 146 (73%) were 20¨C60 years. Among 90 deaths with records available for review, 46% had no identified risk factors for severe influenza. Eighty-eight patients (98%) received antiviral treatment, but only 16 (18%) initiated therapy within 48 hours of symptom onset. Conclusions Most influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pneumonia fatalities in Thailand occurred in adults aged 20¨C60 years. Nearly half lacked high-risk conditions. Antiviral treatment recommendations may be especially important early in a pandemic before vaccine is available. Treatment should be considered as soon as influenza is suspected.
%U http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0054946