PNEUMONIA AND INFLUENZA

The cause group, pneumonia and influenza, was the fifth leading cause of death of New Jersey residents in 1996, accounting for 2,500 deaths (Table M8). Deaths from this cause group are concentrated in the population aged 65 and over, which accounted for 88.6 percent of these deaths in 1996. The largest decreases in the death rate over the past ten years occurred in the 15 through 24 age group (a 40.5% decrease) and in the 25 through 44 age group (a 35.8% decrease). Relatively high rates of deaths from pneumonia and influenza in the elderly population continue despite the existence of effective influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia vaccines for use in older adults. Deaths from pneumonia and influenza are directly related to the number and severity of influenza epidemics in any year. Influenza epidemics usually increase deaths from a number of causes, e.g., diseases of the heart, COPD, and pneumonia, especially among the more vulnerable segments of the population.