Asian Influenza A in Boston, 1957-1958

Abstract

Prior to the 1957-1958 epidemic of Asian influenza A, public health authorities in the United States warned that a high incidence of postinfluenzal staphylococcal pneumonia could be anticipated, and they widely publicized recommendations for limiting the severity of this complication.^1,2In virtually all sections of the nation many cases of staphylococcal pneumonia did indeed occur; available data indicate that despite the forewarning the Staphylococcus accounted for the largest single group of fatalities due to postinfluenzal bacterial pneumonia.³ The purpose of the present report is to present and compare the findings, clinical course, and management in 11 fatal cases and 9 nonfatal cases of post-Asian-influenzal staphylococcal pneumonia occurring in Boston and environs; to analyze the properties of the strains of staphylococci responsible, and to demonstrate the importance of the rapid choice of effective antistaphylococcal chemotherapeutic agents. <h3>Materials and Methods</h3><h3>Human Cases.</h3> —All the cases studied occurred in the months