THE AGE DISTRIBUTION OF EXCESS MORTALITY DURING A2 HONG KONG INFLUENZA EPIDEMICS COMPARED WITH EARLIER A2 OUTBREAKS1

Abstract

Housworth, W. J. (Epidemiology Program, Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia 30333) and M. M. Spoon. The age distribution of excess mortality during A2 Hong Kong influenza epidemics compared with earlier A2 outbreaks. Amer J Epidem 94: 348–350, 1971.—An examination by age of mortality from all causes in the United States during the A2 Hong Kong influenza epidemic of 1968–1969 indicated a substantially lower rate of excess mortality for elderly persons than had been observed in previous influenza type A2 epidemics. This finding is consistent with published virologic evidence indicating a high level of protection to A2 Hong Kong virus among persons born in the 19th century.