Fat and flu: fact or fiction?. (May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Basile, Kerri; Dwyer, Dominic E; Kok, Jen
• Is Part Of: Future virology. Volume 11:Number 5(2016)
• Page Start: 357
• Page End: 367
• Publication Date: 2016-05
• Subjects: A(H1N1)pdm09 -- BMI -- influenza -- obesity; Virology -- Periodicals; Virus diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.9101
• DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2016-0014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-0794

Abstract

Novel risk factors for severe influenza infection were described during the early phases of the influenza pandemic of 2009. Worldwide, the rate of severe influenza in the obese and morbidly obese population was disproportionate to that of the general population. This risk factor has now been recognized presumably due to the increasing prevalence of obesity. The cause behind this trend may extend beyond the known deleterious effects of obesity on respiratory physiology, as emerging evidence in animal models demonstrate A(H1N1)pdm09 itself confers worse outcomes compared with seasonal influenza subtypes. Currently, uncertainty remains regarding the optimal antiviral regimen and vaccination strategies in obese individuals. Therefore, further studies on the effects of obesity on influenza infection need to be prioritized.