The impact of influenza : an epidemiological study of morbidity, direct mortality & related mortality

The purpose of this dissertation is to assess the impact of influenza in The Netherlands during an extensive observation period of 22.5 years. This observation period includes the well-known Hong-Kong epidemics (from 1968) as well as other (unknown) minor epidemics until 1989. It is tried to determine as precise as possible the subpopulation who is at highest risk to die due to influenza or in association with influenza. Since a preventive vaccine is at disposal it is very important to delineate that subpopulation so that the vaccine can be used especially in that group.