Insights – Dr George Kassianos

A meta-analysis of almost 240 studies has challenged assumptions by suggesting that new mothers and obese people have increased risk of severe outcomes and death from in!uenza. In contrast, a greater likelihood of such complications in pregnant women €“ a group cited as high risk by the NHS €“ was not shown by the study.  A research team from McMaster University, Ontario reviewed 239 studies €“ carried out between 1918 and 2011 and involving over 610,000 people €“ that looked at risk factors for complications of in!uenza, including developing pneumonia or needing ventilator support admission to hospital, or death. Results