Discussing the AIM study (Adiposity, Influenza and Men)

According to Sheridan et al. (2012), the association between obesity and severe influenza outcomes was well documented in several epidemiological studies following the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. This growing body of literature suggests that not only do overweight and obese individuals experience a greater proportion of negative outcomes as a result of exposure (Louie et al., 2011, Van Kerkhove et al., 2011), but also vaccination response differs in young and middle-aged adults (Alberta Health, 2014). From a public health perspective, it ‘would be nice’ if a common experience occurred with the influenza vaccine. However, this study suggests that young very active males may experience less protection, and if so, steps should be taken to consider more than just age and disease when classifying influenza “high risk” groups