Charatdao BunthiSomsak ThamthitiwatHenry C. BaggettPasakorn AkarasewiRuchira Ruangchira-uraiSusan A. MaloneyKumnuan UngchusakCenters for Disease Control (CDC), Thailand Field StationThailand Ministry of Public HealthMahidol University2018-10-192018-10-192013-02-04PLoS ONE. Vol.8, No.2 (2013)193262032-s2.0-84873487877https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/31071Background: The first human infections with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus were confirmed in April 2009. We describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09-associated pneumonia deaths in Thailand from May 2009-January 2010. Methods: We identified influenza A(H1N1)pdm09-associated pneumonia deaths from a national influenza surveillance system and performed detailed reviews of a subset. Results: Of 198 deaths reported, 49% were male and the median age was 37 years; 146 (73%) were 20-60 years. Among 90 deaths with records available for review, 46% had no identified risk factors for severe influenza. Eighty-eight patients (98%) received antiviral treatment, but only 16 (18%) initiated therapy within 48 hours of symptom onset. Conclusions: Most influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pneumonia fatalities in Thailand occurred in adults aged 20-60 years. Nearly half lacked high-risk conditions. Antiviral treatment recommendations may be especially important early in a pandemic before vaccine is available. Treatment should be considered as soon as influenza is suspected.Mahidol UniversityAgricultural and Biological SciencesBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular BiologyMedicineArticleSCOPUS10.1371/journal.pone.0054946