Smoke-exposed children with flu more likely to need ICU care

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-05/uorm-scw042911.php

Public release date: 1-May-2011
Contact: Heather Hare
University of Rochester Medical Center
Exposed children with flu also stay in the hospital longer

Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to need intensive care and intubation when hospitalized with influenza, according to new research by the University of Rochester Medical Center presented today at the Pediatric Academic Society meeting in Denver. The children also had longer hospital stays.

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The children's length of stay in the hospital was significantly associated with smoke exposure and chronic conditions. For children with no chronic conditions, exposure lengthened their stay from two to three days. For children with chronic conditions, exposure lengthened their stay from four days to more than 10.

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