Sex and gender differences in morbidity and mortality from influenza-like illness during pandemics and throughout the 20th century in Switzerland

Siliana Steiner; K Matthes; Peter W. Middelkamp; Julien Riou; Anthony Hauser; Kaspar Staub

doi:10.1080/23744235.2026.2644272

April 15, 2026Infectious DiseasesOpen Access

Sex and gender differences in morbidity and mortality from influenza-like illness during pandemics and throughout the 20th century in Switzerland

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Key Points

The research aims to explore sex and gender differences in morbidity and mortality rates from influenza-like illness (ILI) throughout the 20th century in Switzerland.
Analyzed historical data on morbidity and mortality from influenza-like illness and pneumonia.
Compared mortality rates between men and women.
Assessed work absenteeism related to infection as a measure of morbidity.
Found higher mortality rates from ILI/pneumonia in men compared to women.
Indications suggest women experienced higher morbidity, reflected in increased work absenteeism.

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Implication

Analysis reveals gender differences in morbidity and mortality from influenza-like illness during pandemics, indicating social implications.

Abstract

We confirm that ILI/pneumonia mortality was higher in men than in women. We also find indications that women were more affected by ILI morbidity, including work absenteeism, which could be due to additional social gender effects.

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Cite This Study

Steiner et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69e31f7340886becb653eb3a https://doi.org/10.1080/23744235.2026.2644272

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Sex and gender differences in morbidity and mortality from influenza-like illness during pandemics and throughout the 20th century in Switzerland

Key Points

Ask about this paper

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Sex and gender differences in morbidity and mortality from influenza-like illness during pandemics and throughout the 20th century in Switzerland

Key Points

Ask about this paper

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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