Patients with hematologic malignancies who have influenza are prone to serious complications, particularly if they are immunosuppressed, according to a retrospective analysis involving 190 individuals. Participants were a median 49 years of age, had a hematologic malignancy, and were diagnosed with influenza between 2009 to 2014 at 1 of 2 centers. Among the results:

• Patients with leukemia, decreased albumin level, hypoxia at diagnosis, respiratory co-infection, and corticosteroid use were significantly more likely to experience lower respiratory tract infection.
• Elevated creatinine level, hypoxia at diagnosis, and respiratory co-infection, were significantly linked with 60-day mortality.

The authors noted that patients with respiratory symptoms should receive care right away during flu season.