EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF INFLUENZA HOSPITALIZATIONS IN BRAZIL FROM 2020 TO 2025

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological profile of influenza-related hospitalizations in Brazil from 2020 to 2025, considering temporal, regional, and sociodemographic distributions of cases and deaths. Methods: This was an ecological, descriptive, retrospective study based on secondary data from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SIH/SUS), available through DATASUS/TABNET. Hospitalizations and deaths related to influenza were analyzed according to ICD-10 codes J09, J10, and J11, considering year, geographic region, sex, age group, and race/skin color. Results: During the study period, 167,263 hospitalizations and 8,233 deaths were recorded, corresponding to a cumulative in-hospital mortality of 4.92%. The highest number of hospitalizations occurred in 2022 (37,815), whereas 2020 had the highest in-hospital mortality rate (7.49%). The Northeast region accounted for the largest number of hospitalizations (71,582), while the Southeast had the highest mortality rate (7.90%). Women accounted for more hospitalizations; however, men had more deaths and higher mortality. The 1–4-year age group had the largest number of hospitalizations, while individuals aged 80 years or older had the highest mortality (16.08%). Conclusion: Influenza represented a substantial hospitalization burden in Brazil, with relevant temporal, regional, and sociodemographic variations, particularly regarding the greater severity among older adults. These findings reinforce the importance of epidemiological surveillance, vaccination, early diagnosis, and preparedness of healthcare services.