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U.S. life expectancy increases

Infection Control Monitor, June 13, 2008

Fewer deaths from the flu and pneumonia in 2006 helped boost U.S. life expectancy, which for the first time has surpassed 78 years, according to a government report released this week.

The United States, however, continues to lag behind about 30 other countries in estimated life span, reported the Associated Press (AP). The increase in life expectancy in the United States is due mainly to falling mortality rates in almost all the leading causes of death, including heart disease, cancer, accidents, and diabetes.

The average life expectancy for babies born in 2006 was about four months greater than for children born in 2005 based on data released by the National Center for Health Statistics. Perhaps the most influential factor in the 2006 success story, however, was the flu, the AP reported. Flu and pneumonia deaths dropped by 13% from 2005, reflecting a mild flu season in 2006. That also meant a diminished threat to people with heart disease and other conditions. Taken together, it’s a primary explanation for the 22,000 fewer deaths in 2006 than 2005, the AP reported.

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