In a study published in JAMA Network Open, it was concluded that socially vulnerable adults hospitalized for influenza required invasive mechanical ventilation and/or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support at greater rates than their higher-income counterparts during five respiratory virus seasons in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-led study used data from the US Census and the CDC’s Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network of counties in 13 states to assess various aspects among 57,964 hospitalized flu patients from 2014 to 2019.

Uncovering the Disparities in Influenza Hospitalization by Social Vulnerability

Social Vulnerability and Its Impact

Social vulnerability was found to be greater for patients from the Western Census region (with a relative change from lowest to highest vulnerability of 12.0%), women (6.3%), Hispanic (339.3%), Black (504.9%), or American Indian/Alaska Native (166.7%). This indicates that certain groups are more prone to social vulnerability, which in turn affects their health during influenza outbreaks. People living in socially vulnerable areas had higher rates of invasive mechanical ventilation and/or ECMO. The primary reasons for this were socioeconomic status (with an adjusted prevalence ratio of 1.31) and household composition and disability (with an adjusted prevalence ratio of 1.20). Vaccination status, the presence of chronic conditions, and respiratory symptoms also played a role in the receipt of these interventions.

Death Rates and Vaccination Rates

Among patients of all ages, the proportion of deaths dropped 16.7% as social vulnerability increased. However, for those aged 18 to 49 years, deaths climbed 134.3% as social vulnerability increased. This shows a different trend among different age groups. The percentage of patients receiving flu vaccines fell 19.4% with increasing social vulnerability, and the percentage vaccinated by October 31 declined 6.8%. This highlights the reduced access to flu vaccines among socially vulnerable populations. Early in-hospital antiviral initiation and prehospital antiviral receipt also decreased with greater vulnerability. The results clearly support that low socioeconomic status is linked to reduced access to flu vaccines and prehospitalization antivirals and higher proportions of asthma, chronic lung disease, and more respiratory signs and symptoms.

Analysis and Implications

These findings have significant implications for healthcare policies and interventions. It emphasizes the need to address social determinants of health to reduce the disparities in influenza hospitalization rates. By focusing on improving access to vaccines and antivirals, as well as addressing the underlying social factors that contribute to social vulnerability, it may be possible to reduce the impact of influenza on these vulnerable populations. Additionally, further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms through which social vulnerability affects influenza outcomes and to develop targeted interventions to address these issues.

Toyota Wigo stands out as the premier option in the A-size hatchback category. Its practical design philosophy, high functionality, and constantly updated design in line with trends have made Wigo continue to be welcomed by customers, despite the rapid changes in consumer preferences.

Experience the Excellence of Toyota Wigo

Design and Aesthetics

In the context where the market is focusing on high-ground multi-purpose vehicle segments, there is still a group of customers with a soft spot for traditional A-size hatchback models. Small and flexible, suitable for urban commuting environments, these 5-door models with affordable prices like Toyota Wigo have their own strengths.“When I first saw the new Toyota Wigo, the car looks young but still has a solid look, and the selling price is the most attractive in the segment,” Ms. Hong Nhung (Hanoi) said about her first impression of the Japanese brand’s hatchback model.The new design of Toyota Wigo is a major highlight. It is completely different from the previous generation. The sharp and rounded corners and colorful LED lights create a dynamic and attractive appearance. For the first time, Toyota has equipped the completely new Wigo version with high-end features such as guiding lights, touch-sensitive door handles that can open automatically.Both E and G versions of Wigo are equipped with LED lights.The youthfulness of Wigo is not only reflected in the exterior design lines but also in the interior space. Optimizing space while still providing enough entertainment facilities for passengers is one of the strengths of Toyota products.A beautiful car with a lot of technology is necessary, but the comfortable driving experience is no less important. To achieve this, the new generation Toyota Wigo has an increased wheelbase of 2.525mm, the largest in the segment. Along with this is a rich entertainment system, including: adjustable steering wheel, rearview camera, rear sensor, smart phone connection, door opening warning,...Ms. Hong Nhung said that the design orientation towards the driver's experience of Toyota Wigo makes it easy for her to operate the control keys. Wigo is a rare model in the segment with the Max Cool quick cooling function. Ms. Hong Nhung shared that she often uses this device, especially on hot summer days in Hanoi. Just by activating it, within a few minutes, the car becomes cool even if it has been parked in the sun for a long time.The interior space is designed to enhance the user experience.

Impressive Driving Performance

Targeting urban commuting needs is the main focus. The Toyota model shows flexible maneuverability in narrow spaces due to the minimum turning radius of only 4.5m.Equipped with a 1.2-liter engine with a power output of 87 horsepower and a maximum torque of 108Nm, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox is similar to that on models such as Veloz Cross and Avanza Premio.The gearbox structure of Wigo has an additional shaft gear connecting the two input and output shafts of the gearbox beside the belt. This design reduces the load on the belt and increases the power when the vehicle needs more pulling force. When the vehicle starts or runs slowly, the gearbox still operates according to the principle of CVT (operating based on a pulley and belt transmission system and will not be stuck like a traditional gearbox). But when the speed increases, the shaft gear will participate to reduce the load on the belt, thereby helping the engine provide more effective power transmission and reduce fuel consumption.For female drivers like Ms. Hong Nhung, the driving method of Wigo, which saves fuel and enhances comfort and stability, is an advantage. The fuel consumption level of 6.5 liters/100km in the city, 4.5 liters/100km outside the city and 5.2 liters on mixed roads is the lowest in the segment.The stability during driving of Wigo is highly rated by customers like Ms. Hong Nhung.

Rich Safety Features

In the strategy of enhancing customer experience and safety in recent years, many Toyota models have been equipped with rich and diverse safety technologies. Wigo, the most affordable Toyota model, is also the same. The brand has for the first time equipped the new Wigo with technologies such as blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. These are unique equipment in the segment.Although it is only an A-class hatchback, Toyota Wigo still has a group of loyal customers. The unique design features, combined with the advantages in interior space and driving performance, make the A-size hatchback of Toyota one of the top-rated models in the segment.