Wildfire-season Fine Particulate Matter Exposure and Associations with Influenza and Influenza-like-illness Risk in the Western USA

Our findings underscore a positive association between wildfire-specific PM_2.5 and influenza risk in states with influenza data, suggesting a differential effect of PM_2.5 on respiratory infections. This study supports further investigation into causative mechanisms behind these correlations, particularly considering the increasing frequency of wildfires and the resulting air quality impacts. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP16607.