 A WHO supported 2013 study estimated that the 2009 global pandemic respiratory mortality was ~ 10 @-@ fold higher than the World Health Organization 's laboratory @-@ confirmed mortality count ( 18 @.@ 631 ) . Although the pandemic mortality estimate was similar in magnitude to that of seasonal influenza , a marked shift toward mortality among persons < 65 y of age occurred , so that many more life @-@ years were lost . Between 123 @,@ 000 and 203 @,@ 000 pandemic respiratory deaths were estimated globally for the last 9 mo of 2009 . The majority ( 62 % – 85 % ) were attributed to persons under 65 y of age . The burden varied greatly among countries . There was an almost 20 @-@ fold higher mortality in some countries in the Americas than in Europe . The model attributed 148 @,@ 000 – 249 @,@ 000 respiratory deaths to influenza in an average pre @-@ pandemic season , with only 19 % in persons < 65 y . 
