Final H1N1 Flu Update

This blog post is going to consist of additional information about H1N1 swine flu, in addition to any new updates regarding the H1N1 flu. As of the week of October 25th- October 31st, H1N1 flu activity across the United States is remaining high. Hospitalizations related to the H1N1 flu are still much higher than normal at this time in the flu season. Surprisingly, the highest hospitalization rate seen among the populations has been with children between the ages of 0 and 4 years old. Additionally, during this week, doctors visits with flu-like symptoms decreased very slightly, however, overall, the number of doctors visits for flu like symptoms remains very high for this time of year. Moreover, 15 H1N1 related deaths were reported this week, along with 48 states now reporting widespread influenza activity.

Over the last couple of months, it has been observed that two antiviral medications have been most effective in counteracting the H1N1 flu: oseltamivir and zanamivir. Anyone with a confirmed or suspected case of H1N1 should be treated with an antiviral medication. It is strongly recommended that anyone who develops H1N1 flu and is at high risk for developing flu-related complications definitely should be treated right away with an antiviral medication. If a person is hospitalized and severely ill, he or she should be treated right away, without waiting for laboratory confirmation of the case. It is important to start treatment immediately in order to avoid further complications from the flu. The most important thing one can do during this worrisome H1N1 season is wash his or her hands properly and often. Try your best to follow further procedures described on www.flu.gov in order to avoid future illness!

H1N1 Flu Update

This next post is going to consist of any new developments regarding the H1N1 flu, along with additional information about the flu. It has been reported by the CDC (the Center for Disease Control and Prevention) that the H1N1 flu is now widespread in 37 states and there has been an increase in outpatient visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. However, on the bright side, the H1N1 vaccine is now available to be ordered by states. Out of the 6.8 million doses available, 3.7 million doses of the vaccine have already been ordered by health professionals in certain states. Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health has reported that it is completely safe to get the seasonal flu shot and the H1N1 vaccine simultaneously. Right now, the availability of the H1N1 vaccine is very limited; however, in the next few weeks, production rates will greatly increase and the availability will as a result, increase.

Certain groups of people should definitely receive the H1N1 vaccines, these groups include: pregnant women, healthcare workers and emergency medical services personnel, people who live with or provide care for infants under six months old, children and young adults ages 6 months through 24 years, and people aged 25 through 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for serious illness and influenza-related complications (such as asthma, diabetes, kidney conditions, and heart disease). As young people, we are all at a high risk of contracting the H1N1 flu, therefore, it is highly recommended that we all get the vaccine and make a decision to protect ourselves against this dangerous situation.

H1N1 Flu

As we all know, a big issue of concern this fall is the H1N1 flu outbreak. Being students and faculty on a college campus, we should all be concerned. The CDC (the Center for Disease Control and Prevention) describes H1N1 as a new influenza virus that is causing illness in people. This virus was first detected in April 2009 and is continuing to spread worldwide. The World Health Organization is predicting a pandemic of the 2009 H1N1 flu.

The H1N1 flu spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing of infected people, much like the regular seasonal flu. The virus can also be spread by someone touching a surface infected with the virus and then proceeding to touch his or her mouth or nose. Symptoms of the H1N1 flu include: runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, fever, cough, and sore throat.

Many people are concerned with the severity of this new illness. The CDC reports that this illness has ranged from mild to severe. Most people experience mild symptoms while others experience severe symptoms and maybe need to be admitted to a hospital. People that may experience these severe symptoms are children younger than five years old, pregnant women, people 65 years and older, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and kidney disease.

It is especially important for us to take proper precautions this flu season in order to prevent ourselves from getting the H1N1 flu.