flu update

CDC update

http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2009/05/15/live-blog-cdc-flu-update-4/


The virus continues to circulate in the U.S. People continue to be ill and hospitalized. More states are reporting widespread flu than we were expecting. There is increased amount of flulike illness in New York City and Houston schools.

We’re seeing geographic variation in H1N1 flu activity. Overall, we’re seeing increased activity. Four known fatalities, 173 hospitalizations reported to CDC. Most cases of this flu are in younger people, and there are relatively few cases in older people.

We’re not seeing the seriousness of illness initially reported in Mexico, in the U.S., but this outbreak isn’t over and isn’t going away. The outbreak appears to be expanding throughout the U.S. This is an ongoing public health threat.

For fall flu season, it’s critically important for everyone to be prepared.

The figure of over 4,700 confirmed cases in the U.S. isn’t very useful any more. Somewhere between 7% and 10% of the U.S. population gets flu each year. It’s hard to estimate how many people have flu out in the community, but based on the amount of activity we’re seeing, it’s probably upwards of 100,000.

Among the people we’re testing for flu and finding they have it, about half of them have the new H1N1 as opposed to seasonal flu.

There are 56 confirmed or probable cases among health-care personnel in 20 states. We’re investigating whether they were exposed in health-care settings or somewhere else.

Younger people are often more affected by influenza. School-aged children congregate and share their flu viruses amongst themselves, allowing other folks to become affected. This particular H1N1 is following along seasonal flu’s pattern, but from looking at blood, we’re also seeing some evidence that the older you are, you might have something that gives you stronger protection.



For those interested in vaccines

The virus grower

http://www.nature.com/news/2009/090514/full/news.2009.482.html?s=news_rss