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 | CDC: H1N1 second wave declining
~ PEPS
Dec. 10, 2009 – About 15 percent of the country, or 1 in 6 Americans, have been infected with the H1N1 influenza virus since it was first identified last April, Dr. Thomas Frieden said today.
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NEW estimates were released today at CDC's weekly H1N1 press briefing updating those released in October. Since the beginning of the H1N1 outbreak and through November 14, the CDC estimates that there have been nearly 50 million cases with 200,000 hospitalizations and 10,000 deaths, including 1,100 in children and 7,500 in young adults. Dr. Frieden, CDC director, said there are many times more children and young adults who have been hospitalized and killed by H1N1 than for a normal year with seasonal flu when most patients are age 65 and over. As for vaccine supplies, an additional 12 million doses of H1N1 vaccine were made available this week bringing the cumulative total to 85 million. Although the second wave of the H1N1 pandemic is declining, Dr. Frieden emphasized that it is very difficult predicting if there will be a third wave. He said there is still a “window of opportunity” to get vaccinated, the best protection against H1N1 flu. As more people get vaccinated, more people are protected and a third wave becomes less likely, Dr. Frieden explained. In the past, the CDC reported very little seasonal flu but this week, Dr. Frieden said they are beginning to see disease from Influenza B and a child died from an Influenza B infection this week. Dr. Frieden again stated that it is impossible to predict what will happen in the future with H1N1 viruses and the pandemic.. |
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Dr Clarke's winning Video from the 2009 Flu Prevention PSA Contest
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FLU SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of the 2009 H1N1 flu are: fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, according to the CDC. Some people have reported vomiting and diarrhea and other people may have symptoms without fever. Consult your doctor, particularly if you are in a high risk group for complications from the flu. Below are warning signs (adults and children) that need immediate medical attention.
Emergency Warning Signs:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
CDC info for: Pregnant Women and Parents with Infants
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