Q: From Maine: “What is the latest on the H1N1 flu?”
A: Yesterday, the World Health Organization (or WHO) declared that the new H1N1 virus is “unstoppable” and suggested that drug companies all over the world begin to prepare vaccines for what is expected to be an especially bad flu season beginning in the fall.
According to Dr. Marie-Paule Kieny, WHO director of the Initiative for Vaccine Research, “all countries will need access to vaccine.” The WHO has recommended that health care workers be the first to be vaccinated so that they may take care of the sick without becoming ill themselves. A functional health care system is critical to helping those who do get sick.
We learned last winter that the H1N1 flu affects an unusual group of patients. Unlike “traditional” seasonal flu infections which affect the elderly and those with chronic illnesses most severely, the new H1N1 flu affects younger people–including healthy children– and healthy adults. Obesity also may put patients at special risk if they get the H1N1flu. Dr. Kieny stated: “Obesity has been observed to be one of the risk factors for more severe reaction to H1N1 — something never before seen…It is not clear if obese people may have undiagnosed health problems that make them susceptible, or if obesity in and of itself is a risk.”
The CDC estimates at least a million people are infected in the United States alone. The United States has documented 211 deaths and WHO counted 429 early last week.
Clearly, we will need to watch the news and keep our eyes out as the fall unfolds! It seems very likely that several vaccines will become available to address the expected H1N1outbreak. Check with your pediatrician and doctor to learn what their recommendations are. Who should be vaccinated, and when? No one knows yet for sure, but I am confident that we will be advised as early in the flu season as possible about what to expect and what to do. Stay tuned and stay well!
Dr. Hippo
Reference: AAP Smartbrief, July 14, 2009 (Cited Reuter’s article written by Maggie Fox)
Tags: H1N1 flu, vaccinations, WHO
The flu can really set you back, can’t it!? My daughter has asthma.. I get her the Flu Vaccine yearly and above all, tell her to wash those Grubby hands frequently!!!
Thanks for a GREAT Article
Leslie
That’s interesting, I was just wondering about this myself! Thanks for the great information!
very interesting , its scary.
I’ve come over from Life with 5 monkies to check things out over here! Thanks for the info!
Interesting and scary stats. Hopefully we figure it all out soon!
Hello
Yes its interesting.Now a days people are living under threat of swine flu.I think as a first step we should fight against swine flu by taking precautions.Thank you very much for sharing this with us.