The H1N1 Flu (or the swine flu) has faded from the daily papers. But it is still very much with us around the world!!
Recently, the AAP wrote that “ the World Health Organization… is close to declaring a phase 6 alert for the swine flu virus that so far has infected almost 19,000 people, including 117 deaths, in 64 countries. The agency is considering how to address concerns about the mass confusion and panic that could result from declaring a global pandemic. Meanwhile, an 11-week-old boy became the fifth person in New York City to die from the new flu strain.” One of the many puzzling features of this flu is that—instead of the frail and elderly– it affects the young and healthy!
Keep your eye out for further developments during the summer. I suspect that the flu will quiet down now but re-emerge in the fall when typical flu season begins. It will be important to learn whether a vaccine has been developed in time for the 2009/2010 winter flu season.
In the meantime, keep washing your hands when you come in from shopping or playing at the park (or whatever) and especially before eating.
Dr. Hippo
Reference: AAP Smartbrief (6/7/09)