Swine Flu Down Alerts Still Up
December 15, 2009 by tisha
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting that 1 in 6 people in America have been affected by the H1N1 virus, more commonly referred to as the Swine Flu this year alone. As of mid-November, more than 50 million cases have been reported, leaving upwards of 200,000 people hospitalized.
However, December reports are beginning to show a decrease in cases affecting the United States. This is good news because the strain of H1N1 flu has been incredibly hard on the younger population who typically do not fall victim during the regular flu season. With the H1N1 outbreak, many younger individuals ended up in the hospital due to the flu and a for a larger-than-ever number of young, the flu this year proved to be fatal.
The CDC also report that for ten consecutive weeks, the death toll from pneumonia and the flu have reached an epidemic threshold. Fourteen states have reported widespread outbreaks of the H1N1 virus, with 25 other states reporting regional outbreaks. Seven states are reporting local activity and four states consider the case of swine flu to be sporadic.
While the number of H1N1 cases are starting to decline, the CDC cautions that Americans are not out of the woods just yet. Influenza ezxperts are split on what they predict for the remainder of the flu seaon. Half feel the cases are going to continue to decline in numbers while the other half feel a lot more cases will occur up until May 2010.
Experts may not have the answer to the nation’s chief flu question, they do agree that everyone who has not recieved a flu shot for the H1N1 virus should still do so. Vaccinations had be scarce in the beginning stages of the apparent epidemic and many medical clinics were only administering the vaccines to the most susceptible people, including children and the elderly. However, as time has passed, most clinics across the country report that vaccinations are no longer being limited.
In addition to the vaccinations, good personal hygiene is still essential in helping to prevent the spread of the swine flu. Consumers are urged to wash their hands regularly and avoid those who have the flu. During such a chaotic time of the year for many, lack of health concerns may trigger a resurgence so it is crucial people remember to take care of themselves and avoid spreading the flu to others. Carry hand santitizer with you when you go shopping at the malls for the holidays and remember to visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis at the first signs of illness.
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