From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
During the week of October 11-17, 2009, influenza activity continued to increase in the United States as reported in FluView. Flu activity is now widespread in 46 states. Nationwide, visits to doctors for influenza-like-illness are increasing steeply and are now higher than what is seen at the peak of many regular flu seasons. In addition, flu-related hospitalizations and deaths continue to go up nation-wide and are above what is expected for this time of year.
* Visits to doctors for influenza-like illness (ILI) increased steeply since last week in the United States, and overall, are much higher than what is expected for this time of the year. ILI activity now is higher than what is seen during the peak of many regular flu seasons.
* Total influenza hospitalization rates for laboratory-confirmed flu are climbing and are higher than expected for this time of year.
* The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) based on the 122 Cities Report has increased and has been higher than what is expected at this time of year for two weeks. In addition, 11 flu-related pediatric deaths were reported this week; 9 of these deaths were confirmed 2009 H1N1, and two were influenza A viruses, but were not subtyped. Since April 2009, CDC has received reports of 95 laboratory-confirmed pediatric 2009 H1N1 deaths and another 7 pediatric deaths that were laboratory confirmed as influenza, but where the flu virus subtype was not determined.
* Forty-six states are reporting widespread influenza activity at this time. They are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. This many reports of widespread activity are unprecedented during seasonal flu.
* Almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far are 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These viruses remain similar to the virus chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir with rare exception.
As you know, President Obama, at the recommendation of health authorities, such as the CDC, declared the H1N1 flu a national emergency. I am posting the above from the Centers for Disease Control so that you may be aware of the current epidemiological state of the disease as it travels through the USA. Please do not panic, but do take appropriate precautions, as recommended by competent health authorities such as the CDC.
The H1N1 spreads like the regular flu. So, remember–wash or sanitize your hands frequently. Don’t touch your face. Stay away from people obviously infected with upper respiratory symptoms. Keep surfaces used by numerous people disinfected. Maintain your own health by getting enough sleep, eating right, staying hydrated and wearing a mask if you have to visit infected people. If you take simple precautions, you can reduce your chances of getting sick.
If you do become ill, do not try to brazen it out. Go to bed. Rest and monitor your symptoms. Don’t ignore symptoms. Get medical attention right away if you are having chest pain or trouble breathing, get blue or purple around your lips, or are showing signs of dehydration.
Nursely Nurse and mom
And whatever you do, don’t listen to Coast to Coast with George Noory late at night…