A Synopsis of the H1N1 Virus
by Jennifer Bunn, RNFor the past year, the H1N1 virus has snared headlines, as fears of unprecedented infection rates and deaths due to the vaccine caused global concern. In the first real assessment of the impact of the disease, the CDC has released figures for the outbreak thus far in the United States:
- An estimated 57 million Americans have had the disease (this figure is mid-range and may be as high as 84 million)
- An estimated 183,000 to 378,000 Americans were hospitalized because of the illness
- An estimated 8,300 to 17,000 Americans may have died from H1N1
- Approximately 19 million cases occurred in those under the age of 18
- Approximately 33 million cases occurred in the age group 18 to 64
- Approximately 5 million cases occurred in those older than 64 years of age
- More older people than children died from the illness; however, the age group hit hardest is the 18 to 64 year age group
Although the H1N1 flu would appear to be subsiding at the moment, the CDC urges caution and warns that upsurges in disease activity can still occur. At risk people, including those with lung disease, heart disease, and diabetes should still consider getting the vaccine if they have not already done so. The virus continues to cause illness, hospitalizations and death.
