The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta (CDC) are now saying: calm down, and don't panic because you can't get H1N1 swine flu vaccine. The number of cases in the U.S., and the number of states affected, appears to be in decline.
That's the word that came via a CDC report on Monday. According to the report, widespread H1N1 swine flu infections were reported in 32 states as of Nov. 21st. However, that's down from 43 states the week prior.
At the same time, while H1N1 swine flu cases seem to be dropping, the number of children who died with the illness rose by about 27, at least in confirmed cases. That is uncomfortable news to parents who are afraid for their children, and is the largest single-week number since the pandemic began.
First identified in April, H1N1 swine flu has sickened an estimated 22 million Americans, hospitalized about 98,000 and killed 4,000. It is a bigger threat to children and young adults than seasonal flu, although it has similarities.
The first wave of H1N1 hit in the spring, around the time that the flu was identified. Since then, second, larger wave began started in the late summer. That seems to have peaked, however, in October, when nearly all states reported H1N1 activity (48).
Officials caution complacency, however. They continue to emphasize that to this point, humans have not immunity to H1N1 swine flu. CDC spokesman Tom Skinner added, "We won't be surprised if we see another uptick later this year or early next year when kids return to school from Christmas break."
Written by Michael Santo
HULIQ.com
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