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Swine Flu in the United States

Justmeans Staff | Saturday 31st October 2009

During the first few months of the swine flu causing havoc in the United States, approximately 5.7 million Americans got infected with the H1N1 virus. According to estimations made by the scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from mid-April to July between 2 to 5.7 million people were already infected with the virus and more than 21,000 people had to be admitted for immediate healthcare. Health experts have estimated that approximately half of swine flu cases in the world are present in the US with more than 127 deaths and 3,065 hospitalizations. There has been a significant increase in the number of people getting hospitalized due to infection from the H1N1 virus since July.

Based on reports it was found out that 12 is the average age of swine flu patients, 20 for hospitalized patients and approximately 37 for people who died due to swine flu. The virus is more deadly for old people (65 and above), especially patients who are suffering from asthma, immune system problems, diabetes and chronic heart diseases. Health officials in the United States are urging people to get the swine flu shot without fail, whenever required. The vaccination is usually given in two shots with a difference of 21 days. Vaccines being made public for use are first being tested and licensed.

Health officials from the United Nations have formally declared swine flu as a pandemic which will not only increase the production of vaccine but also affect the government spending in controlling the first global flu epidemic that has taken place in the last 41 years. According to the World Health Organization, the H1N1 virus is not lethal anymore but it will be very difficult to stop it from spreading further. It was in late April that the early cases of swine flu were reported in the US and Mexico and since then it has spread to approximately 74 countries, infecting 30,000 people. One can't deny the fact that the virus is spreading rapidly and if we continue being so complacent, the epidemic might take a more frightening form in the coming years.

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