More good news for Americans as the holiday season approaches: it looks like swine flu is on its way out. U.S. swine flu statistics show that states across the country are seeing a decrease in hospitalizations and deaths due to H1N1, says the CDC (Center for Disease Control.)
National Levels of Swine Flu by Region
As of November 28, 2009, only 25 of the 50 U.S. states reported widespread flu activity. This is great news for a country in the throes of influenza season. In general, the middle of the country is seeing the most immediate improvement while the southeast and northwest parts of the country are still reporting widespread influenza transmission.
Swine Flu and Children in the United States - H1N1 Pediatric Deaths this Week
Influenza itself is not an innocuous virus, but this new strain of influenza called H1N1 has targeted children under the age of 18 like seasonal flu never has.
Seventeen more influenza-related pediatric deaths were reported to the CDC during the week of November 21-28, 2009. Of these deaths, 12 of them were definitively due to H1N1, while the others were not or could not be tested for subtype.
This bring the total number of children who have died influenza A since late August to 189. Testing concludes that 80% were due to H1N1, while the others were not able to be subtyped. This death count includes:
- 20 deaths in children 2-4
- 71 deaths in children 5-11
- 64 deaths in children 12-17
H1N1 Deaths and Swine Flu Hospitalizations in the U.S.
Between November 21-28, the 122-Cities Mortality Reporting System reports that 7.2% of all deaths were due to pneumonia and influenza. This percentage has surpassed the epidemic threshold of 7.1% for the ninth week in a row.
However, both hospitalizations and deaths fell sharply this week. There were nearly 59% less influenza-associated hospitalizations as compared to last week, and influenza-associated deaths fell by about 64% as well. These dramatic drops are very positive news for the United States of America.
United States Cases of Swine Flu (H1N1)
Outpatient visits to the physician in the U.S. have also declined. In fact, two of the 10 regions of the country report that visits for flu symptoms have fallen below baseline normal rates for the first time this flu season. Nationally, an average of 3.7% of doctor's visits are due to flu-like symptoms.
Of the 6,224 respiratory specimens tested by WHO laboratories during November 21-28, only 856 (15.4%) of them were found positive for influenza. That is an encouraging number, but of influenza-positive cases, over 99% of them were influenza A and most likely H1N1.
Treatment for Non-Resistant and Resistant Swine Flu Viruses
The CDC still recommends the same types of prevention and treatment for H1N1. People should always observe common-sense handwashing and hygiene rules, especially when influenza is suspected. People are also advised to get both seasonal flu and H1N1 influenza vaccinations for both non-resistant and resistant strains of the virus.
Since September, 16 of the 1,540 H1N1 viruses that were tested have exhibited oseltamivir resistance but continue to respond to treatment with zanamivir. Almost all of the H1N1 viruses tested since September have been resistant to adamantanes.
Though it is still a scary prospect for the remainder of flu season, swine flu statistics from the CDC show that American H1N1 activity is decreasing. Deaths, hospitalizations, and case continue to decline, falling dramatically since last week in particular.
Stay updated with the most recent information on the H1N1 pandemic at This Week's Swine Flu Deaths and Statistics.
Source:
"2009-2010 Influenza Season Week 47 ending November 28, 2009" Flu View weekly surveillance report from the Influenza Division of the U.S. Center for Disease Control
Jenny Evans - Jenny Evans is a freelance writer and editor specializing in parenting and the family. She is also the Mormonism Topic Editor for ...
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