H1N1 update from CDC for 12 November 2009: 540 pediatric deaths

H1N1 update from CDC for 12 November 2009

Most alarming in today's report were the number of pediatric deaths. Today the CDC announced that 540 children have died from this H1N1 pandemic influenza. 

Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases led today's CDC conference. Last Friday, 129 children had been reported with laboratory confirmed H1N1 influenza. Since then, additional reports have been registered regarding pediatric deaths from laboratory confirmed influenza where typing information was not available.

"We know that a number of the deaths that we're seeing are occurring outside the hospital where testing is not possible. We know that not every patient with influenza gets a diagnosis of flu," stated Dr. Schuchat.

As in the case of bacterial pneumonia following a flu illness, the case may or may not be recognized as flu. The CDC does not think that anything has changed.

Dr. Schuchat continued, "We think our 540 number is a better estimate for the big picture out there. We think individual reports we're getting through the national pediatric death notification system are vitally important. That system gives us additional detail about underlying diseases that children have, about issues like the bacterial pneumonia problem. With that system we make sure our guidelines are right and on track. We do think for influenza it's virtually impossible to find every case with a lab test. So the estimation method we are using now we believe gives a bigger picture, a probably more accurate picture of the full scope of the pandemic."

Anne Schuchat: "Influenza is serious. Vaccination is the best effort to protect one's self or family. These efforts give a bigger picture of what's going on and reaffirm the priority recommendations we've given. We focus vaccination on younger people because they are disproportionately affected with the virus. Things haven't really changed from last week to this week; with you just feel we're finally able to update the public on how big a toll this virus is having so far."

Immunization efforts for this supply continue to be focused on the target population: priority groups, pregnant women, health care workers, children up to age 24, adults 65 with chronic conditions, and parents with small children, and children under six years of age.

November is National Diabetes month. Diabetes is a common condition, and those with diabetes are at increased risk of severe illness from any flu.

"There is much that people with diabetes can do to improve their health, particularly in light of the H1N1 influenza challenges," stated Dr. Schuchat, who urged those with diabetes to pay special attention with flu. "And when people with diabetes get flu, it can be more difficult for them to manage their blood sugar. They can suffer high or low blood sugar. People with diabetes account for about 12% of all of the hospitalizations we've seen from the H1N1 influenza virus. If we focus in on adults, 19% of those people who have been hospitalized have diabetes."

More information on staying healthy during flu season and how H1N1 vaccine is safe and effective.

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