H1N1 Swine Flu Symptoms Seem to have Begun the Decline, but Are We Safe Yet?
The new statistics report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on November 30th on cases of H1N1 symptoms show that the spread of the virus has definitely peaked, and seems to be on the decline. The report is current through Week 46, November 15-21, 2009.
Nearly Every Indicator Statistic is Down
The number of cases testing positive, the number of states with widespread influenza activity and transmission, the number of outpatient visits due to Influenza-Like Illness (ILI), the laboratory confirmed hospitalizations associated with influenza (pandemic 2009 H1N1 or otherwise) were all down, mostly dramatically so.
Keep in mind, however, that this is only a decrease from the record numbers seen in the last few weeks; every indicator is still above official epidemic levels, and far above the baseline for Week 46 – some statistics in fact nearly double that baseline.
The only indicators that went up instead of down this week were the death rates, both nationwide and child fatalities; however, this is in line with the fact that the height of the outbreak was approximately 2-3 weeks previous. Most likely, this number will begin to drop by next week.
Perhaps coincidentally, or perhaps not, the decline began a week or two after widespread distribution of the H1N1 vaccine began.
H1N1 Swine Flu Still Predominant Influenza Virus
Of all of the 9,159 specimens tested in week 46, only 1,880 tested positive for some variety of influenza virus, a mere 20.5%, well down from previous weeks. 6 were influenza B, with 1,874 being some subtype of influenza A. Subtyping was not performed on 372, and 23 were unable to be subtyped. One single specimen showed seasonal influenza A H1N1, with the remaining 1,478 confirmed as pandemic 2009 H1N1, or swine flu.
Other Interesting Statistics in the Report
- 35 influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported during Week 46 (California, Colorado, Florida [3], Illinois [3], Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico [8], New York, North Carolina [2], Pennsylvania [2], Rhode Island [2], South Carolina [2], Tennessee, Texas [2], and Washington). 27 of these deaths were associated with 2009 influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) virus infection, 7 were associated with an influenza A virus for which sub typing was not performed, and one was associated with a seasonal influenza A (H1) virus infection. This brings the total for the flu season starting on August 30th to 172, and those confirmed to be H1N1 overall to 198.
- Outpatient visits (visits to a doctor) that were due to ILI were about 4.3% of all outpatient visits – nearly double the national baseline for the current week of 2.3%.
- 32 states still report widespread influenza activity; 17 reported regional activity (Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin); and one single state, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia reported only local influenza activity.
photo by joost j. bakker
Recommended Articles:
- Top 5 simple ways to help prevent H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms - easy ways to avoid symptoms of H1N1
- What are the symptoms of swine flu? - know what H1N1 symptoms to watch for
- Caring for someone with H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms at home - guidelines to help care for those with symptoms of swine flu without getting sick yourself
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- H1N1 Swine Flu symptom worry has Moms doing more for their children's health - more and more mothers are turning to natural remedies and preventive measures to assure the health and wellbeing of children and infants
- Statistics show H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms peaked in many areas, but still strong - a similar report by the World Health Organization (WHO)
- Worries grow about the dangers of H1N1 vaccine side effects - as symptoms decline across the country, the government may end up with a lot of extra vaccine
For more on natural antivirals and ways to prevent and treat Swine Flu symptoms, be sure to read:
- Natural Ways to Prevent Swine Flu
- Natural Treatment for H1N1 Swine Flu Symptoms
- Natural ways to boost immune system health, for a broad look at natural ways to increase immunity
- Top Ten Overall Immune System Booster Foods, looking more specifically at immunity builders in the diet
- Natural Antiviral Alternatives for an overview of foods, herbs, and essential oils that have natural antiviral properties
For a touch of humor, be sure to check out these great I Survived the Swine Flu Panic t-shirts and other fine products.
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