Many Hospitals Already Strained by the
Number of Patients with H1N1 Swine Flu Symptoms

photo by Michael N. Dorn

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, as of October 11th, had reached a staggering figure of nearly 400,000, and accounted for 4735 deaths.  Even more sobering, is that this is only for those tested and confirmed by laboratories; many countries have stopped testing to confirm the presence of the H1N1 virus if flu symptoms are relatively mild — which is much more frequently the case.  This means that although deaths from swine flu are less common in comparison to cases, the illness itself is even more widespread than the numbers indicate.

Global H1N1 Swine Flu Statistics

Without a doubt, North America is being hit the hardest by the current H1N1 outbreak.  It accounts for the largest percentage of confirmed cases at over 150,000; and, it accounts for well over half of the associated deaths, some 3406.

Almost every region of the world is seeing numbers of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) well above normal for this point in the season, though none as severe as the United States, Canada and Mexico.  Interestingly, in China, nearly half of the flu symptoms reported are from the seasonal influenza A (H3N2), in addition to the H1N1 swine flu cases.

Other Swine Flu Statistics

Three articles studying H1N1 swine flu cases in four locations – Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand – published in the last week present some troubling findings.

Contrary to expectations, a significant number of patients hospitalized for severe swine flu symptoms either had no prior medical conditions, or minor conditions that are not considered risk factors for H1N1 swine flu, such as hypertension, smoking, substance abuse, or hyperlipidemia.

The average ages of patients in the three studies were 32, 40, and 44, much younger than normally seen for severe flu cases.  The researchers in Australia and New Zealand also confirmed that infants under the age of 1 year have the highest risk of swine flu symptoms becoming severe if they are infected by the H1N1 virus.

And finally, all three studies pointed to hospitals and health care systems being "seriously challenged" by the number of severe cases, including a rate of viral pneumonia much higher than previous influenza seasons.

For more information on H1N1 Swine Flu, see:

• Swine flu symptoms and treatment, for information about what the symptoms are and some ideas on how to deal with them
• Do I have H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms? New website may help answer, for a look at the symptoms and a website that may help determine if symptoms mean swine flu, and how likely they are severe
• What to do if you have H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms, for more in-depth advice on dealing with swine flu symptoms once you have it
• E.R.s flooded by H1N1 swine flu fears - when should medical care be sought?, which looks at how and why emergency rooms are being strained unnecessarily by H1N1 swine flu
• Have H1N1 Swine Flu Symptoms? Beware false internet treatment promises - FDA warns consumers to be cautious about fraudulent health claims

For more on natural antivirals and ways to prevent and treat Swine Flu, 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 t-shits and other products about the Swine Flu Panic.

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