H1N1 Swine Flu statistics update from the CDC, 11-11-2009

November 11, 2:23 PMNatural Health ExaminerGenevieve Kiger

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The Number of Cases of H1N1 Swine Flu Symptoms Drops Slightly

Figures were released on November 11th, current through week 43, October 25-31, on the statistics of influenza activity in the US.

Seasonal Flu Shows Up, H1N1 Swine Flu still Predominant

During week 43, 14,151 specimens were tested for influenza of any type.  5,258 (37.2%) tested positive for influenza.  That is both a lower number of total tested specimens, and a lower percentage of positives than the week previously.

Of the specimens tested, 14 were influenza B.  The remaining 5.244 were influenza A; 4 were seasonal influenza A, 2 each of H3 and H1; 41 were unable to be subtyped; 1,310 did not have sub typing performed; and the remaining 3,889 (74.2 percent) were all confirmed A 2009 H1N1.

The Reach of H1N1

Despite slightly lower numbers of tested specimens, 48 states reported widespread influenza activity; two, Mississippi and Hawaii, reported only regional influenza activity; the District of Columbia (DC) reported only local influenza activity; Puerto Rico and Guam reported sporadic influenza activity, and the U.S. Virgin Islands did not report.

Region 3 (DE, DC, MD, PA, VA, WV) had the highest number of confirmed H1N1 swine flu cases,  followed fairly closely by Regions 5 (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI), 8 (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY), and 9 (AZ, CA, Guam, HI, NV).

Other Important Figures on Influenza and H1N1 Swine Flu Provided in the Update

• Hospitalization and deaths associated with influenza (of any type) were both down from week 42, to about the same levels as week 41.
• Antigenic testing confirms that the seasonal flu shot should be effective against what regular influenza A viruses were found, but offer no protection against the 2009 H1N1 swine flu virus, which requires a separate vaccine to be administered.
• The number of deaths reported due to Pneumonia and Influenza (P&I) were well above epidemic levels, as it had been for four weeks previously.  The epidemic threshold for week 43 is 6.7% of all reported deaths, but the current figure is 7.4%.
• Pediatric deaths were thankfully lower than the week before; 18 deaths in children were associated with influenza; they were located in California [8], Indiana, Louisiana [2], Mississippi, New York, Oklahoma, Texas [2], Virginia, and West Virginia.  15 were confirmed 2009 H1N1 swine flu, and the other three were an influenza A of unknown subtype.  This brings the total influenza related pediatric deaths since August 30th (the official beginning of flu season) to 85, and a total of 129 overall confirmed to be H1N1 swine flu.
• The number of patients visiting health care professionals due to influenza-like illness (ILI) were well above the national baseline for this week.  The baseline for week 43 is 2.3%, but current figures are at 7.7%, only slightly lower than the week before.  Half of the reporting areas reported lower levels, the other half remaining steady or rising.

photo by Eneas De Troya

See all Nat. Health articles on H1N1, or one of these Related Articles:

• H1N1 Swine Flu statistics update by CDC, 11-4-2009 - compare this week's numbers to the previous week
• Top 5 simple ways to help prevent H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms - advice on easy ways to keep from getting sick this cold and flu season
• H1N1 Swine Flu, regular flu, & the common cold: symptom differences - determine what you have if you do show symptoms
• Severe H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms progression and risk factors - know when to seek out medical care
• Younger people and children more vulnerable to H1N1 Swine Flu than expected - pediatric death from H1N1 swine flu remain high

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 more.

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