Yet according to several officials, the flu strain itself is said to be mild. People I know in the medical profession say that children and the aged are at greatest risk. The primary risk is death due to dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea. Access to a hospital is a tremendous advantage where I.V. fluids can be given.
So the news is clearly mixed. The flu is on the way, yet the strain is said to be mild.
Reuters: Swine flu prompts Mexico to shut down economy
Mexican President Felipe Calderon told his people to stay home from Friday for a five-day partial shutdown of the economy, after the World Health Organization said a swine flu pandemic was imminent.
Twelve countries have reported cases of the H1N1 strain...
Almost all those infected outside Mexico have had mild symptoms, and only a handful of people have been hospitalized.
...it appeared the H1N1 strain was far less dangerous than avian flu.
2 comments:
Rumours are flying in every direction. Yes, so far in the U.S. it's been mild and this is very good news. However, here's the rub in 1918 the infamous "Spanish Flu" arrived in the spring as a mild form and then in the fall reappeared as a monster. Also, no offical has yet said it's anything but dangerous. If it turns out to be a standard type ( but new) form that mostly kills the usual suspects ( AKA older folks and the very young) this is great news and we should all breath a sigh of relief. Although, I'd still wash my hands since , remember nobody has any immunity to this , nor are their any vaccines yet. On the other hand we won't really know until significant numbers of sick people appear to say for sure this is a mild form.
I've also heard about this scenario where it comes back more virulent in the fall. I think its good to keep informed and keep on top of what is being let out.
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