U.S. H1N1 Deaths and Statistics—31 October 2009
Weekly Swine Flu Statistics from the American CDC
Nov 6, 2009
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) FluView report for October 25-31 of 2009 reports that swine flu deaths in the U.S. are still increasing as flu season commences. The level of H1N1 activity across the country remains "high."
Surprising Drop in H1N1 Activity
Though the H1N1 pandemic isn't over yet, the CDC reports that this week saw an unexpected slight drop in deaths and hospitalizations across the United States. But even with the decrease, flu-related doctor visits, hospitalizations, and deaths are occurring in higher-than-normal levels for this early in the flu season.
Doctor Visits for Flu-Like Symptoms
On average, health care provider visits in the U.S. accordingly decreased this week. States report that outpatient visits for flu symptoms fell between 5% to 10.7%, which is lower than last week in many areas of the country. However, the overall number is still greater than normal for this time of year.
U.S. Swine Flu Hospitalizations and Deaths
During the week ending October 31, there were 100 flu-related deaths and 3500 related hospitalizations. It's important to note that states now report all influenza and pneumonia-related hospitalizations and death, not just cases confirmed to be H1N1.
Swine Flu for Children in the United States
The CDC reports that the highest number of hospitalizations were for kids ages newborn to four. This week, 15 children died from confirmed cases of H1N1. This brings the total number of confirmed H1N1 pediatric deaths since April to 129.
Number of Confirmed H1N1 in the United States
Data given to the CDC about swine flu testing in all 50 states shows that:
- 99.7% of all flu cases this week are influenza A (this means 5,244 cases)
- 74.2% of influenza A cases this week are confirmed H1N1 (this means 3,889 cases)
Preventing and Treating H1N1
U.S. swine flu statistics continue to indicate that the best defense against spreading or contracting swine flu is practicing good handwashing and limiting contact with infected individuals.
Preventative flu shots are advised as a first line of defense against swine flu. Antiviral treatment for H1N1 for those already affected, as well as suspected cases of H1N1, is recommended.
The number of H1N1 deaths in the U.S. continues to increase, although it has decreased slightly since last week. Flu-related complications are higher than expected for this time of year, signaling a likely difficult flu season ahead. The most at-risk groups are children, pregnant women, and those with weaken immune systems.
Stay updated with the most recent information on the swine flu pandemic at This Week's H1N1 Deaths and Statistics.
Source:
FluView: A Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report Prepared by the Influenza Division, the American Center for Disease Control.
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