Signs Swine Flu Wave May Have Peaked in U.S.

Melanie A. Staley
1:43pm
Nov 30, 2009

The CDC has determined that swine flu activity is declining throughout the country, but officials hesitate to use words such as "peaked" for fear that citizens will become slack in methods of prevention. More than 40 states are still experiencing "widespread flu activity" and cases of possible flu-related deaths and hospitalizations are still being reported. In addition, even if we have reached the peak of this flu wave, there is still the liklihood of yet another wave beginning sometime in December. Other nation's, such as Belgium, Britain, and Ireland, also seem to be peaking. However, Canada, Norway, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia are still experiencing increased outbreak, according to the WHO.

In addition, Norway has identified a mutation in the H1N1 virus in three people who either died from the virus or were seriously ill. Although officials report that the mutation does not seem to be spreading and is no more resistant to the vaccine or Tamiflu than any other strand found, this same mutation has been found in several other countries. The mutation allows the virus to bind to cell receptors within the lungs. In the Ukraine, where this mutation has also been found, many people have experienced severe illness and died from lung hemorrhages. Obviously, there is still reason for worry on a worldwide scale.

I think that people are beginning to underplay the H1N1 virus. As the article stated, the usual winter flu does not usually begin until December; it just so happens that this year, H1N1 cases began much earlier, beginning in the summer. It seems that people have become less aware of the dangers because of how common the virus has become. Many nations, however, are still experiencing severe outbreak. I think the mutation, and the possible correlation between the Ukrainian deaths and the presence of this mutation, are also being underplayed, but for different reasons. The last thing the public wants to hear is that there is yet another deadly virus out there that we should worry about.


Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/21/health/21flu.html?_r=2&ref=health