Tuesday December 1, 14:22

The decline of influenza H1N1 in the United States

The decline of the infections of influenza virus H1N1 continues in the United States for the fourth consecutive week and this after months of a strong increase, according to the latest federal statistics released Monday.

Despite this decline in infection rates across the country, the number of physician visits related to influenza H1N1 infection remains high, say the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in their latest newsletter.

During this period, 32 states have expressed an extensive number of infections compared to 43 states during the previous week and 48 in October, say the CDC.

The death rate among children (under 18) that resulted from the H1N1 influenza has remained high during the week of November 15 to 21 with 27 new deaths confirmed by the laboratory, bringing the total to 198 since the emergence of new desease In April in the United States.

Hospitalizations due to H1N1 viruses have continued to be numerous during the same week with the highest rate among children from birth to four years.

"Almost all H1N1 viruses tested to date continue to be identical to the strain (A) H1N1 identified in April and all these viruses remain sensitive to the antiviral oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) with rare exceptions," CDC says on their site, not mentioning any of the virus mutating.

Regarding the number of deaths, the CDC explained that the number confirmed by laboratory tests in the country underestimates reality.

The CDC had published a few weeks ago estimates based on a computer model giving a more accurate picture of mortality caused by this virus that is approximately 3,900 deaths including 540 children since the emergence of new pathogenic virus in April up to late October.

As a comparison, seasonal influenza kills 36,000 Americans each year.

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