Decrease in Flu Epidemic
May 19, 2001
Doctors were pleased with the decrease in the number of influenza cases this year, which dropped from 5.6% last year to 4.1% percent this year. The flu can be a serious illness, killing almost 20,000 Americans and hospitalizing 114,000 people each year. Symptoms may include respiratory inflammation, fever, muscular pain, and intestinal track irritation.
Flu season typically begins every October. This year, the United States has managed to stay below the epidemic level every week since October first. Every year, medical health professionals recommend that patients take the flu vaccine in order to ward off any strains of the virus. Doctors especially recommended the vaccine for men and women over the age of 50 and those with diabetes or other chronic diseases involving the heart, lungs, or kidneys. Patients who are pregnant, those who live in a nursing home or chronic-care facility, and children and teenagers are also asked to take the vaccine. It may be important to see your doctor if you have concerns about the vaccine.
This year, doctors primarily saw the influenza A (H1N1) strain. This strain is less harmful than the influenza A (H3N2) strain, seen over the last three years. Some doctors believe that this less serious strain is the reason why there have been fewer cases reported this year. Other health care professionals believe that vaccines have been beneficial as well.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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