2009 H1N1 Flu – International And U.S. Update

INTERNATIONAL UPDATE

The latest update on the international situation on the H1N1 virus was recently reported by the World Health Organization on August 23, 2009.  As of that date, the total number of laboratory confirmed cases of the 2009 H1N1 virus were 209, 438 with at least 2, 185 deaths.  The laboratory confirmed cases represent an underestimation of the actual number of cases of H1N1 worldwide as most countries now focus surveillance and laboratory testing in persons with severe illness only. 

Overall, at present, decreases in disease due to the H1N1 virus are being reported from South America, parts of Australia, and the U.K.  On the other hand, increase in disease due to the H1N1 virus is being reported from more countries in Africa, Southern Africa, and other tropical countries. 

 UNITED STATES UPDATE 

The latest report on the domestic situation with the H1n1 virus is from the week of August 16-22, 2009.   The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that the H1N1 activity is either stable, or increasing in some areas of the U.S.  H1N1 activity appears to be increasing in the SouthEast (especially the state of Georgia) based on data reported by health care providers in that area. 

Most state officials across other parts of the country are currently reporting regional or sporadic influenza activity.  However, Alaska and Georgia are the two states that are reporting widespread influenza activity at this time. 

Both in the U.S. and internationally, the H1N1 virus continues to be the most dominant virus in circulation.  With rare exceptions, the H1N1 virus continues to be susceptible to the antiviral drugs Oseltamivir and Zanamivir.   Read more on the resistance of the H1N1 virus to certain antiviral drugs; how antiviral drugs help provide protection against and treatment for Swine Flu, dosage recommendations, and guidelines for use of antiviral medications at the following link:  Antiviral Drugs and The Swine Flu – Getting Equipped.