CA Population: 36,756,666 - Jul 2008
25% infected by fall: 9,189,166
This is still much less than other projections of 40%
1 in 4 Californians could get swine flu this fall, official says
By Troy Anderson, Staff Writer
Posted: 08/27/2009 07:58:37 PM PDT
Following a report warning that swine flu could kill up to 90,000 Americans this year, the state's public health director said that that as many as one in four Californians could be affected by the virus this fall.
In an open letter to Californians, Dr. Mark Horton asked residents to prepare for a widespread outbreak. Information is available on a new toll-free hotline, 1-888-865-0564, or at www.cdph.ca.gov.
"While none of us can predict the course of the novel H1N1 influenza outbreak, it has the potential to sicken millions of people in our state in the months ahead; as many as 1 in 4 Californians may be affected," Horton wrote.
"All of us must prepare for the disruptions the novel H1N1 influenza virus may have on our daily lives. I ask for your support and assistance in educating Californians about the threat posed by H1N1 and the common sense steps we all should be taking to lessen its impact."
Horton's comments follow the release of a report by a presidential advisory group concluding the virus is "poses a serious health threat" to the nation.
Although the severity of the current strain of the virus is similar to the regular flu, the World Health Organization raised the Pandemic Alert level from phase 5 to phase 6 earlier this summer, indicating that a global pandemic is under way.
Since the first case was detected in California in April, the virus has resulted in 1,528
hospitalizations and 128 deaths. In Los Angeles County, 25 people have died this year and 157 others have been hospitalized.
Dr. Jonathan Fielding, the public health director for Los Angeles County, noted the presidential advisory group estimated the number of swine-flu related deaths could range from 30,000 to 90,000 nationwide. In a normal year, about 36,000 people die from the flu.
"I do think we have to be prepared for more people getting it than in the average year," Fielding said. "But exactly how many will get it - it's impossible to predict. Part of it will be how quickly it spreads before the flu vaccine is available."
Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made recommendations on who should get vaccinated if the vaccine is initially available in extremely limited quantities. This includes those who are at higher risk of disease or complications, those who are likely to come into contact with the virus and those who could infect young infants.
When the vaccine is widely available, the CDC wants 159 million Americans be vaccinated, including pregnant women, people with children younger than six months, health care and medical services personnel, people ages 6 months to 24 years old and people ages 25 to 64 who are at higher risk because of chronic ailments or compromised immune systems.
"The best information we have is that it should start becoming available in the beginning of October and they will continue to manufacture it," Fielding said.
To avoid catching the virus, Horton said people should wash their hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes and use hand sanitizers at home, school and work.
25% infected by fall: 9,189,166
This is still much less than other projections of 40%
1 in 4 Californians could get swine flu this fall, official says
By Troy Anderson, Staff Writer
Posted: 08/27/2009 07:58:37 PM PDT
Following a report warning that swine flu could kill up to 90,000 Americans this year, the state's public health director said that that as many as one in four Californians could be affected by the virus this fall.
In an open letter to Californians, Dr. Mark Horton asked residents to prepare for a widespread outbreak. Information is available on a new toll-free hotline, 1-888-865-0564, or at www.cdph.ca.gov.
"While none of us can predict the course of the novel H1N1 influenza outbreak, it has the potential to sicken millions of people in our state in the months ahead; as many as 1 in 4 Californians may be affected," Horton wrote.
"All of us must prepare for the disruptions the novel H1N1 influenza virus may have on our daily lives. I ask for your support and assistance in educating Californians about the threat posed by H1N1 and the common sense steps we all should be taking to lessen its impact."
Horton's comments follow the release of a report by a presidential advisory group concluding the virus is "poses a serious health threat" to the nation.
Although the severity of the current strain of the virus is similar to the regular flu, the World Health Organization raised the Pandemic Alert level from phase 5 to phase 6 earlier this summer, indicating that a global pandemic is under way.
Since the first case was detected in California in April, the virus has resulted in 1,528
hospitalizations and 128 deaths. In Los Angeles County, 25 people have died this year and 157 others have been hospitalized.
Dr. Jonathan Fielding, the public health director for Los Angeles County, noted the presidential advisory group estimated the number of swine-flu related deaths could range from 30,000 to 90,000 nationwide. In a normal year, about 36,000 people die from the flu.
"I do think we have to be prepared for more people getting it than in the average year," Fielding said. "But exactly how many will get it - it's impossible to predict. Part of it will be how quickly it spreads before the flu vaccine is available."
Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made recommendations on who should get vaccinated if the vaccine is initially available in extremely limited quantities. This includes those who are at higher risk of disease or complications, those who are likely to come into contact with the virus and those who could infect young infants.
When the vaccine is widely available, the CDC wants 159 million Americans be vaccinated, including pregnant women, people with children younger than six months, health care and medical services personnel, people ages 6 months to 24 years old and people ages 25 to 64 who are at higher risk because of chronic ailments or compromised immune systems.
"The best information we have is that it should start becoming available in the beginning of October and they will continue to manufacture it," Fielding said.
To avoid catching the virus, Horton said people should wash their hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes and use hand sanitizers at home, school and work.