MS: Season's flue strain (H1N1) affects younger adults

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.wtva.com/news/local/stor...ts-younger-adults/5FVKqoLvTUWuOmU85QmMig.cspx


Season's flue strain affects younger adults
Updated: 4:28 pm

JACKSON, Miss. (WTVA) -- The Mississippi State Department of Health reports Mississippi's only identified flu type this season is affecting younger adults more than people over 65.

This strain, identified as the 2009 influenza A H1N1 strain, has resulted in some deaths in younger adults according to the MSDH and its clinical partners...

 

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: MS: Season's flue strain (H1N1) affects younger adults

Flu deaths reported in Mississippi
Posted: Dec 18, 2013 6:22 PM EST
Updated: Dec 19, 2013 7:57 AM EST
By Michael Clark

OXFORD, MS -
(WMC-TV) - Mississippi health officials say flu cases are on the rise as temperatures drop.

The Mississippi Health Department said flu cases are not reportable, but they do monitor flu-like symptoms in centers across the state. A couple of deaths in north Mississippi have been reported.

"We've had people who were diagnosed with the flu who had severe pneumonia and then death," said Mississippi Epidemiologist Dr. Thomas Dobbs.
...
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http://www.wmctv.com/story/24256055/flu-deaths-reported-in-mississippi

 

[tetano]

Re: MS: Season's flue strain (H1N1) affects younger adults

Serious flu complications being seen, Mississipppi health officials saying



JACKSON - The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has received several reports from clinical partners throughout the state of serious complications from flu in younger adults, including deaths.

"The only type of flu identified in Mississippi so far this year is the 2009 influenza A H1N1 strain, which has in past years primarily affected those under 65 years of age," said Dr. Thomas Dobbs, MSDH State Epidemiologist.

"This year, we've received reports of serious complications and some deaths associated with influenza infection in those under 65.

During the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, 80 percent of the deaths were in people younger than 65, unlike a typical flu season in which the majority of deaths occur in those 65 and older."

The good news is that this year's flu vaccination includes coverage for this particular strain, said Dobbs.

"It's not too late. We are still in the early stages of our traditional flu season. It's vital that all Mississippians - not just the very young and the very old - get vaccinated against flu," he said.

While individual flu cases and flu-related deaths in adults are not reported to MSDH, the agency monitors flu activity through the Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) Sentinel Surveillance System, made up of healthcare providers in Mississippi such as family practice clinics, student health centers, pediatricians, primary care physicians, and hospital emergency departments who report the percentage of patients with flu-like symptoms to a statewide database.

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