The dead children thread - Pandemic A/H1N1 2009-2010

[Treyfish]

Re: The dead children thread

Re: The dead children thread

H1N1 Flu Contributes to Death of Bannock County Teen

Posted: Oct 7, 2009 05:58 PM EDT
Updated: Oct 7, 2009 05:58 PM EDT

BANNOCK COUNTY - The 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu virus has contributed to the death of a Bannock County teen who had underlying risk factors. This is the second death associated with the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu virus in Idaho.

"Our thoughts and concerns are with the child's family and loved ones," says Maggie Mann, Health Promotion Director of the Southeastern District Health Department. "This is a tragic and sobering reminder that influenza is serious. The Southeastern District Health Department is working diligently to monitor serious infections and do everything possible to protect people in southeast Idaho."

A total of 620 people in Idaho have lab confirmed infections from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu virus since April, with 283 of those reported since September 1.

Public health officials believe a far larger number of people have become infected with the H1N1 virus, but have not been ill enough to seek medical attention or lab testing. At this point in the influenza season, virtually all (99%) of reported influenza cases have been the H1N1 strain.

Symptoms of H1N1 pandemic infection are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, with some reports of diarrhea and vomiting. "Children and adults who are ill and at high risk for flu complications, and people with more severe flu symptoms, should call their regular health care provider for medical advice." says Mann.

At this time, it appears that those at risk for serious complications from H1N1 flu virus are different than those at risk for serious complications due to seasonal flu. High risk H1N1 groups include:
Pregnant women
Infants, children, and young adults up to age 24
Individuals 25-64 who have an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular (heart) disease, chronic lung diseases, or immune suppression due to disease or medication.

The above high risk groups are strongly recommended to be vaccinated, as are the following:
Health Care and Emergency Medical Service Workers
Parents and care givers of infants less than 6 months of age (because infants less than 6 months of age can't be vaccinated with the H1N1 vaccine.)

A vaccine for 2009 H1N1 has been developed and at this time is available, but in limited quantities. Additional vaccine shipments are expected to arrive weekly for the next few months.
For additional information about the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus and vaccination clinic locations, visit the following websites:

The Southeastern District Health Department's website at www.sdhdidaho.org
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare's website at www.panflu.idaho.gov.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at www.cdc.gov/h1n1lflu/
U.S Dept. of Health and Human Services website at www.flu.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Hotline: :tiphat:http://www.localnews8.com/global/story.asp?s=11276423#

 

[Treyfish]

Re: The dead children thread

Re: The dead children thread

Another Child Dies From H1N1

Posted: Oct 08, 2009 7:42 AM EDT
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - State health officials confirmed that another child in Tennessee died from the H1N1 virus.
The Knoxville News Sentinel reported that a 4-year-old child from Cumberland County died at the East Tennessee Children's Hospital in Knoxville on Sunday. The 4-year-old's death brought the number ofH1N1 related deaths in Tennessee children to seven.
So far, no information has been released about whether the child had any underlying medical conditions.:tiphat:http://www.newschannel5.com/global/story.asp?s=11278922#

 

[Treyfish]

Re: The dead children thread

Re: The dead children thread

October 08, 2009

Area teenager's death confirmed swine-flu related
By ANNE GEGGIS
Staff Writer

The death of a 15-year-old New Smyrna Beach High School student Saturday has been confirmed as swine-flu-related, officials said Wednesday. The unidentified boy is the first young person of four locally whose deaths have been tied to the virus.

The student has been out of school since Sept. 16. Prior to that, he was in a self-contained classroom with 15 other students. Given his limited contact with the others and the length of time he'd been away from the 2,000-student school, the Volusia County Health Department told school officials it wasn't necessary to deeply clean door knobs and other surfaces at the school, according to Nancy Wait, Volusia County schools spokeswoman.

"This student struggled with medical conditions his entire life," Wait said, expressing the school district's condolences to the child's family. "He was at higher risk for medical complications."

Deaths are categorized as swine-flu deaths as long as an infection is diagnosed. The virus doesn't necessarily have to cause the death. School and health officials declined to identify anything further about the student, citing patient privacy.

Still, the area's institutions are on high alert for the new virus discovered in Mexico last spring and expected to cause up to 90,000 U.S. deaths in the flu season that started Oct. 1.

On Wednesday, county schools officials said they would send automated phone messages reminding parents to take such precautions as washing hands, keeping sick children home and covering mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing.

The first mass vaccinations will be aimed at the area's younger set, with clinics on Oct. 24 at Buddy Taylor Middle School in Pierson and New Smyrna Beach High School, officials announced Wednesday. Both Flagler and Volusia health departments are expecting their first shipments of the vaccine in FluMist nasal spray this week. Shots are expected later.

Dr. Bonnie Sorensen, Volusia County Health Department's chief, said that even though the swine-flu virus, also known as the H1N1 virus, has already started claiming victims, vaccinations should still be sought.

"We see it continuing with no end in sight," she said.

Trying to curb the infection rate, Florida Hospital Fish Memorial in Orange City has instituted voluntary visitation restrictions for flu season for the first time. The hospital is asking that visitors be over 12, members of patients' immediate families, and not recently had a cold or flu.

"If anything comes out of this season, I hope it's a little more respect for germs," Sorensen said.

The other three area deaths struck people in their 50s. Deaths of working-age adults and this latest student death sets the swine-flu virus apart from the usual season flu that traditionally spreads from Oct. 1 to April 1. Of the 260 Volusia deaths from seasonal flu last year, 85 percent were older than 65, Sorensen said.

Death from seasonal flu, Sorensen said, "is fairly invisible to the community and under the radar. But (with the H1N1 virus) we will be reporting every death."

The swine-flu virus hasn't been as severe as initially feared, but has caused a buzz at New Smyrna Beach High School.

"I heard about it, but no one's making a big deal about it -- not that I've heard," said Kefir Grove, 17, a senior at the school.

His mother was more concerned. "This is the first I've heard of it," she said of the death. "If anyone's going to get the vaccine in our house it's him."

-- News-Journal Staff Writer Deborah Circelli contributed to this report. :tiphat:Source: http://www.news-journalonline.com/Ne...AD02100809.htm:tiphat:shiloh

 

[Pathfinder]

Re: The dead children thread

Re: The dead children thread

To Government Officials who might read this thread, I would beg you to have a heart and give the kids a break. Closing schools for at least 2 weeks could help. Give them this gift. The vaccine is almost here. Let them stay home till it becomes available. Sometimes in life you need to make choices, please choose to spare them additionnel sickness and death. Too many children are suffering right now, too many children are dying right now. It is heartbreaking.

"I've never seen this before. I've been in practice 30 years and I've never been in a situation like this before, with so many kids coming in with the flu and so sick," says Dr. Koucheki.
He had to hospitalize seven patients with H1N1 just this week and believes the time has come to close schools and daycares, and try to slow the spread.

http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=127594

 

[Shiloh]

Re: The dead children thread

Re: The dead children thread

Source: http://www.wthitv.com/dpp/news/indiana/5th_H1N1_death_confirmed_in_Indiana2_20091008_2940793

5th H1N1 death confirmed in Indiana

Updated: Thursday, 08 Oct 2009, 3:20 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 08 Oct 2009, 3:19 PM EDT

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Indiana Health Department Commissioner Dr. Judy Monroe confirmed the state?s fifth H1N1 death.

Mercedes Lewis, 11, from South Bend was taken to the hospital on Monday suffering from symptoms including a sore throat. Lewis died on Tuesday.

She was a 6th grade student at Clay Intermediate Center.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: The dead children thread

Re: The dead children thread

Source: http://www.ajc.com/health/more-details-emerge-about-157783.html

Excerpt:

So far, 27 people have died from H1N1, which is widespread in Georgia, according to the Georgia Department of Community Health. DCH Commissioner Rhonda Meadows said two of the deaths have been pregnant women and four have been children. The swine flu is considered widespread in the Georgia.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: The dead children thread

Re: The dead children thread

Source: http://www.localnews8.com/Global/story.asp?S=11283176


Swine Flu Contributes To Death Of Pocatello Teenager (Bannock County ID)
Posted: Oct 8, 2009 04:06 PM
Updated: Oct 8, 2009 04:06 PM

By Michelle Costa, Local News 8 Reporter

POCATELLO - The H1N1 Flu claims the life of a Latah County woman in her 50s. She does have underlying medical conditions.

And, on Wednesday, a local family is left mourning the loss of their teenager daughter after the H1N1 Flu contributed to her death over the weekend.

14-year-old Breanna Calder, who had severe autism, became sick and days later died.

Her foster parents are still in shock, but want others in our community to keep their children safe as well.

Breanna's death serves as a reminder to parents to take their children to the doctor if they're sick so they don't become a statistic.

Her family, her death has been very overwhelming.

"We're just trying to get through it right now we're extremely busy trying to deal with all the funeral arrangements. We've had lots of friends and family who are helping us. We've had a really good support in getting lots and lots of help," said Dale Calder, Breanna's Foster Father.

The Southeastern District Health Department staff said there are symptoms of the flu, including fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

Some people also may have vomiting and diarrhea.

To protect your children, get a flu vaccine for yourself and your kids.

Also, prevent the spread of the virus, by covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, washing your hands with soap and water and try to keep away from sick people.

More importantly, Health Officials said if you're sick, stay home.

Breanna Calder's family has set up funeral services for Friday morning and she'll be buried in Inkom.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: The dead children thread

Re: The dead children thread

Source: http://www.kktv.com/morenews/headlines/63821842.html

Updated: 9:33 PM Oct 8, 2009
13-year-old's Death Linked to H1N1
Health problems from the H1N1 virus may have cut short the life of a 13-year-old boy from Black Forest.
Posted: 9:33 PM Oct 8, 2009
Reporter: Rick Montanez
Email Address: RMontanez@kktv.com

Health problems from the H1N1 virus may have cut short the life of a 13-year-old boy from Black Forest.

Matthew Washburn and 5 of his brothers and sisters came down with flu-like symptoms a little more than a week ago. Matthew ended up in the hospital with pneumonia, then his lungs started to fail. Wednesday, he was taken off life support

To comprehend Matthew's death, you really have to understand his life. "He's never been able to run and jump and play," said Lorraine Almond.

When Matthew just a month old, he was a shaken baby, he suffered severe brain damage , he also lost his sight and his hearing.

Several years later, Matthew was adopted by the Washburns and he was finally in a loving home. "Matthew's life has a purpose," said Jackie Washburn, in an 11 News interview in May.

11 News did a special report in May, on shaken baby syndrome. Jackie Washburn and Matthew showed us their daily struggles. They are the same struggles they shared with future parents in presentations at schools. "As Jackie would talk, Matthew would be sitting there, being Matthew. And people would actually see what happens when you shake a baby. And sometimes it wasn't a pretty sight. It was Matthew's way of saying 'please don't ever do this again, it hurts," said Almond.

"His purpose was to make life better for people," said Washburn.

Nearly two weeks ago, the Washburns were hit hard by the H1N1 virus. Then, Jackie showed us how the family's already tough routine was disrupted.

A few days later, Jackie sent 11 News a photo of Matthew after he caught pneumonia.

"When Matthew was in the hospital, we thought we lost him the first night, and they put him on the ventilator," said Almond.

As the days passed, Matthew's lungs and kidneys weakened. "He started to fail and they said that his x-rays had gotten worse and he wasn't going to get better," said Almond.

Then, the Wishbones made the toughest decision any parent could ever face, Matthew was taken off life support. "There was probably 18 people there from the family and friends and we just talked with him and told story about him and prayed with him. [We] gently waited until Jesus took his hand," said Almond.

Back in May, Jackie talked about her faith, her hope for the day Matthew would make it to a better place. "He would have wings, and he would run and jump. And he could splash in puddles and he could run with kids, and feel the wind in his hair," said Washburn.

"We're gonna miss Matthew, we're gonna miss that toothy smile," said Almond.

Matthew tested positive for influenza "a". When he was taken to the hospital, doctors ran further tests for H1N1. Memorial hospital representatives tell 11 News they don't have the results back yet, but they're hoping to have them by the end of the week. The coroner?s office said an autopsy will be performed on Matthew, the results of that should be known in a few weeks.

One of the other Washburn children, Hope, is still suffering from complications linked to the H1N1 virus.

 

[Treyfish]

Re: The dead children thread

Re: The dead children thread

Naperville North student dies

Labs testing for swine flu, other possibilities
By Melissa Jenco | Daily Herald Staff Contact writer Michelle Fahle

The Naperville North High School community is mourning the loss of freshman Michelle Fahle, 14, who died unexpectedly Thursday morning.

Authorities said they are unsure what caused Michelle's death but she had complained of flu-like symptoms in recent days, according to DuPage County Coroner Pete Siekmann.

Michelle was rushed early Thursday by ambulance to Edward Hospital in Naperville where doctors pronounced the teen's death.

The DuPage County Health Department is working with the Illinois Department of Public Health to test for swine flu, or H1N1 virus, as well as other possibilities, spokesman David Hass said. He expects results Friday morning.

Nasal swabs have been sent to Central DuPage Hospital as well, although Siekmann said results from either lab could take up to five days.

His office's autopsy did not uncover any obvious signs of what led to Michelle's death.

Michelle's classmates flocked to Facebook Thursday, leaving messages about their friend.

Freshman Mary Elliott created a Facebook page in Michelle's honor that has more than 700 members.

"She was really sweet to everybody, always smiling and everyone liked her," Mary said.

The two attended Jefferson Junior High together in addition to North and both were part of a production of "High School Musical" as seventh-graders.

Mary said Michelle was a talented singer.

"She had a sweet voice and she really liked it," Mary said.

At North, Michelle took her vocal talents to one of the choir groups led by choral director Jim Yarbrough.

"Michelle was one of my young singers who had lots of enthusiasm and energy for her craft and classmates," Yarbrough said via e-mail.

Another classmate from both North and Jefferson, Frances Foley, said Michelle also had a talent for writing and a fondness for the German band Tokio Hotel.

"She was always really friendly to everyone, always smiling," Frances said. "She would make everyone's day really bright. She would try to help anyone."

North freshman Amanda Knutson had class with Michelle and after hearing about her death, was inspired to create an online video she posted on YouTube with pictures of the teen and her friends set to the song "Say What You Will" from Damhnait Doyle. Amanda called her classmate bright and talented.

"She didn't deserve this and was one of the sweetest people I've ever met," Amanda said. "I know everyone will miss her a lot."

Naperville North officials on Thursday confirmed a student had died but would not release additional information pending authorization from the family.

Principal Kevin Pobst said a crisis team is in place to help students, staff and families. Students were not in school Thursday and will not return until Tuesday due to parent teacher conferences and Columbus Day.

Daily Herald Staff Writer Christy Gutowski contributed to this report.
http://dailyherald.com/story/?id=327522
:tiphat:homebody

 

[Shiloh]

Re: The dead children thread

Re: The dead children thread

Source: http://www2.nbc4i.com/cmh/news/local/article/boy_14_dies_after_contracting_h1n1/24612/

(OHIO)
Boy, 14, Dies After Contracting H1N1

Columbus Public Health officials confirm that a 14-year-old boy has died after contracting the H1N1 virus.

By Denise Yost | Managing Editor, nbc4i.com
Published: October 9, 2009

COLUMBUS, Ohio?Columbus Public Health officials confirm that a 14-year-old boy has died after contracting the H1N1 virus.

A news conference was scheduled for 10 a.m. to release further details.

A 20-year-old woman in Franklin County died of swine flu in September a week after delivering a healthy baby girl. An 18-year-old Cuyahoga County woman died in June from swine flu shortly after giving birth.

The H1N1 vaccine arrived in Ohio Thursday afternoon.

The State of Ohio received 61,500 doses of the nasal vaccine, which was was being repackaged and sent to hospitals and public health departments.

Health care workers who work one-on-one with patients will be the first to receive the vaccine.

 

[Treyfish]

Re: The dead children thread

Re: The dead children thread

Naperville Student May Have Died From Swine Flu

Updated: Friday, 09 Oct 2009, 8:23 AM CDT
Published : Friday, 09 Oct 2009, 8:04 AM CDT

Tests are being done to determine if a freshman at Naperville North died from the swine flu.
Michelle Fahle, 14, who died unexpectedly Thursday morning. She had apparently been suffering from flu-like symptoms.
The teen was rushed to the hospital on Thursday where she was pronounced dead, according to reports.
The DuPage county health department doesn't know if she came in contact with other people.
The school does not plan to shut down, but it will get a thorough cleaning. :tiphat:
http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/health/swine_flu/Naperville_Student_May_Have_Died_From_Swine_Flu

 

[Treyfish]

Re: The dead children thread

Re: The dead children thread

CDC Says 76 US Children Have Died From H1N1 Flu




By Jennifer Corbett Dooren, Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- Federal health officials said 76 children have died from the H1N1 flu since the virus was discovered in April, which appears to be a higher rate than pediatric deaths caused by the seasonal flu.
Anne Schuchat, the director of that National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that, by comparison, 46 to 88 children died each year during the past three influenza seasons.
She said she expected additional pediatric deaths from the H1N1 flu. While most of the children had underlying medical conditions, Schuchat said 20% to 30% of them did not.
The H1N1 virus has hit children and young adults at higher rates than older people, who are believed to have some sort of immunity from exposure to viruses linked to past influenza pandemics. So far most influenza illnesses are being caused by the novel H1N1 virus. However, health officials expect seasonal influenza strains to also start circulating more widely in the fall and winter months.
Earlier this week, the first vaccinations against H1N1 were given with MedImmune's flu mist nasal vaccine. Health officials said they expects shots to be available starting next week.
"We don't have enough vaccine available today for everyone who wants one," said Schuchat. "We do believe we will have ample supply of vaccine...in the weeks ahead."
The U.S. has purchased 95 million H1N1 vaccines and enough bulk ingredients from five companies to make up to make a total of 251 vaccine doses if needed. The vaccines are being distributed to states and some large cities, which in turn will distribute the vaccines to about 90,000 health-care providers, retailers and local health departments over a period of several weeks.
MedImmune, which is a unit of AstraZeneca PLC (AZN), makes a mist that's delivered through the nose and is approved for "healthy" people ages 2 to 49. It's not approved for use by pregnant women, who have been hit hard by the H1N1 flu. Pregnant women are being urged to get an H1N1 shot when they become available.
Other companies including a unit of Sanofi Aventis (SNY), Novartis AG (NVS), CSL Ltd. (CSL.AU) and GlaxoSmithKline PLC (GSK) are making H1N1 flu shots for the U.S. market. Last week, Sanofi said it started shipping vaccine to the U.S. government.:tiphat:http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-ma...c-says-76-us-children-have-died-from-h1n1-flu

 

[Treyfish]

Re: The dead children thread

Re: The dead children thread

<!--startindex-->DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- A 15-year-old Volusia County boy's death has been determined to be H1N1-related, health officials announced on Wednesday.




Parents Of H1N1 Victim: Get Vaccinated
15-Year-Old Had Weakened Immune System

POSTED: Wednesday, October 7, 2009
UPDATED: 7:26 pm EDT October 7, 2009
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- A 15-year-old Volusia County boy's death has been determined to be H1N1-related, health officials announced on Wednesday.



Marcus Triantafellu attended New Smyrna Beach High School. He had not been in school for about three weeks, but the school is taking general precautions, according to Nancy Wait of Volusia County Public Schools.

The boy's family has a warning for other parents.

"Losing our son eventually to H1N1, it is critical that people know they need to take it seriously," Triantafellu's mother, Carol Triantafellu said.

Marcus' parents said he had Smith McGinnis syndrome, which left him with a weakened immune system. They said he spent his entire life fighting off infections.

"It's still almost impossible to believe. I mean the last few weeks have pretty much been a rollercoaster ride and a nightmare," father Stan Triantafellu said.

Marcus' parents said two tests came back negative for swine flu three weeks ago when he became sick, but days later a culture came back positive for the virus.

"You can't get a false sense. Maybe, because you're initially negative?if you still have symptoms, you have to address them," Carol Triantafellu said.

The Triantfellus are urging everyone to get the H1N1 vaccine.

"You've got to really be serious about it. Because when that vaccine comes out, if it had been available to us, we'd have had it," Carol Triantfellu said.

Marcus' funeral was held Tuesday night and he was buried Wednesday morning.:tiphat:http://www.clickorlando.com/health/21226840/detail.html :tiphat:rviola

 

[Treyfish]

Re: The dead children thread

Re: The dead children thread

Central Ohio teen dies from H1N1 virus
It's Ohio's first pediatric death from the flu strain.
Friday, October 9, 2009
(Columbus) - A 14-year old Columbus boy has died from complications of the H1N1 flu, Ohio's first pediatric death from the virus. He had been undergoing treatment at Nationwide Childrens Hospital.


http://www.10tv.com/live/content/local/stories/2009/10/09/story_h1n1_death.html?sid=102

The boy has been identified as Jon Fowler, a student at Holy Spirit Catholic School in Whitehall. The school is flying their flag at half-staff today in honor of Fowler.

Columbus Public Health officials wouldn't say if Fowler had any pre-existing conditions, but Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long says anyone can be severely impacted by H1N1.

"New studies are showing that in fact 25% of the hospitalizations are in persons without underlying conditions, however that means than 75% are connected to patients that have had an underlying medical condition," Long said.

Long says her heart goes out to the child's family, yet it "reinforces that the H1N1 virus is in the community and poses a risk, especially children, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions."

Right now the vaccine for H1N1 is not widely available, but health officials say it should be arriving in a nasal mist form in the coming days. That version of the vaccine should not be given to children under the age of 2 or pregnant women. The injectable vaccine is expected in central Ohio by mid-October.

Seniors seem to be less susceptible to the virus because it's similar to a strain that hit in the 1970s allowing them to build a small-level of resistance.

There has been some concern from parents about the safety of the vaccine, but Dr. Miller Sullivan, a pediatrician and medical director for the Franklin County Health Department, says it is safe.

"You can go on the internet at this moment and see different points of view and so we try to educate them with what we feel are good answers based on research, based on recommendations from the people who know, and try to get them to understand what we think is the reality," Sullivan said.

Should either the seasonal flu or H1N1 flu become a bigger issue, Long says they do have the authority to shut down public venues and cancel large events. It's not something they anticipate having to do and Long says they're already working with groups on what to do.

In September, 20 year old Kelsey Young of Columbus died from the H1N1 flu, a week after delivering a healthy baby.


:tiphat:http://www.wtam.com/cc-common/news/sections/newsarticle.html?feed=122520&article=6138354
:tiphat:homebody

 

[Treyfish]

Re: The dead children thread

Re: The dead children thread

So far this is the latest reliable counts of dead children.

FT has it at 144
PFI has it at 127
CDC has it at 76

 

[Treyfish]

Re: The dead children thread

Re: The dead children thread

Swine flu deaths among U.S. kids rising, CDC says

This Oct. 1, 2009 photo shows Rick Lieb, a registered nurse at Dell Children's Hospital in Austin, Texas, examining Royanna Ayala, 3, as she sits in the lap of her mother, Sarah Ayala, inside one of the flu tents located at the Dell Children's Hospital in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Austin American-Statesman, Larry Kolvoord)

• Date: Friday Oct. 9, 2009 2:50 PM ET

Child deaths from swine flu are rising in the United States, with 19 flu-related deaths reported in the last week alone, U.S. health officials said Friday.
"Nineteen more pediatric deaths for influenza were reported to us this week. We're now up to 76:tiphat: edit{144} children having died from the 2009 H1N1 virus," said Anne Schuchat, of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"To put that in context: in the past three years, the total pediatric influenza deaths ranged from 46 - 88. We've already had 76 children dying from the H1N1 virus and it's only the beginning of October," said Schuchat, who is the director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
She noted that 37 states now are reporting widespread swine flu cases, up from 27 a week ago. A week ago, reports suggested that cases might be leveling off and even decreasing in some areas of the country, but that did not turn out to be an enduring national trend.
"We are seeing more illness, more hospitalizations, and more deaths," she said.
The CDC doesn't keep an exact count of all swine flu deaths and hospitalizations. ..-->>Existing reports suggest the virus has caused more than 600 deaths and more than 9,000 hospitalizations since first being identified in April.
The number of deaths among kids with swine flu had fallen during the summer, after peaking during the spring, said Schuchat. But they are "starting to shoot up again" with the autumn flu season, she said.
Children are deemed to be at particular risk from swine flu, and the CDC, along with Health Canada, recommends all children be vaccinated against the strain this fall.
The United States has already begun its massive vaccination campaign, though the vaccine is currently available only in a nasal spray. Children are one of five groups being given high priority for the vaccinations.
1 in 4 hospitalized sent to ICU
On Thursday, the CDC released a study that found one in four Americans who were hospitalized with swine flu last spring wound up needing intensive care. Of them, seven per cent died. That's a little higher than with ordinary seasonal flu, several experts said.
What is unusual is that children and teens accounted for nearly half of the hospitalized cases, including many who were previously healthy.
Three-quarters of these patients had other health problems, such as diabetes. Only five per cent were 65 and older, which is unusual, since ordinary seasonal flu usually hits hardest in the elderly.
Seven per cent of the hospitalized patients were pregnant, even though pregnant women make up only one per cent of the general population.
Among hospitalized patients whose weight was known, 26 per cent were very obese, confirming a risk factor suggested by other information from the outbreak.
The study was published online Thursday by the New England Journal :tiphat:http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNe...9/icu_091009/20091009?hub=TopStoriesV2&s_name=

 

[Pathfinder]

Re: The dead children thread

Re: The dead children thread

Louisiana announced 6 deaths today. 2 of them were children from the Monroe and St. Tammany Parish regions. They will not be forgotten.


Credit to JimO:


La. swine flu deaths grow to 20

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source:

La. swine flu deaths grow to 20

Associated Press - October 9, 2009 1:24 PM ET

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Louisiana's death toll from swine flu has risen to 20, as health care providers this week started doling out the first round of vaccines for the virus.

The Department of Health and Hospitals says that six more deaths were confirmed Friday: three women from the Baton Rouge area, a man from the Shreveport area and children from the Monroe and St. Tammany Parish regions.

DHH estimates more than 97,000 people in the state have already had the H1N1 virus, commonly called swine flu. Pediatricians this week began administering the first 26,000 doses of a nasal spray vaccine for the virus, to healthy children ages 2 to 5. More vaccine is expected to arrive in the coming weeks and will be administered first to at-risk populations.
__________________
"Once I thought that I had to understand in order to believe, but discovered that I must believe in order to understand." - St. Augustine


http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=127868

 

[JimO]

Re: The dead children thread

Re: The dead children thread

A picture paints a thousand words.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: The dead children thread

Re: The dead children thread

:tiphat: Dutchy

Central TX Girl, 5, Dies of Flu

Updated: Friday, 09 Oct 2009,

MIKE STOBBE

http://trancy.net/
The family of 5-year-old Catherine Gibson tells FOX 7 the girl died of the H1N1 swine flu virus on Wednesday. The girl was being treated at Dell Children's Hospital.

Health officials said Friday that 76 children have died of swine flu, including 16 new reports in the past week -- more evidence the new virus is unusually dangerous in kids.

The regular flu kills between 46 and 88 children a year, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.


With swine flu cases increasing throughout most of the country, more deaths are likely, Dr. Anne Schuchat said at a press conference Friday.


She noted that 37 states now are reporting widespread swine flu cases, up from 27 a week ago. A week ago, reports suggested that cases might be leveling off and even decreasing in some areas of the country, but that did not turn out to be an enduring national trend.


"We are seeing more illness, more hospitalizations, and more deaths," said Schuchat, who heads the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.


Meanwhile, CDC officials say states have ordered 3.7 million doses of swine flu vaccine for a campaign that started this week. Demand is exceeding supply, at least so far, and people seeking the vaccination can start by contacting their state or local health department to find out where to go, she said.

 

[JimO]

Re: The dead children thread

Re: The dead children thread

A picture paints a thousand words.

View attachment 4352

It just occurred to me that this chart shows 147 total pediatric deaths by flu through Week 39. More than half of those deaths (76), according to the CDC are confirmed H1N1, so there have been around 70 seasonal flu pediatric deaths. Add that to our H1N1 pediatric tally, and there have been approximately 220 pediatric influenza deaths in the 2008-09 season. The way it is being reported, it sounds as though there have been only 76 pediatric influenza deaths this season - all from H1N1.

Now, going back in time when all the media reports had the qualifier "this is no different than the seasonal flu. On average 36,000 people die in the U.S. every year from seasonal flu"; what they didn't say is that less than 100 of those deaths are children and the other 35,900+ are primarily elderly folks. Not to diminish the loss of an elderly family member to flu, but there is a difference with this virus and many public health officials have resisted saying so until this week.

As Treyfish has been pointing out for weeks, if the school systems had taken the warnings seriously (or had even been given proper warning), some of these kids might not have died.

So, I believe we can officially dispense with the nonsense that this is no different than seasonal flu.

Agreed?