Generally, what’s going on in Asia and the Southern Hemisphere during our summer (remember, it’s their winter) reflects what we’ll see during the winter here. So far, the H1N1 virus shows no signs of mutating into some bizarre “superflu” that the media continues to warn us against. I will repeat this again, no one can predict what this virus will do. It may continue to be a rather mild influenza virus (that still kills a significant number of people worldwide every year), or it could change and become a real problem. Influenza can kiss my ass. As soon as the vaccine is available, go get your shots. The more people that are immunized, the less likely this stupid virus is to spread. We don’t have to immunize EVERYONE to get the desired effect (though that would be ideal). If you can just immunize “most everyone”, the virus will have a hard time spreading throughout the population. It looks like vaccine will be available the middle of this month (September 2009).
Here are some facts from the CDC:
This situation report provides an update to the international situation as of August 28, 2009. As of August 23, the World Health Organization (WHO) regions have reported over 209,438 laboratory-confirmed cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus with at least 2,185 deaths. The laboratory-confirmed cases represent a substantial underestimation of total cases in the world as many countries focus surveillance and laboratory testing only in persons with severe illness. The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus continues to be the dominant influenza virus in circulation in the world. Decreases in disease due to 2009 H1N1 continue to be reported from South America and parts of Australia. The United Kingdom is also reporting national decreases in disease due to 2009 H1N1. In contrast, disease associated with 2009 H1N1 influenza is continuing to increase in southern Africa, and more African countries have reported their first cases. In addition, 2009 H1N1 continues to circulate in tropical countries.
So the mortality rate is 2185 deaths for 209438 cases, which translates to approximately 1 death per 100 cases. The death rate is therefore 0.0104.
If you have a fever, muscle aches, cough, headache, malaise…go see your health care provider. This virus is still sensitive to standard antiviral therapy (don’t tell it!) but you have to catch it in the first 48 hours to do any good.
Good luck! I’ll keep you in the loop best I can.
your pal,
Steve
PS: don’t miss “Weird Medicine”, 9-12MN EDST (6-9 Pacific) on Saturday, Sept 12th, 2009. This is an ALL NEW show, our “Fecalicious Turdastic Extravaganza” show, and it was pretty good. Check it out on Xm 202 or Sirius 197.
