Don't Ignore H1N1 Yet

Most of the mainstream media has dropped much following on the H1N1 (swine) flu, but you need to know that researchers, the CDC and the WHO haven't dropped their following of it. This virus, while not showing itself to be particularly severe here in the US - at least not yet- is still one that demands our attention and respect.

Here are a few updates you should be aware of:

from BBC News/UK: Warning over new threat from MRSA - antibiotic resistant pneumonia

from Recombinomics: Suspect Swine H1N1 in Toddler Death in New York Raises Concerns - this one you should definitely read - here's a partial quote:

The evolution of the H1N1 is being closely monitored by sequencing labs across the world, and most isolates to date are closely related. However, the presence of avian PB2 raises concerns that the frequency of cases will not decline in the summer in the northern hemisphere, because the avian PB2 is optimal at 41 C, which would lead to efficient transmission in the summer. Moreover, the seasonal flu has the mammalian version of PB2, which has optimal activity at 34 C. However, the swine H1N1 transmitting in the summer hemisphere may acquire E627K, leading to a virus efficiently transmitting in the winter also.

Similarly, swine H1N1 in the southern hemisphere may acquire H274Y, leading to Tamflu resistance, which could complicate treatment of the more severe cases, which may involve previously healthy young adults.

from Fox 2 Now: St. Louis Man with Swine Flu Dies

from eKantipur.com - One with Suspected Swine Flu Dies in Thailand

from Fox News: CDC: 100,000 Americans Likely Infected with H1N1 - now think - if each of those 100,000 infect 2-4 others, then they infect 2-4 others - do the math and see why pandemics spread so quickly.

Continue to pay attention, keep your hands washed, stay at home if you or any family members are ill, and have items on hand to make yourself and your family more comfortable if you become ill.