Tuesday, June 16, 2009

"Pan-damn-ic"

It was just a matter of time...

I know I promised I wouldn't post about this any more. I'm also well aware several legal and binding documents were signed, but today I felt it necessary to break some rules.

It was announced today that New Jersey-the Garden State, home of ME, has OFFICIALLY confirmed the first death due to complications with the H1N1 ("Swine-Flu") virus.

Last week the "WHO" declared H1N1 influenza a global pandemic, indicating the decease is spreading from person to person in multiple communities worldwide, however this determination did not reflect a change in the severity of the illness (how comforting).

As of June 12, there were 17,855 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in the US, with 45 deaths. The states reporting the largest number of deaths were NY with 13, CA with 6, and AZ & IL with 5.

They also mention that those who died already had "underlying health issues." WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?! Should I be worried? Should we be worried?! Should I cut back on caffeine?

We now return you to our regularly scheduled program.

10 comments:

Gingerspark said...

During a typical year in the United States, 30,000 to 50,000 persons die as a result of influenza viral infection (i.e. the flu). Frequently cited numbers are 20,000 deaths each year (i.e. during flu season), and 37,000 annual deaths (all deaths including non-seasonal flu).

Typically it is the very young (infants) and elderly patients most likely to die. Those "regular" adults who die usually have "underlying health issues" - according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, groups at higher risk for seasonal influenza complications include:

• Children less than 5 years old.
• Persons aged 65 years or older.
• Children and adolescents under the age of 18 who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection.
• Pregnant women.
• Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders.
• Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV).
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.

so be aware, not worried; and definitely switch to decaf after noon.

C. Louis Wolfe said...

Well for craps sake Nariane, you do a MUCH better job than I do- you're hired. As the winner of my 12th annual blog contest you get to write my next 100 posts! THANKS, you're a doll! :-)

PS- About your pic. You have some very unusual hair colors. Also are you sad, 'cause you're lookin' a little blue. :-(

Gingerspark said...

*chuckles*

Sorry! My personal trigger topic (at least one of them ;-) )

The Media frenzy induced panic surrounding the H1N1 flu is annoying me... I wish the population would get as worked up about cancer, and cardiovascular disease...

Frances said...

I must be in a really laid back area, since I don't know anyone that is even thinking about swine flu.

Our company has put out information on being aware and admonishing people to wash their hands regularly and stay home if you are sick. But that is about it.

Queenie Jeannie said...

Time to dig out the plastic sheeting and duct tape again...

Thomas Phillip said...

here in long beach the supposed outbreak at Cal State Long Beach never happened. The girl got a lot of attention though.

C. Louis Wolfe said...

I'll be careful NOT to pull your trigger Nariane, someone could get shot! ;^0

Say, is that thing loaded?!

C. Louis Wolfe said...

Laid back is GOOD Frances, we're certainly NOT like that here in Jersey!!!

C. Louis Wolfe said...

Your Majesty (QJ)-

I'll try NOT to read into your comment. ;^)~

THANKS so much for leaving one. I'm honored to have royalty on the blog, your highness!

C. Louis Wolfe said...

I'd say that's not very good attention D of B, although it's better than the kind you'd get if you forgot to put clothes on & went food shopping!