The Coughing, Aching, I-Can’t-Get-To-Sleep Report

Coffee Brown, MD, University of New Mexico, Talk Radio News

A-H1N1 flu Update #4, 05/04/09

What’s new today?
Dr. Richard Besser, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says this flu appears to be about as contagious as the more usual varieties.

Jose Angel Cordova, Mexico’s Secretary of Health, believes the epidemic there is beginning to wane. 

According to the World Health Organization, there are a total of 1005 cases in 21 countries: In the U.S. 286 cases in 36 states. In Mexico, 590 cases with 25 deaths for a 4.2 percent mortality, which is half again the rate of the 1918 flu pandemic. The total mortality, if Mexico is not separated would be 2.5 percent, the same as in 1918. However, the mortality rate for those contracting this flu outside of Mexico remains zero.

What about medicines?
The CDC has issued a reminder that aspirin is dangerous for children under 18 years old, especially if flu is suspected, because of the risk of Reye’s Syndrome. Tylenol/acetaminophen, taken as directed, is safe for fever and body aches. It does not shorten the infection, nor does it treat any respiratory symptoms.

The atypical flu is sensitive to the readily available antivirals Zanamivir and Oseltamivir, but resistant to Amantadine and Rimantidine. Patterns of sensitivity to antivirals vary from season to season.

And Travel?
The WHO has no travel advisory in place presently, but the CDC recommends curtailing non-essential travel to Mexico. The University of New Mexico, which maintains strong ties with Mexico, has issued its own travel advisory for staff and students.

While there have been reports that the WHO has elevated its alert status to Phase 6, as of 09:00 EDT their website still lists phase 5. Phase 6 will represent confirmation of local outbreaks in more than one country i.e., person to person transmission will be occurring within the separate countries. It is an expected stage. Note that phases 7 and 8 will describe the tapering off of the contagion.

Can we go back to calling it swine flu?
For the first time, in Canada, a herd of pigs has been shown to be infected, according to Reuters. Neither the CDC nor the WHO has issued any warnings about pork. (But you shouldn’t kiss a pig.)

So … is it over?
In the U.S., the cycle has not yet begun to decline. Because of the possibility of this variant flu returning in fall and winter, Besser says, the CDC is proceeding with the first steps in the manufacture of a vaccine.