The swine flu has affected children and adults across the globe. The New York Times reports that currently in the U.S., 36 children have died from the swine flu. This number can be a bit misleading as many of those children were already dealing with muscular or nerve related illnesses, so the average child in good health has not been as vulnerable as those with preexisting illnesses.
Taking precautions against the swine flu can be costly. Less than 24 hours ago the Associated Press reported that officials in Chile destroyed almost 100,000 turkey eggs that may be contaminated with H1N1 swine flu after the virus was detected in the birds.
Reuters reported that a woman who had a severe case of swine flu was given Relenza, which is prescribed as an inhaled medicine, but it did not improve her health. Doctors then gave the same woman an unlicensed form of Relenzea intravenously and within 48 hours she’s made significant improvements.
It’s being found that at various stages of the disease people are willing to take risks with experimental and approved medications. Although it appears at this stage, H1N1 is more apt to impact those already in declining health, the disease shows no favorites.
Tags: Associated Press, Chile, H1N1, Swine Flu, The New York Times