Swine Flu and Obesity – a risk factor
Obesity May Be A Risk Factor In Swine Flu
First pregnant women set off alarm bells in the medical community because of complications arising from exposure and illness to the current novel H1N1 influenza A virus [or swine flu] and now it seems obese people are on edge for similar problems caused by the current influenza virus. Both groups are known to be at high risk from the spreading flu virus and precautions are being stepped up.
Questions are being asked as to why obesity seems to be causing problems and why infected individuals in some cases seem to spiral into serious illness rather than mild to moderate conditions that are presented on average. High percentages of obese or exceptionally obese people have become desperately ill and health experts believe it is because obese people suffer from secondary conditions such as asthma and other ailments which leave the more vulnerable. Simply being obese has not previously been a factor of risk for the seasonal influenza.
High risk groups in general are a concern for health systems worldwide and nations are continuing to stockpile antiviral medications generic tamiflu and relenza as well as ordering further quantities of vaccinations so no one in high risk categories will be left unprotected. The northern hemisphere has been fortunate not to be facing an immediate threat of this pandemic virus during normal influenza season. Government health officials are studying the effect of this influenza strain as it makes its way through the southern hemisphere during their flu season, watching for any clues that may be helpful in the coming months in the north.
Swine Flu Health Hurdles For Obese Patients
U.S. Health experts reported that ten patients suffering from extreme symptoms of swine flu were hospitalized in Michigan in May and June, three have since passed away from the illness and notably nine out of ten were either obese or very obese. Only three of them had secondary health issues and of the three who passed, only one suffered other health problems. This question of obesity and risk requires more examination as underlying problems may have existed and been undetected however there are enough questions to warrant further study.
Another noteworthy problem was five of the ten patients formed blood clots in their lungs and six of them suffered from their kidneys shutting down. These are not new complications in swine flu patients but the numbers are out of proportion. All that can be done right now is warn clinical personnel of the aggravated conditions associated with swine flu for this patient demographic and remain vigilant while treatment progresses in extreme obesity patients.
The Center for Disease Control – CDC – released their mortality and morbidity statement which detailed statistical information for swine flu in the U.S., a total of 37,246 cases and 211 deaths as of July 10th, 2009 have been identified in the United. These numbers are somewhat misleading since many cases of swine flu go undiagnosed so the total is probably far more with some estimates reaching one million cases with many being only mild cases of flu.
Since the virus was first noticed in California back in April ‘0994,000 cases have been reported worldwide in more than 100 countries so says the WHO.