Flu season is a serious thing every year, but the emergence of a new strain of H1N1 influenza virus makes this season very different from flu seasons in recent memory.
For several years, experts have been warning that the H5N1 “avian” influenza virus could mutate to transmit easily among humans and become a serious, even fatal, problem.
Then, in April, news reports started coming from Mexico about a new strain of the H1N1 “swine” influenza virus spreading rapidly and killing people.
It appears now this virus is causing relatively mild cases of the flu, cases that can be treated the same way that the seasonal flu is treated.
However, it is a new strain, most people do not have immunity to it, and it seems to be hitting younger people, ages 45 and younger, and pregnant women, particularly hard.
That means in addition to the groups of people vulnerable to the seasonal flu virus; older people, children, pregnant women; a new group of people, people ages 18-45, might get sick with the flu this year.
The additional flu cases could strain medical facilities across America and in our own back yard.
In Monday’s Carthage Press, we talked to the hospitals and the health department about their preparations for this season.
We also talked to the schools and other groups who care for people about how they are getting ready.
Our goal here is the same as it is with every issue we print, to inform you.
The Carthage Press
CARTHAGE, Mo. —
