Half of Americans Could Contract Swine Flu This Season

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Up to half of the U.S. population could contract swine flu this upcoming flu season, killing up to 90,000 people and hospitalizing 1.8 million, according to a report released by the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Americans lack immunity to the swine flu, which gives the virus the potential to infect more people than the seasonal flu generally does. And although many people who contract the disease might not show symptoms, and most would not be hospitalized, the pandemic would put a strain on the U.S. health-care system … because those patients could occupy between 50% and 100% of available intensive-care beds at the peak of the epidemic in affected regions, while ICU units normally operate close to capacity. Seasonal flu normally causes about 200,000 hospitalizations a year [The Wall Street Journal].

Although the figures put forth by the report sound logical, a number of variables make it difficult to predict whether the actual number of infected Americans will exceed–or fall short of–the White House’s predictions. For example, the estimates are based on various assumptions, including that the virus will not mutate into a more dangerous form or infect more older people. “If it turned out to affect a lot more adults, the severity would be a lot worse” [The Washington Post], says public health expert Marc Lipsitch. On the other hand, the outbreak could also be milder than predicted.

The primary purpose of the estimates was to help guide planning to protect the public. For example, it was estimated that the outbreak could peak in mid-October, so the panel urged expediting the availability of a vaccine [The Washington Post].

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2009/08/25/half-of-americans-could-contract-swine-flu-this-season/

[HAL 9000 96]

So no conspiracy theorists to claim its all a big Obama plot to divert attention from THE POLLS?

Seriously folks... IMO... get immunized when possible.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Seriously folks... IMO... get immunized when possible.

Do you know where the vaccine is available? Will they give it to anyone right now?

[HAL 9000 96]

Seriously folks... IMO... get immunized when possible.

Do you know where the vaccine is available? Will they give it to anyone right now?

Just checked here. The first mass batches won't be available until the possible peak of the potential spread. I heard that some doses will be released early for target populations but who knows?

All I can tell you is that the first responders here are preparing their contingency plans as is the CDC.

Beyond that... it will all depend on how your provider makes it available and/or if you can access a secondary source over in CA.

And I heard this won't be until mid October...

I heard between a possible worst-case scenario of 30-90K deceased if the virus springs big time.

[NArocks 13]

We have received a letter from both the boys schools stating unless we OPT out they will be given the vaccine if needed at the school for free. I have a 12th d 8th grader.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Seriously folks... IMO... get immunized when possible.

Do you know where the vaccine is available? Will they give it to anyone right now?

Just checked here. The first mass batches won't be available until the possible peak of the potential spread. I heard that some doses will be released early for target populations but who knows?

All I can tell you is that the first responders here are preparing their contingency plans as is the CDC.

Beyond that... it will all depend on how your provider makes it available and/or if you can access a secondary source over in CA.

And I heard this won't be until mid October...

I heard between a possible worst-case scenario of 30-90K deceased if the virus springs big time.

My in-laws are staying with us and my MIL said she was given the vaccine before traveling here, but no my FIL.

[Peikko 1,575]

Link

World list of cases - as far as is known.

[Joseph & Ana 0]

Scare tactics.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

For it to be a "tactic" there has to be a plan.

[Peikko 1,575]

There is a plan, get UHC on the books by scaring the population with the evil swine flu menace. *Dun dun dun*

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

The HINI virus is floating around the Bay Area, and I suspect a good portion of the population has already been exposed. From what I can tell, most cases has been mild. I am getting over something that could very well be the swine flu, and except for a nasty sore throat for a couple days, it is not as bad as the seasonal flu. They are telling us not to go to the hospital if you think you are infected, but rather contact your physician if the symptoms persist more than a few days, or if there are complications.

Edited August 26, 2009 by Mister_Bill

[HAL 9000 96]

We have received a letter from both the boys schools stating unless we OPT out they will be given the vaccine if needed at the school for free. I have a 12th d 8th grader.

As long as you guys are not allergic to eggs and have no history of Gillain-Barré Syndrome... should be OK.

Seriously folks... IMO... get immunized when possible.

Do you know where the vaccine is available? Will they give it to anyone right now?

Just checked here. The first mass batches won't be available until the possible peak of the potential spread. I heard that some doses will be released early for target populations but who knows?

All I can tell you is that the first responders here are preparing their contingency plans as is the CDC.

Beyond that... it will all depend on how your provider makes it available and/or if you can access a secondary source over in CA.

And I heard this won't be until mid October...

I heard between a possible worst-case scenario of 30-90K deceased if the virus springs big time.

My in-laws are staying with us and my MIL said she was given the vaccine before traveling here, but no my FIL.

How much was it back when she got it?

[almaty 19]

cool..but i will avoid the shot as will sanita.....

[HAL 9000 96]

Link

World list of cases - as far as is known.

I heard the confirmed cases and deceased are a bit more.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

We have received a letter from both the boys schools stating unless we OPT out they will be given the vaccine if needed at the school for free. I have a 12th d 8th grader.

As long as you guys are not allergic to eggs and have no history of Gillain-Barré Syndrome... should be OK.

Seriously folks... IMO... get immunized when possible.

Do you know where the vaccine is available? Will they give it to anyone right now?

Just checked here. The first mass batches won't be available until the possible peak of the potential spread. I heard that some doses will be released early for target populations but who knows?

All I can tell you is that the first responders here are preparing their contingency plans as is the CDC.

Beyond that... it will all depend on how your provider makes it available and/or if you can access a secondary source over in CA.

And I heard this won't be until mid October...

I heard between a possible worst-case scenario of 30-90K deceased if the virus springs big time.

My in-laws are staying with us and my MIL said she was given the vaccine before traveling here, but no my FIL.

How much was it back when she got it?

I'm not sure.