October 19, 2009
Reports today from the CDC note that there have been 11 pediatric deaths reported from swine flu in the last week alone. There have now been 86 confirmed deaths from H1N1 infection. CDC reports that the typical flu season is responsible for 40-50 pediatric flu-related deaths so the numbers are sobering. Add in the current shortages of vaccine and the situation looks very problematic over the coming months, even before we hit a possible second outbreak from the usual seasonal influenza.
Mark M. Blatter, M.D.
Medical Director
Primary Physicians Research