# 3254
We’ve heard quite a bit from the experts that (at least in its current state) the H1N1 virus generally produces mild symptoms in patients who do not already have a previously existing condition.
Comforting words, no doubt.
And certainly far better than a virus that has a high level of virulence across a wide spectrum of hosts.
But literally billions of people on this blue orb of ours have pre-existing medical conditions of one sort or another. And so, quite naturally, we all want to know which pre-existing conditions are deemed most likely to cause complications.
The CDC in their recent guidance on facemasks and respirators (May 23rd) listed a number of higher risk groups. They include:
Groups at Higher Risk for Severe Illness from Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Infection
Groups of people at higher risk for severe illness from novel influenza A (H1N1) infection are thought to be the same as those people at higher risk for severe illness from seasonal influenza. These groups include:
- Children younger than 5 years old
- Persons aged 65 years or older
- Children and adolescents (younger than 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection
- Pregnant women
- Adults and children who have pulmonary, including asthma, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders such as diabetes
- Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV)
- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.
Essentially the same risk groups that are more vulnerable to seasonal flu.
Media reports have also connected obesity and smoking to some of the hospitalizations, both here in the United States and in Mexico, but these have not (yet) made the list.
Others may be added over time.
As of Friday, several hundred people across the United States were listed as hospitalized from the H1N1 virus, many with serious (even life threatening) conditions.
Of particular concern, a greater percentage of these serious cases involve teenagers and adolescents than we usually see with seasonal influenza.
Like previous novel strains of influenza we’ve seen over the past century, this one seems to have a predilection for younger victims.
Today, the Hong Kong Department of Health announced a push to get people to quit smoking, as a preventative measure for this influenza.
Expert: Quit smoking to help prevent influenza
www.chinaview.cn
2009-05-25 17:30:58
HONG KONG, May 25 (Xinhua) -- In view of the recent emergence of A/H1N1 influenza worldwide, a spokesman of Hong Kong Department of Health (DH) urged smokers Monday to quit the habit, one of the best preventive measures against influenza.
"Research studies show a higher risk of influenza infections among smokers when compared with non-smokers," he said.
"Also, the mortality rate of influenza among smokers is higher than that of non-smokers," said the spokesman.
Adopting healthy lifestyles and maintaining good personal hygiene are also effective measures to prevent influenza, he added.
While this might seem like a case of never letting a good crisis go to waste, there actually is solid scientific evidence that smokers fare worse with influenza than non-smokers.
Something I covered last year in a blog called PAMP and Circumstance, which delves into the world of our innate immune system, cytokine storm reactions, and . . . you guessed it, smoking.
As a personal note, one week from today, I will have been tobacco-free for two years. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways he or she can help you quit.
Believe me. If I can quit, you can too.
