Thursday, September 10, 2009

How many people have swine flu?

How many people have swine flu?
That's a hard question to answer, because the figure is changing so quickly and the H1N1 virus is has spread worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) is no longer keeping count of people sickened by H1N1 swine flu, and is concentrating instead on unusual cases that may arise. The CDC is also de-emphasizing case counts. Instead, it's reporting where and when there are unusually high numbers of flu cases.

How is swine flu treated?
The H1N1 swine flu virus is sensitive to the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza. The CDC recommends those drugs to prevent or treat swine flu; the drugs are most effective when taken within 48 hours of the start of flu symptoms. But not everyone needs those drugs. Most people who have come down with swine flu have recovered without treatment. The U.S. government has replenished state stockpiles of Tamiflu and Relenza in preparation for the fall flu season. Health officials have asked people not to hoard Tamiflu or Relenza.

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