August 2009

Pandemic Influenza Alert

Hung Cheung, MD, MPH, FACOEM                          

Sherry Sood, MD, MPH                                                          

Dr. Cheung/ OEM Advisor, LLC.

(888) 361-8882

panflu@drcheung-oemadvisor.com

We have received many calls over the last several weeks concerning the upcoming flu season and more specifically H1N1. There appears to be much confusion as well as concern about this issue. Our team has put together the attached H1N1 educational alert to help clarify the current understanding and why public health officials are concerned. Please feel free to call or email us with any questions or forward the attachment to those who may have questions about H1N1. We will monitor the situation and will have periodic updates for you. They will also be posted on our web site under the “In the News” tab.  We hope this helps as we strive to be your environmental, occupational and public health resource. 

Who is most at risk for developing complications from the H1N1 virus?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that risk factors for infection and complications from this virus are the same as those for the seasonal flu. Like seasonal flu, most cases worldwide have been mild and more serious cases, hospitalizations and deaths have occurred in those with underlying conditions such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or a weakened immune system.

However, this virus has also been found to cause severe illness and death in healthy young adults. The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted that most patients continue to have mild symptoms and recover fully within a week, but a few people, usually younger than 50, rapidly progress to severe and often fatal illness. According to WHO, studies are underway but "No factors that can predict this pattern of severe disease have yet been identified." 

Disclaimer: This message is for informational purposes only and may not be appropriate to your individual situation. As the science and knowledge is rapidly evolving, you should monitor the various available resources noted above to keep you updated. Please contact your occupational medicine or public health professionals to assist with a customized plan for your workplace or your community.