H1N1 could infect half of U.S. population
Patient Safety Monitor Alert
August 26, 2009
A presidential panel estimated on Monday that half of the U.S. population could be infected with the H1N1 virus this fall and winter, reports the Washington Post. Additionally, 1.8 million people could be hospitalized, resulting in up to 90,000 deaths. This "plausible scenario" reflects data and behaviors of the H1N1 virus this past spring, past pandemics, and the flu season in the southern hemisphere. It's estimated that up to 300,000 people could need intensive care, which would use all available intensive care resources in some parts of the country.
A vaccine is expected to be available, but not until October, which is when many experts predict an H1N1 outbreak might peak. Unlike other strains of the flu, H1N1 specifically has been more deadly to children and young adults.
