Most H1N1 victims in high risk category

An analysis of H1N1 fatalities in Pune since April reveals that 42 percent of the persons who succumbed to the lethal disease were those suffering from either serious lifestyle diseases.

Arun Jamkar, dean of Sassoon General Hospital stated, "Of the 33 people who died due to the H1N1 influenza at Sassoon Hospital since April this year, eight had other associated illness like diabetes, hypertension and six were pregnant women.”

The high-risk group
According to experts, the high-risk group includes people with respiratory disease, notably asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes or weak immunity due to pregnancy.

Other people who are in danger from serious flu-related complications are individuals with weakened immune systems either from HIV, AIDS.

In addition, people using medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, and other autoimmune system diseases are also vulnerable.

Since, current evidence establishes that certain medical conditions increase the risk of severe and fatal illness people in high risk categories are urged to contact their healthcare providers right away if they experience any symptoms of the flu.

Jamkar said, "Among certain groups, primarily those with underlying health problems, there is an increased risk of complications. Such people should seek immediate medical help if they develop flu-like symptoms.

"Preventive vaccine against H1N1 influenza is available now. People falling in high risk category should get themselves vaccinated."

Pregnant women more at risk for complications
Pregnant women who catch the pandemic virus are at increased risk of severe illness and death. Pregnancy weakens a woman’s immune system making her more vulnerable to infections.

Pregnant women -- especially those in the third trimester -- are far more likely to be hospitalized for lung infection when they contract the virus.

Swine flu also raises the risk to the fetus. The odds of stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, and premature delivery among pregnant women who get the flu is elevated.

Flu comes with fever, which can result in brain damage to the fetus.

Senior gynecologist Sanjay Gupte, president of the Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI) stated, "There seem to be two reasons for the death toll among H1N1 infected pregnant women. The first is the altered immune status of pregnant women making them particularly vulnerable to the virus.

The second is that late pregnancy compromises lung function. If a pregnant woman gets pneumonia as a complication of the flu, it is particularly difficult to ensure that enough oxygen for the body,"

However, this danger can be eliminated by early medical intervention.