U.S. Areas Hit by Swine Flu (H1N1 Virus)

Swine Flu (H1N1) virus is spreading across the U.S. territories and states at an increasing rate. 99% of all suspected H1N1 viruses tested were positive for the swine flu in the Center for Disease Control's most recent FluView Surveillance Report. This means only 1% of the current flu activity in the United States and its territories for the week ending September 12th were the seasonal flu.

Widespread and Regional

Keeping in mind that 99% of the tested viruses were positive for swine flu for the week reported, it was most widespread in 21 states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Nevada, Maryland, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Florida. Only 11 states and Guam had widespread flu rates the previous week. (Widespread flu= At least half the regions of the U.S. state/territory are affected)

Even though Washington State got some recent media swine flu attention, it was one of 7 states and 1 territory with regional flu reports including: Colorado, Maine, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and Texas. Nearly half of the prior week's regional states moved to widespread activity in the week ending September 12th. (Regional = Less than half the regions of the U.S. state/territory are affected)

Local and Sporadic Swine Flu Activity

Local outbreaks for the week ending September 12^th were noted for 12 states: Connecticut, Hawaii, Montana, Idaho, Iowa, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and District of Colombia. (Local = One region of the state/territory affected)

Sporadic swine flu activity was reported in North Dakota, Guam, Indiana, Michigan, Vermont, Oregon, West Virginia, and Wyoming.The previous week showed only 8 states in local activity, with 14 states having sporadic flu activity the previous week. (Sporadic flu = Confirmed outbreak without any increase in cases from previous week)

No Activity

In the weeks ending between August 22nd and September 12th, 2009, the CDC FluView reports showed only Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine with no flu activity during one or another of this three week period. At no other time in the summer of '09 was there a flu-free U.S. area reporting-in to the CDC. Will the U.S.A. find these or any other areas to be flu-free before the 2009-10 flu season is over? (No Activity = No confirmed cases and no increase in cases from previous week)

Where will the Swine Flu Hit Next: Is U.S. Travel Safe?

Regions where colleges and kindergarten through 12^th grade schools began the new school year before the Labor Day Holiday appeared to be the areas where swine flu (H1N1) outbreaks clustered during this first week of September. As more regions of the U.S. settle into the new school year, more swine flu activity will likely be widespread in other areas which were previously local and sporadic.

Any area of the U.S. where people gather is an area where the swine flu (H1N1) may be easily transmitted, like: work, school, markets, concerts, and meetings. Does this mean U.S. travel is less safe for one's health?

The best health defense is not to cancel travel plans, and do not avoid enjoying a favorite band's live concert. These can result in severe depression. However, do make plans with family and friends. Travel, wash hands, blow your nose into your sleeve (especially if Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services is nearby) and keep a good sense of humor.

For further reading on influenza viruses see these AC articles also by Lynn Pritchett:

• How is Swine Flu (H1N1) Diagnosed
• How to Avoid Seasonal Flu
• Flu Shot Clinics Review

Resources:

• Center for Disease Control (CDC) FluView 09/18/2009 at www.cdc.gov
• "Sneeze Heard 'Round the Briefing Room" by Lauren Siefert, CBSNewsBlog 09/17/2009 at http:www.cbsnews.com

Disclaimer: This or any other general information article cannot replace medical advice from licensed medical professionals. Content herein is for informational purposes only. Please consult a licensed health professional regarding this or any specific medical issue.