Swine Flu H1N1 - Happy Travels

Swine Flu, or H1N1 Flu, continues to spread, now having infected nearly 6,000 Americans and causing 10 US deaths. Worldwide, there have been over 11,000 confirmed cases and 85 deaths due to swine flu.

Despite the continuing spread, the CDC recently lifted its travel health warning against nonessential travel to Mexico. The current CDC recommendation is for travelers to consult with their doctors about the pros and cons of travel to Mexico. Moreover, Mexico ended its swine flu alert today, with no new confirmed cases reported this week and a 96.1% drop in cases.

Although, according to a CDC press meeting this week, the majority of swine flu H1N1 patients has been among 5- to 24-year-olds, and 40% of those hospitalized are between the ages of 19 to 49 years of age, most of the swine flu-related deaths have occurred in individuals who had underlying health conditions.

Immunization update? It appears that people born before 1957 may have some cross-resistance to the current swine flu outbreak strain. As far as vaccines go, the CDC has indicated that they are hoping to have a swine flu vaccine available this fall.

Sounds like the outlook continues to be positive. Still thinking about that cruise to Cabo this summer? Sounds like Mexico may now be safer from swine flu than the rest of the world!