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(Best Syndication News) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting that the H1N1 Swine flu is now “widespread” in 37 states. Now that the pandemic is swinging back into the northern hemisphere, there are worries of hospitals being overwhelmed, a possibly dangerous vaccine and death.

The CDC is now reporting that flu-related hospitalizations and deaths are increasing as well, and are higher than expected. Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming.

It is unusual to see widespread activity in September and October. Children and young adults are especially at risk for the disease. Pregnant women seem to be the most at risk.

Although the symptoms are usually mild, a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that among those who were hospitalized, one in four ended up in intensive care and 7 percent of those died.

The CDC is reporting that nearly all of the influenza viruses identified so far are H1N1. “These viruses remain similar to the virus chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir with rare exception,” they report.

Symptoms include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose and body aches. Patients can sometimes experience a headache, chills and fatigue while some may even vomit and have diarrhea. Some may experience reparatory problems without a fever.

In some cases people may get a bacterial infection along with flu. These people are at risk for pneumonias, ear infections, or sinus infections.

If you catch the flu and have a chronic illness like diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or emphysema, check with your doctor to determine whether you need antiviral medications. Drink plenty of liquids and stay home at least 24 hours after the flu is gone.

By: Jeffrey Workman
Health Writer