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Aged at greater risk of death from H1N1

A study of H1N1 swine flu in Mexico finds that while children and people under the age of 40 years are most likely to get sick, elderly people have the highest death rates.

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A study of H1N1 swine flu in Mexico finds that while children and people under the age of 40 years are most likely to get sick, elderly people have the highest death rates.

Researchers analysed the medical records of patients at clinics in the Mexican Institute for Social Security network, who became sick with flu-like illnesses between April and July 2009. The researchers found 63,479 cases of flu-like illness. Of the 6,945 confirmed cases of H1N1 swine flu, about 1 percent (63 patients) died. Seven percent (475 patients) were admitted to the hospital and survived the infection.

Of those aged 70 years and older who got sick, 10 percent died. By contrast, only 0.9 percent of those aged 20 to 29 years died. It was found that the risk of infection fell by 35 percent in those who received vaccinations for seasonal flu. Chronic disease boosted the risk of death by six times. Those who didn't go to the hospital within four days after developing symptoms boosted their risk of death by 20 percent for each extra day they delayed a hospital visit. Pregnant women made up 6 percent of the deaths in Mexico.

The above findings indicate the importance of risk communication and hospital preparedness in reducing death from H1N1 infection.

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