CDC is publishing three cases of women in the US (one of whom dies) of high susceptibility to the new strain(s) of flu.:
www.cdc.gov...
As well, the third case presented shows transmissibility from patient to clinician, as her physician contracted the virus, as well:
"Patient C. On April 29, a woman aged 29 years at 23 weeks' gestation was experiencing cough, sore throat, chills, subjective fever, and weakness of
1 day's duration and was seen at the family practice clinic where she had been receiving prenatal care. The patient had a history of asthma but was
not taking any asthma medications. Her son, aged 10 years, reportedly had similar symptoms the week before the onset of her symptoms. Another son,
aged 7 years, had become ill on the same day as his mother and accompanied her to the clinic. At the clinic, the younger son was coughing vigorously
and was asked to put on a mask by office staff members. Rapid influenza diagnostic testing in the family practice clinic of a nasopharyngeal sample
from patient C was positive. The woman was prescribed oseltamivir, which she began taking later the same day. Her symptoms are resolving without
complications, and her pregnancy is proceeding normally. "
Patient C had not traveled to Mexico recently. Her son aged 7 years also was prescribed oseltamivir on April 29 but was not tested for influenza. The
physician who evaluated patient C was also pregnant (13 weeks' gestation). The physician began chemoprophylaxis with oseltamivir and has remained
asymptomatic.
----from the CDC article cited in above link.
Please note her physician was also pregnant, and received anti-virals. I can't fathom what kind of danger that places on a developing
embryo/fetus/baby (depending on her length of term).
This is proof that the virus attacks young people, people with underlying health issues, etc. As well, it also shows the flu's affinity for healthy
people, as pregnant women without underlying health problems are generally at the height of their health. I look forward to reading anyone else's
opinions, references, etc.
Stay well.
[edit on 12-5-2009 by CultureD]
[edit on 12-5-2009 by CultureD]
[edit on 12-5-2009 by CultureD]
