Arab News reports on the latest deaths in Saudi Arabia attributed to swine flu. The article notes that the majority of those who have contracted the flu have had histories of chronic diseases.
JEDDAH: The Ministry of Health on Thursday announced the death of three Saudis suffering from swine flu, bringing the total number of deaths caused by H1N1 virus in the Kingdom to 19.
The ministry did not disclose the names of the new swine flu victims nor their ages. According to a previous statement issued by the ministry, hospitals in the Kingdom have treated about 2,000 cases of swine flu since May 27, adding that 95 percent of them have fully recovered. “Most swine flu fatalities in the Kingdom were patients with a history of chronic chest and lung diseases,” said Dr. Khaled Mirghalani, spokesman of the ministry.
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August:28:2009 - 19:48
I’d like to add some advice that I was just given by a medical doctor regarding additional preventive measures.
He told me that if you are in regular contact with someone who is viewed as “high risk” such as having diabetes, asthma or other respiratory problems or immuno-suppressed, then upon coming home from work or school, immediately change your clothes before coming in contact with the high risk individual.
August:28:2009 - 21:09
Good to see that the deaths are being contextualized to show that those with chronic diseases are the ones more likely, thought still not likely, to die.
A lot of places, including Canada, have stopped reporting swine flu deaths, as doing so only creates false panic about a most often mild flu.
Those with chronic chest and lung diseases are the most likely to die from any flu, since they are more vulnerable to bacterial secondary infection, and less able to maintain adequate lung function whether suffering from a viral or bacterial pneumonia.