Preventing swine flu

Friday, Aug. 28, 2009 | 2:08 a.m.

The H1N1 virus is back in the news as health officials prepare for the flu season — and the indications are not good. People are making reference to flu pandemics that killed tens of thousands of people in the United States.

A report released this week by the White House said that as much as half of the United States’ population could become infected with H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu. The virus could claim 90,000 lives and send another 2 million people to hospitals. In an average year, 30,000 to 40,000 people die from flu.

Intended to help health officials across the country prepare, the report calls vaccinations the best defense, particularly for at-risk populations — including pregnant women, children and the elderly. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the Obama administration is urging vaccine makers to speed up production and distribute doses as soon as possible, giving people time to get the vaccines before the flu peaks.

Eric Lander, co-chairman of the White House panel that wrote the report, said this virus should not be taken lightly. He said swine flu “infects younger people more, and serious complications do occur.”

Hospital emergency rooms and intensive care units could be swamped this year because of the flu, he said.

“It’s possible that at a time of peak demand, 50 percent to 100 percent of ICU beds in an area might be used for influenza cases,” Lander said. “They’re often close to capacity without influenza.”

This warning may sound like hyperbole considering that last year, despite all the concern, swine flu had little effect on the nation. That is not a reason for complacency. The public should be taking this seriously.

Taking the right steps, from getting a vaccine to basic hygiene including washing your hands, can go a long way toward preventing a serious outbreak.