New Study on Severity of H1N1 Flu
A new study has been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) that looked at who was affected most severely by the H1N1 swine flu during the first four months of the pandemic. We know that the virus has affected young people more seriously than the seasonal flu usually does, but according to this study, older people shouldn't just brush this one off.
Fatality rates were actually highest among adults over 50. The overall fatality rate from the virus (among people that were hospitalized) was about 11% but the fatality rate among adults over age 50 was 18%-20%.
The study also found that hospitalization rates were highest among infants under 1 year old and lowest among the elderly. The median age of those hospitalized was 27, two thirds of people hospitalized with H1N1 had chronic medical conditions that put them at higher risk for complications and over half were obese.
Although these statistics may be a little scary, it's important to note that this study was based only on those who were actually hospitalized in the state of California during the first four months of the pandemic (April - August 09). A vast majority of people who get H1N1 swine flu are not hospitalized at all and recover without any treatment.
Talking about supplements for Swine Flu, do you know that a study done by Roschek et al (2009) showed that Elderberry flavonoids found in Black Elder bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro, a fact which makes them a potential natural alternative to Tamiflu? In line with this, I would like to recommend a natural supplement for you to take– the Black Elder-Sundew Combo.
This complex contains Sambucus Nigra (Black Elder) and Drosera (Sundew). Sambucus Nigra contains a powerful antioxidant which acts as an immune stimulant. This herb has been used through centuries to treat bronchitis, cough, upper respiratory tract infections and fever. A double blind clinical trial published in 1990 showed reduction in both duration and severity of flu-like symptoms for patients receiving elderberry infusion versus placebo.
The Black Elder Sundew Complex is available at http://store.plantstemcells.net/. The supplement is to be taken 30 drops, 3 times per day into a half glass of spring or filtered water. Can use directly into mouth.