A 23-month old Mexican child who was brought by his parents to the US in search of treatment for swine flu has passed away in Houston. Although the swine flu, like the average flu, tends to affect those with poor immune systems – the very young and the very old – it is not certain why there have been more fatalities in Mexico, the presumed origin of the strain. It may be because there are simply more cases in Mexico, and even more un-diagnosed cases. Another theory is that the virus may have mutated or that a second strain is spreading at the same time. Whatever the reason, medical advise should be sought if you have any symptoms of the flu. As well, make sure to practice good hygiene in order to reduce transmission of communicable diseases.
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Tags: Houston, hygiene, influenza, Mexico, strain, Swine flu, symptom
Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
April 30th, 2009 at 9:25 am
I take this near pandemic very seriously, just yesterday on our local news, reporters were saying that we’re fairly protected in our little town of Spokane clear up in the NorthWest. By this morning there have been over 10 people right here diagnosed with swine flu. I am just taking the Health Dept’s advice and washing my hands often and staying away from large groups of people. My main concern is the schools, once it gets one student it will spread like wildfire. I have two grandaughters 21/2 and 5 and both are in pre-school, so I have to give my daughter the third degree asking questions as to weather each child has been sick or have runny noses. I suggest everyone just use common sense and stay home if you can and keep your hands washed. Sheila OGrady