The H1N1 disease caused between 880 and 1800 deaths among children who were 17 years of age or younger, while the number of deaths for senior citizens was between 1,060 and 2,180. Adults aged between 18 and 64 years accounted for approximately 13,000 fatalities.

The report also states that 378,000 people were hospitalized. 120,000 of these people were under the age of 18, 37,000 were senior citizens, and people in the age group of 18 to 64 years accounted for 221,000 hospitalizations.

The report is based on information gathered during the first 9 months of the pandemic, which was April, 2009 through mid-January, 2010.

The total number of people who have been directly affected by the disease is still unknown, as there have been many people infected who did not seek medical attention. However, the CDC estimates that the number is roughly 57 million, and suggests that the number of people infected could actually be as high as 84 million people. There are approximately 300 million people living in the United States today.

One of the biggest differences between the swine flu and the regular flu is that the regular flu often affects the elderly to a much higher degree among people, whereas the swine flu seemed to have spread more rampantly among young adults and children.

Swine flu cases peaked in October, 2009, and have been declining ever since. The CDC has cautioned that even though the number of H1N1 cases has dropped, there are still cases of people being hospitalized or killed by the disease. People should not assume that the virus no longer exists, and there could still be sudden bursts of the disease in the near future.

Many doctors have continued to persuade their patients in getting the H1N1 vaccine. The vaccine appears to be widely available now for those who wish to receive it. When the pandemic was at its peak in October, many states still faced shortages. With the number of cases leveling off, states are now able to keep up with the demand.

Swine Flu Killed 11,690, CDC Says was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

However, December reports are beginning to show a decrease in cases affecting the United States. This is good news because the strain of H1N1 flu has been incredibly hard on the younger population who typically do not fall victim during the regular flu season. With the H1N1 outbreak, many younger individuals ended up in the hospital due to the flu and a for a larger-than-ever number of young, the flu this year proved to be fatal.

The CDC also report that for ten consecutive weeks, the death toll from pneumonia and the flu have reached an epidemic threshold. Fourteen states have reported widespread outbreaks of the H1N1 virus, with 25 other states reporting regional outbreaks. Seven states are reporting local activity and four states consider the case of swine flu to be sporadic.

While the number of H1N1 cases are starting to decline, the CDC cautions that Americans are not out of the woods just yet. Influenza ezxperts are split on what they predict for the remainder of the flu seaon. Half feel the cases are going to continue to decline in numbers while the other half feel a lot more cases will occur up until May 2010.

Experts may not have the answer to the nation’s chief flu question, they do agree that everyone who has not recieved a flu shot for the H1N1 virus should still do so. Vaccinations had be scarce in the beginning stages of the apparent epidemic and many medical clinics were only administering the vaccines to the most susceptible people, including children and the elderly. However, as time has passed, most clinics across the country report that vaccinations are no longer being limited.

In addition to the vaccinations, good personal hygiene is still essential in helping to prevent the spread of the swine flu. Consumers are urged to wash their hands regularly and avoid those who have the flu. During such a chaotic time of the year for many, lack of health concerns may trigger a resurgence so it is crucial people remember to take care of themselves and avoid spreading the flu to others. Carry hand santitizer with you when you go shopping at the malls for the holidays and remember to visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis at the first signs of illness.

Swine Flu Down Alerts Still Up was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

The reason more people are choosing to take to the skies despite being ill is the fact that many airlines are unwilling to refund or reschedule flights for consumers who are sick. In a weakened economy where every penny is being stretched to its limits, many people simply cannot afford to lose hundreds of dollars in airfare. This results in more people boarding planes when they really would be better off at home in bed.

According to a recent poll on TripAdvisor.com, 51% of the people who responded would rather fly with the flu than pay the fee to rebook a flight. This means that the chances of being in an airplane with someone suffering from either the regular or swine flu virus is pretty likely this holiday season.

If you want to limit the chances of being seated next to a person who had to make the difficult decision to travel sick or pay a penalty for re-booking, consider the policy of the airline on which you are flying. Each carrier has their own policy regarding refunds for medical reasons. If the carrier you are flying with does not honor a medical waiver, than passengers on that airline are more likely to be flying while sick. American Airlines and US Airways, to date have stuck to their “change fees still apply” policy, while Delta, AirTran Airways and United have adopted policies which examine each situation on a case-by-case basis. When applicable, the latter carriers will reschedule a flight without charging additional fees if a doctor’s note is provided.

With more people suffering from the flu this holiday season, The Centers For Disease Control is asking people who have a fever or cough to stay home and avoid traveling whenever possible. People who are obviously too sick to fly can be removed from a flight if a flight attendant or gate agent brings the situation to the attention of the captain prior to takeoff.

Hopefully more airlines will consider waiving re-booking or cancellation fees to make the choice easier for people who are forced to decide between the health of others or the health of their finances.

Why Are More People Willing To Fly While Sick? was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

According to the Center for Disease Control the priority list for the H1N1 (commonly known as the Swine Flu) vaccine does not include people 65 and older. In addition to the common annual outbreaks of seasonal flu, there are two strains of flu that are among circulation in the United States. These new flu strains are known as the H1N1 (Swine Flu) and the H5N1 (Bird Flu). H1N1 is spreading across the United States whereas the H5N1 which has had more reported cases overseas. Because of the potential for pandemic a priority list has been made to ensure that those most at risk will be prioritized for the vaccine. The shot itself and the mandates around it have caused much controversy.

As of October 1^st 2009, 47 states in the United States have ordered doses of the vaccine and issued mandates for vaccinations. The reason for the priority list is because certain vulnerable people can develop serious complications to the point of death. This includes children, pregnant woman and individuals with health issues. A full list can be obtained through the Center for Disease Control and various government websites. Any strain of the flu regardless of how common can be deadly. Each strain that emerges seems to attack a different age group more severely.

Older Americans have lived long enough to have been exposed or vaccinated against a number of virus strains including; influenza, and the Russian flu which was a different type of what we now know to be H1N1 which was spread in the 1970’s. There was yet another strain that emerged again in the 1940’s causing a pandemic. The population of those alive in the early part of the 1900’s is a small number today. Researchers think that these populations of elderly who are still alive and have lived through the influenza pandemic of 1918 have high levels of the antibodies for the virus in their blood making them less vulnerable to the viruses that emerge today. Other strains of the flu virus emerged in the 1940’s. The similarities in these strains and the immunity that has been built up to them in older adults who have in a sense, weathered the pandemic storm, is now serving as a natural protection for them against this new potential pandemic known as H1N1.

Extensive efforts have been made and are currently underway to study and monitor this new strain of flu. According to the Center for Disease Control after running blood tests on those who have tested positive for the flu, older people are thought to have a natural immunity to this particular strain of flu. Recent studies show that in adults 60 and older about one third may have some level of immunity to the H1N1 virus. Older adults may have had exposure or vaccine at an earlier point in their life making them less susceptible to this flu strain. Other sources indicate there may be additional factors that come in to play with older adults making them less vulnerable to the disease than the very young. Transmission patterns and a change in environmental factors are thought to be two reasons why older adults have more of immunity to this new flu strain.

According to other studies the worst cases of H1N1 were found in people under the age of 55 who are listed on the priority lists published by the Center for Disease Control. Despite the older population not being on the priority list, it is still encouraged that they receive the flu shot and the H1N1 as it becomes available. The Center for Disease Control is reporting that there should be a sufficient amount of vaccines available for those who wish to be vaccinated following those on the priority list.

Older Adults Low on the Priority List for Swine Flu Vaccine was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

• Remind everyone in your household of the importance of proper hand washing. This includes both adults and children.

• Children older than six months of age and adults should receive the flu shot to reduce the chances of getting the flu.

• Pay attention to local news reports. Avoid locations that report an outbreak of the flu. Check with your child care provider on a regular basis to find out if other children are getting sick.

• Do not allow your child to go to school, after school activities or child care programs if they are showing any symptoms of the flu. Call your pediatrician or family doctor if you suspect your child or anyone else in the household may have the flu. If other children in your child’s school are infected, keep your child home regardless of whether or not they are currently showing symptoms to reduce exposure.

• Avoid large gatherings where you or your child are at an increased risk of being exposed to people who have the flu. This does not mean you have to hide in your house all winter, but consider activities that do not include being part of a large group.

• All members of the household should be reminded of the importance of proper hygienic practices which include covering the nose and mouth (preferably with a tissue) when sneezing or coughing. Used tissues should be thrown away versus left lying around, and regular hand washing should be practiced to avoid spreading germs to other surfaces and/or people.

• Talk to child care providers regarding their policies for sick staff or children. All programs should have a written policy for parents outlining how to proceed should a child get sick at school, when to keep your child home and what precautions will be taken while in school to reduce exposure to the flu.

While it may be expensive to keep your child home from child care programs at the first sign of a sniffle, it is worth the cost to keep them safe and healthy. No one wants to miss work or pay for child care services that they are not using (many programs charge regardless of whether or not your child attends) however no one can predict the severity of this flu season. Proactive measures are the best bet to reduce exposure to the flu and are well worth any inconvenience or cost.

Child Safety- Preparing For Flu Season was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

The health and safety of travelers and those they come in contact with should be the first priority of all parties. Airlines and various tour operators have waived or at least reduced penalties normally incurred when changing travel plans. This may not signify a cash refund, rather the ability to change destinations or dates of travel which normally would cost extra money or higher fares. For example under normal circumstances consumers who purchased non-refundable airline tickets are subject to $150-$250 itinerary change penalties in addition to paying more for the new flight. Some tickets paid in advance offer zero refunds when canceled or changed, which makes even a small amount of leeway appreciated by many travelers who have been forced to alter their travel plans.

Unfortunately a health warning from the government does not negate your contractual obligation which means travelers have little protection if the travel industry decides to NOT offer refunds or exceptions to the contract. If that is the case, the following tips may help consumers recover money from a canceled trip.

• When looking for refunds consumers should contact the same agencies or organizations that were paid in the first place. For example, if you booked and paid through a third party (travel agent, travel website) you must seek a refund from the same location. Contacting the hotel or airline directly will likely result in a run-around as they were not paid directly from you and therefore cannot issue the refund.
• If a government warning changes to a government action preventing you from traveling to your destination, you have the right to break your contract without penalty.
• Negotiate- In some cases you may not be able to receive a full refund however this should not dissuade you from trying to negotiate a deal. The travel and airline industry which are suffering from the recession and consumers who are traveling less may be willing to work on a deal that is mutually beneficial to all parties involved.

If all else fails and you are unable to secure a refund or exchange for a trip paid in advance you will be forced to decide if you are willing to risk your health or take the loss financially.

Refund Policies More Lenient Due To Swine Flu Outbreak was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Wellness expert and author Asha Praver explains “Take a holiday at home — nothing special there. But make this also a vacation from both speed and noise.”

During this vacation, Praver advises to spend all your time — physically, psychically, and telecommunication-wise — right where you are. Talk only to those people who are physically with you. Pay attention only to events that happen right where you are.

Living in a vacation spot, I am victim to often not taking advantage of taking time to rejuvenate at home. Not to mention the pile of “snowy” day projects (I don’t think I’ll have a snow day in southern Florida). In this economy, it is not a bad idea to make your home your tropical escape. How often when we go on vacation do we look forward to coming home? There is something in the saying, “home is where the heart is.”

Following are eight of Praver’s top tips to taking a Naycation this year. 

1. Operate at the speed of foot-power. Don’t move faster than your body can propel itself. In addition to the obvious walking or running, this includes foot-powered devices like skates, bikes, or scooters.
2. Get in synch with your children and your pets. Set no appointments, schedule, or deadlines. Give your children and animals as much of your complete attention as they will accept from you. This will naturally slow you down and bring you to a focus right where you are.
3. Play games. Not electronic games or anything that makes noise on its own. Play board games, conversation games, Pictionary, Charades, things that people of all ages can enjoy together.
4. Read. Not just thrillers or popular romances, but great, interesting, classic literature, for children or adults. Read out loud to each other. Try Shakespeare. Or, if your vacation is long enough, start, and finish something really ambitious like Lord of the Rings, or a popular version of The Mahabharata.
5. Cook your own food. Don’t go out, or order in. Food prepared by others brings with it their vibrations, which you ingest. This is a time to get in tune with yourself and with those you love. Involve friends and family, including children, in food preparation. Then sit down together and enjoy what you’ve created. Cook from scratch as much as possible.
6. Sleep outside.  If your neighborhood is safe, quiet, free from biting insects and inclement weather, move your bed outside, or set up the equivalent with a comfortable mattress, sheets, pillows, and blankets. Don’t try to sleep on the hard ground or use a tent. Fall asleep looking at the moon and stars, wake up in the early light in the fresh dawn air. It will do amazing things for your health and your perspective.
7. Talk to the people around you. Invite friends over to spend time in conversation, or in doing together all those things listed above. Be with one another without having your attention drawn off to times, places, and events brought in via electronic media.
8. Be creative. Knit, sew, paint, garden, carve, write poetry, anything that engages your creative artistic self.

Praver advises if you stick with these tips, you’ll find yourself resting and renewing on a level you didn’t know was possible. “It could turn out to be the cheapest, and the best vacation you’ve ever had,” she says.

Use this recession to reconnect with your family, tackle your “someday” list, and explore passions. Which of these tips are most appealing to creating a rejuvenating naycation?

Time for a Naycation: 8 Tips to Rejuvenate at Home was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Squaremouth.com’s CEO Chris Harvey warns that this is not the case. As of Friday, April 24, 2009, swine flu is now considered a “foreseen” event and any policies purchased on that day and after will not cover any travel-related incidents to swine flu.

As health authorities scramble to contain a dangerous new strain of swine flu sweeping through parts of Mexico, North America and Europe, Harvey advises travelers it is too late to buy travel insurance if you are concerned about swine flu.

“The bottom line is this: Don’t rush today to buy travel insurance in hopes of being covered during the swine flu crisis,” warned Harvey.

Think about it like hurricane insurance. “If you don’t buy travel insurance before a storm receives its official name, you aren’t covered for losses relating to that storm,” Harvey added. Similarly, for most companies, Friday, April 24, 2009, was the date the swine flu outbreak became what the industry calls a “foreseen” or “known event” because of widespread media attention.

That means policies bought before April 24, when the outbreak was considered “unforeseen,” may well be honored. “After that date, forget it: the swine flu was already deemed a “known event,” so claims related directly or indirectly to outbreaks in Mexico or anywhere else will be denied,” Harvey explained.

Moreover, even if you think your policy covers “unforeseen circumstances,” there may be language in a General Exclusions section exempting claims “arising directly or indirectly from epidemics or pandemics.”

“Always check the fine print to see what protections apply to you,” Harvey said. In addition, be sure to check with any travel supplier to see what options they are providing, if any, to make changes to existing reservations.

The only way to ensure cover for swine flu is by adding on the optional “Cancel for any Reason” benefit available on some policies. This allows the traveler to simply cancel the trip without needing a covered reason. “There are drawbacks,” Harvey warns, “you can only cancel up to 48 hours before you leave and you may not get 100% of your money back. Make sure you check the fine print before you buy.”

For your convenience, Squaremouth has posted travel insurance information relating to the swine flu outbreak on our home page at Squaremouth.com. “We’re compiling official swine flu position statements from insurers and posting the updates at www.squaremouth.com/travel-advice/swine-flu-outbreak,” he said.

“We’re available toll-free at 800-240-0369 to discuss your concerns about the outbreak and how it affects travel insurance. It’s all part of our commitment as an advocate on behalf of our customers.”

For now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not classified the swine flu outbreak as a pandemic. Travelers can keep up with the latest briefings on the CDC website: www.cdc.gov/swineflu. Or check the CDC Twitter link: http://twitter.com/CDCemergency

Travel Insurance May Not Protect Travelers with Swine Flu Issues was created by and is property of American Consumer News.