Who has reported, as of July 31, 162350 confirmed cases of influenza H1N1 in 168 countries, and 1154 deaths around the world. The actual number of cases is probably much higher, because of difficulties in obtaining laboratory confirmation in many countries.
In South America, countries who are in their winter season like Chile and Argentina are experiencing a rapid increase in the number of hospitalized patients with H1N1. Schools had to be closed in some cases due to outbreaks among students. In Central America medical attention of patients with respiratory illnesses has overwhelmed the facilities in public hospitals.
Apparently the vaccine against this virus won’t be ready until the end of this year. Another unfavorable factor is the discovery of strains of the virus resistant to oseltamivir, one the antivirals used to treat flu patients.
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New swine flu viruses are sensitive to the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza; drug is more effective when taken within 48 hours of the start of flu symptoms. But not all drugs; most people in the first U.S. laboratory to confirm the swine flu recover without treatment.
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