October 2009 H1N1 Influenza Statistics

Several indicators continue to show rising influenza activity in King County. Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness continue to increase. Hospital admissions for 2009 H1N1 flu are approaching levels seen at the height of the spring outbreak. The number of hospitalizations where flu subtyping has not been performed is increasing as well, and many of these are likely to be 2009 H1N1 flu cases. Clinics that are part of Public Health's influenza surveillance system are showing more activity recently, with both the number of specimens and the percentage of positive tests for influenza unusually high for this time of year.

Between 10/4/09- 10/29/09 the following hospitalizations and deaths have been reported to Public Health

Confirmed 2009 H1N1 hospitalizations: 77

2009 H1N1 deaths: 1

Non-H1N1 or not tested influenza hospitalizations: 47

Non-H1N1 or not tested influenza deaths: 1

• Pregnant women
• Children and young adults 6 months to 24 years of age
• Persons ages 25-64 years old with health conditions that could make them dangerously ill from the flu (such as those with heart disease, diabetes, asthma, or anyone with a lowered immunity)
• Household members and caregivers of children younger than 6 months in age; and
• Healthcare workers and emergency medical service providers