So far there have been only 4500 deaths from the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. This is about 2% of the 250,000 that are seen worldwide each year from the seasonal flu. This is encouraging news, but the flue season is just getting underway. In a recent US study 45% of confirmed cases admitted to the hospital were obese. An Australian and New Zealand study reported that 29% who were admitted to an ICU had a BMI of 35 or higher (very obese). These were relatively small studies, but obesity seems to be emerging as a likely risk factor for severity of disease.
PositiveTip: Live healthfully. Maintain your ideal weight. Don’t succumb to the FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) being circulated by some: get your vaccinations.