Originally Posted By: benjamming
Originally Posted By: ekpolk
Originally Posted By: benjamming
Originally Posted By: ekpolk
[snip]While it is true that the "seasonal flu" can be a killer for anyone, this one seems to have a worse downside risk (aka death) for certain folks.[snip]
This statement makes no sense to. You say that the seasonal flu may kill you but H1N1 is worse - it may kill you. Help me out here!
OK now, let me be perfectly clear. I was NOT suggesting that "seasonal flu" was a walk in the park. It's obviously not. My doc's take is that for a certain group, H1N1 appears to be even more dangerous than the normally dangerous flavors of flu. And aggravating that aspect is that the "certain group" does not seem to be as well defined as may be the case with other strains.
Look, this is nothing to panic about, but nor is it something to take casually. Not that my recommendations carry much weight, but I'd recommend going about one's business, but I'd also be more inclined to seek help if I found myself getting very sick, very quickly.
EDIT: Oh yeah, one more thing -- it's a nitpick, but you really should make sure you're not in a glass house before you start casting stones. That first sentence could do with a rework. . .
How was I casting stones? My first sentence should have read "This statement makes no sense to me". Why would anyone not seek medical attention if they were getting very sick, very quickly? Of course, I would.
I'm still trying to understand how death from one strain of flu can be worse than death from another strain of flu. Tell me if I've finally figured out what you are saying. H1N1 has a higher mortality rate in certain additional groups that seasonal flu (H1N5?) doesn't typically hit AND has similar mortality rates in groups that the seasonal flu also hits? That's the only way that I can reconcile what you have said.
What is the annual mortality rate of seasonal flu vs. H1N1. That will tell you which is more dangerous as a whole, no? Now, H1N1 might be 'scarier' b/c of the certain groups that it kills (unknowns usually invoke more fear) whereas the seasonal flu you have a better handle on which groups are more prone to die from it.
Easy there Ben, that comment was intended to be light-hearted.
Please see my earlier comments. Alas, until the dust settles, we really aren't going to know what is worse than anything else. Heck, it's possible that a "seasonal" strain may surface that's deadlier than anything we're considering right now, H1N1 included.
Again, for now, I'm going with my doc's advice and opinion on this. He has been spot on with everything he's told me over the years, and I see no reason not to trust him now. And let me re-re-emphasize: I'm not suggesting that anyone panic about this bug, but it should be watched and respected.
