Influenza A: The people most at risk: Young people are most affected by influenza A, Influenza A: pregnant women particularly at risk

Influenza A: The people most at risk

Influenza A continues to spread worldwide since its appearance in spring 2008. Today, this viral infection can affect all age groups. However, some populations are at higher risk.

While the usual seasonal influenza is rather dangerous for the elderly, it appears that influenza A (H1N1) to be more for younger, and in certain physiological or pathological conditions.
Diseases that weaken against influenza A

According to the Institut de Veille Sanitaire (InVS), although mortality is low, a large proportion of deaths attributable to influenza A on patients already suffering from a chronic illness. Thus, people with respiratory problems such as asthma or chronic bronchitis from cardiovascular disease, of diabetes, the autoimmune disease or obesity, are prone to more serious complications. Chronic infection with the virus of AIDS is also a risk factor.

Young people are most affected by influenza A

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), influenza A (H1N1) particularly affects young people under 25 years. InVS stresses and in metropolitan The average patient is hospitalized for 24 years, that serious cases of 39 years. Children under 15 years are also 37% of hospitalizations. However, unlike seasonal flu, the elderly seem to be least affected by influenza A, have probably been exposed to a virus similar in the fifties.



Influenza A: pregnant women particularly at risk

Pregnant women are also considered at-risk population. Not because they are more likely to contract the disease, but because they have more risk of complications (severe forms more frequent) and death. The Health Minister Roselyne Bachelot has nevertheless stated in early August that "the draft report a pregnancy because of the flu is in the current state of knowledge, totally disproportionate".

People with certain chronic illnesses, pregnant women and young people are the three populations with the greatest risk facing the H1N1 virus and will probably priority when vaccine is available. In these cases, should be especially vigilant and seek medical attention at the onset of flu symptoms to begin as soon as possible antiviral therapy adapted.