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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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 H1N1 OUTBREAK 
5

Swine Flu More Likely to Cause Pneumonia

WHO urges doctors to treat suspected cases with antiviral meds

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(Newser) – Swine flu is much more likely than seasonal flu to cause potentially life-threatening viral pneumonia, the World Health Organization said today, urging doctors to immediately treat even young and otherwise healthy suspected H1N1 cases with antiviral meds. “It’s not like seasonal influenza,” said a WHO officer. It travels farther into the lungs, where it can “cause very severe disease.”

Though a few cases of swine flu resistant to antiviral drugs have been reported, the meds have so far proven a highly effective if administered early. “Do not delay treatment,” the WHO officer warned. “Do not miss this opportunity.” The WHO warning came on the heels of a US announcement that 41 states have now reported widespread outbreaks, with pockets of the disease sprouting up elsewhere.

People wearing surgical masks enter the General Hospital in Mexico City in this file photo.
People wearing surgical masks enter the General Hospital in Mexico City in this file photo.   (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills, File)
This Tuesday, April 28, 2009 file photo shows Hayden Henshaw, 18, who was recovering from swine flu, at his home in Cibolo, Texas.
This Tuesday, April 28, 2009 file photo shows Hayden Henshaw, 18, who was recovering from swine flu, at his home in Cibolo, Texas.   (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
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5 comments
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geneparmesan
Oct 16, 09 4:13 PM CDT
WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Reply
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OldFart
Oct 16, 09 6:21 PM CDT
...I'm goin' to the place that's the best...
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+1
cornelison
Oct 16, 09 6:56 PM CDT
Pneumonia is something that affects people of all ages. My mother had pneumonia on more than one occasion and she was otherwise very healthy. Having said that, she's still alive & kicking. Reply
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riffran
Oct 17, 09 3:34 AM CDT
exactly....if you have lungs...you can get pneumonia....glad "mom" is still kicking...btw
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JayJay
Oct 18, 09 9:31 PM CDT
this is just obvious, influenza cause flu... but in the later courses, they cause pneumonia... but i guess since this is a more severe form of the flu, it would make sense tht chances to catch pneumonia would increase Reply
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