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Source: http://www.cphpost.dk/news/national...perts-slash-influenza-a-death-prediction.html
Health experts slash Influenza A death prediction
Wednesday, 09 September 2009 13:47 KM News
Doctors expect under 1,000 people to die from Influenza A after looking at death rates in the Southern Hemisphere
The Board of Health has dramatically cut its predicted number of deaths caused by Influenza A this winter.
Previously, it was predicted that upwards of 3,000 Danes would succumb to complications relating from the virus, but fewer than expected deaths during the Southern Hemisphere?s flu season have led to the Board of Health concluding that ?1,000 would be on the high side of what it expects?, according to Else Smith, the board?s head of prevention.
In addition, the Board of Health now estimates 20 percent of the population will be infected. Previous estimates were as high as 50 percent.
Smith pointed to statistics from New Zealand showing that, during the winter months, ten percent of the population was infected and 17 people died.
The board also based its findings on statistics showing that people over 65, normally the most likely to die from complications related to influenza, appear to have been unaffected by the Influenza A virus.
Smith said the number of young people expected to die from Influenza A was the same as the number experienced during a regular flu season.
A surge of Influenza A cases are expected to hit the Northern Hemisphere this autumn. Danish health experts hope any outbreak will occur after 1 November, the date it expects to complete inoculation of the 1.55 million people deemed ?essential employees?.
The official list of which professions will be eligible for the vaccine is due out later this month and vaccinations will begin in October.
Health experts slash Influenza A death prediction
Wednesday, 09 September 2009 13:47 KM News
Doctors expect under 1,000 people to die from Influenza A after looking at death rates in the Southern Hemisphere
The Board of Health has dramatically cut its predicted number of deaths caused by Influenza A this winter.
Previously, it was predicted that upwards of 3,000 Danes would succumb to complications relating from the virus, but fewer than expected deaths during the Southern Hemisphere?s flu season have led to the Board of Health concluding that ?1,000 would be on the high side of what it expects?, according to Else Smith, the board?s head of prevention.
In addition, the Board of Health now estimates 20 percent of the population will be infected. Previous estimates were as high as 50 percent.
Smith pointed to statistics from New Zealand showing that, during the winter months, ten percent of the population was infected and 17 people died.
The board also based its findings on statistics showing that people over 65, normally the most likely to die from complications related to influenza, appear to have been unaffected by the Influenza A virus.
Smith said the number of young people expected to die from Influenza A was the same as the number experienced during a regular flu season.
A surge of Influenza A cases are expected to hit the Northern Hemisphere this autumn. Danish health experts hope any outbreak will occur after 1 November, the date it expects to complete inoculation of the 1.55 million people deemed ?essential employees?.
The official list of which professions will be eligible for the vaccine is due out later this month and vaccinations will begin in October.