Infection Control

Obesity could be a risk factor with swine flu

Infection Control Weekly Monitor, July 15, 2009

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CDC researchers have found evidence suggesting people who are obese but otherwise healthy may be at special risk of severe complications and death from the new H1NI virus, according to Reuters.

The researchers referenced 10 patients at a Michigan hospital who had to be put on ventilators because of the H1N1. Three of the patients died. Nine of the 10 were obese and seven of the 10 were severely obese, including two of the three that died, Reuters reported. Nine of the patients had multiple organ failure, not uncommon in influenza patients. Five had blood clots in the lungs, and six had kidney failure.

The study also found that doctors can safely double the usual dose of Tamiflu.



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