More H1N1 deaths projected

A US presidential advisory panel has released a new report stating that the H1N1 flu virus could cause up to 90,000 deaths, in America mainly among children and young adults, if it resurges this fall as expected.



The report says for the autumn and winter seasons, the H1N1 virus could infect between 30 per cent and 50 per cent of the American population.



This would lead to as many as 1.8 million U.S. hospital admissions.



The report also says 30,000 to 90,000 deaths are projected because of possibly large outbreaks at schools, inadequate antiviral supplies and the possibility of the virus peaking before vaccinations have time to be effective.



Up to 40,000 U.S. deaths are linked to seasonal flu each year, with most of them involving people over the age of 65.



With seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus expected to bring more influenza deaths this fall, the report says there will also be enormous stress on intensive care units nationwide.