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HIV Infection Does Not Appear To Be a Risk Factor for H1N1 Influenza Death

So far there is no indication that people with HIV are at greater risk for complications or death due to H1N1 influenza (swine flu), according to a global survey published in the August 20, 2009 issue of Eurosurveillance.

First identified in Mexico in March 2009, the novel flu strain appears to cause relatively mild illness, and death rates to date have been moderate. Furthermore, in most countries, the majority of cases of flu-related complications and deaths have been young people, whereas with a typical seasonal flu, the elderly are at higher risk.

In the present analysis, researchers with the epidemic intelligence team of the French Institute of Public Health looked at 574 H1N1 flu deaths reported worldwide through July 16, 2009.

Results

• At least half of the fatal flu cases involved underlying disease.
• The chronic conditions most often linked to flu deaths were obesity and diabetes.
• Pregnant women also had a disproportionately high rate of flu-related death.
• A majority of deaths overall (51%) involved people in the 20-49 age group, though the age was higher in Canada and Australia.
• Looking at a subset of fatal cases with adequate data available:
  • 57 involved metabolic conditions such as obesity and/or diabetes;
  • 37 involved respiratory disease;
  • 36 involved heart disease;
  • 19 involved infectious diseases (mostly bacterial infections, including tuberculosis, Staphylococcus, andStreptococcus).

HIV infection was not identified as a risk factor. None of the people who died were reported to have HIV or AIDS, though detailed data were not available for all cases.

A number of fatal cases did, however, involve people with immune suppression due to other causes, including cancer, organ transplants, and autoimmune diseases. This suggests that HIV positive people with heavily compromised immune function -- a CD4 T-cell count that has fallen to 200 cells/mm³ or lower -- may be at risk.

In August, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices issued a list of priority groups to receive the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. The list includes:

• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age.
• Health care and emergency services personnel.
• Persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years.
• People between the ages of 25 and 64 years who are at higher risk due to chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

Experts do not know how the H1N1 flu will evolve over time or how widespread the outbreak is likely to become during the upcoming northern hemisphere winter flu season. A vaccine is expected to be available by October. HIV positive people with concerns about the new flu should consult their healthcare provider. People with symptoms are advised to stay home and call a doctor, in order to avoid spreading the flu virus.

The latest flu information and public health recommendations from the CDC are available at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.

9/04/09

Reference

L Vaillant, G La Ruche, A Tarantola, and others. Epidemiology of fatal cases associated with pandemic H1N1 influenza 2009. Eurosurveillance 14(33). August 20, 2009. (Abstract).