Quote:
Originally Posted by hunnychile
. . . . Now to help the elderly around here & fast.
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Actually, people under the age of 65 are considered more at risk to H1N1 than those over 65. People 65 and older have more "experienced" immune systems and can fight off the virus better than those with less exposure to a lifetime of viruses. Of course, they are the high-risk category for the seasonal flu, though, and should get that vaccine if they haven't already.
Also, there was a widespread outbreak in the U.S. of a very similar flu strain in the mid-1930s, so many doctors consider anyone alive then (age 75 or older now) to have at least partial immunity to the 2009 H1N1 strain.
And, as I said a couple of posts above, the one-two punch of flu + pneumonia is what is killing people, and many seniors have already taken their doctors' advice and have been vaccinated against bacterial pneumonia.
With children and pregnant women being vaccinated; and those over 65 considered "low risk," the high risk category for now is adults aged 25-65. Especially those 50-65, because they will not be given the more plentiful nasal vaccine, because it was never tested on anyone over 49.