[Influenza A (H1N1). Experience in the United States].
Pneumonia and seasonal influenza have major repercussions on mortality, morbidity and costs worldwide. At the end of March 2009, an outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) was reported in Mexico that rapidly spread throughout the world, including the United States, reaching pandemic proportions. The activity of influenza A (H1N1) has reached levels higher than those reported in previous years, mainly affecting the pediatric population aged less than 18 years old. In addition, a group of comorbid conditions were more frequently associated in patients with severe influenza A (H1N1), including chronic pulmonary disease, immunosuppression, heart disease, obesity and pregnancy. The current pandemic has had a substantial impact on public health in the United States and in many other countries worldwide. Therefore, the present review aims to examine the North American experience of the influenza A (H1N1) epidemic, focussing chronologically on the epidemiology of the virus, high risk groups, diagnosis, vaccination and management.
Restrepo
Marcos I
MI
South Texas Veterans Health Care System, Audie L Murphy Division, Departmento de Medicina, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA. restrepom@uthscsa.edu
Mazo
Marcela
M
Anzueto
Antonio
A
D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology