H1N1 Deaths Underreported?

CBS News: CDC Publicizng Adult H1N1 Flu Death Estimates, Rather Than Actual Number of Deaths

(CBS)  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported to CBS News that, based on the data available to it, 104 people died from the H1N1 virus for the week ending October 31.

However, as "The Early Show" learned during its inside look at the government's battle with H1N1, the tracking system in place doesn't always give a full picture of the pandemic.

Special Report: H1N1 Virus

CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton went inside CDC headquarters last week. She found that, when an adult patient dies or is hospitalized from the H1N1 virus, states have the option of confirming H1N1 by conducting a lab test. If they receive confirmation that the patient had H1N1, it's up to each individual state to report the total number that week to the CDC. Often, however, states don't provide that information and the numbers released publicly only represent a portion of the country, Ashton said.

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During Ashton's visit last Friday to the CDC only 29 states and 1 territory had reported flu deaths and hospitalizations. And according to an internal CDC document obtained exclusively by CBS News, the actual number of people who have died due to H1N1 since September could be almost double, an estimated 1,131 deaths.

The numbers being reported, according to Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the CDC, are from flu model estimates -- not the actual numbers.

"It's a little counter intuitive," Frieden said, "but the best way to estimate the total burden of illness is not to count the cases, but to estimate them based on the best available science."

However, Ashton pointed out, things are very different when reporting pediatric flu deaths. She said states are required to document each case with the CDC, and every week the updated numbers are an accurate reflection of the entire country.

[amydmcgraw]

I am disappointed in the way the seriousness of side effects from the H1N1 vaccine were so underplayed in the exurpt today. If one did the same math equation explained by Dr. Ashton with the stats of deaths from H1N1 one could conclude H1N1 is not as serious as the media would like us to believe. I am a RN and mother of three and would never receive or give the H1N1 or regular flu vaccine to myself or my children. The risks of the vaccine are much worse than the symptoms of either flu. Very few people have died from the H1N1, those who have died have died from complications usually a result of preexisting illness. It scares me that this vaccine was and is being pushed on pregnant women and children when the long term effects are not known. It disturbs me that many people are so quick to follow whatever the media (which is regulated by the govt. except for maybe Fox News Network)says rather than do the research on their own and think for themselves. I enjoy The Early Show, I absolutely love Harry (he appears to be a very genuine person) I just really wish you wouldn't put such a biased spin on the H1N1 vaccination campaign.

[jsarah130]

the information in this article concerning pediatric deaths is incorrect. For all other years, the CDC has required laboratory confirmation for pediatric deaths. This year, the CDC is allowing lab confirmation and 'syndronic' illness as 'confirmation'. that's why the CDC is reporting 129 pediatric deaths, when they only have lab confirmation for 85. In addition, if you look at the 'fine print' on the CDC page, at least 17 of the 85 pediatric deaths had invasive bacterial disease (in other words, they died of meningitis) not H1N1. Seriously, if the reporter had bothered to do her research and read the fine print at the CDC website, she would then be doing her job. too much to ask these days.

[jsarah130]

the information in this article concerning pediatric deaths is incorrect. For all other years, the CDC has required laboratory confirmation for pediatric deaths. This year, the CDC is allowing lab confirmation and 'syndronic' illness as 'confirmation'. that's why the CDC is reporting 129 pediatric deaths, when they only have lab confirmation for 85. In addition, if you look at the 'fine print' on the CDC page, at least 17 of the 85 pediatric deaths had invasive bacterial disease (in other words, they died of meningitis) not H1N1. Seriously, if the reporter had bothered to do her research and read the fine print at the CDC website, she would then be doing her job. too much to ask these days.

[lileoj]

Actually I think this story is played out I work as a caregiver in a hospital and I hear more about the standard flu in terms of death not H1N1. I think the media is overhyping this just to sensationalize it.

[sam-kiley]

coucou
However, as "The Early Show" learned during its inside look at the government's battle with H1N1, the tracking system in place doesn't always give a full picture of the pandemic

a part un oubli, ou encore qu'ils soient dépassés, je ne vois pas l'interet de cacher les chiffres exacts....ou encore l'impact du h1n1 sur
la population..au revoir

[mary_moran]

We need to get serious about 'hands-on' prevention with our kids, which is why I must share this tip: My child came home from school saying they learned to cough and sneeze into their elbow with Germy Wormie, and I was totally taken aback. I always covered with my hands. But I went to the website and now I get it, hands touch, elbows don't!! Kids can touch 300 surfaces in 1/2 hour and they hate to wash their hands. This is a simple thing that can make a huge difference.