Tuesday, October 6, 2009

H1N1 (aka Swine Flu) Risk factors for Autoimmune Diseases too

I had seen information suggesting risk factors included immunosuppression disorders, but not autoimmune disease directly. Of course, it is only a theory that HNA or NA has an autoimmune trigger. And, I would think some autoimmune diseases would be more a factor than others.

From Medpedia http://wiki.medpedia.com/Influenza_A_H1N1

“Risk factors are not yet known, other than exposure to pigs or people infected with Influenza A H1N1.
The current outbreak is atypical in that, thus far, the majority of the deaths from Influenza A H1N1 have occurred in Mexico. Furthermore, most have been in young adults. Regular influenza typically affects infants and the elderly the hardest.
With the H1N1, adults over the age of 60 may have protective immunity from prior related infection.

Pregnancy is being identified as a clear risk for more severe illness. (see Complications and "H1N1 in Pregnancy)

Other groups at higher risk of infection and complications from Influenza H1N1 include those with chronic lung disease (including asthma), cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and immunosuppression (including autoimmune disease), and morbid obesity.”

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