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Most epidemiologic data on this year's cases of H1N1 influenza indicate that infection risk is highest in infants, children, and adolescents. However, adults should not underestimate their risk from this infection; in severe cases, risk for flu-related death is relatively high, according to a new report.
Between April and August 2009, 1088 Californians (median age, 27) developed severe PCR-confirmed H1N1 influenza that led to hospital admission, death, or both. Population-based case rates were highest for infants (age, <1 year; 11.9 per 100,000) and lowest for older adults (age, ≥70; 1.5 per 100,000). However, case fatality rates were considerably lower for hospitalized infants, children, and teenagers than for older patients: Of 118 deaths,…