H1N1 now thought to penetrate the lungs in fatal cases

In rare, fatal cases the H1N1 has been shown to penetrate the lungs, maximizing damage to the health of the sufferer. The pattern of the virus would appear to mirror that of previous pandemics in 1918 and 1957.

The Chief Medical Examiner, based in New York, assessed records, autopsy reports and a series of microscopic slides of around 34 victims of H1N1 who had died between May 15 and July 2009. The findings would appear to indicate that amongst those that died, the inflammation and the damage to the lungs also affected the alveoli. These are tiny sacs, situated at the bottom of the airway of the lung. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and infectious Diseases said: "Generally, flu stays in the upper airways. What this shows is clearly this virus has capability of infecting and causing inflammation and destruction of cells from the trachea, all the way down into smaller cells of the lungs.” – CNN, 09.

The findings which were recorded online in the Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine are not dissimilar to previous reports as it uncovered that 91% of people who had as the result of swine flu, had also been suffering with underlying conditions. This was most common in people between 25 and 29 years of age.

It also found that over 50% of these cases were the result of bacterial pneumonia. In addition this, Obesity accounted for 72% of deaths. "That was a striking finding," said Schaffner. "It contributes in a very material way to what we know about risks for a severe outcome with H1N1 infection. We are keeping an eye on obesity as a risk factor for H1N1 death." – CNN,09 said one health expert.

Tamiflu is a medically recongised treatment for the H1N1 virus. Always seek medical advice before beginning a course of treatment.