The novel H1N1 influenza pandemic differs in significant ways from typical seasonal influenza in demographics and epidemiology.
Interesting things going on out there, aren't they? Town meeting riots, "death panels," trillion-dollar budgets, "evil businesses." As a clinician, a business owner, and a health care consumer (I broke my foot skydiving a few weeks ago), I've got to tell you: I am OK with the system as it is . . . almost.
The outbreak of a novel H1N1 virus in the spring was a colossal pandemic preparedness drill for a future virus or for a stronger resurgence of the strain this fall.
A new report and review of the literature comes from Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Boston of a 77-year-old Native American with follicular thyroid cancer post-radiation that spread to his hip, resulting in metastatic disease. He developed septic shock and necrotizing fasciitis of both thighs.
