Swine Flu Could Threaten Millions with Other Diseases Like HIV

May 1, 2009

" Swine Flu Could Threaten Millions with Other Diseases "

Reuters (04.29.09):: MacInnis

In countries other than Mexico with confirmed outbreaks, the H1N1 or swine flu

strain has caused mainly minor symptoms. However, epidemiologists are warning it

could be especially dangerous to people already fighting other infections like

HIV or TB.

H1N1 has killed up to 160 people, including a 23-month-old child in Texas - the

first death from the flu strain outside Mexico. In Mexico, the outbreak has

raised alarm among health officials due to its lethal effect on young adults, a

population normally more resilient to influenza than infants and the elderly.

Of the deaths in Mexico, World Health Organization (WHO) spokesperson

Hartl said, " Maybe people were infected with other illnesses too that made their

illness more severe. Maybe they were immunologically suppressed. "

An estimated 33 million people have HIV/AIDS worldwide, and another 9 million

are diagnosed with TB each year, according to WHO. If H1N1 spreads to these

communities and infiltrates densely populated and impoverished urban slums,

health experts believe the outbreak could rapidly worsen.

WHO officials are urging governments to ensure that HIV and TB patients get the

treatment they need to remain healthy, and to enhance access to care in poor

areas.

" Many of the world's poorest people are particularly vulnerable to lethal

airborne diseases, " noted Glenn of the Stop TB Partnership. " With health

resources already stretched in low-income countries, a new disease pandemic

could jeopardize effective TB control and other health programs. "

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