H1N1 Hits the Young, Minorities Disproportionately

This week, the Los Angeles Times reports that the H1N1 flu virus is disproportionately impacting the young and minorities according to new data released by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

About 55% of patients hospitalized with H1N1 flu in L.A. County were Latino, 130 of 237 patients as of Aug. 3, the most recent data available from the county Department of Public Health. Of the total, 17% were white, 8% black and 4% Asian, records show.

Los Angeles County is 47% Latino, 29% white, 13% Asian and 8% black, according to the most recent census figures.

According to the most recent data available, 2,063 patients had been hospitalized countywide with H1N1 flu and 115 had died (as of December 27, 2009).

In the same article, the LA Times reports that state health department is about to launch a text message campaign encouraging college students to get the H1N1 flu shot.

Al Lundeen, a department spokesman, said they are targeting college students and other youths with the text message campaign because, “we know from the demographics that they seem to be more susceptible. This is not the typical flu, which strikes the elderly.”

Health officials say the most effective way to prevent the H1N1 flu virus is to get vaccinated and say that it's not too late. To find the nearest location for an H1N1 flu shot, visit FluShotLA.com. 


To read the full article at the LA Times here.