Federal Fall Flu Fever

With the reported number of deaths rising to 263 and 60,000 cases of H1N1 virus globally, public health officials are now concerned that influenza could re-emerge as a new strain of influenza. The fall indicates time for seasonal influenza to make its appearance, but US health officials fear that the flu viruses may become resistant or evolve as a new strain, which would possibly become lethal or difficult to handle. It thus posts a serious threat to the federal citizens.

Fox has reported that Pentagon, in case of emergency will make army available to help the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Defense Secretary Robert Gates is expected to shortly sign an order authorizing the military to set up five regional teams to deal with the potential outbreak.

The government agencies have recommended that certain groups be in priority list for vaccination, which includes children aged six months and older, healthcare workers, and women. This decision was based on the fact that US hospitals have reported that hospitalization cases of patients aged between 5 to 25 years. The end of summer and start of fall is a time for children to head back to school. The authorities are particularly concerned about this aspect as both seasonal flu and the novel type influenza are contagious in nature.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices panel has suggested that the first to be vaccinated should include parents and other caregivers of infants, non-elderly adults who have high-risk medical conditions, and young adults aged between 19 to 24. It was unanimously accepted by the federal health officials.

On there hand, insurance companies in the US are preparing themselves to face the stark realities in wake of the current situation. WellPoint, reported Reuters, is aiming at $20m in added costs in the second half of the year related to the flu.

Angela Braly, CEO of WellPoint, said: We are projecting more of a flu season than we would historically see based on the guidance from the medical community around an expected fall flu season.

UnitedHealth Group has also forecasted $50m in H1N1-related services in the Q2, 2009.

Stephen Hemsley, CEO of UnitedHealth, said: If this is at some unprecedented level. We do not have a pandemic in our outlook.

The pharmaceutical industry has, however, posted healthy profits across segments. Tamiflu and Relenza have turned in to gold dust, as swine flu advances to pandemic stage. The stock prices of GSK, Roche and co-developer Gilead have rocketed.