In 2009, the H1N1 virus (also called the swine flu) first appeared in North America. This was a new virus that no one was immune to yet, as there were no flu vaccines for this type of virus. Influenza spread all around the world, very quickly. A total of 74 countries had became infected, causing large outbreaks in the summer for people who lived in the northern hemisphere and many outbreaks for people who live in or near the United States. This virus could essentially infect …show more content…
For example, “However, other studies have shown that a significant percentage of people age 65 and older do have some immunity against the pandemic virus (What Is the H1N1 Virus).” “As a typical, people over 65 are the most likely to be hospitalized (Mcneil).” The swine flu was a new and unheard of virus and studies have suggested that people over the age of 64 may already have immunity to the swine flu as there were not as many people in this age range hospitalized. The H3n2, virus that is dominant this year, is contrarily affected many older people, likely due to the fact that they may have weaker immune systems. As they are both strains of the flu, they have many similarities too. “Most of the deaths caused by the pandemic influenza have occurred among younger people, including those who were otherwise healthy (What Is the H1N1 Virus)”. “It is too early to estimate how many children will die this season, Dr. Jernigan said, because it still has weeks to run…(Mcneil).” Both viruses affect children the most, and can cause very severe symptoms especially the younger they