Swine Flu, Down Syndrome and Heart Defects

Although the crisis is still ongoing, the good news is that swine flu appears to be not as serious as originally thought - most people who get it will recover. However, people who have underlying pre-existing health conditions seem to have a much tougher course as reported by the CDC.

While the CDC report focuses on the two deaths from the swine flu, they also provided more information on the 22 people who have been hospitalized with the swine flu - including one 25 year old gentleman with Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect.

According to an MSNBC report:

The CDC report released by the New England Journal of Medicine also provided more detailed information on 22 people hospitalized with swine flu. Nine had chronic medical conditions, including the two who died and a 25-year-old man with Down syndrome and a congenital heart disease.

While people with Down syndrome generally enjoy good health, some individuals do have underlying health problems. For example, about 50% of people with Down syndrome also have congenital heart defects which can cause health issues even if repaired. While there is not much that you can do about underlying or pre-exisitng health problems, there are simple precautions that you and your loved ones can take to reduce your risk of getting sick with swine-flu.

Are you worried about swine-flu or do you feel that the risks have been overblown?