First Nations at higher risk of H1N1 flu

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- People of First Nations ethnicity were at higher risk of severe H1N1 infection compared to people of other ethnic origins, Canadian researchers say.

Study co-author Dr. Ryan Zarychanski of the University of Manitoba said the study also found admissions to an intensive care unit were associated with a longer interval between symptom onset and treatment with antivirals and with presence of an underlying medical condition.

"Predicting disease and mitigating hazard in at-risk populations is an important aim of public health epidemiology, and in preparation for future waves of H1N1, determining the correlates of disease severity is incredibly important," Zarychanski said in a statement.

The study included all confirmed H1N1 cases in Manitoba. The authors found that longer intervals from symptom onset to eventual treatment with antivirals like Tamiflu were strongly associated with more severe disease necessitating admission to an intensive care unit. Those who had untreated symptoms the longest required more life support, compared to people who were treated within 48 hours, the study found.

"Of course not everyone with H1N1 symptoms requires treatment, but this finding underscores the importance of prompt medical therapy for those experiencing serious symptoms, such as shortness of breath, in patients with underlying medical conditions and among First Nations people," Zarychanski said.

The findings are published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.