H1N1 Rates Dropping
The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection rates may have peaked in late October, but the pandemic flu virus continues to be a potential source of illness in all age groups, including the elderly, according to a new report by Quest Diagnostics Inc.
In its most recent Quest Diagnostics Health Trends Report, "Testing for H1N1 in America," Quest analyzed results of more than 142,000 de-identified patient specimens tested for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus between May 11, 2009, when the company introduced its first test for detecting the pandemic virus to physicians, and Nov. 10, 2009 in the U.S. Quest Diagnostics performs 2009 H1N1 laboratory testing and, through its Focus Diagnostics business, provides two commercial 2009 H1N1 flu virus test kits authorized by the FDA for emergency use by complex molecular labs.
Key findings from the report:
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In the weeks following October 27, test demand for the virus has declined after several weeks of strong growth.
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About 99 percent of positive influenza A specimens tested were positive for 2009 H1N1 influenza.
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The number of specimens that tested positive for 2009 H1N1 influenza dropped in all age groups since late October, with the exception of those 65 years of age and older. In this age group, rates of positivity have tripled since late August, and are now at about 14 percent.
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Rates of positive test results for the pandemic have declined in recent weeks in most regions, with the exception of the Northeast, where rates have more than doubled during the two weeks ending November 10 compared to approximately the last two weeks of October.