Swine Flu Not having as Much Affect on Elderly

According to a recent article in the New York Times, the elderly are not as vulnerable to the swine flu as previously thought.  The regular flu is a major concern for the elderly especially in long term care facilities but they have not seen much of an outbreak.

In the article they state: Of 538 confirmed cases of AH1N1 in New York City, only six have occurred among people ages 65 and over.

It goes on to say that "preliminary evidence suggests that many older people may have residualimmunity to the new flu virus because they were exposed to similar H1N1viruses that circulated decades ago, before 1957. If so, that’s greatnews for both the elderly and their caregivers."

While this is great news, everyone should continue to follow precautions and wash their hands.