H1N1 flu continues its march around the world

Worldwide, more than 5,700 people have died from H1N1 since it broke out in April. Here are the latest developments:

STATUS IN MINNESOTA

The H1N1 flu pandemic has continued its march across Minnesota., with a sharp increase of hospitalizations and school outbreaks last week.

A total of 915 Minnesotans have been hospitalized with H1N1 complications since spring, including 225 last week, the Health Department reported. And two additional Minnesotans died, bringing the total number of deaths to 12. Meanwhile, 288 schools reported outbreaks last week, compared with 230 the previous week.

NATIONWIDE

Flu activity is now widespread in 48 states, up from 46 last week. Even though the winter flu season has yet to begin, the flu is taking a heavy toll on children, killing 114 U.S. children and teenagers since April, said Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nineteen of those deaths were reported last week.

Two-thirds of those children had underlying medical conditions, Frieden said. In a normal flu season, 40 to 50 children die. Since the CDC began tracking children's flu deaths five years ago, the highest toll was 88, in the winter of 2007-8.

Comparable numbers are not available for adults. Frieden said the agency hopes to have real-time estimates in the next couple of weeks. He said that "many millions" have been infected.

WHO SHOULD SEEK CARE

Frieden urged people with underlying conditions, such as diabetes, ashma or lung and heart disease, who have a fever or cough to see their health care provided promptly. He said a CDC survey showed that only about half of all people with flu symptoms who also had other potentially dangerous medical problems sought care from a doctor.

THE SYMPTOMS

Symptoms are similar to those of seasonal flu, including fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with H1N1 also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

TREATMENTS

Vaccine: As of Friday, 26.1 million doses were available, an increase of 10.5 million from the week before. The CDC expects more this month and next.

Tamiflu: The CDC is still concerned about spot shortages of oral-suspension Tamiflu for young children. Shortages began appearing in September. The CDC will release the remaining 234,000 doses in the stockpile over the next few days. The agency has ordered more from the manufacturer, but that is not expected to arrive before January.

AROUND THE WORLD

Romania: The Romanian Football Legue called on players not to spit pitchside or, if they can't refraim from spitting, wear a protective medical mask.

Ukraine: The government ordered schools nationwide to close for three weeks, banned public gatherings and imposed restrictions on travel.

World Health Organization: The WHO said it would soon start shipping swine flu vaccine to 95 poor and middle-income countries. About 200 million doses -- enough for 2 or 3 percent of the need -- have been donated.

NEWS SERVICES

STARTRIBUNE.COM: Find H1N1 basics and read the latest news at startribune.com/flu.