New Study Finds Morbid Obesity is Associated with Higher Risk of Hospitalization and Possibly Death from 2009 H1N1 Flu

March 19, 2010 

A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that morbidly obese individuals are at higher risk for hospitalization and possibly death if they contract the 2009 H1N1 flu virus.

The study found that morbid-obesity, with or without the presence of underlying health conditions, like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, is associated with a higher risk of 2009 H1N1-related hospitalizations and possibly deaths among people 20 years and older.

Although further studies to validate the findings would be useful, this evidence is consistent with other recently published data. The CDC recommends that morbidly obese individuals be treated early with antiviral medications if influenza is suspected.

The best way to protect yourself against the 2009 H1N1 flu is to get vaccinated. Flu vaccine is still available.  To find flu vaccine near you, visit the Flu Vaccine Locator at Flu.gov.

The research was published in the March 15^th edition of PLoS ONE.

More information on morbid obesity and the 2009 H1N1 flu can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/in_the_news/obesity_qa.htm.