All:

Here is the Situation Update on H1N1 virus directly from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), click on the links provided by CDC to keep updated on the latest H1N1 news reports.

Today, President Obama has declared H1N1 as a national emergency.

Wanda

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During the week of October 11-17, 2009, influenza activity continued to increase in the United States as reported in FluView. Flu activity is now widespread in 46 states. Nationwide, visits to doctors for influenza-like-illness are increasing steeply and are now higher than what is seen at the peak of many regular flu seasons. In addition, flu-related hospitalizations and deaths continue to go up nation-wide and are above what is expected for this time of year.
See More On Key Flu Indicators >>

Elementary students seem hit hardest by flu

...Between six and eight students went home sick on Monday, Victor said. The flu seems to be circulating mainly among the elementary students, he said.

Attendance dropped to 81 percent in the elementary school on Tuesday and 73 percent in the middle school, Victor said. High school attendance remains high, he said, with a slight drop from 90 percent last week to 85 percent Tuesday....

Hi John

In my experience as a nurse, in an impending flu epidemic the elementary school children were the indicators when the flu hit any particular area.  My guess would be since they have not had many viruses in their young lives, they are the first to experience the illnesses.

Before immunizations for the common childhood illnesses, i.e. measles, mumps, chicken pox, whooping cough, etc. were developed, absences for the first and second grades were common because children were home with the UCHD (usual child hood diseases).

Best Wishes, stay well,  and good to 'see' you. : )

Wanda