Don't return your H1N1 vaccine yet! The North Carolina Division of Public Health reports after only one death in January, there were nine flu-associated deaths in the state during February, indicating flu season is far from over. This strain continues to affect young and middle aged adults in disproportionate numbers, particularly those with underlying medical conditions. Of the 92 North Carolina deaths thus far, 70 have been between 25 and 64 years old. Physicians are the most important and trusted advocates for vaccination, especially in high risk individuals. If you have patients who have not yet been vaccinated, or pediatric patients who still require a second dose of vaccine, it is not too late to protect them against H1N1.

The CDC expects H1N1 flu activity to continue through the spring with sporadic activity potentially lasting into the summer.