Those with some underlying health conditions, possess a higher likelihood for complications or even death if they get the swine flu. The diseases that put you at higher risk include; frequent chest colds, asthma, copd, emphysema, and other respiratory conditions. Sometimes, babies can have mild cases of asthma even though they've never had an asthma attack. In this situation, having a baby and the H1N1 virus can be a very dangerous combination. In the event that your baby has any of the diseases listed above, you should make it a point to call your physician right away and discuss precautions that you and your baby should take regarding the swine flu even before an outbreak occurs.

In the event of an outbreak of H1N1 and your baby has a lung condition like asthma, your baby may have a higher risk for dangerous complications or even death. It is well documented that those who suffer from asthma have a much higher chance of developing severe complications than others.

In fact, almost 41 percent of flu hospital patients in New York City suffered from asthma. And within the past few weeks, seven deaths relating to H1N1 were reported in New York. Out of those 7 deaths, 6 of them involved people who had asthma or similar respiratory problems. If you are worried about the flu because your baby has asthma (or a similar lung condition), you should speak with your physician and ask him if he recommends any special precautions regarding the disease even if there is no flu in the area where you live.

H1N1 is a virus that causes influenza in humans. The pathogen has gone thru a recent mutation into its current form. Due to this mutation, humans have no immunity to the disease. This is why health professionals are worried regarding the chance of a pandemic.

Like the typical seasonal flu, severe illnesses and even death has taken place as a result of illness associated with this virus. On a global basis, about 250,000 people die yearly from influenza related issues.

If you worry about your baby and swine flu, the safety your family, or know someone that has one of the diseases that are listed above, do some preparations now, before trouble begins. Take steps today to guard yourself and your family from this potentially dangerous disease. Once a pandemic occurs, it may be too late to do anything.Jo Mark