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Which people faced the greatest risk of severe illness from 2009 H1N1 infection?
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influenza pandemic (H1N1) of 2009
Doctors at the Mexico City Navy Hospital wearing protective gear as they tend to patients complaining of H1N1 flu-like symptoms.
During the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, certain groups were identified as being at the greatest risk of developing severe illness from the infection. These high-risk populations included:
- Young children1
- Pregnant women1
- Individuals with compromised immune systems1
- Persons affected by underlying respiratory diseases or other chronic illnesses12
Health officials emphasized that vaccination was the most effective method of prevention for these vulnerable groups. While the virus was highly contagious, it was noted to be most lethal in individuals already struggling with chronic health conditions.12