swine flu influenza medicine

Swine Flu-Susceptible Population

Though Mexico is relatively hot and humid year-round, it does have seasonal differences, Shaman noted. The dry season in México City runs from mid-December to about now.

"If this newly emerged virus developed or came into existence in México City during early March, the lower-humidity conditions then could still favor an outbreak" of swine flu, he said.

In addition, everyone may be susceptible to this H1N1 swine flu strain, because it's new. Such virulence would make an outbreak possible no matter what the climate, Shaman noted. Higher absolute humidity might only slow the swine flu's spread.

Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, added that the new swine flu virus may "peter out as it gets warmer," especially now that we're at the end of the traditional flu season.