Rates of infection by the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus may have peaked in late October.  Although this is certainly good and welcome new, it is far too early to declare victory over this virus.

The decline in the infection rates may be due to several factors, including:

·         the infection of millions of Americans with this influenza virus already thus these individuals acting as a buffer to the further spread of the virus

·         the impact of H1N1 vaccinations, which may have reduced the number of people susceptible to infection

·         people simply doing the right things, such as staying home when sick, washing hands often, and avoiding the obviously sick

·         changes in physician test-ordering practices

Nonetheless, this virus continues to pose a significant treat to the U.S. and world's population. The bottom line is that the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic in America is far from over, and like the flu pandemic of the 1950s, which initially died-out in late fall only to reemerge stronger in January, large numbers of infection with this virus may be yet to come.

The take-home message here is to not let your guard down too early. Stay vigilant, get vaccinated if you haven't already if at high risk, and keep using common sense.