America's two swine flu deaths – a toddler and a pregnant woman
– each suffered from several other illnesses when they were
infected with the virus, according to a study released Thursday.
The report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
presented a clearer picture of the complicated medical
situations faced by those who have gotten swine flu and had the
most serious cases so far. The Mexican toddler had a chronic
muscle weakness called myasthenia gravis, a heart defect, a
swallowing problem and lack of oxygen. Little Miguel Tejada
Vazquez fell ill and died during a family visit to Texas. The
pregnant woman, Judy Trunnell, 33, was hospitalized for two
weeks until she died Tuesday. The teacher was in a coma, and her
baby girl was delivered by cesarean section. According to the
report, she had asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, a skin condition
called psoriasis and was 35 weeks pregnant. People with chronic
illnesses are at greatest risk for severe illness from the flu,
along with the elderly and young c