Swine flu more deadly than predicted

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Federal health officials are saying the swine flu has been more deadly than expected.

Nearly 4,000 Americans have died from the swine flu and its complications --- that's about four times more than the estimate they have been using.

Research is showing that the swine flu is not just hitting younger people -- there are serious concerns for older people too.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association followed 1,000 patients hospitalized with H1N1. It found infants were admitted the most, but patients over 50 were more likely to die once admitted.

Jane Fortin told 22News she was in bed for days with what she believed was the swine flu. She believes it hit her harder because of her age.

"I'm pretty lucky because I'm retired. It's kind of hard to call into work for two weeks. But I wouldn't have been able to move. That's how bad it was,” she said.

Information from the CDC shows young adults and children are far more likely to come down with H1N1 than their parents or grandparents. But even if the risk is high, some still aren’t concerned.

"I mean you'll get sick anyway. I don't care if it's the swine flu or the seasonal flu or a really bad cold. It’s not much of a concern at all,” Nora Holland said.

Click here to compare swine flu, seasonal flu, and cold symptoms.