Passive immunity to pandemic H1N1 2009 through swine flu parties

Abstract

The general population is concerned about the probable devastating effects of pandemic H1N1 2009. Based upon the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, scientific publications and theories, the idea that swine flu parties may achieve passive immunity against pandemic H1N1 2009 has been proposed. Public health officials have asked the general public not to resort to these parties. However, no concrete evidence for the reasoning behind this recommendation has been given. In this paper, we have dynamically modeled the effect of swine flu parties on the immunity achieved and associated mortality for a period of two years. The simulations show that the public should not organize or participate in swine flu parties as they will likely increase swine flu-associated mortality. Copyright © 2009 Aggarwal et al.