40% of Americans could get H1N1.

40% of Americans could get H1N1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to 40% of Americans could be infected with novel influenza A/H1N1 through next year, and several hundred thousand could die if the United States fails to implement a successful vaccine campaign, USA TODAY reports. Health officials say cases of the novel H1N1 flu are expected to increase substantially after school begins. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends pregnant women, healthcare workers, and children 6 months and older be the first to be vaccinated against the novel H1N1 flu. Parents, caregivers, non-elderly adults with high-risk health conditions, and young adults between 19 and 24 years old also are included on the list. A novel H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available by late October, according to government estimates.