H1N1 Rates Higher Among Blacks and Hispanics CHICAGO, IL (wsiu) - Illinois officials say H1N1 flu hospitalization and death rates for blacks and Hispanics are higher than the rates for whites.

They say more chronic health problems, lower vaccination rates and less access to health care may contribute.

The H1N1 flu hospitalization rate for blacks and Hispanics is three times higher compared to whites, while the death rate is two times higher. State officials discussed the rates Friday at a meeting in Chicago. Federal officials say more research is needed to determine whether it's a national trend.

Flu activity is slowing nationally, with medical visits declining for the fourth straight week.
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