Scarcity of vaccine incites local anger As soon as Spring Valley construction worker Bill McCoy heard the county had received the swine flu vaccine last month, he launched a phone ... Nov 21, 2009
We have a pandemic plan, and part of that plan is the vaccination of select people with the H1N1 virus. . (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Click to read:Tamiflu-Resistant H1N1 Cluster Reported Nov 21, 2009
Scott Pelley reports on the H1N1 flu - which is increasingly targeting young, healthy people - and how the government plans to fight the flu pandemic. (AP) Updated at 7:51 p.m. EST. (CBS News)
Norwegian scientists raise concerns about mutated form of swine flu... Nov 21, 2009
Scientists have been analyzing the H1N1 virus from "a number of patients as part of the surveillance of the pandemic flu virus" and have detected several mutations, the statement said ... "This is typical early in the spread of a pandemic virus.". (The Drudge Report)
Swine flu is making some folks alter their holiday plans Nov 21, 2009
It s shaping up to be that kind of season in a year when the H1N1 flu pandemic is causing many to rethink plans and priorities - and when the holiday punch bowl may be more of a potential health hazard than a festive centerpiece. The McClelland family of Warwick, R.I., is one of many coping with holiday planning in the time of swine flu. (Boston Globe)
Sri Lanka orders import of A/H1N1 vaccine Nov 21, 2009
The first confirmed case of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 in the country was reported in June 2009. Special Report. (Xinhuanet, China)
Swine Flu Activity Down in Many States Nov 21, 2009
As health officials note that nearly all of the influenza that is currently circulating is the novel H1N1 swine flu strain, the downturn has offered hope for some that the country may have turned the corner on this wave of the pandemic illness. "We might actually be beyond the peak," Dr. Pascal James Imperato, Dean of the SUNY School of Public Health told ABC News' David Muir. (ABC News)
Preventing H1N1 Spread to Health Care Workers: Dilemma, Debate and Confusion Nov 21, 2009
Infectious diseases specialist Leonard Mermel, DO, medical director of infection control for Rhode Island Hospital, looks at the ongoing debate in light of the H1N1 pandemic, what past research tells us about the spread of influenza, and what is missing in the debate ... (July 21, 2009) Mathematical modeling can help inform public health policy in outbreaks such as the H1N1 pandemic, write members of the Pandemic Influenza Outbreak Research Modeling Team in Canada ... (July 10, 2009) The strain... (Science Daily)
Local H1N1 flu Web site launches Nov 21, 2009
Augusta-area hospitals are coming together to put out local information on the influenza A H1N1 virus pandemic, and they're doing it on the Web. After some tinkering, the G-Line Web site is ready for public viewing, said webmaster James Wilde, an associate professor of pediatric emergency medicine at the Medical College of Georgia and a member of the MCG and statewide pandemic flu planning task forces ... Though it will contain information on swine flu in Georgia and the nation, the site will be... (The Augusta Chronicle)
H1N1 cases jump to 38 Nov 21, 2009
Accra, Nov. 20, GNA - Confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 in Ghana have jumped to 38 following the conformation of 16 cases at the Lincoln Community School in Accra, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) announced on Friday. It said a total of 345 specimens made up of 294 suspected cases and 51 contacts had been investigated at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, the National Influenza Centre. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Swine Flu Declining in Some Parts of U.S. Nov 21, 2009
But, Schuchat cautioned, "This is just a partial counting. The estimates we provided last week provide a better estimate of the full toll that the virus has taken in the first six months of the pandemic.". Those estimates showed that at least 22 million Americans have come down with the swine flu since the virus first surfaced in April, and approximately 3,900 people have died, including an estimated 540 children. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Swine Flu May Hit Kids With Asthma Harder Nov 21, 2009
"Asthma has been identified as a significant risk factor for admission with pandemic H1N1 influenza, present in 21 percent to 30 percent in the larger samples," wrote Dr. Upton Allen and fellow researchers from the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Their study was published online Nov. 19 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Profits prompt surge in new vaccines Nov 21, 2009
Investment in partnerships and other deals to develop and manufacture vaccines has been on a tear and accelerating since the swine flu pandemic began ... But a horde of biotech companies, many using multimillion-dollar government grants, already are testing state-of-the-art technology for the next pandemic. (Honolulu Advertiser)
More of this story Nov 21, 2009
State Epidemiologist Dr. Kristy Bradley said vaccination continues to be the best way to protect oneself from the H1N1 flu and slow the spread of this pandemic. H1N1 influenza activity has been widespread in Oklahoma since early September and even though influenza-linked hospitalizations have declined recently, this virus is expected to circulate throughout the winter months. (Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise, OK)
H1N1 mutation found in some flu fatalities Nov 21, 2009
The two people infected by the mutated virus were among the first fatalities from the H1N1 pandemic in Norway, the institute said ... Norway has seen relatively more fatalities in the flu pandemic compared to the size of the population versus other European countries, with 23 confirmed deaths and 680,000 estimated to have been infected ... Public health authorities have said this could be due to the country being hit early in the pandemic's northern hemisphere winter wave, before a mass... (MSNBC -- Health)
Bruce Mandelblit: Scammers Prey on Swine Flu Fears Nov 21, 2009
The H1N1 flu, better known as the swine flu, is officially a pandemic, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) ... The WHO reports that as of the end of October 2009 there have been more than 440,000 laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 and over 5,700 deaths reported across the globe. (Newsmax)
H1N1 Vaccine Not a Killer: WHO Nov 21, 2009
The U.N. agency reaffirmed that the pandemic vaccine is as safe as the seasonal flu vaccine used for more than 60 years ... "No new safety issue has been identified from reports issued to date ... Reporting so far reconfirms that the pandemic flu vaccine is as safe as the seasonal flu vaccine," Marie-Paule Kieny, WHO's top vaccine expert, told a telephone conference ... "Although some investigations are still ongoing, the results of the completed investigations reported to WHO have ruled out... (Newsmax)
9Potential New Cold Virus Mimics H1N1, Hospitalizing Children» Nov 21, 2009
Doctors and parents assumed it was the new pandemic H1N1 swine flu, which would be expected to re-emerge as schools began in September. But it was not, Coffin said in a telephone interview. (Fox News)
WHO reemphasizes safety of A/H1N1 flu vaccine Nov 20, 2009
"Although some investigations are still ongoing, results of completed investigations reported to the WHO have ruled out that the pandemic vaccine is the cause of death," said Dr Marie-Paule Kieny, director of the UN agency's vaccine research initiative. At a telephone press conference, Kieny reiterated that the A/H1N1 pandemic vaccine had the same safety profile as seasonal flu vaccines ... "Vaccination campaigns continue worldwide. No new safety issue has been identified from reports we... (Xinhuanet, China)
Under-fives to get swine flu jab Nov 20, 2009
"We are out to save lives and fight this pandemic all the way." ... Sir Liam said it was "too early" to tell if the pandemic had peaked because the numbers in hospital remained relatively high ... " The two different types of vaccine being used in the UK have been through clinical trials and approved by the official European drugs regulator. The World Health Organization's monitoring of problems following swine flu vaccination also indicates swine flu vaccines have a good safety record. WHO... (BBC News -- UK)
UW-Madison awarded $9.5 million for influenza research Nov 20, 2009
The team hopes to prevent future pandemics by using the information to create an early notification system ... This is when a pandemic usually occurs, the statement said ... The improved ability to predict whether a virus has pandemic potential would be an invaluable asset to the global community, Kawaoka said in the statement. (The Digital Cardinal, WI)
WHO plays down 'swine flu vaccination deaths' Nov 20, 2009
The World Health Organisation said checks on many of the 30 deaths recorded following mass pandemic flu vaccinations had so far ruled out a direct link to the vaccines. GENEVA (AFP) - The World Health Organisation said on Thursday that checks on many of the 30 deaths recorded following mass pandemic flu vaccinations had so far ruled out a direct link to the vaccines ... "Although some investigations are still ongoing, results of completed investigations reported to WHO have ruled out that the... (Yahoo! Asia News)
China to punish H1N1 hiders Nov 20, 2009
China's health ministry will punish officials who underreport cases of swine flu, a spokesman said, after public questions emerged over how serious the pandemic might be ... Health Ministry spokesman Deng Haihua said in a statement posted Thursday on the ministry's Web site that nine teams have been sent to 12 provinces to inspect local efforts to contain and treat the pandemic ... The WHO, however, has said it wants China and other countries to focus on monitoring trends in the pandemic, not... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Championing children, Chinese media take greater social responsibility Nov 20, 2009
But issues such as mine accidents, the melamine contamination of milk powder, and the ongoing A/H1N1 influenza pandemic are making headlines in mainstream and new media. "Such progress has mirrored changes in the social mindset," said He Dongping, deputy editor-in-chief of Guangming Daily national newspaper. (Xinhuanet, China)
Death Of 4-Month-Old Girl Linked To Swine Flu Nov 20, 2009
SDSU Physician Explains Pandemic Alerts ... County: San Diego Prepared For Possible Pandemic ... SAN DIEGO -- The death of a 4-month-old girl in San Diego County has been linked to the swine flu pandemic, health officials announced Wednesday. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
WHO: Swine flu shot not causing deaths Nov 20, 2009
Health experts have been closely monitoring the safety of the new pandemic vaccine that is being given to millions of people worldwide ... "The pandemic flu vaccine is as safe as seasonal flu vaccines," said Kieny, adding that vaccines against the pandemic flu strain, known as H1N1, have no more side effects than previous flu vaccines ... WHO says pregnant women and people suffering from chronic diseases are at greatest risk of developing complications from the pandemic strain of flu and has... (MSNBC -- Health)
UW-Madison gets $9.5M Gates Found. grant Nov 20, 2009
Scientists at the school will use funds from the Seattle foundation to identify virus mutations that could serve as early warnings of potential pandemic influenza viruses ... The improved ability to predict whether a virus has pandemic potential would be an invaluable asset to the global community. (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)
Asthma a Significant Risk Factor for Complications in Children With H1N1 Nov 20, 2009
19, 2009) A new study on pediatric H1N1 influenza admissions has found that asthma is a significant risk factor for severe disease in children with pandemic H1N1 compared with the seasonal flu ... "The most striking finding in our study was the high prevalence of asthma among children admitted with pandemic H1N1 influenza compared with those admitted in previous influenza seasons," write Dr. Upton Allen from The Hospital for Sick Children and coauthors ... "Asthma has been identified as a... (Science Daily)
Preventing H1N1 spread to health care workers: Dilemma, debate and confusion Nov 20, 2009
Leonard Mermel, D.O., medical director of infection control for Rhode Island Hospital, looks at the ongoing debate in light of the H1N1 pandemic, what past research tells us about the ... Infectious diseases specialist Leonard Mermel, DO, medical director of infection control for Rhode Island Hospital, looks at the ongoing debate in light of the H1N1 pandemic, what past research tells us about the spread of influenza, and what is missing in the debate. (EurekAlert!)
Almost 800 people receive H1N1 vaccine Nov 20, 2009
The Point of Distribution event, funded through a Department of Health grant, focused on the implementation of a pandemic exercise ... In the event of a true pandemic, Fouberg said, a vaccination exercise like this would be held for 48 consecutive hours with the requirement of reaching 10,000 people. (Madison Daily Leader, SD)
Airport test to stop arrival of Sars and flu 'pointless' Nov 20, 2009
Screening for flu or Sars at UK airports to try to stop a pandemic taking hold in Britain will not work, warns an article in this week's British Medical Journal ... The World Health Organisation looks set to officially declare swine flu a pandemic. (Yahoo News -- SARS)
More of this story Nov 19, 2009
Vaccination continues to be the best way to protect yourself from the H1N1 flu and slow the spread of this pandemic. H1N1 influenza activity has been widespread in Oklahoma since early September and even though statewide monitoring has recently shown a decline in influenza-linked hospitalizations, this virus is expected to circulate throughout the winter months. (Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise, OK)
Swine flu claims 10th Alaskan Nov 19, 2009
State medical officials don't know why so many of those who died were from Fairbanks but are monitoring that aspect along with other characteristics of the people dying or hospitalized in the swine flu pandemic, they say. One Fairbanks resident who died of swine flu was traveling in Washington state at the time, and may have contracted the disease Outside, said Dr. Louisa Castrodale, one of the state's epidemiologists. (Anchorage Daily News)
Swine Flu Vaccine Update Given By Connecticut Health Officials Nov 19, 2009
Cartter and other health officials spoke of the challenges of trying to immunize people with a pandemic already underway and far less vaccine than preparations called for ... In most pandemics, the illness typically affects 30 percent of people or more, Cartter said, suggesting that the current pandemic still has a way to go ... Pandemics typically come in waves the second wave of the H1N1 pandemic is considered to have begun Aug. 30 and is ongoing and Cartter said officials expect there will be... (FOX61, CT)
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate Nov 19, 2009
The declared H1N1 a pandemic in June. Following the declaration, clinical trials for the H1N1 vaccine began in August of 2009. (The Seahawk, NC)
Vaccines on horizon for AIDS, Alzheimer's, herpes Nov 19, 2009
Investment in partnerships and other deals to develop and manufacture vaccines has been on a tear and accelerating since the swine flu pandemic began ... But a horde of biotech companies, many using multimillion-dollar government grants, already are testing state-of-the-art technology for the next pandemic. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Firms' health costs to rise Nov 19, 2009
A worst-case scenario, a pandemic, Flynn said, would affect not only health costs but worker productivity and economic output as well. Eric Anderson can be reached at 454-5323 or by e-mail at eanderson@timesunion. (Albany Times Union)
Breastfeeding promotes good health in general as well as during a crisis Nov 19, 2009
"During emergencies-such as an earthquake, flood, flu pandemic, or conflict - where there may be no electricity or refrigeration, and no clean drinking water or feeding bottles, breastfeeding is readily available, safe and clean, requi 00003A70 res no supplies, and helps protect babies from illness," said Dr. Marianne Neifert, author of "Great Expectations: The Essential Guide to Breastfeeding" (Sterling Publishing, $14. 95) and a Colorado pediatrician with 25 years of expertise in breastfeeding... (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
1.5 million a day getting H1N1 vaccine in China Nov 19, 2009
"We will see if next year there is a possibility to export a little bit, but to get the pandemic under control in China should be the most important contribution for its control worldwide.". Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. (MSNBC -- Health)
Chinese shares rise to 3-month high Nov 19, 2009
Biopharmaceuticals companies advanced as the rising danger of flu pandemic was expected to raise vaccine demand. The Northwestern Pharmaceuticals gained 9. (Xinhuanet, China)
H1N1 Vaccines Could Have Increased, Says Drug Company Nov 19, 2009
"Novartis Vaccines is currently providing only adjuvanted vaccine to all other regions of the world and believes that adjuvantation could have provided significant benefits to the U.S. in terms of supply volume for this year's pandemic," says Narasimhan ... "The site will have the capacity to provide 150 million doses of adjuvanted pandemic vaccine within 6 months of declaration of an influenza pandemic," says McKinlay. (W-USA News, DC)
Flu Can Raise Chances of Heart Attack Nov 19, 2009
Because both seasonal and the pandemic H1N1 swine flu are circulating this fall and winter, people at risk for heart attacks are urged to get a seasonal flu shot and an H1N1 flu shot, which may reduce the chance of getting the flu and thereby lower the risk for a heart attack, experts say. "Influenza is most concerning because of its secondary complications," said Dr. Marc Siegel, an associate professor of medicine at New York University School of Medicine in New York City. (MEDLINEplus)
Science news » Nov 19, 2009
The agency did not recommend countries set limits on how many children people should have, but said: "Women with access to reproductive health services . Conservationists searching for one of the world's most endangered crocodile species say they have found dozens of the reptiles lounging in plain sight at a wildlife rescue center in Cambodia.DNA taken from 69 crocodiles housed in the moats of the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center showed nearly 50 percent were Siamese crocodiles, which until... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Get more: Education Nov 19, 2009
Bay Area schools and health officials are getting ready in case of a H1N1 flu pandemic. Tags. (KGO, CA)
Revealed: UK set for first face transplants Nov 19, 2009
The World Health Organisation looks set to officially declare swine flu a pandemic. 18 Jun 2002. (Yahoo News -- Cosmetic Treatments and Surgery)
Swine Flu May Overload Pediatric Intensive Care Units in U.K., Report Says Nov 19, 2009
Nov. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Swine flu may create a shortage of intensive-care unit beds for U.K. children, leaving medical professionals struggling to cope in the pandemic, according to a report in todays Archives of Disease in Childhood ... It appears inevitable that pediatric ICUs will experience significant additional pressure this winter from admissions due to the pandemic, the authors, led by Ari Ercole of the Cambridge University Department of Anaesthesia, wrote in the journal ... The... (Bloomberg -- UK)
Hi Neighbor: Don't kiss your cat Nov 19, 2009
Another thought comes to me, not an original one, but one fostered by my listening to nighttime radio (which is a whole different story) that all the notoriety given to the H1N1 'pandemic' is a great boost to the pharmaceutical industry. Is this not coming at a time when more and more people are turning towards looking more closely at non-drug health aides. (Kalona News, IA)
Cel-Sci starts human tests on H1N1 treatment Nov 19, 2009
In order for the Food and Drug Administration to fully consider a next-stage clinical trial to evaluate LEAPS-H1N1 treatment of hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed H1N1 pandemic flu under an Exploratory IND, the agency has asked CEL-SCI to submit a detailed follow-up regulatory filing with extensive additional data. "We are pleased that we have been able to move so fast with this first study of our LEAPS-H1N1 treatment," said Cel-Sci CEO Geert Kersten. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
Fears over child intensive care Nov 19, 2009
While the pandemic virus has been mild for many, an increasing number are ending up in hospital and this has begun to filter through to intensive care. Paediatric intensive care will be one of the first areas of the NHS to feel the pressure. (BBC News -- UK)
Political parties should form taskforce on HIV/AIDS- Dr Awanta Nov 19, 2009
Dr. Awanta who made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Winneba expressed concern about the spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the country ... He asked musicians to compose songs that could transform the nation morally and spiritually to help create awareness about the pandemic ... Dr. Awanta said the rise in immoral acts had resulted in the fast spreading of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
H1N1 vaccine available to students Nov 19, 2009
H1N1, more commonly known as Swine flu, has caused a media frenzy since its outbreak in the U.S. in April 2009, causing President Obama to term the outbreak a "pandemic.". "Most people have little to no immunity against H1N1 ," said Kelly Sullivan, a 9th-semester pharmacy major and project chair of the UConn chapter of Operation Immunization, organized by the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP). (The Daily Campus, CT)
No rebuke for 'admonish,' 2009 Word of the Year Nov 19, 2009
It beat out several other finalists that emerged from what the dictionary publisher's editor at large, Peter Sokolowski, called the "intersection of news and vocabulary." Runners-up announced Thursday included inaugurate, pandemic, furlough and rogue the latter tied to Sarah Palin and the sole carryover from the 2008 list. Virtually all the words were associated with a news event or coverage and resulted in a prolonged spike of look-ups on the dictionary offered online for free by... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Lesser access for babies? Nov 19, 2009
See our coverage and resources about the H1N1 flu pandemic. Search Central Virginia layoffs, homicides, local government spending and more. (Yahoo News -- Child Welfare)
Wa Municipality records sharp drop in HIV prevalence Nov 19, 2009
The workshop, apart from updating the participants on current strategies in fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic, was also aimed at encouraging teachers to continue to educate students on the disease. Mr Michael Bayel, Wa Municipal Monitoring and evaluation Focal Person on HIV/AIDS, attributed. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Tiny village hits El Gordo lottery jackpot Nov 19, 2009
The World Health Organisation has raised the pandemic threat alert to level 4 after 150 people died from swine flu in Mexico. 17 Apr 2008. (Yahoo News -- Gambling & Lottery)
Opinion: Fighting TB should be priority Nov 18, 2009
Even though it soon became apparent that the HIV/AIDS pandemic was disproportionately affecting low- and mid-income countries, people in the United States and other rich countries perceived AIDS as an immediate threat to them, and responded forcefully ... Only by doing so, can we develop the transforming innovations that are needed to end the global TB pandemic. (MSNBC -- Health)
Mammogram Advice Nov 18, 2009
Breast cancer has become scarier than this stupid swine flu pandemic. Everyone knows someone with breast cancer, and I doubt if everyone knows anyone with the swine flu. (CBS News)
Is Obamacare Like Mandatory Auto Insurance? Nov 18, 2009
Nevertheless, whether I suffer from my own strain of bad induction or just unquenchable navet, pandemic outbreaks of illogical memes still catch me by surprise. Thats why Ive been so shocked at the widespread assertion that a national mandate requiring individuals to carry health insurance is legitimate (and even Constitutional) because we already require everyone to purchase auto insurance. (Townhall.com)
Airport test to stop arrival of Sars and flu 'pointless' Nov 18, 2009
Screening for flu or Sars at UK airports to try to stop a pandemic taking hold in Britain will not work, warns an article in this week's British Medical Journal. Many people could be incubating the infection when tested but not show positive results because flight times are not long enough to allow flu or Sars to develop to the point of detection. (Yahoo News -- SARS)
Local Woman Fights Flu Pandemics 41 Years Apart Nov 18, 2009
She said she rarely gets sick, but whenever she does it seems like she's caught in a pandemic ... The last flu pandemic was the part bird flu, part swine flu combination known as the Hong Kong flu. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Poway District To Hold H1N1 Vaccine Clinics Nov 18, 2009
SDSU Physician Explains Pandemic Alerts ... County: San Diego Prepared For Possible Pandemic. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Zimbabwe: Mugabe Blasts West's Subsidies to Farmers Nov 18, 2009
In response to the impact of the pandemic on the agriculture sector, President Mugabe said the Government adopted the Zimbabwe Agricultural Sector Strategy on HIV and Aids to offset its negative consequences. The President also paid tribute to Sadc and FAO for assisting Zimbabwe in mobilising farming inputs for the generality of the population. (allAfrica.com)
Had the Flu? You May Have Some H1N1 Protection Nov 18, 2009
People who have had repeated flu infections or repeated flu vaccines may have some protection against the new pandemic swine influenza, U.S. researchers said on Monday ... But its long-ago ancestor was an H1N1 virus first seen in the 1918 influenza pandemic that killed upwards of 50 million people. (Fox News)
Qiagen Is Poised for More Purchases After $2 Billion Spree in Last 5 Years Nov 18, 2009
Growth in Asia is being fuelled by testing for infectious diseases such as HIV, HPV, the H1N1 virus behind the swine flu pandemic, and avian flu. Qiagen is also benefiting from drugmakers investing in the region, and an increased focus on public health care is bolstering demand for the Dutch companys products, he said. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Enigma Diagnostics Showcases Its Unique Fully Automated rtPCR Based ML (Mini-Laboratory) Instrument For Point-of-Care Testing at MEDICA 2009 In Dusseldorf, Germany Nov 18, 2009
Under the agreements, Enigma will develop the first companion diagnostic influenza tests to identify pandemic & resistant strains of the virus for use on the Enigma ML system. Enigma has an exclusive license from the Defence Science Technology Laboratory to a portfolio of patents, which represent over 15 years of UK Ministry of Defence funded Research. (Canada Newswire)
Africa heading for 'smoking epidemic' Nov 18, 2009
"For the first time in history, we have the tools in hand to prevent a pandemic," says Dr Otis W Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society. "Smoke-free public places are one example of a low-cost and extremely effective intervention that must be implemented now to protect health.". (BBC News -- Health)
