MedWorm: 1918 Spanish Flu

Prior infection with classical swine H1N1 influenza viruses is associated with protective immunity to the 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions These findings indicate that in experimental animals recently induced immunity to 1918-derived H1N1 seasonal influenza viruses, and to a 1976 swine influenza virus, afford a degree of protection against the 2009 pandemic virus. Implications of these findings are discussed in the context of accumulating data suggesting partial protection of older persons during the 2009 pandemic. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

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[Perspectives] Thinking in time: does health policy need history as evidence?

LANCET — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

History is more popular than ever as a public subject—history as heritage, family history, and television history series all attract our attention. And health and medicine are part of that expansion. Visiting the old operating theatre; going on the history of medicine walk; watching the Spanish flu television programme; visiting the exhibition on medicine and war, are part of everyday public experience. Digitised images and access to online archives involve the public in making health history too. Such history is both illumination and entertainment. At the same time as this efflorescence of enthusiasm for history, the field of health and medicine has been marked by another, seemingly unrelated, tendency. That is the rise of evidence. This has been rooted in a multiplicity of influences, ...

Rising trends in incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma and their future projections in Catalonia, Spain: increasing impact or future epidemic?

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Improvements in preventive activities should be implemented to decrease incidence and mortality from this cancer. Monitoring stage-specific trends in CMM incidence can assess the impact of preventive strategies; for this reason more complete information on diagnostic features of CMM patients in the Spanish population-based cancer registries are necessary. (Source: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology)

Pandemic flu, like seasonal H1N1, shows signs of resisting Tamiflu

ScienceDaily Headlines — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:00:00 +0100

If the behavior of the seasonal form of the H1N1 influenza virus is any indication, scientists say that chances are good that most strains of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus will become resistant to Tamiflu, the main drug stockpiled for use against it. Researchers have traced the evolutionary history of the seasonal H1N1 influenza virus, which first infected humans during the 1918 pandemic. It is one of three seasonal influenza A viruses that commonly infect humans. The others are H1N2 and H3N2. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Pandemic Flu, Like Seasonal H1N1, Shows Signs Of Resisting Tamiflu

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

If the behavior of the seasonal form of the H1N1 influenza virus is any indication, scientists say that chances are good that most strains of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus will become resistant to Tamiflu, the main drug stockpiled for use against it. Researchers at Ohio State University have traced the evolutionary history of the seasonal H1N1 influenza virus, which first infected humans during the 1918 pandemic. It is one of three seasonal influenza A viruses that commonly infect humans. The others are H1N2 and H3N2... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Pandemic flu, like seasonal H1N1, shows signs of resisting Tamiflu

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Ohio State University) If the behavior of the seasonal form of the H1N1 influenza virus is any indication, scientists say that chances are good that most strains of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus will become resistant to Tamiflu, the main drug stockpiled for use against it. Researchers have traced the evolutionary history of the seasonal H1N1 influenza virus, which first infected humans during the 1918 pandemic. It is one of three seasonal influenza A viruses that commonly infect humans. The others are H1N2 and H3N2. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Estimating the influenza vaccine effectiveness in elderly on a yearly basis using the Spanish influenza surveillance network-Pilot case-control studies using different control groups, 2008-2009 season, Spain.

Vaccine — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Savulescu C, Valenciano M, de Mateo S, Larrauri A, We conducted a case-control and screening method studies to estimate influenza vaccine effectiveness (IVE) in the age group >/=65 years, based on the Spanish Influenza Sentinel Surveillance System (SISSS). Cases (influenza laboratory-confirmed) were compared to influenza-negative ILI patients (test-negative) and patients without ILI since the beginning of the season (non-ILI). For the screening method, cases' vaccination coverage was compared to the vaccination coverage of the GPs' catchment population. The results suggested a protective effect of the vaccine against laboratory-confirmed influenza in elderly in 2008-2009. The screening method and the test-negative control designs enable estimating IVE using exclusively SIS...

High frequency of cross-reacting antibodies against 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus among the elderly in Finland

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Since May 2009, the pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus has been spreading throughout the world. Epidemiological data indicate that the elderly are underrepresented among the ill individuals. Approximately 1,000 serum specimens collected in Finland in 2004 and 2005 from individuals born between 1909 and 2005, were analysed by haemagglutination-inhibition test for the presence of antibodies against the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) and recently circulating seasonal influenza A viruses. Ninety-six per cent of individuals born between 1909 and 1919 had antibodies against the 2009 pandemic influenza virus, while in age groups born between 1920 and 1944, the prevalence varied from 77% to 14%. Most individuals born after 1944 lacked antibodies to the pandemic virus. In sequence comparisons the ha...

[Recommendations for the management of influenza in pediatrics (2009-2010).]

Anales de Pediatria — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Marès J, Rodrigo C, Moreno-Pérez D, Cilleruelo MJ, Barrio F, Buñuel JC, González MP, González de Dios J, Aparicio M, Arístegui J, Hernández-Sampelayo T Specific action plans from various institutions, governments and scientific societies have been identified and implemented to combat the A H1N1 2009 influenza virus pandemic. This document sets out the recommendations of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics for the management of influenza in children for influenza season 2009-2010. The risk factors for influenza A H1N1 2009 in pediatric patients, the clinical course, severity and complications are similar to seasonal influenza. In most cases, the diagnosis of influenza will be based on clinical suspicion, without viral subtype differentiation...

The Potential Distance of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Dispersal by Mallard, Common Teal and Eurasian Pochard

EcoHealth — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:17:15 +0100

In this study, we investigated the potential spreading distance of HP AIV by common teal (Anas crecca), mallard (A. platyrhynchos), and Eurasian pochard (Aythya ferina). Based on capture-mark-recapture method, we characterized their wintering movements from a western Mediterranean wetland (Camargue, South of France) and identified the potential distance and direction of virus dispersal. Such data may be crucial in determining higher-risk areas in the case of HP AIV infection detection in this major wintering quarter, and may serve as a valuable reference for virus outbreaks elsewhere. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ContributionDOI 10.1007/s10393-010-0275-4Authors Anne-Laure Brochet, Centre de Recherche de La Tour du Valat Le Sambuc 13200 Arles FranceMatthieu Guillema...

H1N1 flu unlikely to have been spread by birds

MedWire News - Respiratory — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The two strains of the H1N1 influenza that were responsible for the 1918 and 2009 global flu pandemics do not cause disease in birds and were unlikely to have been spread by birds, study results suggest. (Source: MedWire News - Respiratory)

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Public health and economic impact of vaccination with 7-valent pneumococcal vaccine (PCV7) in the context of the annual influenza epidemic and a severe influenza pandemic

BMC Infectious Diseases — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: PCV7 vaccination is highly effective and cost saving in both normal and severe pandemic influenza seasons. Current infant vaccination practices may prevent >1 million pneumococcal-related deaths in a severe influenza pandemic, primarily due to herd protection. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

H1N1 flu unlikely to have been spread by birds

MedWire News - Infectious Diseases — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

1918 and 2009 H1N1 flu probably not spread by birds

ScienceDaily Headlines — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:23:55 +0100

The two strains of the H1N1 influenza virus responsible for the 1918 and 2009 global flu pandemics do not cause disease in birds. It is unlikely that birds played a role in the spread of the H1N1 virus in these pandemics, according to new research. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

1918 And 2009 H1N1 Flu Probably Not Spread By Birds

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +0100

The two strains of the H1N1 influenza virus responsible for the 1918 and 2009 global flu pandemics do not cause disease in birds. The results of the study, published in the February issue of the Journal of General Virology, also show it is unlikely that birds played a role in the spread of the H1N1 virus in these pandemics. Scientists from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease (NCFAD) in Winnipeg, Canada, together with collaborators in the USA, injected the 2009 and 1918 H1N1 virus strains individually into chickens... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

1918 And 2009 H1N1 Flu Probably Not Spread By Birds

Bird Flu / Avian Flu News From Medical News Today — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +0100

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The Spanish Influenza Pandemic Seen Through the BMJ's Eyes: Observations and Unanswered Questions

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:04:38 +0100

Does the "Spanish flu" of 1918-1919 have anything new to teach us about future pandemics? British Medical Journal (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

No Role Found for Birds in Swine Flu Pandemic

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Chickens injected with 1918 and 2009 H1N1 strains didn't get sick, study found Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topic: H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Flu Pandemic Remains Moderate, Easing in Areas: WHO

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:11:33 +0100

The H1N1 flu pandemic remains moderate and its effects are probably closer to those of 1957 and 1968 than the far more deadly 1918 version, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Monday. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

1918 and 2009 H1N1 flu probably not spread by birds

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Society for General Microbiology) The two strains of the H1N1 influenza virus responsible for the 1918 and 2009 global flu pandemics do not cause disease in birds. The results of the study, published in the February issue of the Journal of General Virology, also show it is unlikely that birds played a role in the spread of the H1N1 virus in these pandemics. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

Flu pandemic remains moderate, easing in areas: WHO

Reuters: Health — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:56:18 +0100

GENEVA (Reuters) - The H1N1 flu pandemic remains moderate and its effects are probably closer to those of 1957 and 1968 than the far more deadly 1918 version, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

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Does glycosylation as a modifier of Original Antigenic Sin explain the case age distribution and unusual toxicity in pandemic novel H1N1 influenza?

BMC Infectious Diseases — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

DiscussionWe collected case data from 11 countries, about 60% of all cases reported through mid-July 2009. We compared sequence data for the hemagglutinin of novel H1N1 with sequences of H1N1 viruses from 1918 to the present. We searched for sequence differences that imply loss of antigenicity either directly through amino acid substitution or by the appearance of sites for potential glycosylation proximal to sites known to be antigenic in humans. We also considered T-cell epitopes.In our composite, over 75% of confirmed cases of novel H1N1 occurred in persons [less than or equal to] 30 years old, with peak incidence in the age range 10-19 years. Less than 3% of cases occurred in persons over 65, with a gradation in incidence between ages 20 and 60 years.The sequence data indicates that no...

[Comment] InFACT: a global critical care research response to H1N1

LANCET — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The H1N1 pandemic presents acute care researchers with an extraordinary challenge and an unprecedented opportunity. By early October, 2009, there had been more than 340 000 reported cases of H1N1 infection in 191 countries, with more than 4100 deaths. WHO initially projected that up to 2 billion people could become infected with the virus over the next 2 years. Although vaccination programmes and other factors should reduce this number, plausible estimates of the number of infected individuals who might benefit from admission to intensive care range from 200 000 to 10 million. Influenza killed at least 50 million people during the 1918 pandemic. Today, with antibiotics and antiviral agents, mechanical ventilation, and the supportive measures available in intensive care, most of those dea...

A Mouse Model of Lethal Synergism Between Influenza Virus and Haemophilus influenzae.

The American Journal of Pathology — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lee LN, Dias P, Han D, Yoon S, Shea A, Zakharov V, Parham D, Sarawar SR Secondary bacterial infections that follow infection with influenza virus result in considerable morbidity and mortality in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals and may also significantly increase mortality in normal healthy adults during influenza pandemics. We herein describe a mouse model for investigating the interaction between influenza virus and the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae. Sequential infection with sublethal doses of influenza and H. influenzae resulted in synergy between the two pathogens and caused mortality in immunocompetent adult wild-type mice. Lethality was dependent on the interval between administration of the bacteria and virus, and bacterial growth was ...

The decade we learned language of life

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:42:08 +0100

This article was amended on Wednesday 30 December 2009. In the article above we made several corrections. Our genetic code is 3bn letters long, not 6bn. There was an editing error in the subsection that was headed 'Cloning' and Ardipithecus was misspelt.GeneticsBiologyIan Sampleguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds (Source: Guardian Unlimited Science)

Fatal Case of Pneumonia Associated with Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in HIV-Positive Patient.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 06:50:52 +0100

Authors: Klein NC, Chak A, Chengot M, Johnson DH, Cunha BA To the Editor: Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus first appeared in March 2009 in Mexico. In June 2009, a pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization (1). Influenza A virus (H1N1) caused a pandemic in 1918-1919; estimated deaths were approximately 100 million worldwide (2). Symptoms of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 are similar to those of seasonal influenza (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue) (3). Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with acute febrile respiratory illness who have been in contact with persons with confirmed influenza or reside in areas where influenza has been reported (2). PMID: 20031065 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infe...

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A Role for Community Health Promoters in Tuberculosis Control in the State of Chiapas, Mexico

Journal of Community Health — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:46:50 +0100

We describe how health promoters employ both traditional and allopathic medicine to treat the symptoms and diseases they encounter most frequently which include fever, diarrhea, and parasitic infections. We contend that given the complex sociopolitical climate in Chiapas and the state’s unwavering TB epidemic and paucity of health care infrastructure in rural areas, efforts to implement comprehensive, community-based TB control would benefit from employing the services of health promoters. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s10900-009-9206-0Authors Michael E. Herce, Brigham & Women’s Hospital Division of Global Health Equity, Department of Medicine 651 Huntington Avenue, FXB Building, 7th Floor Boston MA 02115 USAJacob A. Chapman, Massachusetts Gene...

Bacterial Pathogens and Death during the 1918 Influenza Pandemic

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

To the Editor: A review of recut lung-tissue specimens and published autopsy series from the 1918 influenza pandemic suggests that ... (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

Why Some People are Hit Harder by H1N1

Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0100

A team of Canadian and Spanish scientists has found a potential immunological clue to why some people develop severe, sometimes fatal, pneumonia when infected by the H1N1 virus. (Source: Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com)

Severe H1N1 Infection Linked to Elevated Cytokine Levels

Modern Medicine — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Hospitalized patients with severe novel H1N1 virus infection at 10 Spanish hospitals had high levels of the Th17 and Th1 cytokines, indicating either a robust immune response to the infection or an over-response similar to that found in autoimmune diseases, according to research published online Dec. 11 in Critical Care. (Source: Modern Medicine)

[Special Issue News] Virus of the Year: The Novel H1N1 Influenza

Science: Current Issue — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:45:13 +0100

For years, scientists have been warning about the potential for an influenza pandemic on the order of the 1918 Spanish flu. But the pandemic that erupted last spring looks nothing like the one health officials have been preparing to combat.Authors: Martin Enserink, Jon Cohen (Source: Science: Current Issue)

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[Technical report on the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic.]

Anales de Pediatria — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This report has been prepared following the highly structured working methodology proposed by the so-called Evidence Based Medicine (EBM). This methodology requires formulating clinical questions, carrying out a systematic review of the literature looking for research works that could answer them, the critical reading of these, evaluating their methodology quality and clinical importance and finally, establishing recommendations based on those studies considered valid and important as well as on good clinical judgement. SCOPE: The present report approaches all aspects of the influenza pandemic considered to be of interest: extent of the disease, clinical and laboratory diagnosis, physical prevention measures, vaccination and pharmacological treatment. The target population of the report ar...

The Spanish influenza pandemic seen through the BMJ's eyes: observations and unanswered questions

BMJ Online First — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:04:56 +0100

(Source: BMJ Online First)

First Immunological Clue To Why Some H1N1 Patients Get Very Ill Or Die

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:00:00 +0100

An international team of Canadian and Spanish scientists have found the first potential immunological clue of why some people develop severe pneumonia when infected by the pandemic H1N1 virus. The study analyzed different levels of regulating molecules for 20 hospitalized patients, 15 outpatients and 15 control subjects in 10 Spanish hospitals during the first pandemic wave in July and August 2009... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

First Immunological Clue To Why Some H1N1 Patients Get Very Ill Or Die

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:00:00 +0100

First Immunological Clue To Why Some H1N1 Patients Get Very Ill Or Die

Asthma / Respiratory News From Medical News Today — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:00:00 +0100

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First immunological clue to why some H1N1 patients get very ill or die

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0100

(University Health Network) An international team of Canadian and Spanish scientists have found the first potential immunological clue of why some people develop severe pneumonia when infected by the pandemic H1N1 virus. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Swine flu deaths examined

NHS News Feed — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:51:00 +0100

Conclusion The H1N1 flu pandemic was announced by the World Health Organization on June 11 2009, after the strain first emerged in Mexico in March. So far, this well conducted investigation into all deaths in England known to be attributable to swine flu from July-November 2009 has found 138 deaths out of an estimated 540,000 cases, which is about 26 deaths per 100,000 people (0.026% of those affected). Other points that to note: As the researchers say, the swine flu mortality rate (0.026%) seems much lower than in twentieth-century flu pandemics. They report that the rate in the 1918-9 H1N1 pandemic was 2-3%, and about 0.2% in the subsequent pandemics (1957-8 and 1967-8). About two-thirds of those who died had significant underlying illness, but there was still a third who did not ...

H1N1 causes lung damage much like 1918

Health News - UPI.com — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:06:29 +0100

BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 10 (UPI) -- The H1N1 virus can damage respiratory cells much like the 1918 and 1957 pandemics, U.S. researchers say. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

Transmissibility of the 1918 pandemic influenza in Montreal and Winnipeg of Canada

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion The early preparedness and public health control measures could suggest an explanation for the fact that the number of secondary cases generated by a primary case was significantly reduced in Winnipeg comparing to it in Montreal. (Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

H1N1 virus attacks deep into the lungs

CNN.com - Health — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:18:48 +0100

In the rare cases when the H1N1 virus kills, scientists have found, it penetrates deep into the lungs, creating widespread damage -- a pattern similar to what killed millions during previous flu pandemics in 1918 and 1957. (Source: CNN.com - Health)

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New York Autopsies Show 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus Damages Entire Airway

PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:30:00 +0100

New York autopsies show 2009 H1N1 influenza virus damages entire airway

ScienceDaily Headlines — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +0100

New York Autopsies Show 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus Damages Entire Airway

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +0100

In fatal cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza, the virus can damage cells throughout the respiratory airway, much like the viruses that caused the 1918 and 1957 influenza pandemics, report researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner. The scientists reviewed autopsy reports, hospital records and other clinical data from 34 people who died of 2009 H1N1 influenza infection between May 15 and July 9, 2009. All but two of the deaths occurred in New York City... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

New York Autopsies Show 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus Damages Entire Airway

National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Releases — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:41:00 +0100

New York autopsies show 2009 H1N1 influenza virus damages entire airway

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0100

(NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) In fatal cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza, the virus can damage cells throughout the respiratory airway, much like the viruses that caused the 1918 and 1957 influenza pandemics, report researchers from the National Institutes of Health and the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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A parsimonious hypothesis to the cause of influenza lethality and its variations in 1918–1919 and 2009

Medical Hypotheses — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This article (1) presents age, geographic, and temporal variations in 1918–1919 and 2009 influenza severity, (2) presents and discusses ecologic evidence in favor of the hypothesis to influenza lethality advanced here, (3) suggests biologic mechanisms capable of explaining it, (4) retrospectively, proposes co-circulation between the Pandemic and a 1918 seasonal (H3?) influenza virus as the context for the increased lethality during the second wave of the 1918 Pandemic, and (5) predicts an increase in influenza severity in the northern hemisphere as the 2009–2010 season advances and H3 circulation increases. (Source: Medical Hypotheses)

2010 Red Ribbon Award

ScanGrants feed — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The call for nominations for the 2010 Red Ribbon Award is now open. As in the past, the award honors and recognizes exceptional grassroots leadership in responding to the AIDS epidemic. Nominations are accepted from December 1st, 2009 until February 28th, 2010.Twenty-five community-based organizations will be selected through a community-led process and invited to attend the XVIIIth International AIDS Conference in Vienna from 18-23 July, 2010, where they will have an opportunity to showcase their work. All 25 organizations will receive $5,000 each. Five of these will receive special recognition and an additional $15,000.This year the Red Ribbon Award will be given to community groups for outstanding leadership in responding to AIDS in one or more of the following categories: * Ensure th...

A prospective study of eating away-from-home meals and weight gain in a Mediterranean population: the SUN (Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra) cohort.

Public Health Nutrition — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: A higher frequency of meals eaten out of home may play a role in the current obesity epidemic observed in some Mediterranean countries. PMID: 19954575 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Public Health Nutrition)

Re: The State's role and health – swine 'flu as a case study

Public Health — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

I read with interest your editorial in Public Health 123 (2009):521–522. In that article you state that “the victims of earlier pandemics were not portrayed on TV and details of their lives shared by the mass media.” In the mid 1990s, a UK-based TV channel screened an excellent programme, using original footage from the USA, about the effects of the 1918 pandemic. Fascinated by a good story, the TV production company had photographed elderly people as they reminisced about their childhood memories of the 1918 pandemic and interspersed this with photographs of them at about that time. This was exceedingly well done, and certainly put into context the effects of pandemic influenza upon daily life. Included were such touching details as the colour of ribbon attached to the front door if...

Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Hospital Infection Control Response to an Epidemic Respiratory Virus Threat.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Dan YY, Tambyah PA, Sim J, Lim J, Hsu LY, Chow WL, Fisher DA, Wong YS, Ho KY The outbreak of influenza A pandemic (H1N1) 2009 prompted many countries in Asia, previously strongly affected by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), to respond with stringent measures, particularly in preventing outbreaks in hospitals. We studied actual direct costs and cost-effectiveness of different response measures from a hospital perspective in tertiary hospitals in Singapore by simulating outbreaks of SARS, pandemic (H1N1) 2009, and 1918 Spanish influenza. Protection measures targeting only infected patients yielded lowest incremental cost/death averted of $23,000 (US$) for pandemic (H1N1) 2009. Enforced protection in high-risk areas (Yellow Alert) and full protection throughout the hospi...

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Simultaneous epidemics of influenza and malaria in the Australian Army in Palestine in 1918.

Med J Aust — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Shanks GD In October 1918, an Allied army (Egyptian Expeditionary Force) in Palestine experienced simultaneous epidemics of falciparum malaria and influenza during the cavalry campaign that defeated the Turkish Army. Malaria infection occurred 2 weeks after the advance of cavalry units into areas without environmental mosquito control. Pandemic influenza, now thought to be an A/H1N1 strain, struck at the same time. In the Egyptian Expeditionary Force of 315 000 soldiers, 773 died from malaria and 934 from influenza-pneumonia. Disease casualties outnumbered those due to combat by more than 37 to 1. Simultaneous infectious disease epidemics can cause mass casualties, capable of overwhelming any health service. PMID: 20028296 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Med J Aust)

Biological H1N1 Vaccines: Too Little, Too Late

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0100

Biotech firm Replikins Ltd., which has analyzed the H1N1 virus' genomic data from the 1918 pandemic through the prediction, outbreak, and progress of the current H1N1 pandemic, issued its latest biochemical analysis of the virus. The new data shows that the lethality of the H1N1 ("Swine Flu") virus has dropped from its peak of 3.7 (s.d. 4. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Biological H1N1 Vaccines: Too Little, Too Late

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0100

A Cruel Wind: Pandemic Flu in America, 1918-1920

Social History of Medicine — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:37:14 +0100

(Source: Social History of Medicine)

1918 RDB D225G in Lung Cases in the United States

Recombinomics — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:17:24 +0100

The commentary discusses targeting of gal alpha 2,3 receptors by the receptor binding domain change, D225G on pandemic H1N1. (11/23/09 10:27) (Source: Recombinomics)

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1918 RBD D225G in Lung Cases in Ukraine and Norway

Recombinomics — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:25:35 +0100

The commentary discusses 1918 receptor binding domain change found in 2009 H1N1 in Ukraine and Norway. (11/21/09 13:02) (Source: Recombinomics)

States With The Most And Least H1N1 Vaccine Per 1,000 Residents

Forbes.com Health News — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:30:00 +0100

Your chances of getting inoculated against America's worst pandemic since the 1918 flu improve greatly depending on where you live. (Source: Forbes.com Health News)

American Diabetes Association Launches New Diabetes.org, Building A Community Of Help, Hope And Support

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:00 +0100

To meet the changing needs of people affected by this growing epidemic, the American Diabetes Association has launched a completely redesigned http://www.diabetes.org in English and Spanish. Even though diabetes is a growing epidemic, a recent survey conducted by the Association showed that Americans received a failing grade in diabetes awareness. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

American Diabetes Association Launches New Diabetes.org, Building A Community Of Help, Hope And Support

Diabetes News From Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:00 +0100

Spain reports 115 deaths of A/H1N1 flu

Xinhuanet Chinaview Health — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:18:27 +0100

MADRID, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish Health and Social ... (Source: Xinhuanet Chinaview Health)

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Prevalence of malaria from peripheral blood smears examination: A 1-year retrospective study from the Serbo Health Center, Kersa Woreda, Ethiopia

Journal of Infection and Public Health — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:36:24 +0100

Summary: Malaria is a major public health problem in Ethiopia. Over the past years, the disease has been consistently reported as the first leading cause of outpatient visits, hospitalization and death in health facilities across the country. Thus, a retrospective study was conducted to determine the prevalence of malaria from peripheral blood smear examination from the Serbo Health Center of Ethiopia. The case notes of all malaria cases treated between July 2007 and June 2008 were carefully reviewed and analyzed. Of the total 6863 smears, 3009 were found to be positive and contribute 43.8% of diagnostic yield. Plasmodium falciparum constituted the most predominant [64.6% (1946/3009 cases)], while Plasmodium vivax confirmed with 34.9% (1052/3009) cases. Among patients who underwent diagnos...

Swine Flu Deception and Disinformation Exposed

NaturalNews.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Conclusion - a recombinant strain produced from Bird Flu live viruses and a seasonal or Swine Flu strain can create a virus with morbidity (high widespread death rate).Last August, an international microbiologist in California, Joseph Moshe, called anti-vaccination activist Dr. A. True Ott, warning him of a bioweapon at Baxter's facilities in Ukraine that could be used to create a pandemic. Dr. Ott divulged this on Deagle's radio show after Moshe was forcefully apprehended.The Ukrainian IncidentUp until the 29th of October, there were only two non-lethal swine flu cases reported within Ukraine's 46 million population. Very few Ukrainians were getting vaccinations of any kind! Then on the 30th, there were reports of an epidemic! Swine flu hysteria broke out and spread across Europe.The symp...

Seasonal, Avian, and Novel H1N1 Influenza: Prevention and Treatment Modalities (December).

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Influenza subtypes continue to change, causing disease in animals and humans. Utilization of immunization and antiviral treatment options are available to prevent, treat, and contain the spread of this infection. PMID: 19920156 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Annals of Pharmacotherapy)

Spain begins A/H1N1 flu vaccination

Xinhuanet Chinaview Health — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:25:49 +0100

MADRID, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish Health Ministry ... (Source: Xinhuanet Chinaview Health)

Pandemic influenza: human rights, ethics and duty to treat

Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This article aims to highlight the legal, ethical and professional aspects that might be relevant to anaesthesiologists in the case of a high-lethality infectious disease such as a severe pandemic influenza. The epidemiology, the role of anaesthesiologists and possible threats to the profession and colleagueship within medical specialties relevant to anaesthesiologists are reviewed. During historical plague epidemics, some doctors have behaved like 'deserters'. However, during the Spanish influenza, physicians remained at their jobs, although many perished. In surveys, more than half of the health-care workers have reported their willingness to work in the case of severe pandemics. Physicians have the same human rights as all citizens: they have to be effectively protected against infectio...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Navy Support to Civilian Authorities During the 1918 Influenza Pandemic-Historys Lessons and Recommendations for Future Work

Military Medicine — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:41:14 +0100

(Source: Military Medicine)

The war was over but Spanish Flu would kill millions more

Telegraph Health — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:45:37 +0100

On Armistice Day 1918 Britain was in the grip of Spanish Flu which could kill its victims in hours says Juliet Nicolson. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Coverage and Predictors of Adherence to Influenza Vaccination among Spanish Children and Adults with Asthma

Infection — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:57:25 +0100

Conclusions The overall influenza vaccination coverage among subjects who suffer from asthma in Spain is very low. Special attention should be paid to children, younger adults, and smokers, since these subjects have the lowest adherence to vaccine recommendations. Strategies focused on health-care providers and patients must be urgently implemented to improve influenza vaccination coverage among asthma sufferers. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Brief ReportDOI 10.1007/s15010-009-9069-4Authors R. Jiménez-García, Rey Juan Carlos University Unity of Teaching and Research in Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences Avda de Atenas s/n 28402 Alcorcón, Madrid SpainV. Hernández-Barrera, Rey Juan Carlos University Unity of Teaching and Resear...

1918 RBD Polymorphism in Ukraine H1N1?

Recombinomics — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:29:22 +0100

The commentary discusses the explosion of cases in Ukraine and the possible acquisition of a 1918 polymorphism. A map of the outbreaks is linked. (11/09/08 04:32) (Source: Recombinomics)

Update: Translated Poster-Disposable Respirators: General Donning Instructions in Spanish

CDC Swine Flu Updates — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:30:00 +0100

These posters describe general procedures for properly putting on and taking off a disposable respirator in Spanish. (Source: CDC Swine Flu Updates)

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Update: Translated Poster-Disposable Respirators: General Donning Instructions in Spanish (PDF)

CDC Swine Flu Updates — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:30:00 +0100

These posters describe general procedures for properly putting on and taking off a disposable respirator in Spanish. (Source: CDC Swine Flu Updates)

1918 Influenza: A Winnebago County, Wisconsin Perspective.

Clin Med Res — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study also documents the 1920 influenza wave. PMID: 19889943 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clin Med Res)

Closing The Schools: Lessons From The 1918-19 U.S. Influenza Pandemic [Web Exclusives]

Health Affairs — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:03:47 +0100

When the novel strain of A/H1N1 influenza first appeared in spring 2009, closing schools was initially a common and often challenging strategy implemented in many communities. Arguments for and against closing schools are likely to arise anew if influenza spikes in the fall of 2009. Policymakers and community officials considering this and other nonpharmaceutical responses can learn from the experiences of ninety-one years ago, during the 1918–19 influenza pandemic that killed thousands of Americans. Analysis of the school closure policies of forty-three U.S. cities during that pandemic shows that smooth implementation was associated with clear lines of authority among agencies and with transparent communication between health officials and the public. (Source: Health Affairs)

Infectious Diseases and Famous People Who Succumbed to Them

Clinical Microbiology Newsletter — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:27:20 +0100

This article examines seven illnesses — tuberculosis, influenza, infectious diarrhea, syphilis, bacterial pneumonia, bacterial sepsis, and malaria, and the individuals throughout history who contracted and died from them. (Source: Clinical Microbiology Newsletter)

Two-Population Model Accounting for the Different Patterns Observed in the Log-Log Plot of the Cumulative Numbers of Those Infected and Killed in the Early Phase of the 2009 H1N1 Pandemic in Contrast to the One-Population Model Accounting for the 1918-1919 Pandemic in San Francisco.

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Yoshikura H PMID: 19934547 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases)

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Introduction: Infectious Diseases in Clinical Practice

Topics in Companion Animal Medicine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Infectious diseases are intimately associated with sociology, economics, and mythology. Medical, historical, and fictional literature all include vivid descriptions of infections such as grippe, consumption, the Black Death, ague, bilious fever, Bladder in Throat, lockjaw, and malignant fever. Tuberculosis plays a central role in the operas La Traviata and La Boheme and in Thomas Mann's The Magic Mountain. Bubonic plague and the 1918 flu epidemic are writ large in our collective imaginations. Avian influenza, SARS, and swine influenza are examples of recent panic-inducing epidemics. The AIDS epidemic generates enormous sadness and hope, activism and research. Infectious diseases through history have woven a compelling fabric wrapped around history, music, literature, and art. (Source: Topi...

H1N1 virus causes postponement of Spanish soccer match

Xinhuanet Chinaview Health — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:35:52 +0100

MADRID, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish Football Federation ... (Source: Xinhuanet Chinaview Health)

A/H1N1 flu causes cancellation of Spanish soccer game

Xinhuanet Chinaview Health — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:11:50 +0100

MADRID, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish Football Federation ... (Source: Xinhuanet Chinaview Health)

Behind The H1N1 Vaccine Shortage

Forbes.com Health News — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:00:00 +0100

Your chances of getting inoculated against America's worst pandemic since the 1918 flu improve greatly depending on where you live. (Source: Forbes.com Health News)

Thirteen players down with swine flu at Spanish club Betis

Monsters and Critics Health News — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:04:23 +0100

Madrid - The Seville club Betis, currently playing in the second category of Spanish football, asked Thursday for (Source: Monsters and Critics Health News)

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Update: 2009 H1N1 Flu: Free Resources

CDC Swine Flu Updates — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:04:07 +0100

Added the Commercial Print Ready English and Spanish Versions of CDC Says “Take 3” Steps To Fight The Flu. (Source: CDC Swine Flu Updates)

Commentary

Annals of Emergency Medicine — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:11:33 +0100

[Ann Emerg Med. 2009;54:734-736.] On June 11, 2009, less than 1 month after the release of this first report of hospitalized patients with novel influenza A (H1N1), the World Health Organization declared an influenza pandemic, urging the health care community to implement appropriate measures to help prevent a repeat of the deadly 1918 pandemic, which caused more than 50 million deaths. Although most cases observed during the current outbreak appear to be relatively mild (as of July 11, 2009, there were approximately 37,000 US cases, with slightly more than 200 deaths), serious complications have occurred and the pandemic remains in flux. Emergency physicians will play a pivotal role in the care of patients during this infectious disease outbreak and accordingly need to be armed with guid...

Profit Driven Swine Flu Propaganda - Pump Up the Volume - Part Four

NaturalNews.com — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0100

This article is part four in a six-part series. Be sure to read part three at http://www.naturalnews.com/027310_swine_flu_health_Tamiflu.htmlThose in control of the mainstream media have joined together with public health officials to provide the pharmaceutical industry with the best swine flu promotional campaign that money can buy.In an October 7, 2009, OpEd News article titled, "The Centers for Disease Control: The Best Vaccination PR Firm Taxes Can Buy," the makers of the documentaries, "Vaccine Nation," and "Autism: Made in the USA," Richard Gale and Dr Gary Null wrote: "If the flu season goes according to schedule, the vaccine industrial complex will be poised to join Wall Street for record year rip-off profits. We will also likely witness huge Pharma executive bonuses and perhaps go...

Coming soon to an ICU near you: Severe Pandemic Influenza in ICU Patients in Spain

Critical Care — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

A novel strain of swine influenza A H1N1 has already disseminated worldwide and has become a major clinical problem for intensive care units in selected areas. Many regions in the Southern Hemisphere are currently struggling to keep up with the influx of severely affected patients with acute respiratory failure from primary influenza pneumonia. The Northern hemisphere is bracing for a similar surge of patients over the next winter's influenza season. This initial report of ventilatory needs for patients with severe influenza pneumonia in Spanish ICUs provides a useful guide of what to expect, and how to respond to the challenge of pandemic influenza. (Source: Critical Care)

Emergency Use Authorization for rRT-PCR Swine Flu Panel: Fact sheet for Patients, Spanish Translation

CDC Swine Flu Updates — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:04:04 +0100

Translation for Spanish was added (Source: CDC Swine Flu Updates)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Emergency Use Authorization for rRT-PCR Flu Panel (NPS, NS, TS, NPS/TS, NA): Fact sheet for Patients, Spanish Translation

CDC Swine Flu Updates — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:04:04 +0100

Translation for Spanish was added (Source: CDC Swine Flu Updates)

Emergency Use Authorization for N95 Respirators: EUA Summary Fact Sheet, Spanish Translation

CDC Swine Flu Updates — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:04:04 +0100

Translation for Spanish was added (Source: CDC Swine Flu Updates)

Flu Surveillance Boosts Control, Treatment Options

ScienceDaily Headlines — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:00:00 +0100

Tracking and understanding the patterns of H1N1's spread is crucial to keeping a big-picture look at the disease. Says one expert, "Back in 1918 and 1919 when we had the great flu epidemic, it took six months or more to spread across the world. The new H1N1 swine flu spread across the world in six weeks." (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Flyer: Flu can harm you and your baby. Vaccination can Protect You Both! Spanish translation

CDC Swine Flu Updates — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Flu can harm you and your baby. Vaccination can Protect You Both! (Source: CDC Swine Flu Updates)

Flyer: Flu can harm you and your baby. Vaccination can Protect You Both!Spanish translation

CDC Swine Flu Updates — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Flu can harm you and your baby. Vaccination can Protect You Both! (Source: CDC Swine Flu Updates)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

FLYER: 2009 H1N1 Flu Vaccine: It Takes Two (PDF - Spanish translation)

CDC Swine Flu Updates — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:04:03 +0100

Get your child a second 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine dose. (Source: CDC Swine Flu Updates)

Prenatal pandemic flu may increase cardiovascular risk

Modern Medicine — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Prenatal exposure to the notoriously virulent 1918 pandemic flu increased the risk of cardiovascular disease and growth retardation later in life, according to a study published online Oct. 1 in the Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Flu vaccines revealed as the greatest quackery ever pushed in the history of medicine

NaturalNews.com — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) Prepare to have your world rocked. What you're about to read here will leave you astonished, inspired and outraged all at the same time. You're about to be treated to some little-known information demonstrating why seasonal flu vaccines are utterly worthless and why their continued promotion is based entirely on fabricated studies and medical mythology.If the whole world knew what you're about to read here, the vaccine industry would collapse overnight.This information comes to you courtesy of a brilliant article published in The Atlantic (November 2009). The article, written by Shannon Brownlee and Jeanne Lenzer, isn't just brilliant; in my opinion it stands as the best article on flu vaccines that has ever been published in the popular press. Entitled Does the vaccine matte...

Flu surveillance boosts control, treatment options, says UAB travel-clinic chief

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Alabama at Birmingham) Tracking and understanding the patterns of H1N1's spread is crucial to keeping a big-picture look at the disease. Says UAB's chief of travel medicine, "Back in 1918 and 1919 when we had the great flu epidemic, it took six months or more to spread across the world. The new H1N1 swine flu spread across the world in six weeks." (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Did Salicylates Increase the Death Toll in the 1918 Influenza Pandemic

The Poison Review — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:54:33 +0100

4 out of 5 stars SALICYLATES AND PANDEMIC INFLUENZA MORTALITY, 1918-1919 PHARMACOLOGY, PATHOLOGY, AND HISTORIC EVIDENCE Starko KM. Clin Infect Dis 1 November 2009 Abstract This absolutely fascinating — but somewhat speculative — article hypothesizes that overuse of aspirin was responsible for some of the deaths in the 1918 flu pandemic. The author — who wrote one of the early papers on Reyes Syndrome and aspirin — brings considerable evidence to support her thesis. First, there were two general patterns of death during the pandemic. Late fatalities were generally due to superinfection and bacterial pneumonia. But autopsies on victims with early deaths — occurring on approximately the second day of illness — showed pulmonary edema, a purpuric rash...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Health News of the Day

Clinical Cases and Images — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:09:00 +0100

is a daily summary made from the selected links I post on Twitter. It is in a bullet points format with links to the original sources which include 350 RSS feeds that produce about 2,500 items per day:Once H1N1 flu patients are sick enough to be hospitalized, many decline very fast, requiring ICU and ventilators http://bit.ly/2bBkfyVision problems in the elderly that can't be corrected tied to a shorter lifespan http://bit.ly/EGMyXAspirin May Have Had a Deadly Role in 1918 Flu Epidemic. In 1918, JAMA suggested aspirin 1 gram q 3 hr for the flu, the equivalent of 25 standard 325-mg tablets http://bit.ly/uSvTN"10% of the U.S. population is responsible for 64% of our health care costs" http://bit.ly/yvFOGAMA: Expansion of medical services from retail clinics is concerning and may have uninte...

Sixty million years of evolution says vitamin D may save your life from swine flu

NaturalNews.com — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0100

This study reveals something startling: Vitamin D is so crucial to the functioning of your immune system that the ability of vitamin D to boost immune function and destroy invading microorganisms has been conserved in the genome for over 60 million years of evolution.As this press release from Oregon State University (http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-08/osu-kfo081809.php) explains:The fact that this vitamin-D mediated immune response has been retained through millions of years of evolutionary selection, and is still found in species ranging from squirrel monkeys to baboons and humans, suggests that it must be critical to their survival, researchers say."The existence and importance of this part of our immune response makes it clear that humans and other primates need to maintain...

In 1918 Pandemic, Another Possible Killer: Aspirin

NYT > Health — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:37:18 +0100

A study suggests that overdoses of what was then the relatively new “wonder drug” could have been deadly. (Source: NYT > Health)

Aspirin May Have Had Role in 1918 Flu Epidemic

NYT > Health — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:41:04 +0100

A study suggests that overdoses of what was then the relatively new “wonder drug” could have been deadly. (Source: NYT > Health)

Worst Case for China Flu Pandemic: Millions Dead

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:59:36 +0100

If a 1918-like influenza pandemic hit China today, as many as 7 million people could die, researchers from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) warn. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

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The pandemic 2009 (H1N1) swine influenza virus is mild compared to the pandemic 1918 (H1N1) virus because of a proline-to-serine substitution in the receptor-binding site of its hemagglutinin – A hypothesis

Medical Hypotheses — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: The relative mildness of the pandemic 2009 (H1N1) swine influenza virus compared to the 1918 pandemic (H1N1) virus may be due to a variety of possible causes, including the existence of effective immunity in the host, the lessened ability of the virus to bind to target cells or to replicate in them, a diminished secretion of molecules that could cause further complications like pneumonia, etc. A comparison of the hemagglutinin sequences from the pandemic 2009 (H1N1) viruses with that of the 1918 (H1N1) virus reveals a difference in the residues occupying position 200, which has been shown to be involved in receptor binding. In all the pandemic 2009 (H1N1) hemagglutinin sequences available in the NCBI database, position 200 is occupied by serine. In the hemagglutinin of the 1918 (H...

Pandemic Payoff from 1918: A Weaker H1N1 Flu Today

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:20:00 +0100

Editor's Note: This story is scheduled to appear in the November issue of Scientific American and is being published early due to recent news regarding the H1N1 vaccine. Although the swine flu outbreak of 2009 is still in full swing, this global influenza epidemic, the fourth in 100 years, is already teaching scientists valuable lessons about pandemics past, those that might have been and those that still might be. Evidence accumulated this summer indicates that the novel H1N1 swine flu virus was not entirely new to all human immune systems. Some researchers have even come to see the current outbreak as a flare-up in an ongoing pandemic era that started when the first H1N1 emerged in 1918. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

Pandemic Payoff from 1918: A Weaker H1N1 Flu Today

Scientific American Topic - Biotechnology — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:20:00 +0100

Spanish translation of "Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) for Live, Intranasal 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine" (PDF)

PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:40:00 +0100

La influenza (gripe) 2009 H1N1 (en ocasiones llamada influenza o gripe porcina) es causada por una nueva cepa del virus de la influenza. (Source: PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases)

Spanish translation of "Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) for Inactivated 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine" (PDF)

PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:40:00 +0100

La influenza (gripe) 2009 H1N1 (tambin llamada influenza o gripe porcina) es causada por una nueva cepa del virus de la influenza. (Source: PandemicFlu.gov RSS Feed for News Releases)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

H1N1 (swine flu) weekly update: Sept. 30 to Oct. 6

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:45:31 +0100

Here are this week’s H1N1 updates from the HealthMap team of the Children’s Hospital Informatics Program. Bulgaria, China, and Portugal reported their first H1N1 deaths. Twenty-five states, counties and cities in the United States started receiving shipments of the H1N1 vaccine this week. Due to the limited quantities available, priority has generally gone to high risk groups such as health care workers and children. Australia also launched its mass H1N1 flu vaccination efforts earlier this week, its largest campaign ever. A Consumer Reports poll found that only about a third of Americans plan on definitely getting the H1N1 vaccine, while almost half are undecided. The WHO meanwhile reiterated its confidence in the H1N1 vaccine and encouraged mass vaccination. A new report wa...

Spanish translation of "Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) for Live, Intranasal 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine" (PDF)

CDC Swine Flu Updates — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:30:00 +0100

Explains to vaccine recipients, their parents, or their legal representatives both the benefits and risks of the vaccine. (Source: CDC Swine Flu Updates)

Spanish translation of "Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) for Inactivated 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine" (PDF)

CDC Swine Flu Updates — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:30:00 +0100

Explains to vaccine recipients, their parents, or their legal representatives both the benefits and risks of the vaccine. (Source: CDC Swine Flu Updates)

An update on swine-origin influenza virus A/H1N1: a review

Virus Genes — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:00:16 +0100

Abstract Influenza viruses cause annual epidemics and occasional pandemics that have claimed the lives of millions. The emergence of new strains will continue to pose challenges to public health and the scientific communities. The recent flu pandemic caused by a swine-origin influenza virus A/H1N1 (S-OIV) presents an opportunity to examine virulence factors, the spread of the infection and to prepare for major influenza outbreaks in the future. The virus contains a novel constellation of gene segments, the nearest known precursors being viruses found in swine and it probably arose through reassortment of two viruses of swine origin. Specific markers for virulence can be evaluated in the viral genome, PB1-F2 is a molecular marker of pathogenicity but is not present in the n...

From the Cover: Structures of receptor complexes formed by hemagglutinins from the Asian Influenza pandemic of 1957 [Microbiology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:23:14 +0100

The viruses that caused the three influenza pandemics of the twentieth century in 1918, 1957, and 1968 had distinct hemagglutinin... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

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1918 Flu Pandemic May Have Been Exaserbated By Aspirin Misuse

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:00:00 +0100

The devastation of the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic is well known, but a new article suggests a surprising factor in the high death toll: the misuse of aspirin. Appearing in the November 1 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases and available online now, the article sounds a cautionary note as present day concerns about the novel H1N1 virus run high. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Get The Facts On The H1N1 (Swine) Flu

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 08:00:00 +0100

In response to the growing concern about the H1N1 (swine) flu pandemic, Anatomical Chart Company (ACC) and Lippincott's NursingCenter.com offer a free teaching aid to help healthcare practitioners explain the H1N1 virus to their patients. The highly visual color handout is available as a free download in English and Spanish at http://www.anatomical.com/swineflu and http://www.nursingcenter. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Aspirin Misuse May Have Made 1918 Flu Pandemic Worse

ScienceDaily Headlines — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 09:00:00 +0100

The devastation of the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic is well known, but a new article suggests a surprising factor in the high death toll: the misuse of aspirin. AThe article sounds a cautionary note as present day concerns about the novel H1N1 virus run high. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Pre-Birth Exposure to 1918 Flu Raised Heart Risks, Study Finds

MedicineNet Senior Health General — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Pre-Birth Exposure to 1918 Flu Raised Heart Risks, Study FindsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 10/1/2009 2:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 10/2/2009 (Source: MedicineNet Senior Health General)

Pre-Birth Exposure to 1918 Flu Raised Heart Risks, Study Finds

MedicineNet Kids Health General — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Pre-Birth Exposure to 1918 Flu Raised Heart Risks, Study FindsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 10/1/2009 2:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 10/2/2009 (Source: MedicineNet Kids Health General)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Traditional Plant Medicine Could Cure H1N1 Flu Virus, Chinese Scientists Find

NaturalNews.com — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) The government's pro-vaccine push and the mainstream media's near hysteria over the increased number of H1N1 (swine flu) cases can leave some people feeling almost helpless. After all, there are reports that anti-virus drugs like Tamiflu don't always work (and are known to have horrendous side effects), and no one can truly say the barely-tested flu vaccine has in any way been proven safe or effective. But what is overlooked by mainstream news and most of the medical community is that a host of natural therapies exist that can help the body fight off infections. And now Chinese scientists have documented that an ancient plant remedy for flu appears to offer a knock-out punch to the dreaded H1N1 virus.Researchers from Kaohsiung Medical University and the China Medical Universi...

Aspirin misuse may have made 1918 flu pandemic worse

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 04:00:00 +0100

(Infectious Diseases Society of America) The devastation of the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic is well known, but a new article suggests a surprising factor in the high death toll: the misuse of aspirin. Appearing in the November 1 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases and available online now, the article sounds a cautionary note as present day concerns about the novel H1N1 virus run high. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

1918 flu contact in womb tied to heart disease

CBC | Health — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:29:58 +0100

People who were exposed to the 1918 pandemic flu virus in utero were more likely to have cardiovascular problems later in life, a new U.S. study suggests. (Source: CBC | Health)

Pre-Birth Exposure to 1918 Flu Raised Heart Risks, Study Finds

MedlinePlus Health News — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:00:00 +0100

Whether same will hold true for current H1N1 strain remains a mystery Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topics: Flu, Heart Diseases, Infections and Pregnancy (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

The Fog of Research: Influenza Vaccine Trials during the 1918-19 Pandemic

Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:22:04 +0100

Bacterial vaccines of various sorts were widely used for both preventive and therapeutic purposes during the great influenza pandemic of 1918–19. Some were derived exclusively from the Pfeiffer's bacillus, the presumed cause of influenza, while others contained one or more other organisms found in the lungs of victims. Although initially most reports of the use of these vaccines claimed that they prevented influenza or pneumonia, the results were inconsistent and sometimes contradictory. During the course of the debates over the efficacy of these vaccines, it became clear that the medical profession had no consensus on what constituted a proper vaccine trial. Even among those who asserted that clinical impression was not enough, there was no agreement on how a trial ought to be condu...

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1918 Flu Left Legacy of Heart Disease

ABC News: Health — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:10:51 +0100

Prenatal exposure to the virus has been linked to a spike in heart ills. (Source: ABC News: Health)

1918 flu pre-natal exposure may hurt heart

Health News - UPI.com — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:34:56 +0100

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- People exposed to an H1NI strain of influenza A in utero in 1918 were significantly more likely to have heart disease later in life, U.S. researchers say. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

Residual immunity in older people against the influenza A(H1N1) - recent experience in northern Spain

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus has a higher incidence in children and young adults, a pattern that has also been reported in seasonal influenza caused by the influenza A(H1N1) virus. We analysed age at infection in symptomatic patients with influenza in the Basque Country (northern Spain), reported through the sentinel influenza surveillance system which monitors 2.2-2.5% of the population. Between September 1999 and August 2009, influenza A(H3N2) or seasonal influenza A(H1N1) was detected in 941 patients, and from April to August 2009, pandemic influenza A(H1N1) was detected in 112 patients. The H3/H1 seasonal influenza ratio was between 3.3 and 3.4 in the under 60 year-olds, but 9.8 in older individuals, suggesting that people born before 1950 have residual immunity against th...

Excess Deaths and Immunoprotection during 1918-1920 Influenza Pandemic, Taiwan.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hsieh YH To determine the difference in age-specific immunoprotection during waves of influenza epidemics, we analyzed excess monthly death data for the 1918-1920 influenza pandemic in Taiwan. For persons 10-19 years of age, percentage of excess deaths was lowest in 1918 and significantly higher in 1920, perhaps indicating lack of immunoprotection from the first wave. PMID: 19861055 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

Prenatal Pandemic Flu May Increase Cardiovascular Risk

Modern Medicine — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

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1918 Flu Left Legacy of Heart Disease (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Infectious Disease — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:17:00 +0100

Men who were in utero during the peak of the 1918-1919 flu pandemic were at increased risk of heart disease when they reached their 60s, 70s, and 80s, researchers said. (Source: MedPage Today Infectious Disease)

1918 Flu Closings May Provide Lessons for Today

MedicineNet Senior Health General — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Title: 1918 Flu Closings May Provide Lessons for TodayCategory: Health NewsCreated: 9/29/2009 12:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 9/30/2009 (Source: MedicineNet Senior Health General)

Salicylates and Pandemic Influenza Mortality, 1918–1919 Pharmacology, Pathology, and Historic Evidence

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:23:29 +0100

Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. The high case‐fatality rate—especially among young adults—during the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic is incompletely understood. Although late deaths showed bacterial pneumonia, early deaths exhibited extremely “wet,” sometimes hemorrhagic lungs. The hypothesis presented herein is that aspirin contributed to the incidence and severity of viral pathology, bacterial infection, and death, because physicians of the day were unaware that the regimens (8.0–31.2 g per day) produce levels associated with hyperventilation and pulmonary edema in 33% and 3% of recipients, respectively. Recently, pulmonary edema was found at autopsy in 46% of 26 salicylate‐intoxicated adults. Experimentally, salicylates incr...

Lessons From 1918 On Influenza-related School Closure Planning

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:00:00 +0100

During last spring's influenza A/H1N1 pandemic, closing schools was a common and often contested strategy for curbing spread of the virus. This debate likely will persist if the flu pandemic continues or worsens in the United States this fall. Researchers from the University of Michigan and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a qualitative analysis of 43 U.S. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

1918 Flu Closings May Provide Lessons for Today

Forbes.com Health News — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:00:00 +0100

Cities weighing swine flu school closures should review past practices, researchers say (Source: Forbes.com Health News)

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1918 Flu Closings May Provide Lessons for Today

MedlinePlus Health News — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:00:00 +0100

Cities weighing swine flu school closures should review past practices, researchers say Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topics: Flu, H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Closing The Schools: Lessons From The 1918-19 U.S. Influenza Pandemic [Web Exclusives]

Health Affairs — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

When the novel strain of A/H1N1 influenza first appeared in spring 2009, closing schools was initially a common and often challenging strategy implemented in many communities. Arguments for and against closing schools are likely to arise anew if influenza spikes in the fall of 2009. Policymakers and community officials considering this and other nonpharmaceutical responses can learn from the experiences of ninety-one years ago, during the 1918-19 influenza pandemic that killed thousands of Americans. Analysis of the school closure policies of forty-three U.S. cities during that pandemic shows that smooth implementation was associated with clear lines of authority among agencies and with transparent communication between health officials and the public. [Health Aff (Millwood). 2009;28(6):w1...

Swine flu pandemic: How will it impact Ecuador and South America vs. North America?

NaturalNews.com — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0100

This article offers an analysis of likely scenarios based on what has been observed so far with the behavior of the swine flu around the world.When considering the potential impact on Ecuador, the most important thing to realize about swine flu is that the number of people dying from swine flu exposure is quite small -- roughly 1 in 2,000 based on official estimates of infection rates and fatalities in New York. This indicates the current mild state of the virus, indicating that unless it mutates into a significantly more virulent strain, the total number of fatalities will likely remain quite low (perhaps 75,000 or so in the U.S., making it roughly 2.5 times more deadly than a typical flu season if you believe CDC numbers).Those currently dying from the swine flu in the United States tend...

Evaluation of twenty rapid antigen tests for the detection of human influenza A H5N1, H3N2, H1N1, and B viruses

Journal of Medical Virology — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Twenty rapid antigen assays were compared for their ability to detect influenza using dilutions of virus culture supernatants from human isolates of influenza A H5N1 (clade 1 and 2 strains), H3N2 and H1N1 viruses, and influenza B. There was variation amongst the rapid antigen assays in their ability to detect different influenza viruses. Six of the 12 assays labeled as distinguishing between influenza A and B had comparable analytical sensitivities for detecting both influenza A H5N1 strains, although their ability to detect influenza A H3N2 and H1N1 strains varied. The two assays claiming H5 specificity did not detect either influenza A H5N1 strains, and the two avian influenza-specific assays detected influenza A H5N1, but missed some influenza A H3N2 virus supernatants. Clinical trials ...

El Niño, Global Warming Link Questioned; Possible Link Between 1918 El Niño And Flu Pandemic?

ScienceDaily Headlines — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:48:26 +0100

Research casts doubts on the notion that El Niño has been getting stronger because of global warming and raises interesting questions about the relationship between El Niño and a severe flu pandemic 91 years ago. The findings are based on analysis of the 1918 El Niño, which the new research shows to be one of the strongest of the 20th century. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

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Texas A&M researcher shows possible link between 1918 El Niño and flu pandemic

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +0100

(Texas A&M University) Research conducted at Texas A&M University casts doubts on the notion that El Niño has been getting stronger because of global warming and raises interesting questions about the relationship between El Niño and a severe flu pandemic 91 years ago. The findings are based on analysis of the 1918 El Niño, which the new research shows to be one of the strongest of the 20th century. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Mortality burden of the 1918–1920 influenza pandemic in Hong Kong

Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses)

'Dung Of The Devil' Plant Roots Point To New Swine Flu Drugs

ScienceDaily Headlines — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:42:05 +0100

Scientists have discovered that roots of a plant used a century ago during the great Spanish influenza pandemic contains substances with powerful effects in laboratory experiments in killing the H1N1 swine flu virus that now threatens the world. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Potential New Swine Flu Drugs From 'Dung Of The Devil' Plant

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:00:00 +0100

Scientists in China have discovered that roots of a plant used a century ago during the great Spanish influenza pandemic contains substances with powerful effects in laboratory experiments in killing the H1N1 swine flu virus that now threatens the world. The plant has a pleasant onion-like taste when cooked, but when raw it has sap so foul-smelling that some call it the "Dung of the Devil" plant. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Dung of the Devil Plant May Help Cure Swine Flu

Disabled World — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:28:02 +0100

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Chinese 'Devil Dung' Plant Could Be a Swine Flu Fighter

Forbes.com Health News — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:00:00 +0100

Extract used in 1918 pandemic may have antiviral properties, scientists say (Source: Forbes.com Health News)

Are We In For A Repeat Of The Killer Flu Pandemic Of 1918?

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:00:00 +0100

In 1918, the Spanish flu raced around the globe, ending the lives of an estimated 40 million people in less than a year. Epidemiologists believe one in four Americans became infected during that pandemic with 750,000 dying. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

1918 Influenza: A Treatment That Worked

NaturalNews.com — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) At least twenty million people died in the 1918 influenza epidemic and Eleanora McBean, Ph.D., N.D. tells us something pretty interesting about it. Drug-oriented medical doctors and hospitals, she tells us, "were losing 33% of their flu cases," while "non-medical hospitals such as Battle Creek, Kellogg and MacFadden's Health Restorium were getting almost 100% healings."Most people reading this already know that drugs are almost never the answer to what ails the body. But, do you know how they were achieving an almost 100% recovery rate at Battle Creek, a facility run by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg?A 1918 article titled "Spanish Influenza Treatment," edited by Dr. Kellogg, shares the recommended influenza protocols.First, the patients were doing water enemas twice a day to clean t...

'Dung of the devil' plant roots point to new swine flu drugs

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +0100

(American Chemical Society) Scientists in China have discovered that roots of a plant used a century ago during the great Spanish influenza pandemic contains substances with powerful effects in laboratory experiments in killing the H1N1 swine flu virus that now threatens the world. Their report is scheduled for the Sept. 25 issue of ACS' Journal of Natural Products, a monthly publication. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

The Persistent Legacy of the 1918 Influenza Virus

New England Journal of Medicine — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

. In the diagram (page 227), "230 human cases, Fort Dix 1979" should have read "230 human cases, Fort Dix 1975-1976." The ... (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

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Flu vaccination rates low in Spanish bronchitis patients

MedWire News - Respiratory — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:18:51 +0100

More than a third of Spanish patients with chronic bronchitis are not being vaccinated against influenza, say researchers who call for measures to improve vaccination rates among this vulnerable group. (Source: MedWire News - Respiratory)

Flu cases surge in Spain

Xinhuanet Chinaview Health — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 01:52:44 +0100

The occurrence of A/H1N1 flu cases in Spain surged by 24 percent last week, the Spanish Ministry of Health said Thursday in weekly-published figures. (Source: Xinhuanet Chinaview Health)

Spain to stockpile sufficient A/H1N1 flu vaccine

Xinhuanet Chinaview Health — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 01:08:35 +0100

MADRID, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish government is ... (Source: Xinhuanet Chinaview Health)

[Statins in influenza: time for a controlled clinical study.]

Cirugia y Cirujanos — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Carrillo-Esper R Mexico recently experienced the impact of an influenza epidemic. This outbreak, the H1N1 strain, affected a large number of citizens and caused panic, economic instability and increased health care costs to the federal government and public and private institutions. Influenza outbreaks are periodic. They may or may not be seasonal, and severity of the disease is linked to host immunity and to the virus strain. In the event of a pandemic as happened in 1918, it is estimated that approximately 175-350 million people may die, and health systems would face a catastrophic situation due to the insufficiency of antivirals and vaccines, as well as affecting hospital infrastructure. PMID: 19944021 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cirugia y Cirujanos)