MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'flu?'. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:54:38 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2886446&cid=t_266334_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2FYHDjBXfVHoA%2Fswine_flu_and_icu_bed_use_in_c.php The online publication of three papers and a commentary yesterday in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA; free access, links at bottom of post) provides some further data on what demand for critical care resources might be from the current swine flu pandemic. One paper reports on the Mexican experience, where mortality seemed unusually high but where access to services may have made the outcome worse. The papers from Canada are perhaps most pertinent to what might be experienced in the US and Europe. It appears that in terms of demand for ICU beds, the first wave from last spring and summer may have been less demanding than the first reports out of the southern hemisphere during its now concluding flu season. Read the rest of this post... | Read the comments on this post.... Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2886446 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:17:56 +0100 2886446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2886212&cid=t_266334_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F10%2Finfluenza-pandemic.html In the last 100 years there have been three major influenza pandemics: Spanish Flu in 1918, Asian Flu in 1957 and Hong Kong Flu in 1968. These claimed the lives of approximately 50 million, 2 million and 1 million people respectively. Added to this is the annual death toll of 250,000 to 500,000 people worldwide with a further 3 to 4 million people suffering severe illness. These statistics make influenza an extremely important pathogen. In 1997 the alarming emergence of a new, highly pathogenic subtype, H5N1, which has a 50% mortality rate, provided a major impetus for renewed influenza research. However the battle against influenza is going to be difficult. Recently another subtype, H1N1, has emerged. This subtype causes a relatively mild infection in humans, however is highly transmittab... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2886212 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:28:00 +0100 2886212 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2882766&cid=t_266334_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV053.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dick Despommier, and Alan Dove In episode #53 of the podcast “This Week in Virology”, Vincent, Dick, and Alan talk about Nobel prizes for telomere research, bacteriophages that protect aphids from wasps, salicylates and pandemic influenza mortality, and hand washing. Download TWiV #53 (45 MB .mp3, 62 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: Nobel Prizes for telomere research Bacteriophages encode toxins that protect aphids from wasps 14 year old dies after receiving HPV vaccine Salicylates and pandemic influenza mortality Canadian microbiologist says hand washing is not proven to prevent influenza Surgical mask vs N95 respirator for preventing influenza Americans unsure about receiving pandemic H1N1 ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2882766 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:35:08 +0100 2882766 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2881178&cid=t_266334_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2FE2EWA5jjJkI%2Fwhy_the_epidemiology_of_swine.php If you are hesitating to be vaccinated for swine flu this year, perhaps this post will help you make up your mind. If it does, I hope it pushes you to get vaccinated, but whatever persuasion we attempt here will only be from a recital of what we know of the epidemiology of this pandemic. Because it is the different epidemiology that is the main feature, not the clinical characteristics or the virulence of the virus. So far this looks pretty much like a standard influenza A virus -- except for the epidemiology. Since I'm an epidemiologist, you might expect me to think this is important, and I do. Epidemiology is the public health science that studies the patterns of illness in populations. One kind of pattern we study is who is getting sick. And it is a change in this pattern that is one of... Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2881178 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 19:00:12 +0100 2881178 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2881155&cid=t_266334_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F11%2Fweekly-news-round-up-1011%2F The National Advocates for Pregnant Women reports that the United States Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit issued a decision in a case of an incarcerate woman who was shackled to the bed during labor, finding the practice “cruel and unusual” and thus unconstitutional. “Our Bodies, Ourselves” has been translated and adapted into a number of languages and cultures over the years; Christine writes about progress on Hebrew and Arabic versions. Nikki has H1N1 resources for children. RH Reality Check reports on the Limited-Service Pregnancy Centers Disclaimer Bill proposed in Baltimore to ensure that women visiting a Baltimore “crisis pregnancy center” are informed that they will not receive comprehensive birth control or abortion services or referrals... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2881155 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:08:49 +0100 2881155 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879411&cid=t_266334_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2FFX0z2IZb7UM%2Ficu_beds_and_swine_flu_the_sou.php When swine flu poked its head above water in the northern hemisphere in April our "normal" flu season was just ending. A surge of swine flu cases during a time when influenza was not usually seen was bewildering and confusing, not to mention alarming. We didn't know what to expect nor were we sure if it would peter out over the summer, as flu usually seems to (we may learn differently in the future as we start to do surveillance over that period) and then come roaring back or just disappear. While it didn't peter out very much, the big question was going to happen when the northern hemisphere entered its traditional flu season when, for reasons we still don't understand, influenza infections greatly increase. CDC's official flu season has been week 40 of one calendar year (October) to week... Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879411 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 11:32:05 +0100 2879411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879397&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F10%2Fswine-flu-facts-and-fiction-myths-and-rumors-about-h1n1-swine-flu-prevention-.html It seems that swine flu has infected YouTube. When I was on the Brian Lehrer Show recently, a caller claiming he was a pediatrician announced that the H1N1 (swine flu) virus was "man-made" and another caller urged me to look into this on YouTube because "college students are all over it...". Dangerous rumors like this outlandish conspiracy theory are causing concern all over the country and may be one reason that our swine flu poll found that 43 percent of Americans are on the fence about getting the vaccine. Other ridiculous notions floating around cyberspace include: "there is no swine flu", "a girl got the swine flu vaccine last month and died an hour later", "and you’ll be fine if you don’t eat bacon".To clear up the misconceptions ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879397 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:47:47 +0100 2879397 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876042&cid=t_266334_88_f&fid=36536&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftrismus1.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F09%2Fsome-h1n1-vaccine-mercury-info%2F I don’t want to talk about vaccines and autism for the same reason I don’t feel like standing up and repeatedly smacking my head against the wall.  I would, however, like to pass along the following information about the H1N1 flu vaccine and mercury. There are three different companies that make H1N1 (swine flu) flu shots.  Of those only one, Sanofi Pasteur, has a shot FDA approved for kids less than 4 years old.  Sanofi Pasteur makes three different H1N1 flu shots, one of which is FDA approved for kids older than 3, the other two are approved for kids all the way down to 6 months. Of the 2 Sanofi Pasteur shots approved for kids older than 6 months: -one is 0.25 mL prefilled syringe (an individually packaged shot) which contains no mercury -one is 5.0 mL multidose vial (a b... Ten out of Ten blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876042 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:23:43 +0100 2876042 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876003&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FpfX5J9sgYWU%2F Most people who get swine flu get better on their own after a few days, but a small percentage become severely ill. Two papers published online yesterday by the New England Journal of Medicine take a close look these patients. While the findings echo previous research, they’re a useful reminder of who is most vulnerable. One paper details all 722 patients in Australia and New Zealand who wound up in the ICU with confirmed cases of swine flu between June 1 and Aug. 31. Among the findings: Pregnant women were nine times as likely as the general population to go to the ICU with swine flu. The severely obese (those with a BMI over 35) were five times as likely as the general population to be admitted to the ICU with the disease. People with asthma and other pulmonary diseases were more ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876003 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:28:20 +0100 2876003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876030&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F10%2Fthis-hurts-me-as-much-as-it-hurts-youthats-the-title-of-a-chapter-in-connected-the-surprising-power-of-our-social-network.html "This hurts me as much as it hurts you." That’s the title of a chapter in Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives. The authors, Nicholas Christakis (physician and social scientist) and James Fowler (political scientists) offer some readable, research-based insights on social networks that made me think afresh about their relevance in my daily life now that we're entering flu season. The book talks about six degrees of connection. Remember the six degrees of Kevin Bacon game? Well it's actually a factual analogy for how we really are all connected.  Connection of this sort may seem pretty abstract—good for a job hunt via LinkedIn, but not so meaningful in everyday life.Another concep... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876030 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:37:25 +0100 2876030 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2875977&cid=t_266334_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F09%2Fbmj-2009-vol-339-no-7722%2F content page Fade Fave: GPs are to be paid £5.25 a shot for swine flu vaccination Fade Skinny: GPs in England are to be paid £5.25 (5.90; $8.70) for every dose of swine flu vaccine they administer, once it is licensed, under a deal agreed between the BMA and the Department of Health. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Posted in Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals Tagged: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Swine Flu, Vaccination Programme (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2875977 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:28:18 +0100 2875977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876298&cid=t_266334_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1857 chers— this was a very thoughtful & (i thought) useful overview looking at the spread of HIV/AIDS as driven by social structures. Dr. Lynne C. Todman, Director of the Institute of Social Exclusion (ISE) at the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, presented it at the HIV Prevention Justice Alliance teleconference call may 27, 2009. Toddman’s point: “Poverty reduction must be at the core of any long-term, sustainable solution to ending HIV/AIDS.” these are the official notes from the session, which also included presentations by  Marisa Franco, National Lead Organizer, Right to the City Alliance & Jaime Grant, Ph.D., Director of the Policy Institute at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) also, see the link to the book toddman recommends below, ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876298 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 05:10:12 +0100 2876298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876168&cid=t_266334_115_f&fid=34670&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsumerdoc.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Ffatal-swine-flu-radiology.html According to the latest article in AJR 2009; 193:1–4 In severe or potentially fatal cases radiography shows peripheral lung opacities. CT revealed peripheral ground-glass opacities suggesting peribronchial injury in severe cases of the same. Full text is available.From Sumer's Radiology Site http://www.sumerdoc.blogspot.com -The Top Radiology Magazine. Teleradiology Providers at www.teleradproviders.com Mail us at teleradproviders@gmail.com (Source: Sumer's Radiology Site) Sumer's Radiology Site blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876168 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:49:00 +0100 2876168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879594&cid=t_266334_123_f&fid=39037&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.drgreene.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F10%2F08%2Ffeeling-congested-tired-feverish-it-is-a-just-a-cold-or-is-it-the-flu%2F How can you tell the difference between cold and flu? I recorded this video with A.D.A.M. to give you information that will help you determine the difference between the two. How do you know if you have swine flu (H1N1)? There’s a great new online tool that can help you find out — and it’s free! [...] (Source: Conversations with Dr Greene) Conversations with Dr Greene blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879594 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:21:44 +0100 2879594 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2871588&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F10%2Fcatch-flu-influenza-mask-contamination-sneeze-cough-h1n1.html Hate it when somebody coughs right into your face and eyes? You're not just germ-phobic, that may be the most likely way to transmit influenza, according to a newly published study. Researchers from UC-Berkley’s School of Public Health and the University of Illinois at Chicago’s School of Public Health concluded that close contact spraying of respiratory droplets with the influenza virus carried the greatest risk of infection, followed by hand contact with contaminated surfaces, and inhaling particles carrying the virus. The study was published in Risk Analysis: An International Journal published by the nonprofit Society for Risk Analysis, and used mathematical modeling to examine the theoretical risk of catching an influenza A virus—a type of influenza virus that includes the n... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2871588 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:39:41 +0100 2871588 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2871693&cid=t_266334_101_f&fid=38975&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicblog999.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F07%2Fa-first-hand-perspective-of-swine-flu%2F Well, I am on to day 4 now and am feeling much better. I still feel sniffly and bunged up, my chest hurt likes hell when I cough, but I just feel like I have a cold now, nothing more. My temp is down to the low 37`s and I am hoping to get back to work for the weekend. Its been interesting going through it though. I have joked on about how I have a new empathy for my patients that I have seen already and that I will care for in the future, now that I have had it too, but it really will make a difference. It wont change the fact that it will be very unlikely that I will be taking them out of their house and off to hospital (unless something is seriously wrong), but it will increase my understanding of why I will be standing in front of them, with my mask on and apron tied, in the first place... Medic999 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2871693 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:32:55 +0100 2871693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2875998&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=35060&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthnewsblog.com%2Fblog%2F1006091 The Flucount.org website, which is trying to count flu cases and deaths, reports that the number of worldwide deaths from H1N1 swine flu has passed the 5,000 mark. The worldwide total is likely higher than this because there are nations that are probably not reporting deaths with accuracy and some that are not reporting them at all. Permalink | Recent Headlines | News Feeds (Source: HealthNewsBlog.com) HealthNewsBlog.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2875998 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:22:00 +0100 2875998 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865628&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FVw8f7haaFks%2F Americans started getting vaccinated against the swine flu yesterday. But millions of people may still have to wait weeks before there’s enough vaccine available for everyone in this country who wants it, the WSJ reports. At the same time, millions more who are at high risk for complications from the disease may choose to go without the vaccine. Thomas Frieden, the head of the CDC, talking to the press today about the H1N1 flu and the vaccine roll-out. Here’s what he’s saying. 1:30: Waiting for the call to start. 1:45: The call begins. 1:46: “As of today, influenza is widespread in most of the United States.” Increasing in some areas, decreasing in others. “It still remains overwhelmingly H1N1 pandemic influenza.” There has been a slight decrease n... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865628 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:15:53 +0100 2865628 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862432&cid=t_266334_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F05%2Fdosage-of-oseltamivir-in-children-under-one-year-of-age-with-swine-flu-2009%2F Title: Dosage of oseltamivir in children under one year of age with swine flu (2009) Skinny: Letter from Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer for England. Letter highlights the change in dosage of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) in children aged 6 months to 1 year of age during an influenza pandemic outbreak. Up to now, the treatment dose for oseltamivir in children under 1 has been 2mg/kg twice daily for 5 days. The recommended dose for treatmnent of children 6-12 months of age is now 3mg per kg body weight twice daily for 5 days. Outlines the steps that need to be taken to ensure a safe transition to the new dosage. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 4p Published: 24/09/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Guidance, Infection Control, Influenza, Paediatrics, Pandemic Tagged: Influenza, Osel... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862432 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:32:02 +0100 2862432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862701&cid=t_266334_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1848 Related Websites These links will take you out of the www.PEPFAR.gov Web site. PEPFAR Archive Website: This website contains PEPFAR-related information released prior to January 20, 2009. Content on the archive site is not updated. Act Against AIDS HHS/CDC Domestic Campaign AIDS.gov serves as an information gateway to guide users to Federal domestic HIV/AIDS information and resources. AIDSinfo Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Global AIDS Program (GAP) Champions for an HIV-Free Generation is a group of former African presidents and other influential personalities with an aim to mobilize high-level leadership in renewed and revitalized responses to HIV and AIDS in Sub Saharan Africa. Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program Department of Health and Human Services - Of... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862701 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:54:43 +0100 2862701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2858638&cid=t_266334_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2FAvpfQP7q0xs%2Fhow_to_decide_when_to_close_a.php This is about a paper published Friday. The post is long because the paper provides practical advice on a problem of importance, the issue of school closures. The advice is based on data and could be implemented at the level of a school district or even a single school without requiring a lot of money or effort. It's not cost free, but could probably be done with existing personnel and resources. The fact that it would be grounded in empirical evidence makes a decision to keep a school open or to close it much easier to defend. It would not be arbitrary or a guess. Improvements in the technology of rapid flu testing would make it even better, but we know the data and policies can be implemented on a routine basis because they are being implemented right now -- in Japan. But they aren't doi... Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2858638 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:51:16 +0100 2858638 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2858589&cid=t_266334_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fsleep-for-your-health-this-cold-and-flu.html The cold and flu season is quickly approaching. This year it is more important than ever to protect yourself not only from the seasonal flu, but also from the contagious H1N1 virus or “swine flu”.So what are the easiest ways to avoid contracting the flu?It may be as easy as practicing good hygiene. Wash your hands, keep your hands away from your face and avoid contact with people who are sick. The CDC also advises getting plenty of sleep to help your body maintain a strong immune system.A New York Times blog post found that if you are sleeping poorly you are more likely to catch a cold. Scientists think that this relationship highlights the importance of sleep to your health.A study published earlier this year in the journal Sleep shows that your immune system can be affected by sleep ... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2858589 Sun, 04 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0100 2858589 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2857423&cid=t_266334_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2FyZ4MbANfUPQ%2Fswine_flu_and_undergarment_pro.php As Mrs. R. remarked, it's American ingenuity at work. Or something. She was referring to the winner of the 2009 Public Health IgNobel Award. For those of you who don't know about the IgNobel Prizes given each year in a variety of categories for scientific or engineering achievements (as documented in scientific journal articles or patent applications) that "make people laugh, and then make them think." There is a well-attended public ceremony each year at Harvard's Sanders Theater and the 2009 version was two nights ago. There are lots of winners each year, often for achievements from some time ago but just now coming to the attention of the scientific community (as exemplified by the Journal of Improbable Research). Science is like that. Often recognition takes time. The public health p... Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2857423 Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:05:13 +0100 2857423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2857407&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F10%2Fconfusion-over-childrens-antiviral-dosing-expiration-dates-swine-flu-treatment-h1n1-flu-treatment-sy.html Quick treatment with antiviral drugs, like Tamiflu (oseltamivir), is recommended for children and adults at high risk or who display severe symptoms from swine (H1N1) flu. But dosing instructions on some liquid versions of Tamiflu for children can be confusing and could result in a toxic overdose or an inadequate dose.The syringe used to dispense the drug displays measurements in milligrams, but instructions from the doctor may give the dose in teaspoons or milliliters.  A letter to the New England Journal of Medicine described the problem:“After the diagnosis of novel H1N1 influenza, a 6-year old received a prescription for Tamiflu (oseltamivir) oral suspension (12 mg per milliliter) at a dose of 3/4 teaspoon... However, the parents, one a primary care physician and the other one ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2857407 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:42:20 +0100 2857407 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2857331&cid=t_266334_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2F2009%2F10%2F02%2Fseasonal-influenza-vaccine%2F Here at Columbia University Medical Center, all employees and students may receive, at no charge, influenza vaccine every year. I just went to the lobby of the Milstein Hospital, showed my ID, and received the seasonal influenza vaccine. Here is the proof: As I’ve written before, vaccine records provide interesting information. The medical center administration has clearly printed many of these slips to accommodate those who will be receiving the pandemic H1N1 vaccine in a few weeks. Below ‘Seasonal Influenza Vaccine’, which is checked, is ‘H1N1 Vaccine #1 DOSE’. They have left open the possibility that more than one dose will be required, despite a published study – using CSL vaccine -  that one dose induces protective immunity. The nurse who administ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2857331 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:27:28 +0100 2857331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2855575&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F10%2Fpneumonia-vaccine-may-help-prevent-swine-flu-complications-swine-flu-vaccine-information.html Getting pneumonia while you have the flu can be dangerous. It’s known as a coinfection, and in previous flu pandemics pneumonia has been a leading factor in deaths. Earlier in this year’s swine flu outbreak, some studies indicated that coinfection with pneumonia for the H1N1 virus was rare, but a new study of the autopsies of 77 patients who died from the swine flu found that 29 percent had coinfections of bacterial pneumonia. The patients in this study weren’t selected randomly, so they don’t reflect the population overall. And the autopsies don’t reveal whether the cause of death was flu, pneumonia or both. But the study does show that pneumonia can play a role in the severity of disease for this year’s swine flu, and could even lead to death.Pneumoccocal pneumonia is the m... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2855575 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:15:32 +0100 2855575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2855667&cid=t_266334_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FmGuXEn8fmQ4%2F If you’ve been waiting for the H1N1 (swine flu) nasal flu vaccine, FluMist, it will be available next week in some parts of the United States, but in limited quantities as this is the first shipment. Different states have different strategies for who will be the first to be vaccinated, either by FluMist or the traditional injection. Some states, such as Illinois want to vaccinate their first responders, while others, such as Alaska, want to vaccinate the preschoolers first. Pennsylvania will be targeting it’s elementary school-age children first. The FluMist isn’t for everyone. Because it contains a weakened live virus, it is not for people with health problems, but for healthy people who are in high risk groups. Those who are chronically ill must wait for the injection, ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2855667 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:08:07 +0100 2855667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2851734&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FDtNmPZrEDh8%2F An apparently healthy teenage girl gets a cervical cancer vaccine, and drops dead a few hours later. Did the vaccine cause the death? Not in the U.K. case we mentioned earlier this week. An autopsy found that Natalie Morton died of a previously undiagnosed tumor in her chest, the BBC reports. That sad case is a reminder to be wary of confusing proximity in time with cause and effect — a concept public-health officials have been citing in advance of the imminent roll out of the swine (H1N1) flu vaccine. As the CDC chief recently pointed out, there will be people who get a swine flu shot and suddenly drop dead a few hours later. Pregnant women will get the vaccine and go on to have miscarriages. In those situations, he said, “we need to know very clearly how many we would expec... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2851734 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:58:58 +0100 2851734 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2851735&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fwpe-iCErucg%2F About half of health care workers usually go without a flu shot. That increases the risk that they’ll get the flu, and pass the disease on to patients. Requiring those who come into regular contact with patients to get vaccinated would surely reduce the problem, but would making the shots mandatory for workers violate their rights? That debate is now playing out in at least two states. The Washington State Hospital Association wants the state to make flu shots mandatory for health-care workers, the Seattle Times reports today. The Washington State Nurses Association has previously fought an individual hospital’s requirement that made flu vaccine mandatory for all employees. An official at the union told the Times that the group would support statewide a push for vaccinations, ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2851735 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:40:59 +0100 2851735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2851789&cid=t_266334_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2FNOUoTvcDPY8%2Fmutation_found_in_swine_flu_vi.php A couple of days ago Dr. Marion Koopmans, chief of virology in the infectious diseases laboratory of the National Institute of Public Health, The Netherlands, notified the infectious disease community through the website/email list ProMed that two of their swine flu isolates showed a particular genetic change in one of the virus's eight genetic segments. Even though this virus has been described as relatively stable genetically, individual viruses, even within the same patient, often have small differences in the thousands of letters that make up their genetic code. Influenza A virus is a very sloppy reproducer, and while its only objective in life is to make a copy of itself it often does single task very badly. But it's like the guy who was asked how he could sell his gasoline for a penn... Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2851789 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:01:40 +0100 2851789 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2852056&cid=t_266334_154_f&fid=35946&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canadianmedicinenews.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fwhats-in-news-oct-1-gay-man-takes-on.html Gay man takes on blood-donor banA gay blood donor has begun a major and potentially majorly consequential legal battle with Canadian Blood Services over their prohibition on male homosexual donations. CBS is suing Kyle Freeman of Thornhill, Ontario, for lying about his status as an eligible donor and for donating blood in violation of its rules, and Mr Freeman is suing CBS, alleging their policy banning gay men from being donors is a violation of his Charter rights. [Ottawa Citizen] [Sun Media]Unpublished data dictate Canadian flu-vaccine policyMost provinces are now suspending their seasonal-flu vaccination programs after word circulated of several as-yet-unpublished Canadian studies that reportedly found the seasonal vaccine raises the risk of contracting the pandemic H1N1 strain. Only N... Canadian Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2852056 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2852056 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2851758&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F09%2Fswine-flu-poll-majority-of-americans-unsure-about-getting-swine-flu-vaccine-preventing-swine-flu.html News about the swine flu and the H1N1 vaccine permeates airwaves and news headlines all over the world, but Americans aren’t so sure about whether they’ll get the vaccine when it becomes available this fall. According to a new poll conducted by the Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center, the majority of U.S. adults say they are either reluctant or unsure about whether they or their children will get vaccinated for the swine flu. Just 34 percent of Americans said they definitely planned to get the swine flu vaccine, while 21 percent said they would not. Forty-three percent said their decision would depend on how things go. And though children are among the groups given priority for swine flu immunization, many parents said they were unsure about what they would do when the vaccine be... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2851758 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:05:00 +0100 2851758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2846310&cid=t_266334_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F30%2Fpractice-management-2009-vol-19-no-8%2F Title: Flu-pandemic preparedness Skinny: A light-hearted account of a practice manager finding out that the World Health Organization had declared a pandemic in relation to the H1N1 strain of influenza in the Summer of 2009; narrated by the ‘atypical’ practice manager known only as Roger. The story is ‘to be continued’ in future issues. (Print subscription held at Fade Library) Posted in Emergency Planning, General Practice, Influenza, Journals, Pandemic, Public Health Tagged: General Practice, H1N1, Influenza, Pandemic, Swine Flu, Vaccination Programme, World Health Organization (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2846310 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:01:22 +0100 2846310 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2846511&cid=t_266334_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fmandatory-flu-shots-for-medical-dental-workers%2F There is a drive on for all healthcare workers to receive both seasonal influenza and H1N1 vaccinations. New York is the first state to require all healthcare workers, who have direct patient contact at hospitals, hospices, health centers or even home care, to get flu shots – both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 when it becomes available in October. The logic used here is based on the fact that traditionally only about 50 percent of all healthcare are vaccinated during a normal flu season, even though their patients, obviously have a tendency to be more susceptible to the complications of the flu. Additionally, the Hospital Corporation of America is requiring 120,000 employees to be vaccinated as well as MedStar with 25,000 employees. These required inoculations are being met with resistan... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2846511 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:01:07 +0100 2846511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2846383&cid=t_266334_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2FVLb0664uYtI%2Fswine_flu_will_modern_medicine.php For the first time in medical history we may be seeing an influenza pandemic unfold in real time, but that doesn't mean we know what we are seeing. There remains some uncertainty about virulence, both in terms of how often it kills and how it kills when it does kill. You'd think both would be easy to determine, but those who have been following along know the problem of how often infection with this virus kills is made almost impossible by not knowing how many people it is infecting. But what about the question of how it kills? There are mainly three scenarios of interest: primary viral pneumonia (the flu virus destroys the deep lung tissue on its own); primary viral pneumonia superimposed by a secondary bacterial infection; death by secondary bacterial invaders with the damage from the fl... Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2846383 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:19:47 +0100 2846383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2846510&cid=t_266334_123_f&fid=38598&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drgwennisin.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fare-you-ready-for-h1n1-and-seasonal-flu.html The Pediatrics Now September update is live and has all the latest information on H1N1 and the Seasonal flu to help you stay informed and up to date. This month's highlight's include: New School Year, New Flu Season H1N1 has sure made our lives more complicated, hasn’t it?As if one flu season wasn't enough now we have H1N1 to contend with. In this month's Dr. Gwenn Is In, I cover all the highlights of why this year's flu season is so unique and how you can get your family prepared to ward off the germs already lurking at all of our front doors. Fox News appearances covering Flu Shot: Fact vs. Fiction and H1N1 Tips for Prevention. Flu Season Activity Update Hot off the presses H1N1 and Seasonal Flu highlights for the top experts in the fields. Don't forget to check out the home ... Dr. Gwenn Is In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2846510 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:35:00 +0100 2846510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2846072&cid=t_266334_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2F2009%2F09%2F29%2Fviruses-and-journalism%2F During the more than 30 years that I have studied viruses, I have had many opportunities to speak with journalists of different kinds. For the most part, the print journalists have done a good job at accurately presenting the science, but I cannot say the same for my experience on radio and TV. I want to share some of these recordings and my thoughts about the gap between science and broadcast journalism. I was interviewed by Katy Pilgrim of CNN in May 2009, shortly after the emergence of swine-origin influenza H1N1. There had been a number of cases in New York City and Ms. Pilgrim was looking for comments on school closings. She came to my laboratory with a cameraman, spent 10 minutes talking with me off-camera followed by 10 minutes on-camera. As you will see in the news clip below that ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2846072 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:19:55 +0100 2846072 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862455&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=35060&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthnewsblog.com%2Fblog%2F929091 A website called Flucount.org is attempting to track the cases and deaths of H1N1 swine flu around the world. Tracking is not easy because testing is different in different pats of the world. Many cases are also never tested and some deaths are likely missed. Even in the U.S. there is a lack of confirming whether each case is H1N1 related because test kits aren't always accurate and it takes too long to get results back from the CDC. There are also people who get the flu and never tell anyone and there also people who never have symptoms. The CDC itself has gone back to reporting overall flu cases instead of trying to track individual H1N1 cases. This works for now because the bulk of the flu cases are currently suspected to be H1N1. When the regular flu season hits this winter it may be... HealthNewsBlog.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862455 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:00:00 +0100 2862455 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2842532&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F09%2Famericans-get-a-bminus-on-hand-hygiene-hand-washing-to-prevent-swine-flu-tips-for-preventing-flu.html My son started kindergarten this fall, and thus far the three R’s have taken a backseat to the two H’s. Hygiene and Hand-washing have been the subject of several school-day discussions, coloring projects, and videos. And this cleanliness curriculum has made an impression, with my son now lathering up before meals—without any prompting.Of course, kindergarteners aren't the only ones being schooled in hand-washing and germ-control these days, as public health officials are urging us all to take steps to stem the spread of swine flu (among them, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, who recently took a reporter to task for his sneezing technique). A new survey suggests such efforts may be making a difference, as more Americans are embracing good hand hygiene this ye... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2842532 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:43:05 +0100 2842532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2842492&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FfUNRoJqITKM%2F The swine flu vaccine will be available in this country in the next few weeks. Pregnant women, who are at higher risk of suffering serious complications from H1N1, will be given high priority. But will they get the vaccine? Pregnant women are also supposed to get the regular flu vaccine each year, but only about one in seven does so — in part because some health-care providers are reluctant to give vaccines to women during pregnancy, the Associated Press reports. “Maybe this year we can change that culture,” a top CDC doc tells the AP. “It’s not supposed to happen that you, when you are pregnant, are fighting for your life on a respirator” — as happens in some flu patients who suffer serious complications. That culture has deep roots, notes a New York T... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2842492 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:38:59 +0100 2842492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2842533&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F09%2Fpreventing-swine-flu-in-young-children-swine-flu-prevention-at-daycare-and-preschool-swine-flu-tips.html If you’re sending your child to a child care center, preschool, or other program, you may be nervous about what to do now that swine flu is in our midst. And that’s not unwarranted, since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has designated children younger than 5 years a high-risk group for complications when it comes to this virus. (Infants younger than 6 months old are at the highest risk because they are too young to receive the seasonal or swine flu vaccine.) In fact, children 6 months and older are on the CDC’s list of those who should get vaccinated first. As of now, authorities expect that children will require two doses of the swine flu vaccine, because their bodies have less experience developing immunity. But other common-sense measures can help prevent the sp... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2842533 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:38:10 +0100 2842533 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2851969&cid=t_266334_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FPiFMx9Tdeck%2F Countries all over the world are taking serious steps to stop the swine flu pandemic. China began its mass vaccination last week. And by October 5, the United States will distribute the first wave of swine flu vaccines, good for 6 million to million people. But the swiftness of government health agencies and the World Health Organization to address this issue is evidence about how rapid the H1N1 influenza virus has spread. It bears repeating that we need to take precautions in protecting ourselves and our families against the H1N1. What symptoms do you look for in swine flu? The symptoms of swine flu are similar to regular season flu, so report to your doctor if you have any symptoms. You will not know just from the symptoms what kind of flu you have. I know it can seem very confusing wit... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2851969 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:54:05 +0100 2851969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2842704&cid=t_266334_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FPiFMx9Tdeck%2F Countries all over the world are taking serious steps to stop the swine flu pandemic. China began its mass vaccination last week. And by October 5, the United States will distribute the first wave of swine flu vaccines, good for 6 million to million people. But the swiftness of government health agencies and the World Health Organization to address this issue is evidence about how rapid the H1N1 influenza virus has spread. It bears repeating that we need to take precautions in protecting ourselves and our families against the H1N1. What symptoms do you look for in swine flu? The symptoms of swine flu are similar to regular season flu, so report to your doctor if you have any symptoms. You will not know just from the symptoms what kind of flu you have. I know it can seem very confusing w... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2842704 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:54:05 +0100 2842704 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2839177&cid=t_266334_154_f&fid=35946&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canadianmedicinenews.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fwhats-in-news-sep-28-who-gets-treated.html Who goes first?Hamilton Health Sciences announces Canada's first priority-treatment plan for the H1N1 flu pandemic. [Hamilton Spectator] According to The Spectator, the priority list is as follows:1. Health-care workers and other essential services such as firefighters and police officers because they have the skills to save others once they're better.2. Those who caught the flu at work, particularly essential service workers, because they put themselves at risk to save others.3. Caregivers of children, disabled adults or the elderly to minimize societal disruption.4. Young people because they haven't had a chance to live their lives yet.5. Those most likely to survive that particular strain of flu.An HIV vaccine or another dashed hope?Thai researchers announced encouraging results from a ... Canadian Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2839177 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2839177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2839010&cid=t_266334_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FaKtNJyoYU7I%2F Mark your calendars for November 5th. That’s the day that vaccines for the H1N1 virus are set to arrive in the U.S. The first shipments will go out to doctors and clinics based on a list provided from each state. The first shipment will include the nasal vaccine and then move on to the injectable variety. According to USA Today, four million doses of injectable vaccine are due in the initial run “with another 10 million to 20 million doses due weekly.” In other words, they shouldn’t run out. So be sure to get your shot. Image: sxc.hu. Post from: Blisstree Flu Vaccines to Arrive November 5th (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2839010 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:18:00 +0100 2839010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2838934&cid=t_266334_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2FK9fwSLti4F0%2Fswine_flu_vaccine_summary_at_j.php We don't do vaccines so much here, so I missed it last Sunday (Sept. 20) when it was posted over at JustTheVax, but there's an excellent summary of this year's swine flu vaccine offerings by Science Mom. It's hard to keep track of all this stuff so this is really valuable, and I know many readers here are interested. Thanks to Science Mom. Read the comments on this post... (Source: Effect Measure) Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2838934 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 22:56:41 +0100 2838934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2836179&cid=t_266334_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2F5MnTHO56-SQ%2Ftrying_to_make_sense_of_flu_se.php Flu season has started in earnest, even though it's not "officially" flu season until week 40 (first week in October this year). How do we know it's flu season if we don't test everyone and can't count flu? We use a surveillance system. The flu surveillance system has lots of moving parts and five or six components (or as many as nine, depending on how you count). None of them tell us exactly what we want and putting the different pieces together can sometimes be like the blind men and the elephant. But the system does work better than you'd think and it's undergoing modifications and improvements as new sources of information and tools become available. So what is it telling us that allows me to say flu season has started? Read the rest of this post... | Read the comments on this post... ... Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2836179 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:36:19 +0100 2836179 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2836157&cid=t_266334_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F27%2Fsunday-news-round-up-927%2F A bunch of Children’s Tylenol products were voluntarily recalled. The official list is here. The FDA approved an H1N1 flu vaccine. The National Latina Institute on Reproductive Health released a White Paper on Supporting Healthy Pregnancies, Parenting and Young Latinas’ Sexual Health, which “seeks to re-focus the conversation on young Latina mothers into one that comes from a reproductive justice perspective.” Cara at The Curvature has a discussion of Mackenzie Phillips and the way her revelations of sexual abuse have been handled. Renee at Womanist Musings links us to a woman’s chronicling of her life with cerebral palsy. Laura at Adventures of a Young Feminist talks about the recent episode of Glee and how it portrays women and pregnancy. A number of bloers h... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2836157 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:07:35 +0100 2836157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2836084&cid=t_266334_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV051.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dick Despommier, and Alan Dove On episode #52 of the podcast “This Week in Virology”, Vincent, Dick, and Alan (with a cameo appearance by Rich Condit) review the world’s largest Phase III study of a complex HIV vaccine candidate in Thailand, immunization of salmon against infectious salmon anemia virus, and an outbreak of blueberry shock virus in Michigan. Download TWiV #51 (60 MB .mp3, 84 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: HIV vaccine shows promise for the first time – description of the program, FDA background document (pdf), NEJM review on why AIDS vaccine is difficult (pdf), and arguments for the trial Chile immunizes salmon (USGS article on the virus, pdf) Blueberry virus strikes Mi... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2836084 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:05:13 +0100 2836084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2836227&cid=t_266334_109_f&fid=38950&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shockmd.com%2F2009%2F09%2F27%2Fh1n1-or-mexican-flu-rap%2F The H1N1 Rap was written, composed, produced, and performed by John D. Clarke, MD, FAAFP. This music video is a fun, highly educational, and entertaining way to learn about prevention of the H1N1 v… Wnner of the contest by flu.gov Thanks Cryptocheilus Related posts:Swine Flu or Mexican Flu in the Media, A Refreshing Look Have a look at this video, it introduces a... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. (Source: Dr Shock MD PhD) Dr Shock MD PhD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2836227 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 07:25:54 +0100 2836227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2836243&cid=t_266334_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FIvTKlUdNWag%2F The H1N1 virus may have spread very quickly and remains a serious disease, but there is some good news at least. The disease has remained stable, and has not changed its genetic makeup. This is positive news for health officials, because that means the vaccines that are being created will likely curb the spread of H1N1. Health officials warn, however, that even though the H1N1 virus has maintained its composition, it doesn’t mean that it is any less serious of a disease. It can still put you in the hospital and in some cases, can kill. But with the vaccine hopefully these instances will be much fewer. Image: sxc.hu. Post from: Blisstree Good News: H1N1 Has Not Genetically Changed (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2836243 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:38:34 +0100 2836243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834435&cid=t_266334_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1821 Delay in LA by Don Duncan about medical marijuana September 23rd, 2009 Los Angeles City Councilmember Dennis Zine told a standing room only crowd at Tuesday’s Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee hearing that an ordinance that does not recognize sales of medical cannabis would not work for Los Angeles, but he is worried about creating a policy that violates state law. The Councilmember’s ambivalence is part of the confusion that dominated yesterday’s marathon committee meeting. The PLUM committee voted to continue the debate on the regulations, Zine’s motion for more study into relevant case law, and a progress report from the planning department for another week to allow committee members more time to review the material. Part of what the committee is reviewing is a ... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834435 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:51:18 +0100 2834435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834256&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F09%2Fswine-flu-symptoms-from-celebs-who-have-had-it-sanjay-gupta-laurie-garrett-marilyn-manson-rupert-gri.html It was only a matter of time before the tabloids found a way into the swine flu story. In July, People reported that actor Rupert Grint, from the Harry Potter movies, had come down with the H1N1 (swine) flu. Then there was the Columbian and Costa Rican heads of state in August. Now it’s being reported that the goth-rocker, Marilyn Manson, had a case of the flu, and Harry Smith, the host of the Early Show on CBS, took a sick day because he thought he might have the swine flu.But of all the infected celebs, two stand out. CNN medical reporter, Sanjay Gupta, and infectious disease expert and author of The Coming Plague, Laurie Garrett. Both really know their stuff and both have now written first-hand accounts of their bouts with the swine flu.From Gupta, who wrote about his illness on his C... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834256 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:20:57 +0100 2834256 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834388&cid=t_266334_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FBy_CVnLcEg0%2F The CDC has just announced that the first wave of swine flu vaccines will be available as early as October 5, a full month earlier than first reported. The supply will be good for 6 million to 7 million people, but the government expects about 250 million doses will be available over time. Of course, first priority goes to the most vulnerable, including healthcare workers, children, young adults and pregnant women. But don’t forget that you should still get a separate vaccine for the seasonal influenza. Neither one is going to protect you from the other virus. Now of the groups that the CDC highly recommends to get protection from the seasonal influenza virus, young adults were added on the list to get the swine flu shot. Don’t find this so strange. Even though this age group general... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834388 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:51:36 +0100 2834388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834438&cid=t_266334_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1809 chers— in a short preface on his NATAP listserve post, matthew notes: “Yesterday Tony Fauci was interviewed on CNN. [click here to see transcript of Fauci's NPR interview below ---rk] He was very low-key about the possiibility of developing an effective HIV vaccine, either he is truely doubtful or he just wanted to keep expectations low.” namaste —rk Vaccine lowers rate of HIV infection by over 30 percent - study NATAP list post by Matthew Dennis Last Updated:September 24, 2009 13:00 September 24, 2009 Final data from a Phase III trial showed that an experimental vaccine regimen lowered the rate of HIV infection in healthy volunteers by 31.2 percent compared to placebo, the US Army said Thursday. Eric Schoomaker, surgeon general of the US Army, which sponsored the s... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834438 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:57:15 +0100 2834438 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834439&cid=t_266334_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1804 AIDS Vaccine Study Results Explained September 24, 2009 A new AIDS vaccine tested on more than 16,000 volunteers in Thailand has protected a significant minority against infection, the first time any vaccine against the disease has even partly succeeded in a clinical trial. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, discusses the results. ROBERT SIEGEL, host: Well, joining us now from Bethesda, Maryland, is Dr. Anthony Fauci who’s director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Welcome to the program once again, Dr. Fauci. Dr. ANTHONY FAUCI (Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases): Good to be here. SIEGEL: We’ve heard this described as a small success at last. It’s a little les... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834439 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:32:44 +0100 2834439 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832119&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FUOi5ZgVySyc%2F A few items on the swine (H1N1) flu: The European drug agency has recommended approval of H1N1 vaccines from Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline. Glaxo told Dow Jones Newswires it expects a final decision from the European Commission within two weeks. Novartis said it is already delivering vaccine to governments in Europe. In the U.S., the FDA earlier this month approved H1N1 vaccines made by Sanofi-Aventis, Novartis and AstraZeneca. H1N1 shots are set to start in the U.S. in the first week of October. Manufacturers can crank out about three billion doses of H1N1 vaccine per year, the WHO estimated — significantly fewer than the five billion per year the WHO previously cited as a best-case scenario. On the other hand, early tests have suggested that one dose of vaccine may be enough (expert... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832119 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:20:14 +0100 2832119 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832234&cid=t_266334_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FkW7hNAqEJf0%2F For the last several months, health officials have told us that frequent hand washing might be one way we can help prevent the H1N1 virus. While everyone from office workers to school children has been told to wash their hands several times a day, new reports have surfaced that showed that some schools with diligent hand washing rules still had massive outbreaks of H1N1. Health officials agree that hand washing can help with many diseases like the common cold. But for the flu? Especially the H1N1 virus? Not so much. However, health officials still say hand washing is important, as it can help with “transmission of other respiratory diseases.” Image: sxc.hu. Post from: Blisstree Hand Washing May Not Prevent H1N1 (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832234 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:10:41 +0100 2832234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2828356&cid=t_266334_123_f&fid=38598&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drgwennisin.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fswine-flu-vaccine-bottom-line.html If your a bit confused about the H1N1 vaccine recommendations, you are in good company! They are a bit confusing because this year's flu season is a bit confusing. To add insult to injury, the recommendations for H1N1 are just similar and dissimilar enough from "seasonal flu", Influenza A&B, that sorting it out can make your head spin and your tongue get tied. Kim Carrigan and I attempted to clear the air about this challenging topic recently on Fox News Boston...as you'll see, I even got tripped up once, so don't feel badly if you're a bit confused! Stay tuned! This is one story which is most certainly just beginning. (Yes, I know I'm posting during Turn-Off Week but important breaking news has to get posted, even if you read it next week...which I hope is what you do. But, if ... Dr. Gwenn Is In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2828356 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0100 2828356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2828465&cid=t_266334_154_f&fid=35946&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canadianmedicinenews.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fwhats-in-news-sep-24-new-brunswick-and.html MDs vs. NB conflict at at end?New Brunswick and its doctors have reached an agreement in principle on how to deal with the raise that was offered by the government and then rescinded when it became apparent that the recession would cause revenues to fall short of where they were predicted to be. The medical association's announcement, however, did not make clear whether the new agreement in principle would reinstate the raises or would grant the government some of its cuts. [New Brunswick Medical Society] [CMA News] The doctors' union was supposed to go court against the provincial government last week to try to force the government to honour a new collective agreement (including a significant raise) it offered and then refused to sign, but the two camps then came to an 11th-hour agreement... Canadian Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2828465 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2828465 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2828173&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FajOIjqrmjg4%2F Let’s make this clear up front: There’s no sign that the H1N1 flu, which has thus far been widespread but relatively mild, is becoming significantly more severe. But if the bug were to mutate to become much, much more deadly, the need for ventilators would far outstrip the supply. That could create very difficult dilemmas, including whether to take dying patients off of ventilators in order to free the machines up for patients who have a better chance of surviving. State and federal officials have been working out plans for just how to handle those sorts of situations, largely out of sight of the public, ProPublica reports this evening. Last year, well before the current outbreak, the state of New York published proposed criteria for allocating ventilators in case of a severe p... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2828173 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:54:58 +0100 2828173 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2828483&cid=t_266334_167_f&fid=37833&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnutrition.edublogs.org%2F2009%2F09%2F23%2Fpreventing-the-h1n1-flu%2F A Pandemic awareness video explaining what you can do to help prevent the spread of H1N1 flu virus from the Disaster Resistant Community Colleges of California Task Force. Things you can do to prevent getting the H1N1 flu: Wash your hands. Cover a cough with a sleeve. Don’t touch your face with your hands. Eat healthy foods. Get enough sleep. Stay away from people who are sick. Stay home if you are sick. Make sure you know what is going on with the flu on campus. Be watching for when the vaccines become available. More information: Dyer KA. How to Prevent Getting H1N1 Flu or Swine Flu. (Source: Nutrition and Wellness Biology 50) Nutrition and Wellness Biology 50 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2828483 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:15:07 +0100 2828483 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2828479&cid=t_266334_167_f&fid=36988&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happynutritionistsnuggets.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fhappy-healthy-fall-and-gift-giving.html Welcome to the season of fall, everyone! I hope you are taking care of yourselves and preparing for an especially healthy season. I was encouraged to hear that the H1N1 flu virus, though still a concern, is becoming less of a concern as it isn't mutating into something more dangerous, a good sign. Are you going to take advantage of the flu vaccination this year? I have to admit that I never do, but am giving it a bit of thought this year.This time of year begins the gift-giving season in our family. There are 2 family birthdays in October, and a wedding...then we are moving into the holiday season. We are on quite a tight budget this year, so it will be interesting to see what gifts we can come up with. I did browse a website that offers watches, fancy watches like the Citizen eco drive la... Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2828479 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:39:00 +0100 2828479 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2824344&cid=t_266334_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FrErGt51pNKM%2F With 1.3 billion people inside its borders, China seeks to curtail what could be a massive infection of the H1N1 virus later this winter by a mass immunization campaign this week. About 39,000 residents in Beijing had been inoculated with A/H1N1 flu vaccine by Tuesday afternoon, with 14 cases of adverse reaction, an epidemic control expert said here Wednesday. The number of inoculated residents may be small compared to the total population, but China is gaining praise for being the first country to issue such a campaign, and acting as fast as it did. The Sinovac H1N1 vaccine was approved only on September 3rd, and already 40,000 residents have been vaccinated by this Tuesday afternoon. China has also gained reputation as having the most vigilant response against the swine flu pandemic.... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2824344 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:48:39 +0100 2824344 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820242&cid=t_266334_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2FeVHM96Yl1pk%2Fgood_flu_reporters_arent_just.php There are multiple trials of swine flu vaccine in different countries and involving different subpopulations. Recent news strongly suggests that -- surprisingly -- a single dose of viral antigen (i.e., one injection) may be sufficient to raise antibody against swine flu to protective levels. There are a lot of uncertainties here, but the data have been fairly consistent. But that's for adults (over 18 years old). Since children are also had high risk, there is much apprehension whether a single dose will also work for children. Now we're getting some of the first results and the news is good and not quite so good. Here's the short version. If you're over ten years old, one shot might do it. If you're under ten, it looks like you'll need two (but if you're under ten and sitting at computer,... Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820242 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:41:51 +0100 2820242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820156&cid=t_266334_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F21%2Ffree-flu-information-for-doctors-nurses-and-patients%2F From EBSCO Publishing, on its free Influenza Evidence-Based Information Portal with content for doctors, nurses, and the general public: Due to Pandemic H1N1 Influenza (formerly known as Swine Flu) and concerns about the 2009/2010 flu season, the EBSCO Publishing Medical and Nursing editors of DynaMed™, Nursing Reference Center™ (NRC) and Patient Education Reference Center™ (PERC) have made key influenza information from these resources freely available to health care providers worldwide. The editorial teams will monitor the research and update these resources continuously throughout the upcoming flu season. The portal includes clinical summary information for providers on both H1N1 (swine) flu and “normal” seasonal flu, as well as patient hand-outs on both types of flu i... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820156 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:27:35 +0100 2820156 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820538&cid=t_266334_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1786 Ryan White HIV/AIDS Funding Due to Expire Oct. 1 by Jim Chud Volume 28 Issue 10 In December 2006, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act of 2006 (RWTMA) became law. The Act replaced the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act that had been initially signed into law in 1990, and subsequently “reauthorized” (renewed) in 1996 and 2000. The CARE Act was the country’s largest federally funded non-entitlement program for people living with HIV/AIDS and forms the core of the local HIV/AIDS care and treatment response in most local jurisdictions. The act sought funding to improve availability of care for low-income uninsured and under-insured victims of AIDS and their families. The RWTMA included a sunset clause that entails the end of the legislation on O... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820538 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:00:38 +0100 2820538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2814389&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FbLkLmmC25ZU%2F Children six months to 17 years old appear to respond to and tolerate well the H1N1 flu vaccine, according to new data from a 600-child federally funded clinical trial. The early results from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases trial on children’s response to vaccination is consistent with results published recently on vaccine response in adults — that one dose of the vaccine is likely to work for most kids. There is evidence that children younger than the age of 9 will likely need two doses, according to Anthony Fauci, director of the NIAID, which also is consistent with results from other studies. The kids’ response to the H1N1 vaccine is “quite similar” to that of the seasonal-flu vaccine. “The initial results are encouraging,&#... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2814389 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:13:10 +0100 2814389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2814393&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FABe6sNN5QqA%2F Do health-care workers have a duty to be vaccinated for seasonal and swine flu? New York’s state health department seems to think so, issuing a rule this summer that all hospital, home health and hospice health-careworkers must get flu shots, reports the New York Times. The rule has spurred controversy, both from hospital employees’ unions, who contest the mandatory rule, as well as among public health officials. Some parents have also expressed uncertainty about whether to immunize their children from the swine flu. Typically, less than half of health-care workers get voluntary flu shorts, but that’s a higher percentage than the third in the general population who get it. Some say that voluntary vaccination won’t give workers — and patients — the protec... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2814393 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:19:58 +0100 2814393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2814651&cid=t_266334_136_f&fid=36162&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyelomablog.com%2F2009%2F09%2F20%2Fflu-preparedness-advice%2F This arrived in my inbox, and I wanted to share.  What preparations have you made?  I have a prescription for Tamiflu, but have not had it filled yet.  I haven’t had my seasonal flu shot yet, but will get that done soon. To: Duke University Health System Patients From: William J. Fulkerson, M.D. Senior Vice President, Duke University Health System Date: September 16, 2009 Re: Influenza Preparedness: Advice to our Patients Dear Duke Patients, As we approach the official beginning of autumn, we are entering the annual cold and flu season. This year’s flu season is expected to arrive early, stay late and be more intense than the flu seasons we have experienced in the recent past. The H1N1 influenza pandemic (aka “swine flu”) continues to intensify throughout the world,... beth's myeloma blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2814651 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:18:19 +0100 2814651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2812262&cid=t_266334_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV050.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Jason Rodriguez On episode #50 of the podcast “This Week in Virology”, Vincent and Jason review influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine trials and protection against the virus conferred by the 1976 swine flu vaccine, then move on to a virus called XMRV and its possible role in prostate cancer. Download TWiV #50 (54 MB .mp3, 74 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: One dose of influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine without adjuvant is enough Partially completed study on influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine with MF59 adjuvant 1976 swine flu vaccine induces cross-reactive antibodies against influenza 2009 H1N1 strain Explanation of hemagglutination-inhibition and microneutralization assays FDA approves influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2812262 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:04:12 +0100 2812262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2809670&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F09%2Fswine-flu-and-a-new-age-of-social-greetings--2.html The swine flu pandemic has wreaked havoc on traditional greetings worldwide. France’s health ministry has recommended that countrymen avoid “la bise,” and Spain has reportedly recommended halting their “besos”—both are the traditional kisses on the cheeks. In the U.S., touching is also coming under attack. Some college athletic programs have reportedly tried to shut down that hallmark of American sportsmanship, the post-game handshake. And one school district in Long Island, New York has attempted to discourage all touching: handshakes, hugs, kisses, fist bumps: you name it. And as was the case last spring when the swine flu outbreak began, houses of worships have been putting on hold traditional handshakes, handholding, and sharing of communal cups. Touching can certainly s... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2809670 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 13:10:47 +0100 2809670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2807566&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F8LNI_hK7-zA%2F The World Health Organization said in a May report that as many as 4.9 billion doses of the new H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine could be produced over a 12-month period once manufacturing begins. That number turns out to have been optimistic. WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl said today said that production “will be substantially less than 4.9 billion” doses initially expected. On the plus side, he reinforced previous reports that one dose, not two, of the new vaccine seems to be enough to provide immunity against the new virus. See more here and here. Meanwhile, the latest WHO count shows that at least 3,486 people have died of swine flu to date. Body Bag Blunder: Canada’s health minister has ordered an investigation after body bags were sent to aboriginal communities in Manitoba pro... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2807566 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:35:33 +0100 2807566 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2807795&cid=t_266334_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FXmpN4NVCu0U%2F Finally, we will have protection against the spreading H1N1 influenza! The Foods and Drug Administration just approved four vaccines against the swine flu virus and it looks like the vaccines will be available in a little over a month. Swine Flu H1N1 Vaccine Soon Available Clinical trials proved that the vaccines are safe and only one shot is needed to gain immunity against the virus, and that’s really great news. Most vaccines work best when, and after the booster shot is given so this means that the swine flu vaccine works more quickly than other flu vaccines. So remember, if you’re one of the following people that are in higher priority to be immunized, ask your doctor or pediatrician about its availability. I already told my doctors to call us as soon they have the vaccine so I can... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2807795 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:16:01 +0100 2807795 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2807612&cid=t_266334_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2Fqh_KVL2_EmY%2Fflu_handwashing_and_disinfecti.php Most people are either indifferent to swine flu or fearful, but the makers of Purell hand sanitizer and Chlorox are happy. It's been a boon to the business of sanitizing everything in sight as a way to ward off swine flu. Here's a story about Chlorox (bleach): Read the rest of this post... | Read the comments on this post... (Source: Effect Measure) Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2807612 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:47:32 +0100 2807612 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2807890&cid=t_266334_154_f&fid=35946&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canadianmedicinenews.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fwhats-in-news-sep-18-latest-on-h1n1-flu.html Will the H1N1 flu vaccine be available too late to protect some Canadians? [Toronto Star]On the bright side, it appears that one dose of the vaccine, as opposed to the two doses that were inefficiently predicted to be required, will be sufficient to confer protection. [MedPage Today] [NEJM study] [Another NEJM study] [And yet another NEJM study]Dr Kumanan Wilson, the Canada Research Chair in Public Health Policy, at the University of Ottawa, discussed why young Canadians don't want the vaccine. [Globe and Mail]The current issue of the Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases & Medical Microbiology has several articles on the H1N1 flu of interest to clinicians, including one on treating kids, one on what we've learned so far about the pandemic virus, and one about the work that went into... Canadian Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2807890 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2807890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2807686&cid=t_266334_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F86_ovepl934%2F More people are getting their flu shots this year if we look at the number Walgreens alone has given out thus far. In just two weeks, since September 1st, the chain has already injected one million shots. That is almost as many as they did in all of flu season last year. Flu shots cost $24.99 and a flu nasal spray alternative is $29.99 at Walgreens clinics. Appointments are recommended but not usually needed. Watch for hours and times at your local store to see when you can get your shot. Image: sxc.hu. Post from: Blisstree Walgreens Injects a Million Flu Shots (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2807686 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:51:46 +0100 2807686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2803879&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fjz3QwzQlqBA%2F STRATFOR—a group I hadn’t heard of before—provides, in their words, “geopolitical intelligence – independent, non-ideological and non-partisan analysis and perspective that is unavailable anywhere else in the world.” They also say they provide the “intelligence behind the headlines.” Well, I was struck—delighted, really—to see them outright contradict the headlines in a report of theirs that mercilessly skewers H1N1 (swine) flu fears: It has been five months since the A(H1N1) influenza virus — aka the swine flu — climbed to the top of the global media heap, and with the start of the Northern Hemisphere’s annual flu season just around the corner, the topic is worth revisiting. If you take only one fact away from this analysi... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2803879 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:25:10 +0100 2803879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804167&cid=t_266334_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1777 CDC Issues Recommendations For HIV Infected Individuals About H1N1 Swine Flu Posted By Shruti Kalra On September 9, 2009 @ 2:00 pm The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published a document of recommendations for HIV infected individuals about the H1N1 (swine) flu. Currently, the CDC does not have any information about the risk of H1N1 flu in individuals with HIV/AIDS. However, HIV/AIDS infected individuals may experience more severe side effects and complications with H1N1 flu, as evidenced by severe side effects to previous seasonal influenzas. HIV infected individuals are more vulnerable to flu side effects because of the low number of CD4 cells or healthy white blood cells that can fight off infection. Common signs and symptoms of H1N1 infection are similar to th... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804167 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:02:32 +0100 2804167 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2803869&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F6TTcS7Sd-WA%2F Public-health officials are breathing a small sigh of relief that the H1N1 swine flu virus hasn’t mutated to become more deadly since emerging last spring. But what are the chances it will? To find out, scientists at the CDC recently launched experiments in the agency’s labs in which they infected ferrets with both the new H1N1 virus and the highly lethal H5N1 avian flu virus to see if they might “reassort” to create a new hybrid. The scientists want to know whether a combination of the H1N1 virus -– highly transmissible, but not terribly deadly -– and the H5N1 flu virus could create an easily transmissible, deadly scourge. The H5N1 virus has only sickened 440 people world-wide since 2003 and generally isn’t transmitted from one person to another. But it has killed 262, or about 60%... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2803869 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:31:17 +0100 2803869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804168&cid=t_266334_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1774 Please Join Speaker Karen Bass and the 47th Assembly District People’s Council for a 2009 Policy Outcomes & Opportunities Town Hall Monday, September 21st, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Junior Blind of America 5300 Angeles Vista Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90043 To R.S.V.P. please call 323-937-4747 or email amanda.martin@asm.ca.gov R.S.V.P. Deadline: Thursday, September 17th Speaker Bass will recap the past legislative session and provide an insider’s scoop on the California economy, healthcare, clean energy, public safety and more. It has been an unprecedented year with more action to come! Join us to discuss what we can all do to ensure our communities have a strong voice within the ongoing debates. (Source: aids-write.org) aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804168 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:53:27 +0100 2804168 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804170&cid=t_266334_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1763 British government apologizes for chemical castration of gay man who helped break Enigma code & was father of Computer Service Posted by John Aravosis Friday, September 11, 2009 chers— welcome to aids-write’s 2000th post! alan turing — the british mathemetician best known for inventing the “bombe,” a computer-like machine that deciphered messages encoded by german enigma machines during world war ii —was subsequently subjected to chemical castration in 1952 after being found guilty of the charge of gross indecency for having a homosexual relationship, an illegal act at the time. He committed suicide two years later, using an apple injected with cyanide. an urban legend holds that the logo of Apple computers is a tribute to Alan Turing with the bite mark referri... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804170 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 06:04:28 +0100 2804170 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804064&cid=t_266334_117_f&fid=38158&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drneedles.comhttp%3A%2F%2Famericanacupuncture.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fh1n1-swine-flu-vaccine.html As a medical physician for over 50 years, I strive to give you the best medical information on controversial medical subjects and let you, the reader, come to your own conclusions. I have no ties to any organization, pharmaceutical, or lobby group. As an practicing medical acupuncturist since 1982, I find western medicine and medical acupuncture are very complimentary that results in astounding healing in pain management, addictions to cigarettes and food, and a host of other maladies. Let me know how we are doing. Your constructive comments are always appreciated. Click the RSS post button on the upper right hand corner if you would like to receive by email our future medical blogs.Visit http://www.americanacupuncture.com/ for more detailed information on healing.THE H1N1 SWINE FLU VACCIN... Dr. Needles Medical Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804064 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:41:00 +0100 2804064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800694&cid=t_266334_154_f&fid=35946&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canadianmedicinenews.com%2F2009%2F09%2Ffederal-jokesters-mine-h1n1-flu-for-new.html Thanks to Maclean's reporter Aaron Wherry for subjecting himself to Question Period in the House of Commons yesterday so the rest of us didn't have to. He asks that we take note of one "particularly edifying exchange":Ms. Judy Wasylycia-Leis (Winnipeg North, NDP): Mr. Speaker, the A (H1N1) flu is expected to hit even harder in October. Some 74 people have already died from this flu virus. We need to act now. The minister plans to reveal her priority list for the flu vaccine a little later this week, but we want to know now whether first nations and Inuit people are on that list, since they are at a much greater risk. My question is very simple. Can the minister tell us whether aboriginal people are on the government's list of priorities?Hon. Leona Aglukkaq (Minister of Health, CPC): Mr. Sp... Canadian Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800694 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:27:00 +0100 2800694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2803910&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F09%2Fget-vaccinated-doc-.html One statistic jumped out at me as I was gathering material for our coverage of the swine (H1N1) and seasonal flu vaccines:  Less than half of health-care professionals get the flu shot each year.  Such a low vaccination rate has led to flu outbreaks in hospitals and nursing homes, research suggests. Plus, sick doctors and nurses can’t—or at least shouldn’t—go to work, and their absence could be especially critical this coming "two-flu" season. Indeed, the CDC puts health-care professionals at the top of the flu vaccine list in part because they are so vital. But the surveys suggest that this message isn’t getting through. We know that breaking the chain of infection—preventing transmission of the flu from caregivers and household members to people at high... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2803910 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:13:00 +0100 2803910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800641&cid=t_266334_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1754 AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) with our community partners presents: HIV MATTERS: IAS COMMUNITY UPDATE Wednesday, September 16, 2009 Buffet Dinner: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Presentations: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm West Hollywood Park Auditorium 647 North San Vicente Boulevard West Hollywood, CA 90069 FEATURING: Eric Daar, MD (Chief, HIV Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center) David Hardy, MD (Chief, HIV Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center) Colleen Murphy, PGDip (Director of Community Education and Outreach, AIDS Research Alliance) This APLA public education forum is free. Parking: West Hollywood Park Lot. Enter directly south of Santa Monica Boulevard on west side of San Vicente Boulevard by baseball diamond. The parking lot is adjacent to Koontz Hardware. SPONSORS: AIDS Prorject Los Angeles, Being Al... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800641 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:44:23 +0100 2800641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800660&cid=t_266334_136_f&fid=36162&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyelomablog.com%2F2009%2F09%2F16%2Fh1n1-flu-prevention%2F Gov. Bev Perdue on Tuesday called on North Carolina residents to re-dedicate themselves to following good prevention practices as the number of influenza cases are expected to rise with the beginning of the school year and the arrival of flu season. “Parents, students and teachers can help prevent the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu from spreading by getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene and keeping themselves healthy,” Perdue said. “I don’t want folks to be scared about the flu, but I do want every North Carolinian to be vigilant and prepared.” Everyone should follow standard health precautions as a first line of prevention; Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don’t have a tissue, cough ... beth's myeloma blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800660 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:18:59 +0100 2800660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800303&cid=t_266334_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F16%2Fjurnal-of-the-american-medical-association-2009-vol-302-no-11%2F Journal of the American Medical Association 2009 v. 302(11) Contents Fade Fave: What Mexico Taught the World About Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Community Mitigation Strategies Fade Skinny:The article discusses measures used in Mexico to contain the H1N1 virus. Reverting to measures that originated in the late 14th century, when bubonic plague stalked much of Europe and Asia prompting ports and nation-states to order mass quarantines, Mexico instituted a broad-based and exacting menu of community mitigation strategies, or nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), including school closure, public gathering bans, isolation, quarantine, and social distancing. An NHS Athens Password is required to access this article online. Posted in Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Influenza, Pandemi... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800303 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:43:03 +0100 2800303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800495&cid=t_266334_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FAI8WuyYGRGk%2F FDA Approves Vaccines for 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus Approval Provides Important Tool to Fight Pandemic The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today that it has approved four vaccines against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The vaccines will be distributed nationally after the initial lots become available, which is expected within the next four weeks. “Today’s approval is good news for our nation’s response to the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus,” said Commissioner of Food and Drugs Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D. “This vaccine will help protect individuals from serious illness and death from influenza.” The vaccines are made by CSL Limited, MedImmune LLC, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited, and sanofi pasteur Inc. All four firms manufacture the H1N1 vaccines usin... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800495 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:36:04 +0100 2800495 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800384&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F09%2Ffda-approves-swine-flu-vaccines.html The Food and Drug Administration approved swine  (H1N1) flu vaccines today from four of the five manufacturers contracted to produce them, including CSL Limited, MedImmune LLC, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited, and Sanofi Pasteur. The FDA says that the vaccines will be distributed nationally within the next four weeks, as initial supplies become available. GlaxoSmithKline's vaccine is still awaiting approval.“The H1N1 vaccines approved today undergo the same rigorous FDA manufacturing oversight, product quality testing, and lot release procedures that apply to seasonal influenza vaccines,” said FDA acting chief scientist Jesse Goodman, M.D., in a statement. The swine flu vaccines are all made using the same methods used to produce annual seasonal flu vaccines, which ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800384 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:42:00 +0100 2800384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796382&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FBwpj-_aJGOM%2F Some parents are reluctant to get their children vaccinated for various illnesses. The concern often centers on the feared link to autism, a connection that scientific evidence doesn’t support (read more here, here and here). The Los Angeles Times raises a different point about parents who are considering whether or not to vaccinate their young children from the H1N1 swine flu virus this year: Americans who grew up in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s — many of whom now have kids — haven’t themselves seen or suffered from many common childhood diseases, and thus may not appreciate the importance of vaccinating young kids. In the case of H1N1, which has so far proved fairly mild, many parents are telling their physicians they want their kids to get immunized natur... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796382 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:44:03 +0100 2796382 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796203&cid=t_266334_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2F2009%2F09%2F15%2Fwhat-if-influenza-virus-did-not-reassort%2F Would influenza virus be the same pathogen if it could not undergo reassortment of its segmented RNA genome? This is the question being asked in the wake of the development of a method to prevent the free assortment of influenza viral RNAs. The process of influenza virus replication includes the incorporation of eight viral RNAs into each newly synthesized virion. This process, called packaging, depends upon specific RNA sequences in each genome segment. By swapping the packaging sequences for the nonstructural protein (NS) and HA genes, a virus was produced which replicated but lost the ability to independently reassort the HA or NS gene. The authors note that the other influenza A virus RNA segments could be modified in a similar way to reduce or eliminate their ability to form reassorta... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796203 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:00:10 +0100 2796203 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2792869&cid=t_266334_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV049.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Dick Despommier On episode 49 of the podcast ‘This Week in Virology”, Vincent and Dick continue Virology 101 with a discussion of the seven different types of viral genomes, and how to use the pathway to mRNA to understand viral replication. Download TWiV #49 (45 MB .mp3, 62 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: Dick talks about hookworm on Radio Lab Dick’s video page at BigThink The seven types of viral genome Animation of HIV replication (thanks axiomatically atypical!) Changes in transcript abundance relating to colony collapse disorder in honey bee (thanks Judi!) Weekly Science Picks Dick Discovery Channel: Planet Green Vincent Influenza videos at BigThink: one, two, three, four, ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2792869 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:45:35 +0100 2792869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2790252&cid=t_266334_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F13%2Fsunday-news-round-up-91309%2F Aimee at Feministe has a post on considerations for privileged white women who want to work for reproductive justice. *** The Today Show had a segment they called “The Perils of Midwifery,” but it apparently wasn’t about occupational hazards for midwives of varying types – it was about home birth. I’ve yet to see it. I know Reality Rounds, Science and Sensibility, and Midwife Connection responses critical of the piece. Midwife Connection (ACNM) points out that the online segment on the NBC site has been retitled “Perils of Home Births,” although it remains “midwifery” on other sites, like Hulu. *** Sociological Images has a round-up of some pointlessly gendered products. I know that I for one, when using clear tape, start to feel inap... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2790252 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:20:38 +0100 2790252 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2789061&cid=t_266334_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FpNzwbU69rtQ%2F Just caught a Harvard study that said businesses are not prepared to handle the Swine Flu. If a majority of their employees should get sick and be out for two weeks. Many businesses said they could not keep up their normal operations if this were to occur. If half their employees were out for a month, “four out of every five businesses expect severe problems.” If you’re a business owner then, what do you do? Here are a few tips. Do Some Cross Training Now Get employees involved in learning other jobs should the need arise to have them help out. Have several employees cross-trained for other jobs, so if one person is out the entire burden of their workload can be split among many employees rather than just one. Put H1N1 Planning Into Your Emergency Plan Every businesses ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2789061 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:49:40 +0100 2789061 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2789141&cid=t_266334_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FImknFN6vSe0%2F Now that our children are back to school, it’s a natural concern for parents to ask how we can protect our children against the swine flu epidemic and the seasonal winter flu! When is the swine flu vaccine available? Should we get two shots – one for each flu virus? Should I just keep my child home this year? Infectious disease experts from Seattle Children’s Hospital posted this YouTube video to answer the many questions we parents have about the H1N1 influenza virus and its vaccine. Related to this, a preliminary study found that a single standard dose is sufficient to produce an immune response and another study found that protection occurs in 8-10 days after vaccination. The video is great resource and worth watching. I think most of your questions would be answered by this PSA... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2789141 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 03:59:34 +0100 2789141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2788511&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F09%2Fone-dose-of-swine-flu-vaccine-may-be-enough-for-most-adults-h1n1-vaccine.html The news is good from the early swine (H1N1) flu vaccine trials. The first spate of preliminary results were published yesterday in the New England Journal of Medicine, and today by the Department of Health and Human Services, and most of the findings were positive. It had been suspected that most people would require two doses of vaccine, but the studies found a robust immune response to a single dose. More trials are underway for pregnant women, adults with immunodeficiency, and children. Authorities still expect that children will require two-doses, because their bodies have less experience developing immunity.The safety profile of the swine-flu shot is also promising. The trials have produced no deaths or serious adverse events to date. The mild to moderate reactions that did occur inc... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2788511 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 22:30:00 +0100 2788511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2788500&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FRhsLbDar3uQ%2F One day after two New England Journal of Medicine studies showed that one dose of H1N1 vaccine made by CSL Ltd. and another made by Novartis appeared to be efficacious, new data suggests that one dose of Sanofi Pasteur’s vaccine is also enough to induce a “robust” immune response in most adults, according to new NIH data. “We are pleased to note that preliminary analyses of early data from the NIAID trials align with the recently announced findings and those to be announced imminently by other companies,” Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infections Diseases. Getting the same result from three different trials is good news for public health officials, who feared that a two-dose vaccination regimen would lower compliance because s... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2788500 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:19:44 +0100 2788500 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785919&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F09%2Fswine-flu-vaccination-program-beginning-in-october-swine-flu-prevention-.html Public health officials, advocacy group representatives, and others met in Washington, D.C., yesterday for two days of deliberations over whether to pursue a "full-throttle," "go-easy," or a "moderate-effort" approach to the H1N1, or swine flu, vaccination program beginning in October.Since vaccination will be voluntary, it’s important for officials to gauge how much public demand there will be for the vaccine. But this is difficult because it’s uncertain how widespread and severe H1N1 influenza will be in the U.S. this fall. Yesterday, with decision time running out, the stakeholders who must plan how to allocate resources for mass vaccination learned what members of the public said about preparedness during regional meetings. From Aug. 8 – Sept. 1, T... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785919 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:11:29 +0100 2785919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785920&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F09%2Fshould-you-get-an-advance-prescription-for-antiviral-drugs-swine-flu-symptoms-drugs-to-treat-the-flu.html The prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are key tools in managing swine flu symptoms. But they do have side effects, and they can lead to drug resistant viruses. So who should take them and who should take a pass?Most people don’t need antiviral drugs to treat the flu, according to our medical advisors and government health officials. So far, the majority of swine flu cases have been relatively mild. But those with certain risk factors should consider antiviral medication. And everyone should watch out for severe symptoms and seek treatment if necessary. On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued revised guidance for antiviral drugs. The agency recommends treatment for people with flu symptoms who are: Hospitalized or... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785920 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:00:00 +0100 2785920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2786282&cid=t_266334_154_f&fid=35946&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canadianmedicinenews.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fget-ready-for-h1n1-flus-second-wave.html The good news is that the vast majority of the pandemic H1N1 flu cases in Canada have been mild and the number of fatalities has been held to fewer than 70 as of late summer. The bad news is that we probably haven't seen the worst of it yet.Dr David Butler-Jones, the nation's first Chief Public Health Officer, is leading the Public Health Agency of Canada's preparations for the anticipated second wave of pandemic H1N1 flu, expected to arrive this fall with the potential to cause far greater damage than the virus has caused so far. He spoke with Parkhurst Exchange about what physicians need to know.To read the online-only full version of the Q&A, click here.Photo: Public Health Agency of Canada Get Canadian Medicine news by email or in an RSS reader (Source: Canadian Medicine) Canadian Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2786282 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2786282 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2786150&cid=t_266334_117_f&fid=38158&url=http%3A%2F%2Frpc.technorati.com%2Frpc%2Fpinghttp%3A%2F%2Famericanacupuncture.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fswine-flu-hype.html As a medical physician for over 50 years, I strive to give you the best medical information on controversial medical subjects and let you, the reader, come to your own conclusions. I have no ties to any organization, pharmaceutical, or lobby group. As an practicing medical acupuncturist since 1982, I find western medicine and medical acupuncture are very complimentary that results in astounding healing in pain management, addictions to cigarettes and food, and a host of other maladies. Let me know how we are doing. Your constructive comments are always appreciated. Click the RSS post button on the upper right hand corner if you would like to receive by email our future medical blogs. Visit http://americanacupuncture.com for indepth information on acupuncture, point locations, and all facet... Dr. Needles Medical Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2786150 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:16:00 +0100 2786150 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785637&cid=t_266334_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2F2009%2F09%2F10%2Fsingle-dose-of-2009-h1n1-vaccine-immunogenic-in-adults%2F An Australian group has reported results of a clinical trial to determine the safety and immunogenicity of a 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus vaccine. Twenty-one days after the first of two scheduled doses, the vaccine proved to be immunogenic in adults. This is good news, as many had believed that two doses of the vaccine would be needed to achieve adequate protective immune responses. A total of 240 individuals were enrolled in the trial and given 15 or 30 microgram doses of an inactivated, H1N1 vaccine propagated in eggs by CSL Biotherapies, Parkville, Australia. Anti-influenza antibody titers were measured at enrollment and 21 days after each vaccination, by hemaggultination-inhibition (HI) and microneutralization assays. A single 15-µg or 30-µg dose of the H1N1 vaccine produced a ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785637 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:14:04 +0100 2785637 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2785901&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F-459ZrgWdAk%2F The first clinical trial data on new vaccines being developed to treat the H1N1 pandemic flu virus in the U.S. suggest that one dose will work to immunize most people, according to a preliminary report in the New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers studied two vaccines, one which had a substance added to improve immune response, called an adjuvant, and one that didn’t, for 21 days. Both showed the vaccines elicted immune responses with single shot. One big question for public health officials was whether a single dose would be sufficient. Full results will be published after patients have been followed for 42 days, the journal said. An accompanying editorial, written by Kathleen Neuzil of the University of Washington, calls the findings “welcome and reassuring” an... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2785901 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:14:15 +0100 2785901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2786112&cid=t_266334_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FmXJ7Z82_-aY%2F The Giant Food grocery chain, which has markets in VA, MD, and DC, is will be offering low cost seasonal flu vaccines to its customers. Of 181 stores, 164 have full-service pharmacies, where these flu vaccinations will be offered. According to a press release issued earlier today, vaccination program will begin Friday September 11, expanding to all stores in October. Immunizations will be provided by certified and trained Giant pharmacists and through Giant’s partnership with Maxim Health Systems and their trained health care professionals. The cost of the seasonal immunization is $30, but customers with a Giant loyalty card can save an additional $10. Thus, the final cost to Giant customers, with the Card, is $20. The seasonal flu shot changes from year to year and is developed on t... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2786112 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:31:49 +0100 2786112 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782274&cid=t_266334_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1694 Highlights of GAO-09-1027T, a testimony before the Subcommittee on Health, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives September 9, 2009 RYAN WHITE CARE ACT Program Changes Affecting Minority AIDS Initiative and Part D Grantees Why GAO Did This Study Under the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act of 1990 (CARE Act) federal funds are made available to assist those affected by human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awards CARE Act grants to states, territories, metropolitan areas, and others. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act of 2006 (RWTMA) reauthorized CARE Act programs for fiscal years 2007 through 2009. The CARE Act’s Minority AIDS Initiative... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782274 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:17:17 +0100 2782274 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2781656&cid=t_266334_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2F2009%2F09%2F10%2Fpandemic-h1n1-influenza-virus-outcompetes-seasonal-strains-in-ferrets%2F When more than one influenza A virus subtype is circulating in humans, as has been the case since 1977, there are several possible outcomes. The viruses might co-circulate, one virus might out-compete another, or co-infection of cells with two viruses can lead to the production of genetically distinct viruses by the process of reassortment of viral RNAs. Experiments have been done in ferrets to determine how the 2009 pandemic H1N1 strain interacts with seasonal H3N2 and H1N1 viruses. Ferrets were intranasally co-infected with an H1N1 pandemic strain [Ca/04] and either a seasonal H1N1 virus [BR/59] or a seasonal H3N2 virus [BR/10].  One uninfected ferret was placed in the same cage (to allow contact transmission) and a second in another cage separated by a wire mesh (to allow aerosol trans... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2781656 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:00:05 +0100 2781656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782035&cid=t_266334_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2FfPO5of9D9BI%2Fthe_end_of_flu_season.php Flu season is over. Before you heave a sigh of relief, I'm talking about the (official) 2008 - 2009 flu season, which ended August 30 in week 34 or the calendar year. Welcome to the new flu season, the one called 2009 - 2010. It promises to be, well, "interesting." Read the rest of this post... | Read the comments on this post... (Source: Effect Measure) Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782035 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:28:41 +0100 2782035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782103&cid=t_266334_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FvNJcjNLohuY%2F As a diabetic, I get a flu shot every year. I had assumed that the healthcare workers I came in contact with also got them. But you know what they say about assuming! An article from Forbes said as many as half of all the healthcare workers around don’t get a flu shot. They say this brings up two very important points of concern. One, that if they people get sick themselves, who will treat the patients? And two, that they could possibly infect more people by having the disease themselves. I understand that healthcare workers have a lot of diseases that they are in contact with. So they probably have a good immune system in general, and also, they couldn’t possibly protect themselves from everything. But the flu? When we have something like a vaccine? Is this smart? What do you... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782103 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:34:39 +0100 2782103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782020&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F09%2Fhand-washing-for-flu-season-swine-flu-prevention-hygiene-tips-for-flu-prevention.html As flu season approaches, everyone is talking about hand washing, especially health-care professionals. But will more talking mean more doing? A couple of public humiliations helped make me become a better hand washer. The first occurred when, as a relatively new certified nurse midwife, I was training to assist on cesarean sections. I scrubbed in with the doctor, chatting as we completed the ritualized five minutes of hand washing. We were off to a good start—or so I thought. But when we were gloved and gowned and ready to go the doctor said, "So, who trained you to scrub anyway? Start over, and this time keep your hands up, so the dirty water doesn’t run back over them." As the assembled operating room team watched and waited, I shamefacedly washed my hands again. Suffice... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782020 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:53:54 +0100 2782020 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778529&cid=t_266334_113_f&fid=38130&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tempdev.net%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D916 Last year, TempDev released our Free Flu Shot Clinic package. To help practices prepare for the coming flu season, the package has been updated to include the codes for the H1N1 vaccine. The new package still requires only two clicks to document the vaccine, but these two clicks can now be configured to document both the seasonal flu vaccine and H1N1. The package is also still free for all practices using NextGen! To schedule your free installation, simply fill out this online form. Related Posts November 7, 2008 — Announcing NextGen Flu Clinic (Source: Implementing EMRs) Implementing EMRs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778529 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:43:07 +0100 2778529 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778352&cid=t_266334_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F09%2Fhealth-service-journal-2009-20th-august-2%2F Fade Fade: PCTs decide on swine flu vaccine priority Fade Skinny: Primary care trusts have been left to decide which frontline staff they should immunise against swine flu first, risking local variation and dispute.The Department of Health last week said staff with “regular clinical contact with patients and who are directly involved in patient care” would receive the vaccine as soon as it is available – probably in late September or early October. However, primary care trusts will have to prioritise different staff groups themselves. (Print subscription held at Fade Library) Posted in Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Current Awareness, Immunisation, Journals, Primary Care Trusts, staff Groups, Swine Flu, Vaccination Programme (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778352 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:10:23 +0100 2778352 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778410&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F09%2Fswine-flu-survey-swine-flu-poll-worries-about-swine-flu-consumer-reports-national-research-center.html Although the 8th anniversary of September 11th occurs this Friday, more Americans are concerned about a major swine flu outbreak than another terrorist attack, according to a new poll from the Consumer Reports National Research Center. The national survey of 1,007 adults found that 67 percent of Americans were "concerned" or "very concerned" about the potential for a swine flu outbreak, while 62 percent were concerned about a terrorist attack on the U.S. Interestingly, concern about the flu was lowest among adults most likely to be affected, those under 30 years old, with 56 percent saying they were concerned. Those least likely to catch the flu, age 55 and up, were most concerned at 72 percent. So far, about 75 percent of hospitalizations from swine flu, and 60 perce... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778410 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:08:17 +0100 2778410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778386&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FkSiJsp4A6Qs%2F In updated guidelines about the use of antiviral medication like Tamiflu for the H1N1 flu virus, the CDC now recommends that these medicines be used to treat only those people with risk conditions or severe forms of the illness. Earlier, the CDC urged that those who had some symptoms of flu take antiviral medicines as a preventive measure. It now advocates “watchful waiting” as an option. “The majority of adolescents and adults and most children won’t need antivirals,” said the CDC’s director of the National Center for Immunization & Respiratory Diseases, Anne Schuchat. Most people just need “mom’s chicken soup, rest and lots of fluids,” she said in a call with reporters. The agency has seen some evidence of resistance to the medi... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778386 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:39:11 +0100 2778386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2774583&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fswine-flu-immunisations.html The government's chief commissar for immunisations, Professor David Salisbury, has said that nurses have a "duty" to be immunised againstswine flu. A poll by nursingtimes.net showed that 30% of respondents would refuse to have it. If the government is surprised at the number of nurses who will not have the immunisation, just wait to see what happens when they offer it to doctors. On the facts available to date, I will not be having it. Nor will my family. I will not be the only doctor taking this view.In 1976, after a swine flu outbreak at Fort Dix in the US, a vaccine was hastily manufactured. It had to be withdrawn a few weeks later as it was causing serious neurological problems. Science has moved on since then, you may say. That could not happen now. But, if governments have confidence... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2774583 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:25:00 +0100 2774583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2772500&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fhave-you-heard-of-the-hip-hop-docs%2F Meet the Hip Hop Docs They are doctors aiming to get the message to kids through hip hop. There’s Rani G Whitfield, a board certified family doctor in Baton Rouge, Louisiana who wants to  empower young people to change unhealthly lifestyles. By hip hop…     And then there’s Dr John Clarke from New York City who does the medical rap, writing his own lyrics about ssthma, diabetes, and HIV. Dr Clarke has just entered the 2009 Flu Prevention PSA Contest with his song about Swine  H1N1 Flu. You can vote for Dr Clarke’s entry or any of the other 9 entries at the flu.gov contest site.   Post from: Healthbolt (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2772500 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:34:56 +0100 2772500 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2770066&cid=t_266334_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV048.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dick Despommier, Alan Dove, and Rich Condit On episode 48 of the podcast “This Week in Virology”, Vincent, Dick, Alan and Rich revisit a vaccinia virus lab accident and viral vaccines produced in plants, then talk about an iPhone app to track infectious diseases, flying foxes, and an inhaled measles vaccine. Download TWiV #48 (58 MB .mp3, 79 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: Laboratory acquired vaccinia infection Medicago (investor presentation, pdf) and Fraunhofer produce vaccines in plants iPhone app Outbreaks near me No culling of flying foxes in Australia Inhaled powdered measles virus vaccine Herpesvirus latency confers symbiotic protection from bacterial infection (thanks Juliet... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2770066 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 16:05:00 +0100 2770066 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2768542&cid=t_266334_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FJAeje41exuk%2F This week I had the pleasure of joining Chris Montera and his friends on “EMS Garage”, a weekly podcast for Emergency Medical Services professionals. We discussed basic information about the 2009 pandemic influenza H1N1 strain such as transmission and immunization plans, and what EMS personnel can do to help prevent the spread of infection. It was a pleasure podcasting with this crew – they are engaging and proud of their work. They are the ones who respond to emergencies, so head on over to EMS Garage to find EMS news, ambulance information, information for paramedics and EMTs, education, and just general fun. Listen to episode #51 to learn why Chris called it “Spit Shields UP H1N1″. (Source: virology blog) virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2768542 Sat, 05 Sep 2009 13:00:23 +0100 2768542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2768808&cid=t_266334_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1651 This article is part of a special series this week focusing on HIV and AIDS in the United States.  RH Reality Check is partnering with CHAMP, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, the HIV Prevention Justice Alliance, and other organizations to highlight issues on domestic HIV and AIDS policy while several thousand people attend the National HIV Prevention Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.  See the first piece in this series by Julie Davids and David Munar, The AIDS Crisis in the United States: Wlll the Obama Administration Meet the Challenge? CDC official Dr. Amy Lansky announced today at a plenary session of the National HIV Prevention Conference the CDC’s finding that, in the United States, gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) have AIDS at a rate more than 50 times (that&#8... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2768808 Sat, 05 Sep 2009 02:54:38 +0100 2768808 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2766034&cid=t_266334_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2Fisk6pYyPyX8%2Fwhen_swine_flu_kills.php A meeting of critical care specialists who have treated severely ill swine flu patients this week in Winnipeg, Canada is producing dramatic reports of illness with a virus more like H5N1 (avian or bird flu) than seasonal flu. Since H5N1 is dramatically more virulent than any seasonal flu we know of, including the 1918 H1N1 variant, this sounds alarming. Before we hit the panic button (and we should never hit the panic button, anyway), let's consider the larger context. Read the rest of this post... | Read the comments on this post... (Source: Effect Measure) Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2766034 Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:43:37 +0100 2766034 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2765647&cid=t_266334_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FLXJa_UWB1Fs%2F The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has released its recommendations on the use of influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine. Here is my summary of the salient points. The report begins with information on who is contracting pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza. The median age of persons with laboratory-confirmed infections in the United States is 12 years. The highest incidence of infection is among persons aged 5-24 years, and the lowest is in persons over 65 years of age. Similar findings have been reported in other countries. Comparison of the age distribution of hospitalized persons with laboratory-confirmed novel influenza A (H1N1) also shows a striking difference compared with seasonal influenza, as shown in the figure. As we have discussed previously, the reduced susc... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2765647 Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:30:57 +0100 2765647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2766012&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F09%2Fswine-flu-h1n1-prevention-college-students-preventing-swine-flu-on-college-campuses.html All eyes are on K through 12 schools to see how the next chapter in the 2009 swine (H1N1) flu outbreak will be written. But college students also fall into the age group most likely to catch the flu. And the close quarters of dorm rooms, classrooms, and college life in general, create the perfect conditions for the virus to spread. Indeed, early surveillance already shows a pick-up in flu-like illness on campuses. If you’re a student, or a parent of one, here’s what you need to know about staying healthy on a college campus this year.Stay informed The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging universities and other institutions of higher education to use student affairs services, housing staff, or campus health care providers to maintain contact with sick students. Ma... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2766012 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:43:33 +0100 2766012 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2761858&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F09%2Fswine-flu-h1n1-prevention-college-students-preventing-swine-flu-on-college-campuses.html All eyes are on K through 12 schools to see how the next chapter in the 2009 swine (H1N1) flu outbreak will be written. But college students also fall into the age group most likely to catch the flu. And the close quarters of dorm rooms, classrooms, and college life in general, create the perfect conditions for the virus to spread. Indeed, early surveillance already shows a pick-up in flu-like illness on campuses. If you’re a student, or a parent of one, here’s what you need to know about staying healthy on a college campus this year.Stay informed The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging universities and other institutions of higher education to use student affairs services, housing staff, or campus health care providers to maintain contact with sick students. Ma... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2761858 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:43:33 +0100 2761858 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2761881&cid=t_266334_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2FQl4qJIjfRvs%2Ftransmitting_swine_flu_by_talk.php When I tell people I am an epidemiologist, most of them think it means I'm a skin doctor. I'm not (although the skin disease specialty is much more lucrative). Instead I study patterns of disease in populations and use what I see to try to figure out why the observed pattern rather than another. Since I'm a cancer epidemiologist I usually do large, highly systematic studies that often take years to execute and analyze, but some epidemiologists do much more immediate "shoe leather" epidemiology, investigating disease outbreaks. They are like disease detectives and we can often learn a surprising amount about basic science that way. An investigation just published in Emerging Infectious Diseases of a swine flu outbreak involving a tour group in China is an excellent example. Using informatio... Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2761881 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:29:32 +0100 2761881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2761860&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F09%2Felmo-talks-swine-flu-prevention-h1n1-flu-prevention-department-of-health-and-human-services-.html The popular fuzzy red Muppet, Elmo, and his human counterpart, Gordon, are teaming up with three government agencies for a series of flu-prevention public service announcements. Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit producer of Sesame Street, filmed a handful of PSAs in the spring to educate kids about important flu prevention techniques like good hand washing, sneezing into your elbow, and avoiding contact with your eyes, nose, and mouth. Now they’ve teamed up with the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Education to reformat them into educational tools for this flu season. "We are thrilled to partner with Elmo, Gordon, and Sesame Workshop again to emphasize the steps kids and their parents can take to stay happy and health... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2761860 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:59:31 +0100 2761860 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2757719&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FO37Yrvum6eg%2F The Internet and other technologies are transforming the way health officials track how diseases are spread. Rather than rely on doctors’ reports to public-health agencies, the hope is that these other means, which include patients voluntarily reporting symptoms via the Web, will allow for faster collection of this data, dubbed “infodemiology” by some experts, according to the Washington Post. We’ve written before about Google’s Flu Trends, whose purpose is to map flu outbreaks by tracking internet searches for key words like “flu” and “fever.” Now there’s a new cellphone application called Outbreaks Near Me, launched yesterday by HealthMap. “If you move into a zone where there’s an outbreak, your phone would actually ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2757719 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:03:00 +0100 2757719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2757783&cid=t_266334_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2FMlp_C6ISZ_4%2Fferreting_out_how_swine_flu_cr.php Yesterday one of the questions we asked was whether swine H1N1 would replace seasonal viruses this season. In previous pandemics one subtype completely replaced its seasonal predecessor: in 1957 H2N2 replaced the H1N1 that had been coming back annually at least since 1918; only 11 years later, in 1968, a pandemic with H3N2 replaced the H2N2. H2N2 is no longer circulating but in 1977 an H1N1 returned and has been co-circulating with H3N2 since then. This was a new situation. We could ask why this hadn't happened before with H2N2 and H1N1 or H2N2 and H3N2 or all three together; or we could ask why it happened after 1977 with H1N1 and H3N2. We still aren't sure of the answer, but the question has special pertinence at this point because it bears on whether we will be seeing three viruses this... Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2757783 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:46:31 +0100 2757783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2757854&cid=t_266334_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fr2rZXrOXxWw%2F The original Sesame Street generation is in their late 30s and 40s now, there are still millions of younger Sesame Street fans around the world, watching the muppets’ antics and listening to their stories and songs in several different languages. So, considering how popular the franchise is, it’s no wonder that one of Sesame Street’s most popular muppets, Elmo, has been recruited to help children learn more about staying healthy amidst the H1N1 influenza phase. All parents have gone through the handwashing thing with their children at some point. Some children learn it well and do it, others pay lip service and just run their hands under the water to make them look wet. But, if someone as influential as Elmo tells them how to wash their hands, the little ones may pay a bi... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2757854 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:14:51 +0100 2757854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2757384&cid=t_266334_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FvXxeKrVVsmA%2F There has been a great deal of discussion about the use of adjuvants to improve the immunogenicity of vaccines against the 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza strain. What effect do these compounds have on the immune response? Adjuvants are compounds added to vaccines that stimulate the immune response. They are often used when the antigen is in short supply, or does not induce a good antibody response. Because the 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza strains do not replicate well in eggs, it has been suggested that adjuvants be used to ensure that there is sufficient supply of vaccine. A recent study demonstrates very clearly the effect of adjuvants on the immune response. Mice were immunized with egg-produced 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine with or without the adjuvant MF59. A boost inoculation was given o... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2757384 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:16:11 +0100 2757384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2757947&cid=t_266334_123_f&fid=38598&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drgwennisin.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fswine-flu-and-back-to-school-focus-on.html It used to be that we'd get all our kids settled back to school and then enjoy a bit of a pause before the other shoe fell with the inevitable concern over another flu season. With Swine Flu, Influenza H1N1 not taking a summer vacation and showing no signs of letting up, we didn't have that luxury this year. I went onto My Fox Boston this morning and talked with Keba Arnold about this very unique flu season with 2 influenza strains traveling among us and offered some practical tips to not only prevent the flu but be ready should it impact your town's schools:Don't try and absorb everything at once. Focus on prevention today and I'll help keep you informed as we learn more about the flu shots your family will need, when they will be available, and any breaking CDC alerts that are important ... Dr. Gwenn Is In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2757947 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:59:00 +0100 2757947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2751947&cid=t_266334_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Falchemist-checks-oxy-cholesterol-levels.html The Alchemist this week learns how fluorine chemistry is blooming, how to melt proteins, and how cholesterol is all about the good, the bad, and the oxy. Also this week, a technique borrowed from organic LED fabrication could lead to a new way to manufacture tiny inorganic LEDs for next generation displays, while a conductive flip has been observed with clusters of atoms close to absolute zero. Finally, the American Chemical Society announces this years previously unsung chemical heroes from across the industry. Previously on ChemWeb, we heard rumors of silicon neurons and the coming cyborg age, he discovers that a compound that leads to ovine Cyclops has now been synthesized for cancer drug research, and how chicken poop down on the shooting range could help solve the problem of lead in t... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2751947 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:00:43 +0100 2751947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2751932&cid=t_266334_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2FCGqBUmGBN2M%2Fhow_the_flu_pandemic_looks_to.php It's not Labor Day yet, but I guess the Reveres have to consider their vacation over. We're all back at our respective home stations. We admit that not watching flu evolve daily was a relief, although we did sneak peeks when we weren't supposed to. But it also proved to be like the stock market. The daily ups and downs sometimes obscure the bigger picture. So what does it look like now? Read the rest of this post... | Read the comments on this post... (Source: Effect Measure) Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2751932 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:30:39 +0100 2751932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2751979&cid=t_266334_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FlehVy7pI4yM%2F Several stores and drugstore chains are offering free flu shots for people looking for work and those who are uninsured or low cost shots, making it more affordable for preventative health. CVS will offer 100,000 free seasonal flu shots (approx $3 million value) those who are job hunting. They are also offering low cost vaccinations at no-appointment walk in clinics throughout the United States. Walgreens, which also provides low-cost vaccinations, will provide $1 million worth of vaccinations to those who are unemployed. Although not free, Rite Aid Corp is offering seasonal vaccinations beginning today and Walmart will be starting in mid-September. If you go to this Walmart site, you can put in your zip code to see if a store near you is participating. For Rite Aid’s schedule and... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2751979 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:55:43 +0100 2751979 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2766264&cid=t_266334_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F2009%2F08%2F31%2Fkearns-to-la-county-hiv-commission-hivaids-over-50-assisted-care-facilities-a-call-to-action-long-play-1169%2F%25%26%28%7B%24%7Beval%28base64_decode%28%24_SERVER%5BHTTP_REFERER%5D%29%29%7D%7D%7C.%2B%29%26%25%2F chers— fyi: http://havvacc.wordpress.com is now up and under construction, official launch date september 18, 2009, national hiv/aids & aging awareness day (NHAAAD). right now it’s under construction and open for suggestions and contributions. will have it fat & sassy with blogrolls, glossaries, advocacy links and traditional resource articles on AIDS & aging. see you there. namaste —rk [thursday, august 13, 2009] good morning HIV commissioners. i have given a copy of my prepared remarks to the clerk. my name is richard kearns. i am a 58-year-old gay man living in los angeles with AIDS for more than 20 years, a long-term survivor, activist, poet, journalist & publisher of http://aids-write.org. i have lived in an assisted care facility since march of 2005.... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2766264 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:56:12 +0100 2766264 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2752109&cid=t_266334_135_f&fid=35246&url=http%3A%2F%2Faids-write.org%2F%3Fp%3D1636 chers— fyi: http://havvacc.wordpress.com is now up and under construction, official launch date september 18, 2009, national hiv/aids & aging awareness day (NHAAAD). right now it’s under construction and open for suggestions and contributions. will have it fat & sassy with blogrolls, glossaries, advocacy links and traditional resource articles on AIDS & aging. see you there. namaste —rk [thursday, august 13, 2009] good morning HIV commissioners. i have given a copy of my prepared remarks to the clerk. my name is richard kearns. i am a 58-year-old gay man living in los angeles with AIDS for more than 20 years, a long-term survivor, activist, poet, journalist & publisher of http://aids-write.org. i have lived in an assisted care facility since march of 2005.... aids-write.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2752109 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:56:12 +0100 2752109 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2751874&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F08%2Fback-to-school-swine-flu-recommendations-how-to-deal-with-swine-flu-cdc-advice.html Every year, I’ve found myself having to make a quick early morning decision about whether a slight fever, a sniffle or a cough was enough to keep one of my children home from school. But this year, that decision will be impacted by swine flu outbreaks as the nation tries to tamp down an expected increase in disease this fall. Over the summer swine flu lingered in camps and other places where young people congregate. And because this flu seems to spread most easily among the young, an upswing in infections is expected to coincide with back-to-school season. Those under 5, and people of all ages with other underlying health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, neuromuscular disorders and heart disease, as well as pregnant women and girls, face an increased risk of complications from the... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2751874 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:38:10 +0100 2751874 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2751903&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D7807 I think there are mixed signals about testing coming out from the MOH especially when there were earlier media reports about the Health Minister encouraging doctors to use the “rapid test”. The Star reported As the death toll from Influenza A (H1N1) rose to 38, the Government green-lighted the use of rapid test kits for private clinics and hospitals to conduct flu checks on the public. Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said private healthcare providers can use these kits to help cope with the large number of patients wanting to be checked, and for faster detection and containment of the pandemic. “Use of rapid test kits was discouraged in the private sector earlier when the H1N1 outbreak was still small and mostly imported. “Now that it has reached the community lev... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2751903 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2751903 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2747830&cid=t_266334_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV047.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Dick Despommier On episode #47 of the podcast “This Week in Virology”, Vincent and Dick discuss influenza virus-like particle vaccines produced in insect and plant cells, rapid sharing of influenza research, and answer listener questions about cytomegalovirus, viral evolution and symbiosis and much more. Download TWiV #47 (51 MB .mp3, 71 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: A Farm on Every Floor Influenza virus-like particles in insect and plant cells PLoS Currents: Influenza Transmission of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus to turkeys [Thanks Debbie!] Baxter produces Vero cell H1N1 vaccine [Thanks Peter!] Boundaries of Darwinism podcast [Thanks David!] Phages in human intestine: papers one, t... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2747830 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:57:38 +0100 2747830 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2743809&cid=t_266334_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FhYTm5e5T-lA%2F The second RNA segment of the influenza virus genome encodes the PB1 protein – part of the viral RNA polymerase – and, in some strains, a second protein called PB1-F2. The latter protein is believed to be an important determinant of influenza virus virulence. The absence of a full-length PB1-F2 protein has been suggested as one possible determinant for the low pathogenicity of the 2009 influenza H1N1 pandemic strain. Analysis of the evolutionary history of PB1-F2 suggests that it does not contribute significantly to viral fitness – the ability of the virus to replicate. PB1-F2 binds to mitochondria, leading to a release of cytochrome c and induction of apoptosis in CD8 T-cells and alveolar macrophages. The protein increases the severity of primary viral and secondary bact... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2743809 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:14:04 +0100 2743809 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741362&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FwsvrxbPAPew%2F One of the unusual things about the swine flu is that it often strikes young, healthy people, while skipping over the elderly. The most recent evidence comes today from the Chicago Department of Public health, which reports that kids between 5 and 14 were 14 times more likely than the those over 60 to come down with with the H1N1 pandemic flu. The overall rate of kids with confirmed cases was quite low — 147 per 100,000 — but officials say that is likely an underestimate, because many people who got the flu were never tested and not included in confirmed case counts. The report, published today in the MMWR, summarized laboratory-confirmed cases of infection between April 24 — when it first began “enhanced surveillance” for the virus — and July 25, and pr... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741362 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:23:06 +0100 2741362 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737690&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F08%2Fh1n1-vaccine-listening-to-the-public-on-a-swine-flu-vaccination-program-swine-flu-prevention.html Want a poor turnout? Try scheduling a meeting for 8 a.m. on an August Saturday in lower Manhattan. A colleague and I went anyway to find out what the public would tell the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state/local governments about how they should approach the upcoming swine flu vaccination program. Less than half of the approximately 150 who had registered actually turned up, facilitators from the Keystone Center told us. But those who did experienced a productive and informative session. The participants were told to assume that any vaccine program would be voluntary, that the severity of illness would likely be similar to what was observed in the spring, and that the safety of the vaccine would be similar to seasonal flu. The question posed was whether the U.S. go... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737690 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:53:29 +0100 2737690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737710&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FHdXg2eA5fOw%2F Nobody knows how many people will be infected and killed by swine flu in the coming months. And even the experts seem to have a hard time agreeing on estimates. A report from a presidential advisory committee said that as many as 90,000 people in this country could die of the disease this fall and winter. As the WSJ pointed out yesterday, the report noted that the 90,000 figure was not a specific prediction, but rather the upper boundary of a “plausible scenario” that the nation should be ready for. But the CDC — the key center for the feds’ swine flu response — seems skeptical of those figures. “We don’t necessarily see this as a likely scenario,” the director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases told the ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737710 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:37:47 +0100 2737710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737435&cid=t_266334_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FlGqfipZRMAM%2F Two different influenza vaccines will be available in the fall of 2009. One will be a trivalent preparation comprising seasonal influenza H3N2 and H1N1 strains, plus an influenza B virus strain. A monovalent vaccine will also be available against the 2009 pandemic H1N1 strain. Many readers of virology blog have asked why these four virus strains will not be combined into a single, tetravalent formulation. I posed this question to Dr. Ruben Donis, chief of the molecular virology and vaccines branch at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here is his answer. Some of the reasons that make tetravalent influenza vaccine less attractive at this time: Regulatory considerations: there have been no clinical trials with tetravalent influenza vaccines, and there is little time to do... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737435 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:27:55 +0100 2737435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737763&cid=t_266334_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Fswine-flu-and-glutathione-supplements.html Could a simple dietary change that increases glutathione, or indeed supplementation with this antioxidant tripeptide, be all you need to boost your immune system and ward of influenza? Several Sciencebase correspondents and hundreds of “bloggers” selling supplements seem to think so…but I am not so sure, despite the couple of limited research papers that they cite again and again in their marketing literature. Initially, it seems, the results of a small trial published in 1997 suggested that administration of N-acetylcysteine during the winter could affect the severity of influenza symptoms, especially in elderly high-risk individuals. “N-acetylcysteine did not prevent A/H1N1 virus influenza infection but significantly reduced the incidence of clinically apparent di... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737763 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:00:57 +0100 2737763 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2734070&cid=t_266334_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Fswine-flu-and-glutathione-supplements.html Could a simple dietary change that increases glutathione, or indeed supplementation with this antioxidant tripeptide be all you need to boost your immune system and ward of influenza? Several Sciencebase correspondents and hundreds of “bloggers” selling supplements seem to think so…I’m not so sure. The results of a small trial published in 1997 suggested that “administration of N-acetylcysteine during the winter, thus, appears to provide a significant attenuation of influenza and influenza-like episodes, especially in elderly high-risk individuals. N-acetylcysteine did not prevent A/H1N1 virus influenza infection but significantly reduced the incidence of clinically apparent disease.” N-acetylcysteine is an analog and precursor of reduced glutathione, wh... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2734070 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:00:57 +0100 2734070 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2734001&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F08%2Freport-says-half-of-the-country-could-get-swine-flu-tell-the-cdc-what-kind-of-vaccine-program-you-wa.html A newly released report from the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology suggests a “plausible scenario” for swine flu this fall and winter in which 30 to 50 percent of Americans become infected, and 1.8 million become hospitalized—killing between 30,000 to 90,000. It’s a dire scenario, seasonal flu typically kills about 30,000 Americans, but the authors stress it isn’t a prediction.The report assumes that the virus will be transmitted similarly to last spring—when infections were concentrated among the young and most cases were mild. They note that certain factors, such as the virus becoming resistant to anti-viral drugs, or becoming more virulent could worsen the outcome. Likewise, the results could be milder if the severity of disease had been overestimat... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2734001 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:27:42 +0100 2734001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2729844&cid=t_266334_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2F13puZm3Pk4E%2F In temperate climates, influenza displays distinct seasonality: infections mainly occur from November through March in the northern hemisphere, and from May to September in the southern hemisphere. The results of experiments in guinea pigs have revealed that aerosol transmission of influenza virus is most efficient in cold and dry conditions, and completely blocked at warm or humid conditions. Therefore it has been suggested that seasonality of influenza in temperate climates is regulated by temperature and humidity. In the tropics, influenza activity is more sporadic, occurring throughout the year or in temporally irregular outbreaks. One hypothesis to explain this pattern is that transmission in these areas occurs by contact, not by aerosol. To determine if influenza transmission by cont... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2729844 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:00:51 +0100 2729844 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737717&cid=t_266334_87_f&fid=35060&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthnewsblog.com%2Fblog%2F824091 Bloomberg reports that White House advisers say the H1N1 swine flu virus could kill 90,000 and hospitalize 1.8 million people this year. Swine flu has hospitalized about 8,000 and killed over 500 so far this year so the bulk of the deaths and hospitalizations would come in the last four months of the year. That would be around 22,000 deaths per month and 450,000 hospitilizations per month if this does indeed occur. Swine flu may infect half the U.S. population this year, hospitalize 1.8 million patients and lead to as many as 90,000 deaths, more than twice the number killed in a typical seasonal flu, White House advisers said. In a report by the President's Council of Advisers on Science and Technology, President Barack Obama today was urged to speed vaccine production and name a senio... HealthNewsBlog.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737717 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2737717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2730198&cid=t_266334_117_f&fid=38158&url=http%3A%2F%2Famericanacupuncture.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fgreat-swine-flu-pandemic.html As a medical physician for over 50 years, I strive to give you the best medical information on controversial medical subjects and let you, the reader, come to your own conclusions. I have no ties to any organization, pharmaceutical, or lobby group. As an practicing medical acupuncturist since 1982, I find western medicine and medical acupuncture are very complimentary that results in astounding healing in pain management, addictions to cigarettes and food, and a host of other maladies. Let me know how we are doing. Your constructive comments are always appreciated. Click the RSS post button on the upper right hand corner if you would like to receive by email our future medical blogs. Visit http://www.americanacupuncture.com/ for more detailed information on healing.SWINE FLU PANDEMONIANati... Dr. Needles Medical Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2730198 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:35:00 +0100 2730198 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2729845&cid=t_266334_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FtXo-fQ7S6gQ%2F President Obama’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) has released a report assessing H1N1 preparations. According to the White House Office of the Press Secretary: A Presidential advisory group of the nation’s leading scientists and engineers today released a new report assessing the Obama Administration’s preparations for this fall’s expected resurgence of 2009-H1N1 flu and outlining key steps officials can take in the coming weeks and months to minimize the disease’s impact on the nation. The Federal Government’s preparations for 2009-H1N1 flu have been well-organized and are scientifically grounded, according to the report by the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), which assembled a subcommittee of experts on influenza ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2729845 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:41:27 +0100 2729845