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 'h1n1,'. Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:54:03 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3724382&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV089.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Alan Dove On episode #89 of the podcast This Week in Virology, Vincent and Alan review recent findings on the association of the retrovirus XMRV with ME/CFS, reassortment of 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus in swine, and where influenza viruses travel in the off-season. Download TWiV #89 (56 MB .mp3, 78 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email, or listen on your mobile device with Stitcher Radio. Links for this episode: Conflicting XMRV papers on hold Leak of PNAS paper CDC study on XMRV in CFS patients (Retrovirology) and Science update Where influenza viruses travel in the off season (EurekaAlert! and PLoS Pathogens) NPR article on Ebola siRNA treatment (thanks, Andreas!) Priming mechanism for re... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3724382 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 17:03:57 +0100 3724382 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3706993&cid=t_373843_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FNJj_HyWGF4o%2F In what may be a new get-tough program at the FDA, the agency issued a so-called untitled letter to CSL, a big maker of flu vaccines based in Australia, for flunking an April inspection that found several manufacturing deficiencies. And in addition to demanding a summary of corrective actions that must be taken, FDA officials want to meet with CSL senior execs to review their plan. The move comes less than a month after CSL recalled its seasonal shot for children in Australia after investigations failed to explain a nine-fold increase in fever and convulsions. However, the FDA also issued a Q&A in which the agency says the manufacting issues are unrelated to the problems that spurred the recall (background here and here). The FDA cited CSL for “a number of significant objectio... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3706993 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:42:34 +0100 3706993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3665732&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2F8RUa0r5vUC8%2F The influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) protein is required for virus release from the cell, a property exploited by the antiviral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamavir (Relenza). During clinical testing of oseltamivir in 2001, some individuals shed drug-resistant viruses with an amino acid change from histidine to tyrosine (H274Y) in NA. Such viruses are not inhibited by oseltamivir because the amino acid change leads to  decreased binding of the drug. But these viruses replicated less well in cell culture, and had reduced infectivity in ferrets. It was concluded that oseltamivir resistant influenza virus mutants would not spread in the population. Why was this conclusion wrong? During the 2008-09 flu season oseltamivir resistant influenza H1N1 viruses with the H274Y change began to s... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3665732 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:06:03 +0100 3665732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3633444&cid=t_373843_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fh1n1-and-japanese-dried-plums%2F2010.06.06 Japanese dried plums may suppress H1N1 influenza viruses, report researchers. In Japan, umeboshi (literally, “dried plum”) is thought to convey good digestion and cure hangovers. It’s the Japanese version of “an apple a day.” Recently, Wakayama Medical University researchers added umeboshi extracts to cells infected with the H1N1 virus and found it inhibited viral growth by 90 percent after seven hours. Researchers think that a polyphenol in the food may suppress H1N1. By the way, Wakayama prefecture is the heart of Japan’s plum-growing region. (Hindustan Times, Wikipedia) *This blog post was originally published at ACP Internist* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3633444 Sun, 06 Jun 2010 14:58:34 +0100 3633444 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3585554&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F20%2Fpandemic-h1n1-stand-down-of-the-antiviral-distribution-arrangements%2F Title: Pandemic H1N1: stand down of the antiviral distribution arrangements Skinny: Letter providing an update on the stand down of the arrangements for the distribution of antiviral medicines as part of the response to the swine flu pandemic. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 2p. Published: 25/03/2010 Filed under: Grey Literature, Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Antvirals, Dear Colleague Letters, Grey Literature, H1N1, Influenza, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3585554 Thu, 20 May 2010 18:43:42 +0100 3585554 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3581562&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F19%2Fpandemic-h1n1-2009-swine-flu-vaccines-for-travel-use%2F Title: Pandemic H1N1 (2009) swine flu vaccines for travel use Skinny: Dear Colleague Letter informing of provision of the H1N1 (2009) swine flu vaccine for protection of travellers to Southern Hemisphere countries. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 4p. Published: 22/03/2010 Filed under: Grey Literature, Immunisation, Influenza, NHS, Travel Health Tagged: Dear Collegue Letters, Grey Literature, H1N1, Immunisation, Travel Health (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3581562 Wed, 19 May 2010 19:00:00 +0100 3581562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3577622&cid=t_373843_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FN2Mz6xyOy2c%2F A panel investigating the World Health Organization’s response to last year’s swine flu outbreak wants to see confidential exchanges between the agency and drugmakers. The 29-member panel wants WHO records and correspondence from before and after the H1N1 strain was declared a pandemic in June, the Associated Press reports. “We will want to have access to certain confidential documents that may be in place here at WHO or elsewhere,” committee chair Harvey Fineberg, who is also president of the Institute of Medicine in Washington, told reporters in Geneva, adding that documents include “contractual or letters of understanding” between the WHO and drugmakers. Some agreements have been considered confidential, but so far all requests have been met. The pane... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3577622 Wed, 19 May 2010 15:45:07 +0100 3577622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3577330&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F19%2Fpandemic-h1n1-vaccine-uptake-figures-for-england-by-sha-and-pct%2F Title: Pandemic H1N1 Vaccine Uptake Figures for England by SHA and PCT – patient data uptake only Pandemic H1N1 (2009/10) Influenza Vaccination Programme Vaccine Uptake in England by SHA for Front Line Healthcare Workers Skinny: Data on vaccinations given up to 28 February 2010 at the SHA and PCT/Trust levels as follows: For each SHA and PCT, the % uptake of one dose of the swine flu vaccine, Pandemrix by people in clinical risk groups (including pregnant women) and children aged six months to under five years (Tables 1 & 2).  % uptake is the (number vaccinated / number eligible to receive vaccine and registered) x 100% For each SHA and Trust (Tables 3 and 4): the number of HCWs the number of HCWs that have received one dose of the swine flu vaccine, Pandemrix the % uptake... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3577330 Wed, 19 May 2010 13:36:48 +0100 3577330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3570060&cid=t_373843_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FeNQ5UJZLh9c%2F A controversy appears to be emerging in Australia over payments made to parents who have enrolled children as young as six months old in H1N1 flu vaccine trials sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline. In some instances, parents were enrolling three children at a time and receiving $900, according to The Herald Sun, which notes the payments may breach national ethical guidelines. Parents of healthy children up to 10 years old are receiving $300 for each child to participate in the trial, which involves two needles, two blood tests and medical monitoring for each child. A spokeswoman for AusTrials, which runs the trials for Glaxo, confirmed to the paper that the payments were made and that, so far, 110 children participated. However, an anonymous critic complained to the Sun that parents were, effecti... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3570060 Mon, 17 May 2010 15:40:16 +0100 3570060 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3545416&cid=t_373843_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D8541 ILI (Influenza-like-illness) clusters continue to be reported Nine reports of influenza-like-illness (ILI) cluster cases were received by the Health Ministry from 8am Friday till 8am Saturday. The cases were reported to have occurred in Johor, Perak, Kelantan, Pahang, Negri Sembilan, Malacca and Penang. In Perak, one case was reported in Kampung Teluk Kepayang, while in Kelantan, two cases were reported at the Pasir Mas National Service Training Camp and SMK Gual Periok, Pasir Mas. Two cases were reported in Taman Skudai Baru, Johor Baru and the Tun Hussein Onn Teacher Training Institute in Batu Pahat. One case was reported each at SMK Kuala Repas Bentong, Pahang; SM Rendah Agama Repah, Negri Sembilan; Felda Kemendor Jasin, Malacca; and SJK Chin Shih Chung in Sungai Nibong, Penang. Health ... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3545416 Fri, 07 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3545416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3472044&cid=t_373843_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FF27q-IJVyI0%2F The experts involved in the World Health Organization decision to declare a flu pandemic rejected accusations of undue influence from drugmakers, and insisted that “meticulous care” was taken to avoid conflicts of interest and to keep a distance from industry as much as possible, Agence France-Presse writes. David Salisbury, of the WHO’s standing Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on immunization and a director of immunization at the UK’s Department of Health, said candidates for the advisory body were vetted before they joined and those with conflicts of interest were excluded. “There has been no declaration of conflict from any SAGE member in our proceeding on A (H1N1) vaccine,” he told a probe investigating the international response to the pa... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3472044 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:59:57 +0100 3472044 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3475776&cid=t_373843_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D8507 In the wake of an apparent resurgence of H1N1 (the dreaded second wave despite official denial?) the DG has been quoted in the press urging “all doctors to provide the appropriate advice to patients showing symptoms linked to the Influenza A(H1N1) so they could seek the necessary treatment immediately.” The impression the Star article gives is that private doctors are not giving appropriate advice. Rather than this private doctor bashing, it would be more productive to remind all - patients and medical practitioners alike - on the current H1N1 guidelines. Here are the links again: MOH’s H1N1 Guidelines for Adults and Paediatric patients. Note that the “tools” used in the assessment of patients are clinical. Routine laboratory testing in the outpatient setting... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3475776 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3475776 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3457791&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV077.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, and Rich Condit Vincent, Alan, and Rich revisit circovirus contamination of Rotarix, then discuss poxvirus-like replication of mimivirus in the cell cytoplasm, and whether seasonal influenza immunization increases the risk of infection with the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus. This episode is sponsored by Data Robotics Inc. Use the promotion code TWIVPOD to receive $50 off a Drobo or $100 off a Drobo S. Win a free Drobo S! Contest rules here. Download TWiV #77 (60 MB .mp3, 83 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email. Links for this episode: Contamination of Rotarix vaccine with porcine circovirus 1 DNA Do you want to know what is in your vaccines? Take the poll Mimivirus replicates in the cell cytopl... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3457791 Sun, 11 Apr 2010 14:36:56 +0100 3457791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3441055&cid=t_373843_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FwHPKVX7Mulg%2F The drugmaker feared frequent visits by Canadian inspectors would slow production of its H1N1 vaccine, according to The Toronto Star, citing newly released documents. Emails between Paul Lucas, who heads Glaxo’s Canadian unit, and senior officials at Health Canada last November reveal Glaxo was frustrated over an extra visit by inspectors to its Ste-Foy, Que., facility, where it made the vaccine. In Nov. 1, 2009 email, Lucas was surprised that Health Canada planned to send inspectors the next day after having been there the previous day. “I understand the difficult position that everyone is in during this pandemic situation and the various pressures in the system,” Lucas wrote in the email sent to Morris Rosenberg, deputy minister at Health Canada. “However, I must... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3441055 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:03:53 +0100 3441055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3412411&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV075.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, and Matthew Frieman Vincent, Alan, and Matt review contamination of Rotarix with circovirus DNA, antigenic similarity between 1918 and 2009 H1N1 influenza, a collection of rabies reports, and chicken pox mistaken for smallpox in Uganda. This episode is sponsored by Data Robotics Inc. Use the promotion code VINCENT to receive $50 off a Drobo or $100 off a Drobo S. Win a free Drobo S! Contest rules here. Download TWiV #75 (57 MB .mp3, 79 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email. Links for this episode: Contamination of Rotarix vaccine with porcine circovirus 1 DNA Beak and feather disease circovirus (BFDV) threatens parrots Antigenic similarity between 1918 and 2009 H1N1 influenza Presumptive ab... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3412411 Sun, 28 Mar 2010 13:19:43 +0100 3412411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3389160&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV074.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Adolfo Garcia-Sastre Vincent speaks with Adolfo Garcia-Sastre talk about the origin, pathogenesis, and prevention of the 2009 pandemic influenza H1N1 virus. This episode is sponsored by Data Robotics Inc. Use the promotion code VINCENT to receive $50 off a Drobo or $100 off a Drobo S. Win a free Drobo S! Contest rules here. Download TWiV #74 (34 MB .mp3, 47 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email. Links for this episode: Influenza virus receptor specificity and disease PB1-F2 expression by 2009 H1N1 strain does not increase virulence Protection against 2009 H1N1 infection by immunization with older strains Passage in eggs changes influenza receptor specificity Association between D222G mutation and v... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3389160 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 01:14:21 +0100 3389160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3382426&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FVZEtRry8oHQ%2F Last year a mutation in the HA gene of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus was identified in isolates from patients with severe disease. At the time I concluded that the emergence of this change was not a concern. Recently the Norwegian Institute of Public Health reported that the mutation, which causes a change from the amino acid aspartic acid to glycine at position 225 of the viral HA protein (D225G), has been identified in 11 of 61 cases (18%) of severe or fatal influenza, but not in any of 205 mild cases. Have these observations changed my view of the importance of this mutation? The cell receptor for influenza A virus strains is sialic acid. Human influenza A strains bind preferentially to sialic acids linked to galactose by an alpha(2,6) bond, while avian and equine strains prefer alpha... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3382426 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 03:14:01 +0100 3382426 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3358616&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2Fd2XR0dpw4qY%2F The second RNA segment of some influenza virus strains encodes a protein called PB1-F2 that might contribute to virulence. Speaking about the 2009 pandemic H1N1 strain, Peter Palese noted that “If this virulence marker is necessary for an influenza virus to become highly pathogenic in humans or in chickens, then the current swine virus doesn’t have what it takes to become a major killer.” If the pandemic virus mutated so that the PB1-F2 protein is produced, would it become a killer? The PB1-F2 protein is not produced in cells infected with the 2009 H1N1 strain because there are three translation stop codons at nucleotide positions 12, 58, and 88.  To determine if this protein plays a role in virulence, the second RNA segment of the A/California/04/2009 H1N1 strain was genetically al... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3358616 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:32:15 +0100 3358616 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354022&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FpMBTGgqc1RQ%2F The World Health Organization and the US Food & Drug Administration have decided on the composition of the influenza virus vaccine that will be used during the 2010-2011 season in the northern hemisphere. The trivalent preparation will contain the following influenza virus strains: A/California/7/2009 (H1N1); A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2); and B/Brisbane/60/2008. The same trivalent vaccine is also being used to prepare for the upcoming winter in the southern hemisphere. The A/California/7/2009 (H1N1) virus is the pandemic strain that was used in the 2009 H1N1 monovalent vaccine. That virus has not yet undergone sufficient antigenic drift to warrant selection of a new strain for the vaccine. Note that a seasonal H1N1 strain from previous years will not be included in the vaccine. This chang... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354022 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:10:31 +0100 3354022 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3318122&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV071.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Alan Dove, and Rich Condit Vincent, Dickson, Alan, and Rich answer listener questions about maternal infection and fetal injury, viral gene therapy, eyeglasses and influenza, filtering prions from blood, eradication of rinderpest, Tamiflu resistance of H1N1 influenza, bacteriophages and the human microbiome, H1N1 vaccine recalls, human tumor viruses, RNA interference, and junk DNA. This episode is sponsored by Data Robotics Inc. Use the promotion code VINCENT to receive $50 off a Drobo or $100 off a Drobo S. Win a free Drobo S! Contest rules here. Download TWiV #71 (63 MB .mp3, 88 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email. Links for this episode: Maternal infection and fetal neurologic... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3318122 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 01:00:22 +0100 3318122 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3269742&cid=t_373843_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fir7ymCdys2Y%2F The H1N1 virus, the so-called swine flu, hit 57 million Americans and was the cause of 257,000 hospitalizations and 11,690 deaths in the United States. Fifty seven million: that’s more than the population of Spain (46 million) and Canada (34 million). The number of people hospitalized because of the H1N1 influenza is just slightly more than the entire population of Barbados, or equal to half the state of Wyoming. That’s a lot of people. The flu is still around and vaccines are still being given. The US winter Olympic athletes were vaccinated last month if they’d not already been, giving the vaccine enough time to be effective when the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics begin tonight. What was it about the H1N1 flu that got the world so concerned and should it have been? It&#8... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3269742 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:36:00 +0100 3269742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3266701&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FNzr5kGw2Wnw%2F Influenza A viruses typically cause severe respiratory disease mainly in the very young or the elderly. The 2009 swine-origin H1N1 virus is unusual because it preferentially infects individuals under 35 years of age. We’ve previously noted that being older is a good defense against 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, in part because older people have antibodies that block infection. Experiments done in mice show that immunization with 1918-like or classical H1N1 swine influenza viruses protects against infection with 2009 H1N1 virus. When mice are inoculated intranasally with a high dose of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, the virus replicates in the lungs and leads to significant weight loss and lethality. After a sublethal virus dose the mice develop protective antibodies that protect agains... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3266701 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:17:26 +0100 3266701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3250975&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV069.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, and Rich Condit Vincent, Alan, and Rich review recent outbreaks of mumps in the UK, US, and Israel, protection of mice against 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus by 1918-like and classical swine H1N1 vaccines, and a virus-like particle vaccine for chikungunya virus. This episode is sponsored by Data Robotics Inc. Use the promotion code VINCENT to receive $50 off a Drobo or $100 off a Drobo S. Win a free Drobo S! Contest rules here. Download TWiV #69 (59 MB .mp3, 82 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email. Links for this episode: Mumps outbreak in Israel (ProMedMail and Eurosurveillance; thanks Lenn!) and Iowa Retraction of Wakefield vaccines- autism study Immunization with 1918-like and classical sw... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3250975 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:22:28 +0100 3250975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212274&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F27%2Fpandemic-flu-training-module-for-mental-health-trusts-tertiary-and-associated-specialist-trusts%2F Title: Pandemic Flu Training Module for Mental Health Trusts, Tertiary and Associated Specialist Trusts Skinny: Updated guidance for Mental Health Trusts, Tertiary and Associated Specialist Trusts on handling flu pandemic. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 34p. Published: 22/01/2010 Posted in Grey Literature, Hospitals, Influenza, Mental Health, NHS, Pandemic, Training Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Influenza, Mental Health, Pandemic, Training (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212274 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:32:39 +0100 3212274 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3193664&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F21%2F8597%2F Title: Swine flu and employment Skinny: Discusses the impact of swine flu (H1N1) on employment. The pandemic has raised some challenging issues in the workplace and the article addresses some of these issues. Most practices will have issues maintaining a service, and article encourages practice managers to carry out a staff audit to minimise the chances of being caught out by staff absences. Includes a background history to the outbreak of swine flu. Posted in Emergency Planning, General Practice, Influenza, Journals, Management Tagged: Audit, H1N1, Influenza, Practice Management, Swine Flu, Workforce Planning (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3193664 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:11:46 +0100 3193664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3180284&cid=t_373843_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F_1vREUgzj7k%2F Although the H1N1 virus has faded quite a bit in the news, it is still active throughout the world, including the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that as of January 10, 2010, “more than 208 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 13,554 deaths.” The most active regions right now remain parts of North Africa, South Asia and the eastern and southeastern areas of Europe. North Africa The virus is still spreading in countries such as Morocco, Algeria and Egypt. South Asia Countries in South Asia that are reporting active infection spread of H1N1 include Nepal, India (more in the west, less so in the north), and Sri Lanka – although the virus may be... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3180284 Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:44:26 +0100 3180284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3176134&cid=t_373843_154_f&fid=35946&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canadianmedicinenews.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fin-news-is-h1n1-flu-pandemic-over.html H1N1 risk may have passedIt's unlikely 2010 will bring a feared third wave of the H1N1 flu, said Dr Yves Bolduc, Quebec's health minister. "Compte tenu du taux de vaccination contre la grippe A (H1N1) et étant donné que les personnes qui ont eu la grippe sont maintenant protégées, nous considérons fort peu probable l'arrivée d'une troisième vague," he told La Presse. ("Considering the vaccination rate against the H1N1 flu and given that people who've already had the flu are now protected, we consider a third wave very unlikely.") [La Presse]The national vaccination rate is between 40-45%, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. There are major variations among provinces, however: Quebec, the Atlantic provinces and the territories have all vaccinated greater than 50% of thei... Canadian Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3176134 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0100 3176134 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3175595&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.radiosandysprings.com%2Fpodcasts%2FInfectiousDiseaseJan04.2010.mp3 I was recently interviewed on Radio Sandy Springs by Sharon Sanders of FluTrackers. We talked about pandemic influenza H1N1 virus. Listen to the show below. Download Infectious Disease Hour January 4 2010 (20 MB .mp3, 57 minutes) Radio Sandy Springs 1620 AM is a low-powered Atlanta-based talk radio station that simulcasts on the Internet.  They broadcast a weekly ‘Infectious Disease Update’ with interviews with clinicians, scientists, researchers, and even historians. You can find an archive of recent Infectious Disease Hour shows here. (Source: virology blog) virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3175595 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:00:33 +0100 3175595 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3167060&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F13%2Fpandemic-h1n1-influenza-a-summary-of-guidance-for-infection-control-in-healthcare-settings%2F Title: Summary infection control guidance for ambulance services during an influenza pandemic Skinny: Updated version of Pandemic flu: A summary of guidance for infection control in health care settings issued in September 2007. It is specific to the current pandemic influenza virus, pandemic (H1N1), and thus represents current guidance.  Particularly it updates details on: transmission characteristics of pandemic (H1N1) influenza aerosol-generating procedures occupational health: deployment of staff at high risk of complications from influenza setting-specific guidance for mortuaries and dental surgeries. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 32p. Published: 08/01/2010 Posted in Grey Literature, Infection Control, Influenza, NHS, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Infection Control, ... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3167060 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:49:14 +0100 3167060 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3167061&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F13%2Fpandemic-influenza-summary-infection-control-guidance-for-ambulance-services-during-an-influenza-pandemic%2F Title: Summary infection control guidance for ambulance services during an influenza pandemic Skinny: Concise summary guidance for infection control for the ambulance services and it is intended for use during the pandemic. The guidance in this document is equally applicable to lay responders, who should adopt the same infection control and hygiene measures.  This guidance document includes sections on patient management, infection control precautions, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and environmental infection control, as well as occupational health. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 25p. Published: 08/01/2010 Posted in Ambulance Services, Grey Literature, Infection Control, Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Ambulance Services, Grey, H1N1, Infection Control, Influenza, Pandemic (So... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3167061 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:44:21 +0100 3167061 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3163739&cid=t_373843_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F01%2F12%2Fdiabetes-patients-get-your-h1n1-vaccine%2F Filed under: ComplicationsIf you've been avoiding your annual flu shot, it's time to get a vaccine. Today has been designated the National Influenza Vaccination Week's vaccination day for people with chronic health conditions. This year, vaccinations against H1N1 or swine flu and regular influenza are recommended. It's extremely important that those with chronic conditions get the vaccine because they are at higher risk for serious flu-related complications like pneumonia. High-risk chronic conditions include asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney and liver disorders, neurological disorders, blood disorders, cancer and HIV or AIDS. A pneumococcal vaccine to prevent pneumonia is also recommended for people with diabetes. After you get your flu shot, remember to take any antiviral medi... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3163739 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3163739 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3153329&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F08%2Fswine-flu-information-sheet-for-asylum-seekers-refugees-and-other-foreign-nationals-in-the-uk%2F Title: Swine flu information sheet for asylum seekers, refugees and other foreign nationals in the UK A summary of current information on swine flu in a variety of languages that can now be accessed for or by people who cannot speak or read English and who may not have access to a regular flow of news, i.e., an asylum seeker or refugee, a temporary worker in the UK or even a member of an established migrant group. Information sheet in Arabic Information sheet in French information sheet in Chinese (Simplified) information sheet in Chinese (Traditional) information sheet in Gujarati information sheet in Hindi information sheet in Krio information sheet in Kurdish Kurmanji information sheet in Kurdish Sorani information sheet in Latvian information sheet in Lingala information sh... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3153329 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 04:24:12 +0100 3153329 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3146211&cid=t_373843_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fg1TfFi2DmLU%2F Nice to see you again. Hope the day is getting off to a good start. It is the middle of the week, though, and after the holiday break, this can only mean one thing - lots of meetings, deadlines and projects to prepare. So as you dig in, here are a few things to help you along. As for us, the time has come for a cup of stimulation. May your day go well… Europe Seeks To Reduce H1N1 Vaccine Inventory (SwissInfo.ch) Glaxo Centralizes HR Functions (EmployeeBenefits.co) WARF Wins Patent Lawsuit Over Enzyme (Chicago Tribune) FDA Cancels Panel Review For Cymbalta (Reuters) Glaxo’s Witty Succeeds Higgins As EFPIA Chief (PharmaTimes) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3146211 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:50:31 +0100 3146211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3138856&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV064.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, and Rich Condit Vincent, Alan, and Rich discuss ten compelling virology stories of 2009. Download TWiV #64 (68 MB .mp3, 94 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email. Ten virology stories of 2009: Pandemic influenza: Swine-origin H1N1 virus (TWiV 36) XMRV, prostate cancer, and chronic fatigue syndrome (TWiV 50, 55) AIDS vaccine ’success’ (TWiV 51) Colony collapse disorder (TWiV 46, 49) AIDS-like disease in wild chimps (TWiV 45) Diverse viral community in Antarctic lake (TWiV 58) Polyomavirus seroepidemiology in humans (TWiV 26) Poxvirus threatens UK red squirrels (TWiV 63) Polio spreads from Nigeria (TWiV 29) How mosquitoes survive Dengue virus infection (TWiV 21) Picture book on ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3138856 Sun, 03 Jan 2010 17:03:44 +0100 3138856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3129460&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F30%2Fnew-england-journal-of-medicine-2009-vol-361-no-26%2F This article looks at the first cases of 2009 H1N1 virus infection in China during May and June and the clinical features of those infected. (Print subscription held at Fade Library) Posted in Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: H1N1 (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3129460 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:07:59 +0100 3129460 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3126477&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2F9F6kjjjpdzY%2F In healthy individuals, the first encounter with a virus leads to a primary antibody response. When an infection occurs with the same or a similar virus, a rapid antibody response occurs that is called the secondary antibody response. Antibodies are critical for preventing many viral infections, including influenza. But reinfection may occur if we encounter the same virus before the primary response is complete. Recently three cases of confirmed infection with 2009 influenza H1N1 were reported in Chile. The first patient had laboratory confirmed infection; treatment with oseltamivir resolved symptoms after 48 hours. Twenty days later the patient developed a second bout of laboratory confirmed influenza which was treated with amantadine. The second patient acquired laboratory confirmed i... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3126477 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:09:44 +0100 3126477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3123416&cid=t_373843_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FbDAn9q7HkQY%2F It’s easy to remember the most recent stories or advances in health and medicine – but what about what else has happened since the hysteria of Y2K? Whether it’s Terri Shiavo in 2005 or the H1N1 virus in 2009, it’s impossible to list a “top 10″ list with everyone in agreement. However, the idea of the top 10 lists is to help us remember, to think about what’s happened, and maybe to continue making a difference. Here is a list of top 10 health stories that did get a lot of press: 2000: The Human Genome Project. Scientists had been working on mapping out the genes of humans and finally, in June 2000, they were able to present their draft of the human genome. 2001: Anthrax scare. According to CNN.com news people, the anthrax scare made it to the top 10... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3123416 Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:57:44 +0100 3123416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3115035&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F23%2Fnew-england-journal-of-medicine-2009-vol-361-no-25%2F This article looks at a clinical trial which evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of a split-virus, inactivated candidate vaccine against the H1N1 virus (Print subscription held at Fade Library) Posted in Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Clinical Trials, H1N1, Vaccine Trials (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3115035 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:31:45 +0100 3115035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3108315&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F21%2Fah1n1-swine-influenza-soccon-end-to-national-collection%2F Title: A(H1N1) Swine Influenza: SocCon – end to national collection Skinny: Letter from Roy Taylor ending the national collection of SocCon data as a result of the slow down in infection rates with swine flu. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 2p. Published: 18/12/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Influenza, Local Authorities, Pandemic, Social Services, Statistical Data Tagged: Epidemiology, Grey Literature, H1N1, Influenza, Social Services, Statistical Data (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3108315 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:32:50 +0100 3108315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3104978&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F18%2Foverproduction-of-th1-and-th17-cytokines-may-be-the-clue-to-why-some-h1n1-patients-get-very-ill%2F The present H1N1 influenza virus (nvH1N1, nv=new variant) behaves very differently from other influenza strains. The majority of nvH1N1 infections are mild and self-limiting in nature, but a small percentage of the patients require hospitalization and sometimes emergency care. Unlike the seasonal flu virus, the people who seem to suffer serious complications from this [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3104978 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:15:30 +0100 3104978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3096797&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F17%2Fthe-operating-framework-for-201011-for-the-nhs-in-england%2F Title: The operating framework for 2010/11 for the NHS in England Skinny: Letter introducing the NHS operating framework 2010/11 to Chief Executives in the NHS. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 3p. Published: 16/12/2009 Posted in Acute Services, Decision Making, Financial Management, Governance, Grey Literature, Management, NHS, Primary Care, Quality Tagged: Access, Deprivation, Equity, Grey Literature, H1N1, Hospitals, Inequalities, Infection Control, Influenza, NHS, Pandemic, Patient Experience, Poverty, Primary Care, Priorities, Quality, Staff Satisfaction, Stakeholder Engagement, Waiting Times (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3096797 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:00:21 +0100 3096797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3096798&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F17%2Fh1n1-virus-swine-flu-advice-for-pcts-and-primary-ophthalmic-services-contractors%2F Title: H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu) Advice for PCTs and Primary Ophthalmic Services contractors Skinny: Guidance providing advice on the implications of swine flu for primary ophthalmic services. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 4p. Published: 16/12/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Influenza, Ophthalmology, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Influenza, Ophthalmology, Pandemic, Primary Care (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3096798 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:31:40 +0100 3096798 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092646&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F16%2Fa-h1n1-swine-flu-influenza-phase-two-of-the-vaccination-programme-children-over-6-months-and-under-5-years-dosage-schedule-update%2F Title: A (H1N1) swine flu influenza: phase two of the vaccination programme; children over 6 months and under 5 years: dosage schedule update Skinny: Dear Colleague letter detailing amendment to the licence for swine flu vaccination  to allow a one dose schedule in children between 6 months and under 5 years of age.  Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 2p. Published: 16/12/2009 Posted in Children, Grey Literature, Immunisation, Infants, Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Children, Grey Literature, H1N1, Immunisation, Influenza, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092646 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:41:34 +0100 3092646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111536&cid=t_373843_123_f&fid=38598&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpediatricsnow.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F12%2Fa-dose-of-dr-gwenn-podcast-returns-tomorrow-night%2F Show 16, The Return of Dr. Gwenn and Healthy Holidays 09, airs tomorrow night at 8pm ET. Wondering how to have happy, healthy and sane holidays with your kids? Any linger questions about H1N1, especially with some breaking news about the H1N1 vaccine and kids this week? And, what was up with Dr. Gwenn being off air for so long? How did that 3 month summer hiatus become the entire fall? Tune in tomorrow, Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 8pm ET and Dr. Gwenn will catch you up news you can use, news you’ve been wondering about, and get you ready for a healthy holiday season! In case you’re rusty at this, when show time arrives, you can listen in a number of ways:1. From my show page here 2. From any phone at: (347) 237-5194 3. By clicking this button when show time arrives: Listen to Dr. G... Dr. Gwenn Is In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111536 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:41:00 +0100 3111536 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092822&cid=t_373843_123_f&fid=38598&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drgwennisin.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fdose-of-dr-gwenn-podcast-returns.html Show 16, The Return of Dr. Gwenn and Healthy Holidays 09, airs tomorrow night at 8pm ET. Wondering how to have happy, healthy and sane holidays with your kids? Any linger questions about H1N1, especially with some breaking news about the H1N1 vaccine and kids this week? And, what was up with Dr. Gwenn being off air for so long? How did that 3 month summer hiatus become the entire fall? Tune in tomorrow, Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 8pm ET and Dr. Gwenn will catch you up news you can use, news you’ve been wondering about, and get you ready for a healthy holiday season! In case you’re rusty at this, when show time arrives, you can listen in a number of ways: 1. From my show page here 2. From any phone at: (347) 237-5194 3. By clicking this button when show time arrives: Listen... Dr. Gwenn Is In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092822 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:41:00 +0100 3092822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092651&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F16%2Fnot-one-rct-on-swine-flu-or-h1n1-outrageous%2F Last week doctorblogs (Annabel Bentley) tweeted: “Outrageous- there isn’t ONE randomised trial on swine flu or #H1N1“ Annabel referred to an article at Trust the Evidence, the excellent blog of the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) in Oxford, UK. In the article “Is swine flu the most over-published and over-hyped disease ever?” Carl Heneghan first showed [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092651 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:46:49 +0100 3092651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089207&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F15%2Finformation-for-parents-of-children-over-six-months-and-under-five-years-old%2F Title: Information for parents of children over six months and under five years old Skinny: Leaflet developed to provide parents and carers with information about swine flu vaccination for children over six months and under five years of age. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 27p. Published: 14/12/2009 Posted in Children, Grey Literature, Health Promotion, Immunisation, Infants, Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Children, Grey Literature, H1N1, Health Education, Immunisation, Infants, Influenza, Pandemic, Parenting (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089207 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:00:45 +0100 3089207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089209&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F15%2Fpandemic-h1n1-2009-influenza-clinical-management-guidelines-for-pregnancy%2F Title: Pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza: clinical management guidelines for pregnancy Skinny: Updates  provisional guidance for the clinical management of pregnant women with symptoms of influenza–like illness, severe influenza and complications, provided in 2007 by the British Infection Society, British Thoracic Society and Health Protection Agency in collaboration with the Department of Health. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 27p. Published: 14/12/2009 Posted in Clinical Governance, Clinical Guidelines, Grey Literature, Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Clinical Guidelines, Grey Literature, H1N1, Influenza, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089209 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:00:52 +0100 3089209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089210&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F15%2Fpandemic-h1n1-2009-influenza-clinical-management-guidelines-for-adults-and-children-2%2F Title: Pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza: Clinical management guidelines for adults and children Skinny: Updates provisional guidance for the clinical management of adults and children with symptoms of influenza–like illness, severe influenza and complications, provided in 2007 by the British Infection Society, British Thoracic Society and Health Protection Agency in collaboration with the Department of Health. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 25p. Published: 14/12/2009 Posted in Clinical Governance, Clinical Guidelines, Grey Literature, Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Clinical Guidelines, Grey Literature, H1N1, Influenza, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089210 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:30:59 +0100 3089210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084717&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F14%2Fdosage-of-oseltamivir-in-children-under-6-months-of-age-in-the-swine-flu-pandemic%2F Title: Dosage of oseltamivir in children under 6 months of age in the swine flu pandemic Skinny: Provides information about changes to the dose of oseltamivir in children under 6 months of age during an influenza pandemic outbreak and the steps that need to be taken to ensure a safe transition to the new dosage. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 5p. Published: 19/11/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Infants, Influenza, Pandemic, Prescribing Tagged: Drug Therapy, Grey Literature, H1N1, Infants, Influenza, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084717 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:30:04 +0100 3084717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084718&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F14%2Fextending-the-h1n1-swine-flu-vaccination-programme-20092010%2F Title: Extending the H1N1 swine flu vaccination programme 2009/2010 Skinny: Provides information on the extension of the H1N1 swine flu vaccination programme, which will be extended to offer the vaccine to all children over six months of age and under 5 years old. Publisher: DH Size of Publication:2p. Published: 19/11/2009 Posted in Children, Grey Literature, Immunisation, Infants, Influenza, NHS, Pandemic Tagged: Children, Grey Literature, H1N1, Immunisation, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084718 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:00:15 +0100 3084718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084719&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F14%2Fupdate-of-guidance-on-preparing-maternity-services-toolkit%2F Title: Update of guidance on preparing maternity services toolkit Skinny: Information and links to other guidance and advice relevant for all services to pregnant women and care for new mothers to enable the continuity of services during this H1N1 pandemic. Publisher: DH Size of Publication:12p. Published: 20/11/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Influenza, NHS, Obstetrics, Pandemic, Toolkits Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Influenza, Maternal Care, Obstetrics, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084719 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:00:02 +0100 3084719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084720&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F14%2Fauthorisation-of-antiviral-medicines-guidance-on-the-use-of-fp10ss-forms-and-antiviral-authorisation-vouchers-during-the-h1n1-swine-flu-pandemic-in-england-2%2F Title: Authorisation of antiviral medicines – Guidance on the use of FP10SS forms and Antiviral Authorisation Vouchers during the H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic in England Skinny: Updated guidance to inform the NHS about the new Antiviral Authorisation Vouchers for children under 1 year of age issued in November 2009. This follows the European Commission decision to accept the advice of the European Medicines Evaluation Agency to change the recommended dose of Tamiflu for children under 6 months of age during an influenza pandemic outbreak. These Antiviral Authorisation Vouchers include the new dosage regimen for oseltamivir  and will ensure that children under one year of age get the recommended dose for their age and weight. Publisher: DH Size of Publication:28p. Published: 20/11/2009 ... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084720 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:30:54 +0100 3084720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084723&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F14%2Fa-h1n1-swine-influenza-phase-two-of-the-vaccination-programme-ian-dalton-letter%2F Title: A (H1N1) swine influenza: Phase Two of the vaccination programme – Ian Dalton Letter Skinny: Letter on extending the swine flu vaccination programme beyond the initial priority groups. Publisher: DH Size of Publication:7p. Published: 19/11/2009 Posted in Immunisation, Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Immunisation, Influenza, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084723 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:00:19 +0100 3084723 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084725&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F14%2F7531%2F Title: Phase Two of the vaccination programme – Roy Taylor letter Skinny: Letter on extending the swine flu vaccination programme beyond the initial priority groups. Publisher: DH Size of Publication:4p. Published: 19/11/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Influenza, NHS, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Immunisation, Influenza, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084725 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:30:27 +0100 3084725 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084728&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F14%2Fthe-swine-flu-vaccination-programme-prisoners-in-the-clinical-risk-groups-2009-2010%2F Title: The swine flu vaccination programme: prisoners in the clinical risk groups – 2009-2010 Skinny: Letter providing information for prison health care teams, to assist them in delivering the swine flu (influenza A (H1N1v) 2009) vaccine to those prisoners in the clinical priority groups. Publisher: DH Size of Publication:8p. Published: 20/11/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Immunisation, Influenza, Pandemic, Prison, Prison Health Services (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084728 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:00:59 +0100 3084728 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3082990&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV062.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, and Alan Dove On episode #62 of the podcast This Week in Virology, Vincent, Dickson, and Alan discuss STEP HIV-1 vaccine failure caused by the adenovirus vector, presence of West Nile virus in kidneys for years after initial infection, adaptation of the influenza viral RNA polymerase for replication in human cells, and the significance of the D225G change in the influenza HA protein. Download TWiV #62 (47 MB .mp3, 66 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email. Links for this episode: HIV vaccine failure probably caused by adenovirus vector used Persistence of West Nile virus in kidneys for years (JID and ProMedMail) (thanks, Lenn!) Adaptive strategies of influenza RNA polymerase for rep... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3082990 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 14:20:58 +0100 3082990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3083019&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F13%2Fthe-contribution-of-medical-students-to-services-in-pandemic-flu%2F Title: The contribution of medical students to services in pandemic flu Skinny: Paper providing national guidance about the contribution of medical students (in this case UK wide) but with scope for local interpretation – ‘consistent flexibility’. Publisher: DH Size of Publication:11p. Published: 11/11/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Influenza, Medical Education, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Influenza, Medical Education, Medical Undergraduates, Pandemic, Staff Supply (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3083019 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 02:00:24 +0100 3083019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3083020&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F13%2Fswine-influenza-guidance-on-vaccination-programme-payment-data-collection-and-communications%2F Title: Swine Influenza: Guidance on vaccination programme payment, data collection and communications Skinny: Dear Colleague letter to all directors of adult social services. It contains important information for social care workers on the vaccination programme payment, data collection and a communications toolkit. Publisher: DH Size of Publication:9p. Published: 11/11/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Influenza, Local Authorities, Pandemic, Social Services Tagged: Financial Management, Grey Literature, H1N1, Immunisation, Pandemic, Social Services, Stakeholder Engagement, Statistical Data (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3083020 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 01:30:31 +0100 3083020 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3467774&cid=t_373843_99_f&fid=39134&url=http%3A%2F%2Fanepi.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Ffollow-money.html Interesting article in The Atlantic about a recent study which questions the use of tamiflu for influenza treatment. Some of my public health colleagues are quite angry about it -- they worry that people who need tamiflu will now not take it. They suggested that we use the staff of The Atlantic as a placebo group in a study testing the drug. Personally, I think The Atlantic handled the topic well. The research does raise questions about the usefulness of the drug. I know a lot of physicians who don't like to use it (especially in children) because it can cause vomiting, which in turn can lead to dehydration, which in turn can lead to hospitalization. Speaking for myself, I began taking the drug within 12 hours of onset of influenza. I felt fine the first day, but the next morning I vomited... The Epidemiologist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3467774 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:46:00 +0100 3467774 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3078960&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FjEBJUSa75y0%2F Before the development of cell culture, many viruses were propagated in embryonated chicken eggs. Today this method is most commonly used for growth of influenza virus. The excellent yield of virus from chicken eggs has led to their widespread use in research laboratories and for vaccine production. In fact the vast majority of influenza vaccines – both inactivated and infectious – are produced in chicken eggs. How is influenza virus propagated in eggs? The illustration below shows a cutaway view of an embryonated chicken egg. The different routes of inoculation into the egg are shown, as well as the different compartments in which viruses replicate. For propagation of influenza virus, pathogen-free eggs are used 11-12 days after fertilization. The egg is placed in front of a ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3078960 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:51:51 +0100 3078960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3066736&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2Fmi1H3VMeQDU%2F If you have been reading this blog you know I believe that those who write about viruses must always make sure that they get the science right. I’m always on the lookout for violations. Are there any problems with the plush toys produced by Giant Microbes? I came across the influenza plush toy in my desk this weekend. The color – green – and the two eyes are gratuitous additions that have nothing to do with reality. Of course, virus particles are too small to have color, but a colorless – or eyeless – toy line would have little appeal to children. What about that elongated shape? Influenza virions are pleomorphic; they are generally spherical, but filamentous particles are often observed in fresh clinical isolates. So the shape is acceptable. But the soft velv... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3066736 Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:19:43 +0100 3066736 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3063327&cid=t_373843_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FOItBagnTUMw%2F Influenza is still in the news, be it H1N1 or the seasonal flu. But even when the flu isn’t newsworthy, we still need to be aware of it, particularly over the winter season. With the holiday season quickly taking hold, I interviewed, Payam Hakimi, D.O., American Board of Family Physicians, Medical Director Body of Harmony Institute of Health & Healing, Teaching Faculty Center for Education & Development of Clinical Homeopathy. Dr. Hakimi suggests that everyone have a flu plan, allowing them to be prepared should they be hit with influenza, whatever type. Dr. Hakimi: The most important thing a person should know is what actions to take in case they have the signs and symptoms of the flu, which are outlined below.  It is important to know that most of these signs and symptoms ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3063327 Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:03:29 +0100 3063327 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3061372&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV061.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Dickson Despommier On episode 61 of the podcast “This Week in Virology”, Vincent and Dick muse about the symbiotic bacterium, Wolbachia, that protects flies from viral infection, the origin of 2009 influenza H1N1 virus, and the lure of original antigenic sin. Download TWiV #61 (45 MB .mp3, 62 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: Variation in antiviral protection mediated by different Wolbachia strains in Drosophila simulans Wolbachia induces resistance to RNA virus infections in Drosophila Wolbachia reduces blood-feeding success in Dengue mosquito Did 2009 H1N1 influenza come from a laboratory? Influenza original antigenic sin in mice but not in humans Dengue outbreak in Mexico (thanks Swiss co... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3061372 Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:35:07 +0100 3061372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3059364&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FnChi-DNuUM4%2F When will the 2009 swine-origin influenza virus become a seasonal strain? While prediction is very hard, especially of the future (at least according to Yogi Berra), examining past pandemics can be informative. The 1968 pandemic began with the emergence of a novel H3N2 influenza virus in Hong Kong in July 1968. First isolates (stars) were obtained globally throughout the summer. The previous seasonal H2N2 strain was last isolated in August 1968 in Australia and was subsequently not seen again. There were sporadic H3N2 outbreaks for several months (hatched lines). Epidemic spread (solid lines) ensued in the northern hemisphere throughout the winter, and then ceased in the spring of 1969. In the southern hemisphere the first epidemic occurred from January through October. There were second ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3059364 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:17:32 +0100 3059364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3056597&cid=t_373843_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fsanta-not-welcome-at-childrens-hospital%2F Bah Humbug might be the new motto at Ottawa, Canada’s 150-bed Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. The powers-that-be have decided that having Santa visit was too risky considering the H1N1 flu virus that is making the rounds. Poppycock, rubbish, and every other non-offending word from me. This is not necessary – a visit from Santa has no more of a chance of increasing illness than the video link-ups with Santa that the hospital is planning – with immunosuppressed children being the exception. The administrators said that each child will be receiving a personalized video greeting from the man himself. It’s understandable that we want to keep our children safe. The spread of a virus like H1N1 is scary because of the severity of effects it can have on some childr... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3056597 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:13:34 +0100 3056597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3052402&cid=t_373843_154_f&fid=35946&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canadianmedicinenews.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fwhats-in-news-dec-3-whos-new-hiv.html WHO revises ART recommendationsThis week, the World Health Organization issued new recommendations on anti-retroviral therapy for adult and adolescent HIV patients. The new recommendations are a major departure from what had previously been in place. For instance, the WHO is now advising that physicians begin ART when the patient is presympomatic, at a CD4 count of 350 cells per cubic milliliter rather than 200 cells per cubic milliliter. The 200 figure was included in WHO recommendations in 2006, but research over the last three years found that earlier ART showed large enough improvements in reducing morbidity to be worthwhile. [World Health Organization news release] [Medscape]Some Canadian guidelines were ahead of the WHO's. In February 2009, the widely respected BC Centre for Excellen... Canadian Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3052402 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0100 3052402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3056284&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2FCUvaccines2009.mov Today I lectured on viral vaccines in the Immunology course at the Morningside Heights campus of Columbia University. I used poliovirus and influenza virus vaccines to illustrate general principles of immunization. My thanks to the engaged students who asked excellent questions! Here is a video of my lecture. Thanks to ScreenFlow, I was able to record my audio along with the slides and post it here the same day. Next semester I’ll be teaching a new undergraduate virology course at Columbia University, and I plan to upload similar videos of each lecture – 26 in all. I’ll post more information here about that course in early 2010. Download ‘Vaccines’ video. 67 MB .mov video file 247 MB .wmv video file (Source: virology blog) virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3056284 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:18:04 +0100 3056284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3051916&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FfDN_4oUQc-c%2F Today I lectured on viral vaccines in the Immunology course at the Morningside Heights campus of Columbia University. I used poliovirus and influenza virus vaccines to illustrate general principles of immunization. My thanks to the engaged students who asked excellent questions! Here is a video of my lecture. Thanks to ScreenFlow, I was able to record my audio along with the slides and post it here the same day. Next semester I’ll be teaching a new undergraduate virology course at Columbia University, and I plan to upload similar videos of each lecture – 26 in all. I’ll post more information here about that course in early 2010. Get the Flash Player to see this video. // Download ‘Vaccines’ video. 67 MB .mov video file 247 MB .wmv video file (Source: virolog... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3051916 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:18:04 +0100 3051916 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3047871&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FfPQVRzxWswg%2F The New York Times has published an editorial entitled “The Swine Flu, as of Now” which presents their views of the current influenza pandemic. The piece covers the number of infections, hospitalizations, and deaths; the distribution of vaccines, and lists those most at risk for severe disease. It begins with a positive view: So far, the news about swine flu is better than expected. The pandemic may have reached its peak and is heading downward in all regions of the country; weekly deaths from the swine flu have started to decline; the virus remains relatively mild; there seem to be few claims of serious side effects from the vaccine; and despite widespread complaints about shortages, vaccine supplies are steadily building up. The wording suggests that the pandemic is over, but... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3047871 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:25:35 +0100 3047871 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3044684&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F01%2Fswine-flu-vaccination-social-care-communications-toolkit%2F Title: Swine flu vaccination: social care communications toolkit Skinny: Materials to support local communication teams in communicating the value of having the swine flu vaccination. The toolkit consists of a leaflet which could be used to brief staff and which responds to the questions frontline staff are asking about the vaccines, press adverts and posters – some of which have space available for local messages. Publisher: DH Published: 12/11/2009 Materials: Low-resolution leaflet: image of social care worker with child High-resolution leaflet: image of social care worker with child Low-resolution leaflet: image of social care worker with older person High-resolution leaflet: image of social care worker with older person Low-resolution poster: image of social care worker with ... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3044684 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:53:53 +0100 3044684 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3039732&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F30%2Fswine-flu-and-rough-sleepers-for-organisations-working-with-rough-sleepers-in-england%2F Title: Information for organisations working with rough sleepers in England Skinny: Information prepared for those who are working with or providing services for rough sleepers during the swine flu pandemic.  It provides advice on how to support rough sleepers and signposts to guidance and other useful sources. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 5p Published: 25/11/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Homelessness, NHS, Voluntary Sector Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Homelessness, Influenza, NHS, Pandemic, Voluntary Sector (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3039732 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:29:06 +0100 3039732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3039733&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F30%2Fswine-flu-updated-guidance-for-mental-health-services%2F Title: Swine flu updated guidance for mental health services Skinny: Updated guidance for Mental Health services and partners on planning and responding to the Swine Flu H1N1 pandemic. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 31p Published: 26/11/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Influenza, NHS, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Influenza, Mental Health, NHS, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3039733 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:22:35 +0100 3039733 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3039735&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F30%2Fthe-swine-flu-vaccines-their-preparation-and-administration-a-practical-guide-for-health-professionals%2F Title: The swine flu vaccines, their preparation and administration: a practical guide for health professionals Skinny: Frequently asked questions about swine flu vaccine, updated 24/11/09. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 4p Published: 28/11/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, NHS Tagged: FAQs, Grey Literature, H1N1, Immunization (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3039735 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:54:22 +0100 3039735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3030105&cid=t_373843_154_f&fid=35946&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canadianmedicinenews.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fwhats-in-news-nov-26-second-wave-of.html H1N1 flu newsAmid reports that the second wave of the H1N1 flu pandemic has peaked in most of Canada and the number of new cases seen each day has begun to plateau, there is now speculation about whether a third wave could sweep its way through the as-yet-unvaccinated population in early 2010. [Montreal Gazette] [Sudbury Star]GlaxoSmithKline, Canada's H1N1 flu vaccine supplier, last week recalled a batch of 170,000 doses from across the country after two deaths in Manitoba and several more severe adverse reactions. No causality was proven, but Glaxo asked doctors not to use vaccines from that batch in order to err on the safe side. [CTV News]The World Health Organization is investigating the emergence of a group of drug-resistant H1N1 flu cases in Wales [Reuters] and eight cases of H1N1 fl... Canadian Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3030105 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0100 3030105 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3022728&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FR2_2kJHRwx0%2F The Norwegian Institute of Public Health recently identified a mutation in 2009 H1N1 influenza virus isolated from two patients who died and one with severe disease. It has been suggested that this mutation, which causes a change from the amino acid aspartic acid to glycine at position 225 of the viral HA protein (D225G), could make the virus more likely to infect deeper in the airways and cause more severe disease. What is the basis for this concern and does it have merit? Attachment of all influenza A virus strains to cells requires sialic acids. There are a number of chemically different forms of sialic acids, and influenza virus strains vary in their affinity for them. Human influenza A strains bind preferentially to sialic acids linked to galactose by an alpha(2,6) bond, while avian a... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3022728 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:57:49 +0100 3022728 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3023414&cid=t_373843_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fcuc_inec6oM%2F Hello, again. Gray skies are hovering over the Pharmalot corporate campus this morning and are expected to remain here awhile. Just the same, our outlook is sunny. And why not? This is a short week. So here are a few items to help you keep your own spirits high. Have a nice day, everyone… BioCryst Blames Conspiracy For Stock Decline (TheStreet.com) Pfizer Waffles On La Jolla Incubator (San Diego Business Journal) Glaxo Blames Admin Error For Yanking Avodart sNDA (PharmaTimes) Glaxo Holds Some Swine-Flu Shots In Canada (Bloomberg News) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3023414 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:24:03 +0100 3023414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016915&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV059.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, Rich Condit, Gustavo Palacios, and Mady Hornig A TWiV panel of five considers the finding of Streptococcus pneumoniae in fatal H1N1 cases in Argentina, hysteria in the Ukraine over pandemic influenza, and human vaccinia infection after contact with a raccoon rabies vaccine bait. Download TWiV #59 (58 MB .mp3, 80 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: Argentine flu death mystery H1N1 influenza outbreak in Ukraine (article one and two, and WHO statement) Human vaccinia infection after contact with rabies vaccine bait Agrippal S1 inactivated H1N1 vaccine (pdf – thanks Ariel and Ayelet) Nick’s letter on are viruses and life Take the poll: are viruses alive? Weekly Science Picks Rich Longitu... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016915 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:45:28 +0100 3016915 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3015437&cid=t_373843_136_f&fid=36162&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myelomablog.com%2F2009%2F11%2F20%2Fh1n1-flu-thats-resistant-to-tamiflu%2F I just read about a strain of H1N1 flu that’s resistant to Tamiflu. Four of these cases have been reported at Duke Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina.  I wondered if it has possibly infected people in the transplant clinic? A friend had her SCT at Duke one year when the flu was rampant in the transplant clinic.  She said that a few of the patients became quite ill.  She had the flu herself. She recovered and had a second stem cell transplant. “All four of the North Carolina patients were hospitalized and were very ill with underlying severely compromised immune systems and multiple other complex medical conditions, according to researchers from the Duke University Medical Center. Three of the four died. No details have been released about how the patients caught the re... beth's myeloma blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3015437 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:52:45 +0100 3015437 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016916&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FKbH818sflWc%2F As week 46 of 2009 comes to a close, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that influenza has peaked in the US. That conclusion is based on the agency’s influenza surveillance program, summarized in this figure: Does this mean that pandemic influenza is over? Absolutely not. This is just the second wave, sparked when school began in the fall. Recall the the first wave of H1N1 infections that took place during the spring and summer: It’s interesting to note that seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 strains are nearly gone. Of the 10,803 specimens tested by the CDC during week 45, 3,106 were confirmed as novel H1N1, one was seasonal H1N1, and no H3N2 strain was detected. There will be more influenza to come in the winter. A catalyst might be increased travel as we come upon... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016916 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:01:14 +0100 3016916 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3015160&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2F2009%2F11%2F20%2Fsecond-h1n1-peak-in-us%2F As week 46 of 2009 comes to a close, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that influenza has peaked in the US. That conclusion is based on the agency’s influenza surveillance program, summarized in this figure: Does this mean that pandemic influenza is over? Absolutely not. This is just the second wave, sparked when school began in the fall. Recall the the first wave of H1N1 infections that took place during the spring and summer: It’s interesting to note that seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 strains are nearly gone. Of the 10,803 specimens tested by the CDC during week 45, 3,106 were confirmed as novel H1N1, one was seasonal H1N1, and no H3N2 strain was detected. There will be more influenza to come in the winter. A catalyst might be increased travel as we come upon... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3015160 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:01:14 +0100 3015160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012458&cid=t_373843_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FPDbm2kwjI2w%2F Children who have asthma are at higher risk of developing problems if they contract the H1N1 flu, more so than if they have the seasonal flu, say researchers. Researchers in Toronto, Canada, investigated the differences between 58 children with H1N1 who were admitted to the Hospital for the Hospital for Sick Kids, in Toronto, and 200 who had been admitted to the same hospital with complications from the seasonal flu, between 2004 and 2008. The researchers found that 22% of the children who were admitted because of H1N1 had asthma, while only 6% of those with seasonal influenza were asthmatic. In addition, about 50% of those children with H1N1 who had to be admitted to the intensive care unit had asthma (study). Other differences included: Older children were admitted with H1N1 than with t... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012458 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:37:45 +0100 3012458 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016918&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FUuO7_bq9S78%2F A number of readers have asked when we would have information about the safety of the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine. The World Health Organization has just released briefing note #16 “Safety of pandemic vaccines” in which they summarize vaccination information from 16 countries in which 80 million doses of vaccine have been administered. Side effects commonly reported include swelling, redness, or pain at the injection site, which usually resolve soon after vaccination. Fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and a variety of allergic reactions, occurring shortly after vaccine administration, have also been reported less frequently. There have been fewer than ten cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome reported in H1N1 vaccine recipients. These numbers are consistent with normal backgro... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016918 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:22:20 +0100 3016918 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012008&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2F2009%2F11%2F19%2Fsafety-of-influenza-2009-h1n1-vaccine%2F A number of readers have asked when we would have information about the safety of the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine. The World Health Organization has just released briefing note #16 “Safety of pandemic vaccines” in which they summarize vaccination information from 16 countries in which 80 million doses of vaccine have been administered. Side effects commonly reported include swelling, redness, or pain at the injection site, which usually resolve soon after vaccination. Fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and a variety of allergic reactions, occurring shortly after vaccine administration, have also been reported less frequently. There have been fewer than ten cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome reported in H1N1 vaccine recipients. These numbers are consistent with normal backgro... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012008 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:22:20 +0100 3012008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3029801&cid=t_373843_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fduty-of-care.html If you're sick, I have to look after you.Does this exist for dentists?A friend of mine, a redoubtable Lemon, probably had the flu recently. It thus might have been H1N1. She managed this very sensibly, with self isolation and OTC remedies, and without the need to traipse down to the ED.However, as she was on the mend, she began to develop worsening pain around an impacted wisdom tooth. Now, generally, this will settle, and can be treated symptomatically.BUT...Sometimes, there may be infection, and in the presence of some constitutional symptoms, it would seem reasonable to have a dentist take a look and opine as to the need for antibiotics. I'd have done it myself, but distance presents a problem.HOWEVER...Once she raised the possibility of infuenza, the local dentists shut up shop, and re... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3029801 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:13:00 +0100 3029801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016919&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2F_cPMuuWH1d0%2F Although the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine produced by Novartis, Fluvirin, was previously approved for use in the US, the clinical data supporting its safety and immunogenicity had not been released. The company has now issued a media release containing interim clinical data on the effects of the vaccine in humans. According to the company, testing of the vaccine in 4,080 adult and elderly (>65 years) US individuals has revealed that a half dose (3.75 micrograms) without adjuvant “fulfilled immune response criteria associated with protection”. I assume that the latter statement means that hemagglutination inhibition titers of 1:40 or greater were observed, but this is not explicitly stated.  Current US guidelines for the 2009 H1N1 2009 vaccine stipulate that adolescents, adul... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016919 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:08:19 +0100 3016919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3007727&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2F2009%2F11%2F18%2Fnovartis-influenza-a-h1n1-vaccine-clinical-dat%2F Although the influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine produced by Novartis, Fluvirin, was previously approved for use in the US, the clinical data supporting its safety and immunogenicity had not been released. The company has now issued a media release containing interim clinical data on the effects of the vaccine in humans. According to the company, testing of the vaccine in 4,080 adult and elderly (>65 years) US individuals has revealed that a half dose (3.75 micrograms) without adjuvant “fulfilled immune response criteria associated with protection”. I assume that the latter statement means that hemagglutination inhibition titers of 1:40 or greater were observed, but this is not explicitly stated.  Current US guidelines for the 2009 H1N1 2009 vaccine stipulate that adolescents, adul... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3007727 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:08:19 +0100 3007727 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3004098&cid=t_373843_154_f&fid=35946&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canadianmedicinenews.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fwhats-in-news-nov-18-will-feds-permit.html Trying to make crack saferVancouver may get a supervised crack-smoking clinic. PHS Community Services, which also operates the supervised injection site Insite, would like to set up the crack-smoking clinic but federal officials would have to provide an exemption to the relevant drug-control laws. [Globe and Mail] Needless to say, the idea is a controversial one. [Vancouver Courier]Emergency military mental-health team formedThe Canadian Forces created an emergency mental-health squad to respond to soldiers' urgent psychological problems. Major Rakesh Jetly, mental health adviser to the Forces' surgeon general, said they will study soldiers' suicides to find out how to prevent more from occurring. [Toronto Star] This tacit admission by the military should go some way to appeasing members o... Canadian Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3004098 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0100 3004098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016921&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FuT27EUkmad4%2F The emergence of oseltamivir (Tamiflu)-resistant 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in a Canadian family illustrates the basic concept that viral loads depend on the dose of antiviral drug. Neuraminidase inhibitors like Tamiflu and Relenza are used to treat severe illness caused by the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus. The antiviral drugs may also be used to prevent infection in high-risk persons, a use called postexposure prophylaxis. For Tamiflu, that means taking 75 mg a day, compared with the same dose twice a day for treating a confirmed infection. Unfortunately, using sub-optimal levels of an antiviral drug is a recipe for disaster. In this case, a boy with asthma developed confirmed H1N1 influenza and was given Tamiflu twice a day. Tamiflu was also prescribed once a day for all members... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016921 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:00:37 +0100 3016921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2999247&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2F2009%2F11%2F17%2Ftamiflu-resistant-pandemic-influenza-h1n1-virus-selected-by-prophylaxis%2F The emergence of oseltamivir (Tamiflu)-resistant 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in a Canadian family illustrates the basic concept that viral loads depend on the dose of antiviral drug. Neuraminidase inhibitors like Tamiflu and Relenza are used to treat severe illness caused by the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus. The antiviral drugs may also be used to prevent infection in high-risk persons, a use called postexposure prophylaxis. For Tamiflu, that means taking 75 mg a day, compared with the same dose twice a day for treating a confirmed infection. Unfortunately, using sub-optimal levels of an antiviral drug is a recipe for disaster. In this case, a boy with asthma developed confirmed H1N1 influenza and was given Tamiflu twice a day. Tamiflu was also prescribed once a day for all members... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2999247 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:00:37 +0100 2999247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016922&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FbhhPsUBNuM4%2F GlaxoSmithKline’s inactivated 2009 influenza H1N1 vaccine has been approved by the US Food & Drug Administration and by Health Canada. This action completes the list of pandemic H1N1 vaccines which I previously summarized for the US and Canada. Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine is produced by ID Biomedical Corporation of Quebec, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GlaxoSmithKline. The US package insert can be found here (pdf) and the Canadian package insert here. Dosing recommendations for Canada are listed here. Health Canada has also posted a FAQ on the H1N1 vaccine. The ID Biomedical vaccine is available only in multi-dose vials which contain thimerosal. Each 0.5 ml dose contains 15 micrograms of viral antigen. Other components of the vaccine listed at Health Canada include ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016922 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:24:08 +0100 3016922 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2995528&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2F2009%2F11%2F16%2Fglaxosmithkline-influenza-h1n1-vaccine-approved%2F GlaxoSmithKline’s inactivated 2009 influenza H1N1 vaccine has been approved by the US Food & Drug Administration and by Health Canada. This action completes the list of pandemic H1N1 vaccines which I previously summarized for the US and Canada. Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine is produced by ID Biomedical Corporation of Quebec, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GlaxoSmithKline. The US package insert can be found here (pdf) and the Canadian package insert here. Dosing recommendations for Canada are listed here. Health Canada has also posted a FAQ on the H1N1 vaccine. The ID Biomedical vaccine is available only in multi-dose vials which contain thimerosal. Each 0.5 ml dose contains 15 micrograms of viral antigen. Other components of the vaccine listed at Health Canada include ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2995528 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:24:08 +0100 2995528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2995700&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F16%2Fnew-england-journal-of-medicine-2009-vol-361-no-20%2F This article assesses the level of preexisting immunity in humans of the H1N1 virus and to evaluate seasonal vaccine strategies by measuring the antibody response to the pandemic virus resulting from previous influenza infection or vaccination groups. (Print subscription held at Fade Library) Posted in Journals Tagged: H1N1, Swine Flu (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2995700 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:20:00 +0100 2995700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2995529&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV058.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dick Despommier, Alan Dove, and Joshua Stillman In episode 58 of the podcast “This Week in Virology”, Vincent, Dick, and Alan are joined by emergency medicine physician Dr. Joshua Stillman to talk about passive antibody therapy for Nipah infection in ferrets, annual influenza immunization of children, facemasks to prevent influenza, predicting dengue outbreaks by the weather, and the amazing viral communities in an icy Antarctic lake. Download TWiV #58 (52 MB .mp3, 73 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: Post-exposure passive antibody therapy for Nipah virus in ferret Image above left shows Nipah viral antigen (red) in ferret brain ependymal epithelium Is yearly influenza vaccination of children ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2995529 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:55:11 +0100 2995529 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3003715&cid=t_373843_87_f&fid=35060&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthnewsblog.com%2Fblog%2F1115091 The CDC has greatly increased its estimate of the number of U.S. residents who have died from the H1N1 swine flu virus. The number of deaths have increased from 1,200 to 3,900. The CDC claims it is really an accounting issue and not a situation where the virus is getting more deadly. The H1N1 numbers are clearly showing the youngest are hardest hit. With H1N1 90% of the deaths have been in people 65 and under. That is very different from seasonal flu when 90% of the deaths are in people 65 and older. 38,000 children under 18 have been hospitalized and 540 have died. Take a look: Permalink | Recent Headlines | News Feeds (Source: HealthNewsBlog.com) HealthNewsBlog.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3003715 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:00:00 +0100 3003715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2993856&cid=t_373843_125_f&fid=38161&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalheroes.com%2Fdental-blog-week-in-review-nov913-2009%2F If you missed last weeks review post, you can view it here: Dental Blogs: The Week in Review (November 2-6, 2009). Without further ado, here’s the weekly roundup of interesting blog posts from around the Dental Blog Community for the week of November 9-13, 2009. Top Stories of the Week 1) H1N1 (Swine Flu) Information for Dental Offices and Dental Patients Shawn Watson of the About.com Dentistry Blog, shares the CDC’s guidelines for minimizing the transmission of H1N1 in your dental office… 2) Dental Tourism Now Covered by US Dental Insurance Plans! The Wealthy Dentist reported in this post that a US dental insurance company is now offering an international dental treatment option. As insurance companies continue to cut costs and increase competition, this is likely to tur... Dental Heroes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2993856 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:03:45 +0100 2993856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2992827&cid=t_373843_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FnilEuhunJaY%2Fh1n1-22-million-ill-3900-deaths.html In children under 18, we estimate 8 million children have been ill with influenza, 36,000 hospitalized, and 540 children have died from this pandemic influenza. From the Weekly CDC H1N1 Flu Media Briefing -- November 12, 2009 We estimate the 22 million people have become ill from pandemic influenza We estimate 98,000 people have been hospitalized so far through October 17 We estimate that 3,900 people have died so far in the first six months of the pandemic from this virus In children under 18, we estimate 8 million children have been ill with influenza, 36,000 hospitalized, and 540 children have died from this pandemic influenza In the first six months of the pandemic for adults 18 to 64 years of age, we estimate 12 million cases, 53,000 hospitalizations, and 2900 deaths For people 65 a... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2992827 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:39:21 +0100 2992827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016923&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2F5Tc0pJIJEx4%2F We’ve made no secret of our enthusiasm for the vaccine against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. To help you find locations near you for obtaining both the seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine, Google has developed a feature for the US called the flu shot finder at www.google.com/flushot. Google notes on their blog that this project is just beginning and information has not yet been received about flu shot clinics for many locations. Many locations that are shown are also out of stock. Google has been working with HHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local health agencies to gather information on flu vaccine locations across the country for both the nasal-spray vaccine and the inactivated vaccine shot. Data for locations of flu vaccine are currentl... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016923 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:24:37 +0100 3016923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2992500&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2F2009%2F11%2F13%2Fgoogle-influenza-vaccine-finder%2F We’ve made no secret of our enthusiasm for the vaccine against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. To help you find locations near you for obtaining both the seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine, Google has developed a feature for the US called the flu shot finder at www.google.com/flushot. Google notes on their blog that this project is just beginning and information has not yet been received about flu shot clinics for many locations. Many locations that are shown are also out of stock. Google has been working with HHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local health agencies to gather information on flu vaccine locations across the country for both the nasal-spray vaccine and the inactivated vaccine shot. Data for locations of flu vaccine are currentl... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2992500 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:24:37 +0100 2992500 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111543&cid=t_373843_123_f&fid=38598&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpediatricsnow.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F11%2Fswine-flu-h1n1-update%2F   Do you really have to worry about H1N1, Swine Flu? Where is the infamous H1N1 vaccine and do you really need to get it for you and your kids? Is the H1N1 illness really “mild”? Despite how long we’ve been talking about this year’s flu season and H1N1 there are still many questions and a great deal of confusion. I’m going on WBUR Radio’s Radio Boston hosted by Jane Clayson, David Boeri at Noon ET today with a panel of incredible health experts to help sort out the issues and bring up the latest information. Tune in…and call in! This is a live show and we want to help you get your questions answered. (Image) ©2009 Pediatrics Now. All rights reserved. PEDIATRICS NOW® is a registered trademark of Pediatrics Now. (Source: Dr. Gwenn Is In) Dr. Gwenn Is In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111543 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:44:00 +0100 3111543 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2989289&cid=t_373843_123_f&fid=38598&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drgwennisin.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fswine-flu-h1n1-update.html   Do you really have to worry about H1N1, Swine Flu? Where is the infamous H1N1 vaccine and do you really need to get it for you and your kids? Is the H1N1 illness really “mild”? Despite how long we’ve been talking about this year’s flu season and H1N1 there are still many questions and a great deal of confusion. I’m going on WBUR Radio’s Radio Boston hosted by Jane Clayson, David Boeri at Noon ET today with a panel of incredible health experts to help sort out the issues and bring up the latest information. Tune in…and call in! This is a live show and we want to help you get your questions answered. (Image) ©2009 Pediatrics Now. All rights reserved. PEDIATRICS NOW® is a registered trademark of Pediatrics Now. (Source: Dr. Gwenn Is In) Dr. Gwenn Is In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2989289 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:44:00 +0100 2989289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111544&cid=t_373843_123_f&fid=38598&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpediatricsnow.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F11%2Fwhere%25e2%2580%2599s-the-flu-shot-ask-dr-google%2F   Finding the flu shot lately, seasonal or H1N1, has become a modern day game of Where’s Waldo! In typical fashion, Dr. Google has come to the rescue with a new tool, www.google.com/flushot: Simply type in your location and up comes results for both seasonal and H1N1 clinics in your area, whether they have the vaccines now and when they will have them, if that information is available. For example, if I type in “Boston” in the “Find Flu Shots Near” field, the map looks like this: Most communities are still reporting extreme shortages in the H1N1 vaccine and don’t expect that to change for a few more weeks. It’s amazing to me that some many high risk people, myself including, can’t get this vaccine. At least we now have a tool to help track it down once it finall... Dr. Gwenn Is In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111544 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:11:00 +0100 3111544 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2984918&cid=t_373843_123_f&fid=38598&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drgwennisin.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fwheres-flu-shot-ask-dr-google.html   Finding the flu shot lately, seasonal or H1N1, has become a modern day game of Where’s Waldo! In typical fashion, Dr. Google has come to the rescue with a new tool, www.google.com/flushot: Simply type in your location and up comes results for both seasonal and H1N1 clinics in your area, whether they have the vaccines now and when they will have them, if that information is available. For example, if I type in “Boston” in the “Find Flu Shots Near” field, the map looks like this: Most communities are still reporting extreme shortages in the H1N1 vaccine and don’t expect that to change for a few more weeks. It’s amazing to me that some many high risk people, myself including, can’t get this vaccine. At least we now have a tool to help track it down once it finally... Dr. Gwenn Is In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2984918 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:11:00 +0100 2984918 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2984756&cid=t_373843_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fof-course-anti-h1n1-holy-water-dispenser%2F Necessity is the mother of invention and all that stuff, right? Maybe we can also say that desperate times call for desperate measures? Or how about, He will provide if we just ask? What am I talking about? An anti-H1N1 (Swine flu) holy water dispenser for church. Roman Catholics who enter a church usually dip their fingers into a small bowl filled with Holy Water. They make the sign of the cross and then proceed to enter the main part of the church. Many repeat this motion when they leave the church. Because of the H1N1 fears, many churches have removed their holy water, leaving some Catholics upset, unable to perform this important tradition or ritual. No matter, because an Italian inventor has come to the rescue with an automatic holy water dispenser. The set up is designed like touchle... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2984756 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:33:07 +0100 2984756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016925&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2F6lLEi6_Ck78%2F This study was carried out – where else? – in Switzerland, where 7 million individuals exchange 20 – 100 million banknotes each day. Thomas Y, Vogel G, Wunderli W, Suter P, Witschi M, Koch D, Tapparel C, & Kaiser L (2008). Survival of influenza virus on banknotes. Applied and environmental microbiology, 74 (10), 3002-7 PMID: 18359825 (Source: virology blog) virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016925 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:13:28 +0100 3016925 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2980856&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2F2009%2F11%2F10%2Finfluenza-virus-is-infectious-for-days-on-banknotes%2F This study was carried out – where else? – in Switzerland, where 7 million individuals exchange 20 – 100 million banknotes each day. Thomas Y, Vogel G, Wunderli W, Suter P, Witschi M, Koch D, Tapparel C, & Kaiser L (2008). Survival of influenza virus on banknotes. Applied and environmental microbiology, 74 (10), 3002-7 PMID: 18359825 (Source: virology blog) virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2980856 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:13:28 +0100 2980856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2977571&cid=t_373843_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FxYomIRth_jw%2F Top of the morning, everyone. And a pleasant one, it is. Of course, rousting one of the short people from bed is proving challenging today - those of you with adolescents may understand. Still, we soldier on. And that calls for a cup of stimulation or two. While we brace ourselves, here are a few items to help you ease in to your own routine. Have a great day… Bristol Buys Rights to RA Drug (Associated Press) Pfizer In Partnership With BMP In China (Reuters) Glaxo To Donate 50M H1N1 Vaccine Doses To WHO (Reuters) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2977571 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:01:11 +0100 2977571 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3467777&cid=t_373843_99_f&fid=39134&url=http%3A%2F%2Fanepi.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fh1n1-tamiflu-and-pregnancy.html I wrote a long, thoughtful, and, let's face it, wonderful post all about H1N1 and pregnancy. And then somehow I managed to delete it before it was posted. It happens to everyone, but that doesn't make it less annoying.The gist of the post was concern over following up on the use of Tamiflu during pregnancy. Due to a number of factors, pregnant women should be concerned about flu. Women are much more likely to suffer complications and risk death due to flu during pregnancy, and Tamiflu may be a life-saving drug. Conversely, Tamiflu is a Category C drug in pregnancy. To be classified a Category C drug, the drug must either be untested in pregnant women or have had concerning animal studies. In the case of Tamiflu, some research has demonstrated skeletal anomalies in fetal mice. How does t... The Epidemiologist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3467777 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:03:00 +0100 3467777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2974212&cid=t_373843_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fz1e9iamahXM%2F Welcome to the working week. Hope your weekend was relaxing. Now, of course, it’s time to turn our attention to meetings, deadlines and projects, as always. So as you reach for a cup of stimulation, here are a few items to help you get oriented. Have a good day, everyone… Ranbaxy Says FDA Issues Will Take Time (The Wall Street Journal) Intercell Forecasts Fiscal-Year Loss (Reuters) Philippines Probe Bidding For H1N1 Equipment (ABS-CBNNews) Enzon To Sell Specialty Biz (MarketWatch) Biogen & Elan Change Tysabri Labeling (Reuters) Coffee courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons chichcacha (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2974212 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:07:49 +0100 2974212 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2973885&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F09%2Fjournal-of-the-american-medical-association-vol-302-no-17%2F Contents Fade Fave: Surgical mask vs N95 respirator for preventing influenza amongst health care workers Fade Skinny: Data about the effectiveness of the surgical mask compared with the N95 respirator for protecting health care workers is sparse. Given the likelihood that N95 respirators will be in short supply during the pandemic and unavailable in many countries, knowing the effectiveness of the surgical mask is of public health importance. An NHS Athens Password is required to access this article online, for a paper copy contact the library Posted in Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Clinical Trials, Communicable Diseases, H1N1, Randomised Controlled Trials, Respirator, Surgical Mask (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2973885 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:28:10 +0100 2973885 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2974218&cid=t_373843_154_f&fid=35946&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canadianmedicinenews.com%2F2009%2F11%2Finterview-dr-bonnie-henry-h1n1-flu.html In this month's issue of Parkhurst Exchange, which should be arriving on physicians' desks across the country right about now, you'll find a short Q&A with Dr Bonnie Henry (right), the BC Centre for Disease Control’s director of Public Health Emergency Management the author of the new book Soap and Water & Common Sense: The Definitive Guide to Viruses, Bacteria, Parasites, and Disease (Anansi).Online, you can read the full version of the interview, in which we discuss the severity of this pandemic, the steps family physicians can take to make their waiting rooms safer, special billing codes for H1N1 flu consults, and the interesting and pertinent story behind how Canada decided to manufacture its own vaccines after the 1976 swine flu, among other things.Click here to read the ful... Canadian Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2974218 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2974218 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2971843&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV057.mp3 Host: Vincent Racaniello On episode #57 of the podcast “This Week in Virology”, Vincent visited Scotch Plains – Fanwood High School and talked about viruses with high school biology students. Download TWiV #57 (68 MB .mp3, 94 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: Vincent’s presentation (pdf – coming Monday) Thank you letters Oncolytic reovirus Does rhinovirus interfere with influenza? Send your virology questions and comments (email or mp3 file) to twiv@twiv.tv or leave voicemail at Skype: twivpodcast. You can also send articles that you would like us to discuss to delicious and tagging them with to:twivpodcast. (Source: virology blog) virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2971843 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:54:28 +0100 2971843 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967483&cid=t_373843_135_f&fid=35274&url=http%3A%2F%2Facidrefluxweb.com%2F%3Fp%3D4175 If you want my advice, don’t take the H1N1 shot when you have a mild cold, unless you are extermely concerned about the porc flu due to underlying conditions. Taking it while under the weather has turned something very milded into a weird cold-  & flu-like illess since last tuesday. I did manage to put together some video that I’d been meaning to edit on the first five of the top ten reasons why I need to get laid. The video format is a work in progress for me. To see it, you have to go here (Source: acidrefluxweb.com) acidrefluxweb.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967483 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:09:27 +0100 2967483 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967472&cid=t_373843_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fadventures-in-primary-care.html In the years since my diagnosis, I’ve often wondered why I needed a primary care physician.  Since my health is all about controlling blood sugars and staving off D-complications these days, I literally have only seen our family doctor two or three times in the past six years.  And then recently, we got a letter [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967472 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:58 +0100 2967472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016926&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FqQsjBjTd9LQ%2F The suggestion that yearly immunization against influenza might make children more susceptible to serious disease during a pandemic has generated some controversy. Does this idea have merit? If you have read “Being older is a good defense against 2009 H1N1 influenza”, you are familiar with the concept of ‘heterosubtypic immunity’. After natural infection with influenza virus, the host produces T and B cells directed against internal proteins of the virions. These viral proteins are more conserved among different strains than the surface glycoproteins HA and NA. Upon infection with a different subtype – which occurs during a pandemic – heterosubtypic immunity could limit virus replication and reduce disease and death. Evidence for heterosubtypic immunity to influenza vir... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016926 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:22 +0100 3016926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2966913&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2F2009%2F11%2F06%2Fis-yearly-influenza-vaccination-of-children-a-bad-idea%2F The suggestion that yearly immunization against influenza might make children more susceptible to serious disease during a pandemic has generated some controversy. Does this idea have merit? If you have read “Being older is a good defense against 2009 H1N1 influenza”, you are familiar with the concept of ‘heterosubtypic immunity’. After natural infection with influenza virus, the host produces T and B cells directed against internal proteins of the virions. These viral proteins are more conserved among different strains than the surface glycoproteins HA and NA. Upon infection with a different subtype – which occurs during a pandemic – heterosubtypic immunity could limit virus replication and reduce disease and death. Evidence for heterosubtypic immunity to influenza vir... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2966913 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:22 +0100 2966913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967543&cid=t_373843_154_f&fid=35946&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canadianmedicinenews.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fcanada-is-looking-out-for-your-health.html A selection of our favourite Canadian health advisories issued over the last few days.Solubilize, nebulize, dieWhen treating H1N1 flu patients, don't solubilize and then nebulize your powdered zanamivir (Relenza) and then put it in a ventilator. A pregnant woman died when the lactose in the powdered zanamivir combined with the liquid used to dissolve the powder and blocked her ventilator.You'll need a miracle, inshallahMuslim pilgrims should be vaccinated against influenza and other infectious diseases at least six weeks prior to the Hajj. The warning was issued four weeks before the beginning of the Hajj, which this year occurs November 25-30.(But perhaps all is not lost. Some supremely strange Islamic websites interpret the word "ma'arej" from the Qu'ran to mean "wormholes" and assert th... Canadian Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967543 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:26:00 +0100 2967543 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2958884&cid=t_373843_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fare-pharmacies-getting-flu-shots-before.html From the Chicago Tribune:"I am a pediatrician in suburban Cook County. We signed up to receive the vaccine, and have yet to get it. I hear it is going to go to local pharmacies before we get it. They only vaccinate children 9 and above. ... Who is going to ensure that infants and asthmatics get vaccinated?"The response from the Illionois Department of Public Health's spokeswoman Kelly Jakubek was telling:"We currently are only placing orders for hospitals and health departments, which we consider the front line of health care," she said.Chicago vaccine providers are under a similar system in which the first shipments go to places that serve the most at risk, said Dr. Julie Morita, medical director of the Chicago Department of Public Health. Her department places the orders and selects the ... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2958884 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:14:00 +0100 2958884 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2959092&cid=t_373843_154_f&fid=35946&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canadianmedicinenews.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fwhats-in-news-nov-4-newfoundlands-first.html H1N1 flu newsNewfoundland and Labrador saw its first H1N1-flu death over the weekend. [St John's Telegram] [Halifax Chronicle-Herald]Ontario's health minister, Deb Matthews, was surprisingly blunt in blaming municipal planning in Toronto for the city's slow start to the vaccination campaign, calling the work "simply unacceptable." City officials, predictably, were displeased with her assessment. [Toronto Sun]Several PEI schools are suffering H1N1 flu outbreaks, and nearly half of students are absent from class in one school. [Charlottetown Guardian]Nova Scotia's government announced it will cover the cost of Tamiflu prescriptions for all residents, regardless of their private pharmaceutical insurance coverage. [Halifax Chronicle-Herald]An immunization campaign is underway in Ontario prison... Canadian Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2959092 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2959092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3467779&cid=t_373843_99_f&fid=39134&url=http%3A%2F%2Fanepi.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Finfected-with-h1n1.html I have spent the last 13 days getting to know our friend H1N1 personally. While I have said many times this is a mild to moderate illness, I managed to have the moderate bout. More than once I thought I would end up investigating myself as a hospitalized case. Fortunately that did not happen, but I did end up with three separate trips to the doctor.The morning after a sudden onset (7pm on a Thursday night, scratchy throat and a fever of 101.3 – it was so sudden I remember), I began a course of Tamiflu. And that day, despite fatigue and chills, I felt like I would have a quick recovery. The following morning, with the start of the second day’s dosage, I threw up for three hours. This is one of the side effects of Tamiflu. We often see children hospitalized due to dehydration with the fl... The Epidemiologist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3467779 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:06:00 +0100 3467779 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2954610&cid=t_373843_114_f&fid=34646&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FHealthCareBlogLaw%2F%7E3%2FnjOAA7dy8cs%2Fwest-virginia-h1n1-swine-flu-resource.html The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) unveiled a website for sharing information and updates specific to West Virginia about the H1N1 Flu also known as Swine Flu. The website has information for prevention, schools, businesses, parents and providers.The new West Virginia H1N1 (Swine) Flu Resource Center can be found at www.wvflu.org. The website also has includes a link to the federal Flu.Gov website with national information.Please spread the word about the new website (but don't spread the flu). (Source: Health Care Law Blog) Health Care Law Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2954610 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:28:34 +0100 2954610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2954586&cid=t_373843_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FRLEWwhpJMrI%2F Yes, there is thimerosol in the H1N1 injectable vaccine. Yes, you are being encouraged to have the H1N1 vaccine to prevent the spread of influenza. Yes, there is a very tiny amount of mercury in thimerosol. NO, this does not cause autism. Several years ago, some doctors made a claim that the vaccines given to children caused autism. As some parents of children with autism wanted to be able to identify a specific cause for their children’s disability, they latched on to the theory that there was a connection between the vaccines and autism. The problem is, the very doctor who made this claim first has come out to say that he was wrong. That his research was wrong. Sadly, this is still a strong belief in some sectors and many people avoid vaccines for fear of exposing their children an... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2954586 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:05:57 +0100 2954586 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016928&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FexJNtCCiQew%2F Why is the incidence of infection with 2009 H1N1 influenza highest among 5-24 year olds, and lowest in those over 65 years of age? Were the oldsters previously infected with a related influenza virus, or is there another explanation? The sera of individuals born in the early part of the 20th century have antibodies that block infection with the 2009 H1N1 virus.  We also know that antibodies that prevent infection with recently circulating seasonal H1N1 viruses do not react with pandemic H1N1 strains. These findings may partly explain the lower incidence of influenza this year in individuals greater than 65 years of age (illustrated). But other factors might also be responsible for safeguarding the older population. Infection of guinea pigs with a 2007 seasonal H1N1 virus confers some prot... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016928 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:30:57 +0100 3016928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2954246&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2F2009%2F11%2F02%2Fwhy-being-older-is-a-good-defense-against-2009-h1n1-influenza-virus%2F Why is the incidence of infection with 2009 H1N1 influenza highest among 5-24 year olds, and lowest in those over 65 years of age? Were the oldsters previously infected with a related influenza virus, or is there another explanation? The sera of individuals born in the early part of the 20th century have antibodies that block infection with the 2009 H1N1 virus.  We also know that antibodies that prevent infection with recently circulating seasonal H1N1 viruses do not react with pandemic H1N1 strains. These findings may partly explain the lower incidence of influenza this year in individuals greater than 65 years of age (illustrated). But other factors might also be responsible for safeguarding the older population. Infection of guinea pigs with a 2007 seasonal H1N1 virus confers some prot... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2954246 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:30:57 +0100 2954246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2950683&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F02%2Fpandemic-h1n1-2009-influenza-clinical-management-guidelines-for-adults-and-children%2F Title: Pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza: clinical management guidelines for adults and children Skinny: Updates provisional guidance for the clinical management of adults and children with symptoms of influenza–like illness, severe influenza and complications, provided in 2007 by the British Infection Society, British Thoracic Society and Health Protection Agency in collaboration with the Department of Health. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 25p Published: 30/10/2009 Posted in Clinical Governance, Clinical Guidelines, Grey Literature, Influenza, NHS, Pandemic Tagged: Children, Clinical Guidelines, Grey Literature, H1N1, Influenza, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2950683 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:05:36 +0100 2950683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2950499&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV056.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dick Despommier, Alan Dove, and Cliff Mintz On episode #56 of the podcast ‘This Week in Virology”, Vincent, Dick, Alan, and Cliff answer questions from listeners on swine influenza origins, transmission, virulence, and vaccines, HIV and AIDS, and more. Download TWiV #56 (57 MB .mp3, 82 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV in iTunes, by the RSS feed, or by email Links for this episode: Physicists propose ‘Schrödinger’s Virus‘ experiment (thanks Duncan) Nanoparticle adjuvant (ScienceDaily and Journal of Controlled Release – thanks Jim) Hand washing won’t stop H1N1 at Newsweek (thanks Jim) Newsweek’s virus quiz TWiV timeline (download .m4v file – thanks Ricardo) Sanjay Gupta’s H1N1 experience (thanks Lenn) Swine f... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2950499 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:39:43 +0100 2950499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2948465&cid=t_373843_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fwidgets%2FFluIQ%2Ffluiq.swf Following us on Twitter Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading Room--via Email Popular articles on the Alzheimer's Reading Room Worried About Alzheimer's? The Holy Grail of Exercise The Metamorphosis of This Alzheimer's Caregiver (Part One) Test Your Memory (TYM) for Alzheimer's or Dementia in Five Minutes Does the Combination of Aricept and Namenda Help Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Patients Five Ways to Keep Alzheimer's Away Is it Really Alzheimer's or Something Else? Alzheimer's Wandering Why it Happens and What to Do 50 Good Reasons to Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room Now World Health Care Spending and Performance Ranking by Country (Table) What is Dementia? Dementia and the Eight Types of Dementia Walmart and this Alzheimer's Caregiver Dimebon Connection Study Are ... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2948465 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:29:11 +0100 2948465 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2946928&cid=t_373843_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fcould-statins-be-protective-against.html In a retrospective study, it's a definite maybe:Of the patients studied, 801 were taking statins anyway and continued taking them while hospitalized. Seventeen patients who were taking statins died while in the hospital or within a month afterward, compared to 64 who were not taking statins, Vandermeer said.Overall, 2.1 percent of patients taking statins died, compared to 3.2 percent of patients not taking statins. That means patients taking statins were just under 50 percent less likely to die.Turns out this is from a press release regarding reports being presented this weekend at the annual meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) in Philadelphia, so while the data are intriguing, they are by no means conclusive.-WesMusings of a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiol... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2946928 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:40:00 +0100 2946928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3467780&cid=t_373843_99_f&fid=39134&url=http%3A%2F%2Fanepi.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fsick.html Sorry for the lack of new postings. So much in the news and lots of commentary I'd like to give, but I'm afraid I have been sick with the H1N1 for the last week and a half. Miserable. Will try to post all about it next week. (Source: The Epidemiologist) The Epidemiologist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3467780 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:27:00 +0100 3467780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2947148&cid=t_373843_154_f&fid=35946&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canadianmedicinenews.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fwhats-in-news-oct-30-some-mps-decline.html Some MPs decline the H1N1 flu vaccineThe Hill Times has compiled a list of Members of Parliament who have stated they will not receive the H1N1 flu vaccine: "NDP MP Denis Bevington, Conservative MP Terence Young [the author of the 2007 book Death by Prescription: A Father Takes on His Daughter's Killer], NDP MP Don Davies, Conservative MP Brian Jean."Mr Davies told the newspaper, "I've never had a flu shot in my life. I'm 46 and I've never had any difficulties. In my time I've seen five separate pandemic scares that have come from legionnaires' disease in the 1970s, to other swine flues, and I generally think that they tend to be overstated, the fears.""I'm still thinking about whether or not this is a good thing for me," said NDPer Carol Hughes, a member of the Standing Committee on Healt... Canadian Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2947148 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:04:00 +0100 2947148 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2944063&cid=t_373843_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FzEfzKD78Kes%2Fh1n1-flu-virus-everything-you-need-to.html H1N1 Flu virus activity is now widespread in 46 states. Nationwide, visits to doctors for influenza-like-illness are increasing sharply, and are now higher than what is usually seen at the peak of the flu seasons....... Bob DeMarco Alzheimer's Reading Room Editor The 2009 H1N1 (Swine Flu) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway. Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading Room--via Email Almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far are 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2944063 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:34:23 +0100 2944063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2944026&cid=t_373843_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FYr3GbwuuS7Y%2F I have decided that Fall is most definitely here when I’ve gotten flu vaccinations, which I did last week and yesterday. Tracked down so far: regular flu shot pneumonia vaccine So far, no H1N1 has shown up on my personal health radar. The Health Department was offering 1500 or so of them, but one evidently had to stand for a couple of hours in the rain to get one. It was on the other side of town, too. So now my body is busy building antibodies, leaving me too sluggish to do much more than read blogs now. Technorati Tags: flu, health, Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, Influenza vaccine (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2944026 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:21:28 +0100 2944026 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2943952&cid=t_373843_123_f&fid=38598&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drgwennisin.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fh1n1-swine-fludispelling-myths.html Yesterday, New England Cable News hosted a 2 hour prime time special on H1N1. I was honored to be invited on air as the pediatric health expert along with the area's top health professionals in emergency medicine, OB/GYN, public health and infectious disease. We covered a great deal of ground in the 2 hours including clearing up the popular myths circulating around: Vitamins, Diet and the H1N1: NECN: H1N1 What you Need to Know Resource Page Flu Update©2009 Pediatrics Now. All rights reserved. PEDIATRICS NOW® is a registered trademark of Pediatrics Now. (Source: Dr. Gwenn Is In) Dr. Gwenn Is In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2943952 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:46:00 +0100 2943952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2943954&cid=t_373843_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fcranham-on-swine-flu-and-infection-control%2F This is a personal interest for me since my son was premature and is at high risk for flu and illness. We’re always on top of these things. The Swine Flu has been a little blown out of proportion by the media in my opinion, but whatever strain of flu exists, it’s good for professionals to think at a high level for infection control – from how we wash hands to always wearing gloves to covering surfaces to sterilizing handpieces and lasers. It’s a great time to review these procedures that prevent disease transmission. We don’t need to go crazy, but we need to prioritize infection control. I think staff vaccinations should be a personal decision for each individual, not mandated by the government. For me, I get the vaccine, but I haven’t yet gotten the H1N1 vaccine because it’s... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2943954 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:27:17 +0100 2943954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2943732&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F29%2Fthe-primary-medical-services-directed-enhanced-services-pandemic-influenza-h1n1-vaccination-scheme-and-statement-of-financial-entitlements-amendment-no-6-directions-2009%2F Title: The Primary Medical Services (Directed Enhanced Services – Pandemic Influenza (H1N1) Vaccination Scheme) and Statement of Financial Entitlements (Amendment) (No. 6) Directions 2009 Skinny: These Directions come into force from 30 October and require PCTs to offer to enter into a Directed Enhanced Service with their existing primary medical care contractors who hold a list of registered patients, by 13 November, to deliver the H1N1 vaccine to patients in the priority groups identified in the CMO letter of 13 August  2009. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 29p Published: 29/10/2009 Additional Document: Covering note Posted in Immunisation, Influenza, Legislation, Pandemic Tagged: H1N1, Immunisation, Influenza, Legislation, Pandemic, Regulations (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2943732 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:02:18 +0100 2943732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2939232&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F29%2Fh1n1-swine-flu-vaccination-programme-information-materials-and-vaccine-schedule-information%2F Title: Information materials and vaccine schedule information Skinny: Dear Colleague letter about the information materials for the H1N1 swine flu vaccination programme that are now published on the Department of Health website. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 2p Published: 28/10/2009 Posted in Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Immunisation, Influenza, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2939232 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:47:09 +0100 2939232 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2939253&cid=t_373843_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fglass-viral-sculptures%2F They’re some of the world’s deadliest viruses, but people are paying to see them. Meet artist Luke Jerram. He lives in Bristol, United Kingdom, and he creates viruses out of glass. These detailed pieces are stunning to look at and are in great demand. The Smithfield Gallery, in London, UK, has an exhibit of both pieces and photographs of pieces created by Mr. Jerram. Among the viruses he has created into glass are e. coli, HIV, and even the H1N1 virus, otherwise known as the swine flu. Mr. Jerram has received quite a bit of coverage of his artwork, including photos published by the BBC. His own website is LukeJerram.com. If you would like to watch Mr. Jerram at work, creating the HIV piece, click on the TV screen below. ~~~ Image: iStock.com Post from: Healthbolt (Source: Heal... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2939253 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:39:04 +0100 2939253 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016929&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FAxucwQXP7OQ%2F “Do Women Need Such Big Flu Shots?” suggests that we would have more doses of influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine if we accounted for the biological differences between men and women. The idea is that women generate a stronger antibody response than men, and therefore require less vaccine. Does this idea have scientific support? The opinion is based in part on a study carried out in 2004-05, in which adults were immunized with full (15 micrograms) or half-doses of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine. This vaccine, made by Aventis Pasteur, contains influenza H3N2, H1N1, and B strains. Serum samples obtained before immunization and 21 days later were assayed for antibody response to each strain of influenza by hemagglutination-inhibtion. I’ve taken the data on geometric mean se... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016929 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:14:19 +0100 3016929 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2938995&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2F2009%2F10%2F28%2Fdo-women-need-the-same-amount-of-influenza-vaccine-as-men%2F “Do Women Need Such Big Flu Shots?” suggests that we would have more doses of influenza 2009 H1N1 vaccine if we accounted for the biological differences between men and women. The idea is that women generate a stronger antibody response than men, and therefore require less vaccine. Does this idea have scientific support? The opinion is based in part on a study carried out in 2004-05, in which adults were immunized with full (15 micrograms) or half-doses of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine. This vaccine, made by Aventis Pasteur, contains influenza H3N2, H1N1, and B strains. Serum samples obtained before immunization and 21 days later were assayed for antibody response to each strain of influenza by hemagglutination-inhibtion. I’ve taken the data on geometric mean se... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2938995 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:14:19 +0100 2938995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2939241&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F28%2Fclinical-professionals-brief-on-swine-flu-vaccination%2F Title: Clinical professionals brief on swine flu vaccination Skinny: Information for clinicians about swine flu vaccination from Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, NHS Medical Director. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 17p Published: 28/10/2009 Posted in Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Immunisation, Pandemic (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2939241 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:12:11 +0100 2939241 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2939242&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F28%2Fhealth-and-social-care-workers-and-pandemic-influenza-information-for-staff-who-are-pregnant-or-in-other-at-risk-groups%2F Title: Health and social care workers and pandemic influenza: information for staff who are pregnant or in other at-risk groups Skinny: Guidance giving advice on protecting healthcare employees who are pregnant or in one of the other at risk groups identified for  (H1N1) 2009 flu (swine flu). Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 12p Published: 28/10/2009 Posted in Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Infection Control, Influenza, Pandemic, Pregnancy (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2939242 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:07:04 +0100 2939242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934615&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F28%2Fstock-management-system-training-manuals%2F Title: SMS user guide for antiviral collection point Skinny: Training manuals to provide guidance to users of the Stock Management System for antivirals. The Stock Management System (SMS) provides the DH and the NHS Users with an effective tool to manage the distribution of antivirals to PCTs and collection points in the event of a pandemic. It will provide stock level information, reports and the ability to record issuance from GP prescribed antiviral information, along with the management of full issuance from the collection point via the NPFS system. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 53p Published: 27/10/2009 Additional Manuals: SMS user guide for Primary Care Trust users SMS user guide for Strategic Health Authority (SHA) SMS user guide for NICC users   Posted in Grey Li... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934615 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:00:29 +0100 2934615 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934928&cid=t_373843_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FU-_kzbAORdw%2Fpneumonia-and-influenza.html This study has helped us identify this vulnerable population, and now further study is needed to confirm the findings and assess the testing and vaccination policies for older patients with dementia," said Naumova. Study data were obtained from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), and covered a span of five years, from 1998 to 2002. Of the 36 million hospitalization records for adults aged 65 and older, more than six million records documented a P&I diagnosis. Of these records showing a P&I diagnosis, over 800,000 (13%) also showed dementia. The demographic and geographic patterns of P&I hospitalizations and their links with hospital accessibility were explored. Pneumonia and influenza admissions, length of stay in a hospital, and mortality rates among elderly... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934928 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:57:55 +0100 2934928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934956&cid=t_373843_154_f&fid=35946&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.canadianmedicinenews.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fwhats-in-news-oct-28-dal-med-school-on.html Dalhousie med school on probationDalhousie's medical school is on probation after it failed to attain accreditation from an American auditing body. The school (left) was marked non-compliant in 17 of 132 areas initially but managed to get seven of those overturned. The probation lasts up to two years, but the school is still accredited in the meantime. [Dalhousie Medical School news release] "It's a reputational black mark," Dr Tom Marrie, the school's dean, told the Canadian Medical Association Journal. "The program is still a good program. It’s still accredited." [CMAJ] [Saint John Telegraph-Journal]H1N1 flu vaccination campaign launch marred by logistics troublesThis week is the first full week of H1N1-flu vaccination in Canada and already there have been problems. Montrealers were su... Canadian Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934956 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2934956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934431&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.quackcast.com%2Fspodcasts%2Ffiles%2Fpodcast_34.mp3 My interminable 2.5 hour commute this morning was made tolerable by listening to the Quackcast #35 from Mark Crislip, “Flu vaccine efficacy and 18 taradiddles”. In this excellent and highly recommended episode, Dr. Crislip addresses the contention that the influenza virus vaccine is worthless. To make it even easier for you to listen to this episode, I’ve embedded the podcast in this post, so you just have to click on the audio player below. I do have one criticism: Dr. Crislip uses the term antibiotics to describe drugs that inhibit viral replication. I recognize that Mark is aware of the proper name for antiviral drugs. To enable meaningful discussions, everyone should know that the terms antibiotic and antiviral have very different meaning. (Source: virology blog) virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934431 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:17:40 +0100 2934431 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2931130&cid=t_373843_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fdentist%25e2%2580%2599s-news-lots-of-info-on-swine-flu%2F As a doctor, your patients and employees trust you with their safety. The Swine Flu (H1N1) has everyone in a panic, and with good cause. Here’s a brief overview of the facts. The Facts about Swine Flu Swine Flu is common in pigs, and this is not the first outbreak in humans. In 1918, pigs and humans became ill at the same time, which created a question as to connection. In 1930, the flu was identified in pigs. Another outbreak occurred in 1976, and the nation experienced significant turmoil over deaths and a paralyzing disorder thought to be associated with the inoculations provided by the US government’s National Influenza Immunization Program. Until recently, most Swine Flu occurrences were of the H1N1 strain. However, in 1997, new variations were identified. Humans contract the dise... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2931130 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:31:55 +0100 2931130 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2930906&cid=t_373843_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F27%2Fadvice-for-mainstream-schools%2F Title: Advice for Mainstream Schools and Advice for Special Schools Skinny: Advice for schools resulting from a recognition that some groups are particularly vulnerable to any illness, including swine flu. This can include some children and young people with particular health conditions, including some complex disabilities such as cerebral palsy that can make it more difficult for them to fight off viruses. Publisher: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Size of Publication: 2p and 3p Published: 27/10/2009 Posted in Children, Disabilities, Grey Literature, Infection Control, Influenza, Young People Tagged: Children, Disabilities, Grey Literature, Guidance, H1N1, Infection Control, Influenza, Pandemic, Schools, Young People (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2930906 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:46:04 +0100 2930906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2931269&cid=t_373843_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fwidgets%2FFluIQ%2Ffluiq.swf The primary symptoms of the flu are fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.By Angil Tarach Alzheimer's Reading Room The H1N1 flu is high on the ranks of national concern particularly since the President declared a health emergency. I know the importance of education, in particular, prevention. Prior to opening Visiting Angels in 2002, I worked as an Infection Control Coordinator for the State of Michigan. Sometimes the media can over exaggerate the truth of the flu facts, so it’s important to know where to find the correct information. There are 3 primary organizations that monitor the spread and provide education on prevention and treatment, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Associa... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2931269 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:01:18 +0100 2931269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3016930&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FzJw2Mq96CBs%2F Earlier this year an influenza virus animation spread on YouTube just after the emergence of swine-origin influenza H1N1. I invited readers to criticise the animation which contained several errors. A much better depiction of influenza virus animation has been created by XVIVO. It’s not only more beautifully rendered, but is scientifically much more accurate. A slightly different version of the same video can be found at npr.org, but I prefer the video at XVIVO. The main problem is that NPR has added voice-over by Robert Krulwich.  I find his narration annoying – he seems to be speaking down to the viewer, and he simplifies viral replication to the extent that what really occurs is obscured. For example, after the influenza virion is taken into the cell by endocytosis, Krulwic... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3016930 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:06:24 +0100 3016930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2930719&cid=t_373843_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2F2009%2F10%2F26%2Fa-better-influenza-virus-animation%2F Earlier this year an influenza virus animation spread on YouTube just after the emergence of swine-origin influenza H1N1. I invited readers to criticise the animation which contained several errors. A much better depiction of influenza virus animation has been created by XVIVO. It’s not only more beautifully rendered, but is scientifically much more accurate. A slightly different version of the same video can be found at npr.org, but I prefer the video at XVIVO. The main problem is that NPR has added voice-over by Robert Krulwich.  I find his narration annoying – he seems to be speaking down to the viewer, and he simplifies viral replication to the extent that what really occurs is obscured. For example, after the influenza virion is taken into the cell by endocytosis, Krulwic... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2930719 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:06:24 +0100 2930719