Qld govt under pressure over health Aug 27, 2008
Mr Robertson said Townsville's problems were caused by 22 nurses calling in sick with the flu and additional staff were being sought. "Winter always is our busiest time, but staff sickness hasn't helped on this occasion, along with an increase in the number of elderly patients presenting to the hospital," he said. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Calls for free flu vaccine for chronic disease sufferers Aug 27, 2008
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee has recommended the flu vaccine be given free of charge to pregnant women and anyone with chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes. Influenza can have serious complications in patients with a chronic disease but currently fewer than half those patients get an annual flu shot. (ABC Online)
Reluctance to vaccinate fuels measles Aug 27, 2008
It can still be found in some flu shots. At least one outbreak this year of another preventable disease was blamed on lack of immunizations. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
New Clinical Trial May Help Diabetics With Foot Wounds Aug 27, 2008
It consists of bovine DNA attached to a form of flu virus. "And the purpose of this treatment is to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels and new tissue," said Dr. Dove. (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
Sharp unveils new anti-bird flu air purifier Aug 27, 2008
9 percent of the virulent H5N1 strain of bird flu within 10 minutes ... But influenza is a hard virus to beat and will need several lines of defence, said John Oxford, a University of London professor who heads Retroscreen Virology, a British research institute involved in the project ... The deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu has killed more than 240 people worldwide since late 2003, according to the World Health Organization. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
Rifamycin Antibiotics Attack Tuberculosis Bacteria With Walls, Not Signals Aug 27, 2008
New flu tests can diagnose the flu in as little as 30 minutes, to cut down on needless antibiotic use, which can build up resistance and make some. . (Science Daily)
How Does Bluetongue Virus Survive Through The Winter? Aug 27, 2008
Virologists investigating transmission of the flu virus found that it is more likely to spread at colder temperatures. The dry, cold conditions pull. (Science Daily)
New Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer May Minimize Viral Transmission, Including Norovirus Aug 27, 2008
5, 2008) Recent outbreaks of norovirus -- also known as stomach flu -- indicate the highly contagious, fast-moving virus is again a public health concern. The Association for Professionals in Infection. (Science Daily)
The responsible virus and sharing benefits Aug 27, 2008
While the avian influenza problem lies within the authority of the Ministry of Health, the Namru facility issue is jointly managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense ... The existing World Health Organization (WHO) system of sharing influenza viruses, called the Global Influenza Surveillance Network, is not transparent, just nor equitable ... The system takes resources from developing countries and provides little to them in return while leaving developing countries... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
CVS Expands the National Distribution of HealthSport's Pediatric Electrolyte Strips Aug 27, 2008
The addition of the strips into the CVS planogram, which comes on the heels of the strips' launch in Walgreen's in early August, is yet another major step in providing mass consumer availability in time for the approaching cough, cold and flu season. Unico Holdings, Inc. and HealthSport, Inc. continue to aggressively broaden distribution of pediatric electrolyte strips that are developed and manufactured by HSPO's wholly-owned subsidiary, Innozen, Inc.. (Primezone Releases)
Anthrax vaccine to be studied in Seattle Aug 27, 2008
The project aims to find better vaccines or drugs to protect against infectious diseases such as influenza, West Nile virus or bioterrorism agents such as anthrax ... Nepom and his colleagues created tetramers to mimic the parts of T-cells that recognize specific invaders -- a flu virus, a West Nile virus or anthrax bacteria ... Once the tetramer and the T-cell find each other and bond, the tetramer fluoresces -- literally lighting up to be detected by specialized lasers. (Yahoo News -- Anthrax)
UT researchers make major discovery that could help fight virulent flu strains Aug 26, 2008
researchers say they have made a discovery that may help scientists develop drugs to fight avian flu and other strains of influenza. Working in conjunction with a team from , the UT researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of a site on an influenza A virus protein that binds to one of the human protein targets and consequently suppresses a person s natural defenses to infection ... The so-called NSI virus protein is shared by all flu A viruses isolated from humans, including... (Austin Business Journal, TX)
Looking out for prisoners' health Aug 26, 2008
"I try to give them some education about health issues for their personal needs, whether it's diabetes or hypertension or breast cancer screening or cancer screening in general, or immunizations and annual flu shots.". Hawaii has the highest chronic hepatitis B rate and the highest rate of liver cancer per capita in the country, and inmates are among the state's highest-risk groups, she said. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Bobo: Young O-line 'kind of scary' Aug 26, 2008
Florida-Georgia weekend causes more people to call in sick on Monday morning than the stomach flu and strep throat, Alabama-Auburn divides households, neighborhoods and the entire state, and The Egg Bowl is a true late November fixture ... College football has a legitimate influence on state governments, a major affect on commerce and local economies and is the lifeblood and pulse of God s country. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
No Prescription? Have Some of Mine Aug 26, 2008
I can t tell you how many times I ve spoken with college students who were forced to take a pregnancy test before being examined for stomach flu, headaches, or many other ailments even though they weren t sexually active. No one should be taking drugs that were prescribed for others. (New York Times)
Discovery opens door for drugs to fight bird flu, other influenza epidemics Aug 26, 2008
Rutgers, University of Texas at Austin researchers determine 3-D structure of a key site on a flu protein that suppresses human defenses to infection. Image generated using X-ray crystallography shows binding pocket for the human CPSF30 protein on the influenza A virus NS1 protein (brown), with a fragment of the CPSF30 protein (blue) bound ... Researchers at Rutgers University and The University of Texas at Austin have reported a discovery that could help scientists develop drugs to fight the... (EurekAlert!)
When hippies ruled the Tennessee Valley Aug 26, 2008
" Their basic argument appears to be that those who were betting that prices would go up did so because the fundamentals of the global oil market dictated that oil would be an increasingly scarce commodity. But once global demand started taking a serious hit, that narrative changed. Geoffrey Styles, who spent years working as a bonafide oil trader, has some including some useful contextual information on Vitol. His last paragraph makes a lot of sense: The roughly 20 percent drop in oil prices... (Salon)
Motor Racing | Formula One: Ho-hum in Valencia, but Massa makes up for Hungarian disappointment Aug 25, 2008
The series leader, Lewis Hamilton, by contrast suffered flu and a sore neck, but finish second in his McLaren Mercedes, 5 ... "I had the flu when I arrived, pretty hard fevers every day and low energy," Hamilton said. (International Herald Tribune)
Face Masks Analyzed As Aid in Flu Pandemic Aug 25, 2008
A flu pandemic conjures up images of streets and buses full of people going about their business with masks covering the lower half of their faces ... Another member of the committee went further in warning people against relying on masks, whose effectiveness in protecting against flu is virtually unstudied ... "Mask and respirator use is considered to be the very last in a series of activities that may be more effective in reducing the spread of flu," said E. John Gallagher, chairman of... (Yahoo News -- Influenza)
Pandemic flu planning 'too slow' Aug 25, 2008
Pandemic flu planning 'too slow ... The UK government has been too slow in formulating plans to combat a potentially lethal flu pandemic, a leading expert has warned ... " Mobile units England's Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, said the government's pandemic flu strategy was based on expert advice from the Department's Scientific Advisory Group. He said: "A strategy of household prophylaxis will be considered alongside other possible measures. (Yahoo News -- Influenza)
Scientist seeks quicker Tamiflu Aug 25, 2008
World governments are building up stocks of Tamiflu. A Nobel laureate has devised a new way to make the anti-flu drug Tamiflu that is simpler and quicker than the process employed to produce it right now ... Tamiflu is the anti-viral drug of choice in the world preparations for possible pandemic flu. (Yahoo News -- Influenza)
Airport test to stop arrival of Sars and flu 'pointless' Aug 25, 2008
Airport test to stop arrival of Sars and flu 'pointless ... Screening for flu or Sars at UK airports to try to stop a pandemic taking hold in Britain will not work, warns an article in this week's British Medical Journal ... Many people could be incubating the infection when tested but not show positive results because flight times are not long enough to allow flu or Sars to develop to the point of detection. (Yahoo News -- SARS)
Sars patients can provide therapy Aug 25, 2008
Scientists are currently working on a vaccine, but there is still no good treatment for the disease, which is caused by a virus related to those that cause flu. The new approach, dubbed passive immune therapy, uses the immune cells of patients who have successfully fought off the disease. (Yahoo News -- SARS)
Horse flu leaves industry split on vaccine Aug 25, 2008
ONE year since swabs taken at Centennial Park confirmed Australia's first case of equine influenza, the horse industries remain divided on whether compulsory vaccination is the best way to prevent another break-out ... Mr V'Landys said every thoroughbred in NSW had already been vaccinated with the exception of the horses that had contracted equine influenza last year ... au/news/national/horse-flu-leaves-industry-split-on-vaccine/2008/08/24/1219516262697. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
In tune, tuning in: A mainstay at the local radio station and a piano tuner on the side, Muscatine's Charles Potter wears many hats (2) Aug 25, 2008
There have been numerous teachers and friends who have influenced my life ... But the most profound influence in my life is my very first teacher, my dad ... I serve on the Family Resources Advisory Board and the Community Pandemic Flu Planning Committee, and I m a member of Tobacco Free Muscatine. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Campaigns take bird flu education to villages Aug 25, 2008
Red spaghetti, a chicken roll and hot chili fried eggs replaced the usual banners, posters and stickers in a bird flu campaign here Sunday ... "Specific activities would make them feel they're really involved in the campaigns against bird flu," event organizer Ahmad Imam M. Rais said ... In the past two and half years, Muhammadiyah has seen 12,000 members in 12,000 villages carry out bird flu campaigns across the country, Ahmad said. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
Last minute summer activities for children Aug 24, 2008
Parents are enrolling their children in school, students are entering college and healthcare workers are preparing for the upcoming flu season. The back-to-school season is the ideal time to encourage you to have your children's immunizations and vaccines completed. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Working from Home? So Are the Germs Aug 24, 2008
In 2002, Dr. Gerba found that not only does the average office desk harbor 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat, but that cold and flu viruses were also found on office surfaces ... 9 percent of germs including viruses that may cause colds and flu. (Pekin Times, IL)
Rapid Test For Pathogens: Could Be Used To Detect Diseases Used By Bioterrorists Aug 24, 2008
When a sample is submitted, technicians extract and fluorescently label total DNA, and run a microarray to check whether a particular gene is present ... 2, 2006) By profiling specific proteins in amniotic fluid for inflammation, researchers at Yale School of Medicine can quickly and accurately detect potentially dangerous infections in pregnant women, and ... New flu tests can diagnose the flu in as little as 30 minutes, to cut down on needless antibiotic use, which can build up resistance and... (Science Daily)
Emergency drill set to prepare towns for potential flu pandemic Aug 24, 2008
The towns will use the exercise as a rehearsal for a possible flu pandemic. To give the drill an extra added air of reality - and do something helpful for a number of residents - volunteers will be bused to Middletown, to the Wesleyan University field house, where they will receive a flu shot ... The residents who do sign up will "meet at Pierson Park, and then board a vehicle and be transported to Middletown to Wesleyan University, where the flu shot will be administered," Curtin said. (Middletown Press, CT)
UAE takes strict precautionary measures against bird flu Aug 24, 2008
ABU DHABI, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is gearing up for a battle against bird flu as the season of birds' migration approaches with strict precautionary measures to prevent an outbreak of the disease in the country, local newspaper Khaleej Times reported on Sunday. Technical teams of the UAE National Committee for Emergency Response to the Bird Flu will intensify field surveys on the UAE coastlines, islands and other locations to monitor birds, and take random samples for... (Xinhuanet, China)
it happened suddenly Aug 24, 2008
I had that episode for three days, so I thought it was the flu ... Beal said there is no known cause for M;ni;re s disease, other than it usually endolymphatic hydrops, which means the patient has excess fluid in the inner ear ... Endolymphatic fluid bursts from its normal channels in the ear and flows into other areas, causing damage. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Cocoa May Boost Brain's Blood Flow Aug 23, 2008
What do you REALLY know about about flu shots, arthritic pain, nightcaps, antiperspirants, and healing cuts. Stories. (CBS News)
Gamecocks return to practice fields Aug 23, 2008
Defensive tackle missed practice with the flu. McKinley Ready for Opener. (GamecockInsider.com)
A bad week turns good Aug 23, 2008
I ve been fighting a viral flu that has my body temperature bungee jumping between normal and somewhere in the 104-degree range ... I was miserable, and not just because the viral flu was treating me like its personal sparring partner ... I am still trying to overcome the viral flu, and I still feel like I ve recently been hit by a bus. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
7 Reasons to Worry About Your Children Aug 23, 2008
It was done at a time when the flu and other vaccines were mandatory and what they found was that during that period the mortality rate due to the flu was down a million and the rate of respiratory illness were down over 200,000 ... Avoiding colds and the flu, as well as bacterial infections such as strep throat and MRSA, could be as simple as educating children and teens about the importance of washing hands, Siegel said. (Fox News)
Govt body issues guidelines on fighting bio-terror Aug 23, 2008
But every time the country reports instances of bird flu, it sets alarm bells ringing in the security agencies. Sensing such concerns of security agencies and also taking into account instances of deliberate anthrax spread in the US, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday came out with detailed guidelines to deal with such threats. (India Times, India -- Community News)
Clay wins gold in world heptathlon Aug 23, 2008
was pleased with his performance, particularly after a recent battle with the flu and an injured hamstring. "I was sick and then I was hurt," said Clay, who recently lost 12 pounds. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Malaria Researchers Identify New Mosquito Virus Aug 23, 2008
To test the concept, the research team successfully used altered AgDNV to express harmless green fluorescent protein in the adult mosquitoes which could be easily spotted under the microscope ... Virologists investigating transmission of the flu virus found that it is more likely to spread at colder temperatures. (Science Daily)
Editor's Mailbag (Aug. 22) Aug 23, 2008
DUMB will require proof of identity, proof of citizenship, social security number, date of birth, mother s maiden name, yadda yadda, for even the simplest of medical procedures, such as a flu shot. And we good citizens will accept the abuse and thank them for not giving us more of it. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Pirates fall to Brewers Aug 23, 2008
"It could have been some dehydration things. It could be flu-like symptoms, we don't know. ... Once he was in [the clubhouse] for a little bit, he started to feel better. It could have been some dehydration. It could be the touch of the flu, we're not sure yet.". Sounds a bit similar to McLouth's ailment. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Saturday's Highlights Aug 23, 2008
The sick birds: "Flu Bird Horror" (9 p.m. Sci Fi). (2008) Townspeople fight for survival when giant birds spread a deadly virus. (Los Angeles Times)
Singapore's food safety standards still world-class Aug 23, 2008
The panel also praised AVA's efforts to keep out bird flu within the region by creating a control zone in Kepri, a nearby Indonesian province. "If you want to manage risk, you need to think about the sources of introduction of disease and one source could be neighbouring countries. And if there's difference with respect to the efficiency or the veterinary service, it's actually quite useful rather than build up a fortress for Singapore where you have a big wall around you," said panel member,... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Jump in measles cases linked to vaccine fears Aug 22, 2008
It can still be found in some flu shots. Associated Press writer Marcus Wohlsen contributed to this story. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
BACK TO SCHOOL: About immunizations Aug 22, 2008
With children enrolling in school, students entering college, and another flu season approaching, August is the perfect time to do a check of you and your family s immunization s records to ensure that everyone is up to date on their vaccinations. In recognition of National Immunization Awareness Month, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Prevention and Wellness Program is offering the following information regarding the importance of staying current on recommended vaccines. (Malden Observer, MA)
LETTERS: NCT, Aug. 21, 2008 Aug 22, 2008
I've been crippled for more than four years from my first flu shot ... And to answer the other questions from "Chuck" (11:25am):I am fluent in three languages and use all of them daily. (North County Times)
Measles makes a comeback Aug 22, 2008
It can still be found in some flu shots. At least one outbreak this year of another preventable disease was blamed on lack of immunizations. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Son busts mum cooking meth Aug 22, 2008
His girlfriend, Gail Ann Pearce, 47, was also caught buying cold and flu tablets at a number of pharmacies to provide Green with the base for making the drug, also known as speed ... He said Pearce bought the cold and flu tablets to provide Green with the pseudoephedrine ingredient. (The Australian)
Brewers Face Different Pirates' Team Aug 22, 2008
--Center fielder missed his second consecutive game because of the flu and was again replaced in the lineup by , who was 1-for-3 with a double and two walks. McLouth is hopeful of playing Friday in the opener of a three-game series in Milwaukee. (Milwaukee, TheInsiders.com)
Healthy Habits for a Happy Family Aug 22, 2008
Schedule an appointment to receive the influenza (flu) vaccine because flu season is right around the corner. The new recommendation is for all children between 6 months of age up to 19 years old to get the vaccine (there are a few exceptions, so talk to the doctor). (South County Chronicle, VA)
Vietnam may produce bird flu vaccines for humans late next year Aug 22, 2008
HANOI, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam plans to make vaccines against bird flu virus strain H5N1 for humans in late 2009 after successful trials, according to local newspaper Pioneer on Friday ... The vaccine, called Fluvax, has been tested on local volunteers, and then proved effective ... Vietnam has confirmed a total of 106 human cases of bird flu infections, including 52 fatalities, in 36 cities and provinces since bird flu started to hit the country in December 2003. (Xinhuanet, China)
Anthrax vaccine to be studied in Seattle Aug 22, 2008
The project aims to find better vaccines or drugs to protect against infectious diseases such as influenza, West Nile virus or bioterrorism agents such as anthrax ... Nepom and his colleagues created tetramers to mimic the parts of T-cells that recognize specific invaders -- a flu virus, a West Nile virus or anthrax bacteria ... Once the tetramer and the T-cell find each other and bond, the tetramer fluoresces -- literally lighting up to be detected by specialized lasers. (Yahoo News -- Anthrax)
Spike TV Television Highlights - September 2008 Aug 22, 2008
-- Friday, September 5 8:00 - 9:00 PM, ET/PT BULL Grissom and his team battle the flu when they are called upon by D.D.A. Klein to investigate the deaths of several key witnesses for a grand jury case against a dangerous Las Vegas gang. -- Monday, September 8 8:00 - 9:00 PM, ET/PT GRISSOM'S DIVINE COMEDY CSI investigates the death of a little girl whose identity remains unknown. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
UTMB researchers test new vaccine to fight multiple influenza strains Aug 22, 2008
GALVESTON, Texas A universal vaccine effective against several strains of influenza has passed its first phase of testing, according to Dr. Christine Turley of the University of Texas at Galveston. Turley, who is director of clinical trials and clinical research at the Sealy Center for Vaccine Development at UTMB and the study's principal investigator, said that VaxInnate's M2e universal vaccine could possibly protect against seasonal and pandemic influenza strains ... "We'd characterize this... (EurekAlert!)
The new Cold War: Bad for a hot planet Aug 22, 2008
In late 2006, Indonesia sparked a furor in the international public health community when the country announced it would no longer supply samples of the H5N1 strain of bird flu to the World Health Organization. It wasn't fair, complained the developing nation, which is second only to Vietnam in recorded cases of human deaths from bird flu: Indonesia was providing crucial data for researchers working on vaccines, but prices for proprietary pharmaceutical products resulting from that data were too... (Salon)
Football coaches and fall sports predictions Aug 21, 2008
Thanks to our local historian Devils Lake Superintendent of Schools Steve Swiontek, here s a list of past, present and former Devils Lake football coaches dating back to 1902: Thomas Jewell (first coach 1902-03), Fred Griebenow (1904-05), William Gill (1907-09), Dr. Dahl (1910-11, C.A. Kittrell (1912-13), E.W. Johnson (1914), Charles Smart (1915-17), (school was cancelled five weeks due to the flu epidemic (1918), Fred Mann Jr. (1919), Everett Green (1920-22), D.E. Perry (1923-26), Lawrence... (Devils Lake Daily Journal, ND)
Tracking A Crop Disease Could Save Millions Of Lives Aug 21, 2008
Virologists investigating transmission of the flu virus found that it is more likely to spread at colder temperatures. The dry, cold conditions pull. (Science Daily)
Bacterial Pneumonia Caused Most Deaths In 1918 Influenza Pandemic Aug 21, 2008
20, 2008) The majority of deaths during the influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 were not caused by the influenza virus acting alone, report researchers from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. Instead, most victims succumbed to bacterial pneumonia following influenza virus infection ... A future influenza pandemic may unfold in a similar manner, say the NIAID authors, whose paper in the Oct. 1 issue of The Journal of... (Science Daily)
Bank joins Community Partners Program Aug 21, 2008
It will also entitle the bank to a foursome and putting green sponsor at the VNA Annual Golf Tournament, as well as to wellness programs and a flu clinic presented by agency clinical staff. The Bank s generous gift helps the agency in its mission to provide high quality and compassionate home health and hospice care to 28 communities north of Boston, including Wilmington. (Wilmington Advocate, MA)
'Sovereignty' that risks global health Aug 21, 2008
The vast majority of repeated avian flu outbreaks the past four years, in both humans and poultry, have occurred in Indonesia. At least 53 types of H5N1 bird flu viruses have appeared in chickens and people there, the World Health Organization has reported ... Worse, Indonesia is no longer providing the WHO with timely notification of bird flu outbreaks or human cases. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
Grants go to insurance risk pool Aug 21, 2008
The immunization program will pay for preventive vaccines, such as flu shots, for people in the risk pool. It's meant to help keep people in the pool _ who usually have health problems _ healthier, Moses said. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Small SUVs Improve In Crash Tests Aug 20, 2008
(2:27)Survivors of the deadliest flu pandemic on record may hold the key to fighting outbreaks in the future. Priya David reports. (CBS News)
Bacteria's role cited in pandemic Aug 20, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. Bacterial pneumonia might have killed most people during the 1918 flu pandemic, and antibiotics could be as crucial as flu drugs to fight a new pandemic, US researchers reported yesterday in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. Such co-infections also cause many influenza-related deaths today. (Boston Globe)
Bacteria a big killer in 1918 flu pandemic: study Aug 20, 2008
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Bacterial pneumonia may have killed most people during the 1918 flu pandemic, and antibiotics may be as crucial as flu drugs to fight any new pandemic, U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday. Samples of lung tissue taken from soldiers who died in the pandemic, the worst of the 20th century, showed evidence of damage both by the flu virus and by pneumonia-causing bacteria ... Such so-called co-infections also cause many influenza-related deaths today. (Reuters)
One-Year Recovery for West Nile Virus Aug 20, 2008
Some think they have the flu or a cold. But for those who do get West Nile virus, what does the future hold. (WebMD)
