WXYZ-TV Is 'On Your Side' With 'Healthy Living for Kids' Aug 25, 2010
Eligible children 3 months and older will be given free immunizations against polio, rubella, measles, mumps, tetanus, varicella (chicken pox), diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), Hepatitis B and HIB (Haemophilus influenza type B), MCV4 Meningitis, Hep A, PCV 13 (Pneumonia), and HPV (Gardasil). Registered nurses from the Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion will administer the shots with the assistance of over 150 volunteers from the Health Department and WXYZ-TV Channel 7. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Aromatherapy Oils Treat Colds, Coug... Aug 24, 2010
Another common health problem during the winter months is flu (influenza), which can be particularly nasty for the elderly or those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes. While high-risk groups typically receive flu vaccinations each year, the rest of us may benefit from using essential oils to help prevent catching flu and to improve flu symptoms. (Suite101.com)
Diabetes Can Cause a Sugar Coating That Smothers Body's Immune Defences, Researchers Find Aug 24, 2010
The new research may also help explain why diabetic complications can also include increased risk of viral infections such as influenza, and also inflammatory conditions such as cardiovascular disease. The researchers looked at the similarities in chemical structure between glucose in blood and body fluids, and two other sugar called mannose and fucose. (Science Daily)
New Analysis Weighs Lost Trade, Costs to Control Invasive Species Against Economic Damages Aug 24, 2010
Their study also can be seen as relevant to the control and prevention of invading diseases, such as HIV and various strains of influenza, Roy says. Email or share this story. (Science Daily)
Swine flu continues to spread in NZ Aug 23, 2010
Although the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the global pandemic over, H1N1 "is the most common strain of influenza circulating" in New Zealand, director of public health Mark Jacobs said. "So far this year there have been 10 deaths reported as linked to swine flu," he said, up from six a week ago. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
- Vaccine producer holding trials Aug 22, 2010
The nations only human vaccine manufacturer said it is conducting clinical trials to establish a databank on the efficacy and safety of locally produced seasonal influenza vaccines. Clinical trials will involve about 350 people in various age brackets to assess the effectiveness and side effects of our influenza vaccine, Adimmune Corp spokeswoman Shen Ya-hui (Hz) said ... Taking influenza A(H1N1) as an example, foreign studies have shown that older people might have immunity rates of... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Tips from the journals of the American Society for Microbiology Aug 21, 2010
Avian Influenza Virus May Persist on Feathers Fallen from Domestic Ducks. Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) may persist on feathers fallen from the bodies of infected domestic ducks and contribute to environmental contamination ... Since the emergence of Asian avian influenza virus in 1997, it has spread to Europe, the Middle East and Africa causing significant mortality and economic loss in the poultry industry. (EurekAlert!)
Drug Chains Offering Flu Shots Early Aug 21, 2010
Related Stories/Links INFLUENZA ... Rite Aid said about 3,000 of its pharmacies are selling vaccinations against the 2009 swine flu, influenza B and the H3N2 flu strain for $24. (KIRO TV, WA)
U.S. Tries to Fix Slow Response to Outbreaks Aug 21, 2010
It takes months to make a vaccine against influenza using current processes. While companies are working to modernize their abilities, any big changes are still years away. (MEDLINEplus)
Africa: WHO Declares End of H1n1 Pandemic Aug 20, 2010
"The world is no longer in phase 6 of influenza pandemic alert. We are now moving into the post-pandemic period," Chan said during a virtual press conference from Hong Kong, according to a WHO press release ... "As we enter the post-pandemic period, this does not mean that the H1N1 virus has gone away. Based on experience with past pandemics, we expect the H1N1 virus to take on the behaviour of a seasonal influenza virus and continue to circulate for some years to come" ... " After extensive... (allAfrica.com)
Swine flu increasing Aug 20, 2010
Although World Health Organisation director-general Margaret Chan announced on August 10 that the H1N1 influenza virus had moved into the post-pandemic period, there has been a second wave in New Zealand's winter. Influenza H1N1 activity is continuing to increase,'' said deputy director of public health Darren Hunt. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Flu shot season starts earlier this year Aug 20, 2010
Rite Aid vaccinations against the 2009 swine flu, influenza B, and the H3N2 flu strain cost $24. 99 each. (Boston Globe)
New H1N1 cases up by 25 per cent Aug 19, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR: The number of confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) patients for the week between Aug 8 and 14 increased by 25% to 64 cases, from 51 cases in the previous week ... He said seven new influenza-like illness (ILI) cluster cases were also reported during the week in five states, from 13 cluster cases the previous week. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Montana State University offers 6 new biomedical technologies for licensing Aug 19, 2010
It has a unique ability to protect against influenza, reestablish immunity in compromised patients and boost immunity in people who could be exposed to bio-warfare agents or localized endemic diseases. The compound is fast-working and non-toxic. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Initial N.H. report finds fewer cases of hospital infections Aug 17, 2010
The report also looked at infections that developed after heart, colon, and knee surgeries, and at influenza vaccination rates among hospital staff ... Montero said another area in which there is room for improvement is influenza vaccinations. (Boston Globe)
BioCryst flu drug wins approval for use in Korea Aug 17, 2010
The Birmingham-based drug company (Nasdaq: BCRX) announced Monday that its partner, , received marketing and manufacturing approval from the Korean Food & Drug Administration for intravenous peramivir to treat patients with influenza viruses, including pandemic H1N1 and avian influenza. Green Cross Corp. intends to launch peramivir under the commercial name PeramiFlu in South Korea, BioCryst said in a press release. (Birmingham Business Journal, AL)
Experts Predict 'Normal' H1N1 Flu Season This Year Aug 17, 2010
FRIDAY, Aug. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Despite the current lull in H1N1 influenza activity, experts say it's likely that the Northern Hemisphere will see a new, but still mild, wave of the virus this flu season ... In recent weeks, outbreaks of a different strain of influenza -- H3N2 -- have been spotted in Iowa ... "We might see very little H1N1 and more H3N2 or Influenza B, although I think the chances of that should be significantly less than [a season dominated by H1N1]," he noted. (MEDLINEplus)
New Microneedle Antimicrobial Techniques May Foster Medical Tech Innovation Aug 17, 2010
(May 3, 2009) Flu vaccine delivered through skin patches containing microneedles has proven just as effective at preventing influenza in mice as intramuscular, hypodermic flu immunization. A team of researchers. (Science Daily)
Health officials plan for next flu season with H1N1 history Aug 16, 2010
This time last year, doctors and public health leaders were anticipating one of the worst flu seasons in decades, as hundreds of thousands of children returned to school with no protection from a new influenza virus that was rapidly spreading around the world ... The swine flu - a form of influenza Type A, subtype H1N1 - will almost certainly be one of those strains, but it won't necessarily be the predominant strain and it isn't expected to spread as widely as it did last year ... But influenza... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport Aug 16, 2010
U.S. officials said on Thursday the national total of confirmed influenza A , formerly referred to as swine flu, cases had risen to 109, but that the country had still only recorded one fatality. AP. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Childhood Abuse, Adversity May Shorten Life, Weaken Immune Response Among the Elderly Aug 16, 2010
They have higher rates of depression and poorer health, their wounds heal more slowly, they respond poorly to influenza and pneumonia vaccines, they suffer more inflammation and have higher mortality rates compared to people who are not caregivers. Kiecolt-Glaser said that the study's findings showed that "differences may be measurable in older adults, and of sufficient magnitude to be discernible even beyond the effects of a notably chronic stressor -- dementia caregiving.". (Science Daily)
Immune Responses During Pregnancy Linked to Schizophrenia Among Offspring Aug 13, 2010
(June 11, 2009) When mothers become infected with influenza during their pregnancy, it may increase the risk for schizophrenia in their offspring. Influenza is a very common virus and so there has been substantial. (Science Daily)
South Africa: Scientists Plan New HIV Vaccine Tests Aug 13, 2010
"Influenza is another virus that mutates a lot, and as you know with Influenza, we need to make a new vaccine every year so that the vaccine matches the virus that we're going to be exposed to. If you take that paradigm and switch it to HIV, HIV is a far more variable virus than Influenza. It's possible that, yes, we're going to have to make a new vaccine on a regular basis in order to deal with that variability". The Thai vaccine is one of four that will be tested next year. (allAfrica.com)
Assessing the potential effects and cost-effectiveness of programmatic herpes zoster vaccination of elderly in the Netherlands Aug 13, 2010
Simultaneous vaccination with influenza was assumed. Results. (BioMed Central)
Essential oils tone up the respirat... Aug 13, 2010
Allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, coryza, influenza, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and pleurisy have become increasingly common and a weak immune system greatly increases the susceptibility to these disorders. How Will Aromatherapy Help Prevent Respiratory Infections. (Suite101.com)
- Chang Gung Hospital to pay fine for overcharging Aug 12, 2010
E It was the most common cause of human influenza last year ... A 24-year-old man in Tainan last month died of influenza A (H1N1), or swine flu. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Colder Weather Boosts Heart Attack Risk Aug 12, 2010
After accounting for air pollution, influenza history and long-term weather trends, the authors found that the additional 2 percent risk for heart attack following a single-degree Celsius drop lasts for about 28 days, with the biggest bump in risk being spread over the first two weeks following the dip in temperature. Bhaskaran pointed out that prior research has suggested that as temperatures go down, blood pressure goes up, making blood thicker and working the heart harder -- a sequence of... (MEDLINEplus)
Dying of Cold: More Heart Attacks in Cooler Weather Aug 12, 2010
The results were adjusted to take into account factors such as air pollution, influenza activity, seasonality and long term trends. He found that a 1. (Science Daily)
WHO says swine flu pandemic is over Aug 12, 2010
WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said the organization's emergency committee of top flu experts advised her that the pandemic had "largely run its course" and the world is no longer in phase six the highest influenza alert level ... The virus has now entered the "post-pandemic" phase, meaning disease activity around the world has returned to levels usually seen for seasonal influenza, she said ... "The most important lesson learned from this experience is the critical need for new influenza... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Brain Fitness Programs May Help Frail Elderly Walk Faster, Study Suggests Aug 11, 2010
Yet little is known about the benefit of influenza vaccine in older seniors. In a new article. (Science Daily)
Swine flu cases in NZ Aug 11, 2010
"The pandemic influenza strain is the predominant strain circulating this winter," he said. "We are seeing higher levels of hospitalisation in areas that weren't severely affected last year. "To date, there had been over 300 people admitted to hospital this year with confirmed H1N1, which includes over 30 people admitted to intensive care. (iAfrica.com)
H1N1 Not a Top Concern for Universities Aug 11, 2010
" In calls to other colleges and universities around the country, the sentiment is much the same. The college is continuing to be cautious, Caroline J. Hanna, director of media relations at Amherst College in Massachusetts told FoxNews.com. I don t think we have changed much since the last wave went through. We have hand sanitizers in the dorms and a plan for kids who fall ill. Meredith Bonham, executive assistant to the president at Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y., said they have the same... (Fox News)
H1N1 pandemic is officially over but far from gone Aug 11, 2010
"Based on experience with past pandemics, we expect the H1N1 virus to take on the behavior of a seasonal influenza virus and continue to circulate for some years to come," Chan said in a statement. Evidence suggests H1N1 already is behaving more like other flu viruses. (USA Today)
Respiratory Symptoms More Reliable Indicator of H1N1, Not Fever Alone Aug 10, 2010
The study concludes that coughing or other respiratory symptoms are more accurate in determining influenza infection than presence of a fever ... "Our study found that fever is not reliable for case definition, even though it has been regarded as a key factor in determining influenza infection," said Dr. Park ... "We are aware of other studies that show fever present in as few as 31 percent of confirmed cases of influenza. We found that the most sensitive indicator was cough.". (Science Daily)
Docs Told To Avoid 1 Flu Shot Brand For Small Kids Aug 7, 2010
Problems Reported In Australia, New Zealand. MIKE STOBBE, AP Medical Writer. (KERO 23, CA)
It's official: India foiled Chinas bid to patent pudina Aug 7, 2010
MoS health S Gandhiselvan -- in a written reply to a question raised in the Lok Sabha on Friday -- said the European Patent Office (EPO) upheld the Indian claim that the medicinal properties of pudina and kalamegha were known to the nation's traditional medical system for treatment of influenza and epidemic fever ... TOI was the first to report how India foiled a major Chinese bio-piracy bid to patent the use of medicinal plants pudina (mint) and kalamegha (andrographis) for the treatment of... (India Times, India)
A shot of school time Aug 7, 2010
State required immunizations include diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, rubella, mumps, Haemophilus Influenza Type B (Hib), hepatitis B and varicella. Getting the required vaccines is important, Main said. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
H1N1 Flu Virus Used New Biochemical Trick to Cause Pandemic Aug 6, 2010
5, 2010) The influenza virus, scientists well know, is a crafty, shape-shifting organism, constantly changing form to evade host immune systems and jump from one species, like birds, to another, mammals ... "We have found why the pandemic H1N1 virus replicated so well in humans," says Yoshihiro Kawaoka, one of the world's leading influenza experts and a professor of pathobiological sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Veterinary Medicine ... The H1N1 virus, Kawaoka... (Science Daily)
Robert Chanock; fought childhood viruses Aug 6, 2010
He and his team there were instrumental in developing the first nasal-spray influenza vaccine. They also invented and successfully licensed a vaccine against adenovirus infection that protected an untold number of military recruits from fever, chills, and respiratory problems. (Boston Globe)
BioCryst reports $10M net loss in 2Q Aug 6, 2010
BioCryst (NasdaqGM: BCRX) for influenza treatment and. Most Read Stories. (Birmingham Business Journal, AL)
Opposing view: Risk is grossly overstated Aug 5, 2010
Look how quickly it removed a popular weight-loss product last year, and how aggressively it targeted false cures for H1N1 influenza. FDA can seize adulterated supplements, detain questionable ingredients at the border, ban products that pose significant risks of injury or illness, and use criminal sanctions of the Food Drug & Cosmetic Act to prosecute those who market unsafe supplements. (USA Today)
West Hancock nurse honored for H1N1 reporting Aug 5, 2010
During Iowa's 2009 H1N1 Influenza response, the data reported from hospitals, clinics, laboratories and schools was critical in assessing how the pandemic was affecting the health of Iowans, the IDPH reported ... Most of the 300+ Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network reporting sites conducted their tracking and data submission work without any formal incentive, Quinlisk said. (Forest City Summit, IO)
Viral Infection Predicts Heart Transplant Loss in Children Aug 4, 2010
23, 2009) This year, the novel 2009 H1N1 influenza, previously called swine flu, has reached pandemic status. Since this is a viral infection of the respiratory tract, there are additional challenges for. (Science Daily)
Florida confirms 24 cases of dengue fever in Key West Aug 4, 2010
It is often diagnosed incorrectly because the symptoms are similar to influenza and other viruses. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a rare but more severe form of dengue infection that can be fatal if not recognized and treated. (CNN -- Health)
H1N1 Protection in Coming Season's Flu Vaccines: FDA Aug 3, 2010
FRIDAY, July 30 (HealthDay News) -- The flu vaccines approved for the 2010-11 season protect against three strains of influenza, including the 2009 H1N1 pandemic swine flu strain, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Friday ... A/California/7/09 (H1N1)-like virus (pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus) ... "The best way to protect yourself and your family against influenza is to get vaccinated every year," Dr. Karen Midthun, acting director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation... (MEDLINEplus)
Influenza vaccine Aug 2, 2010
A "headless" version of the influenza virus protected mice from several different strains of flu and may offer a step toward a so-called universal flu vaccine, researchers reported. The nation's third-largest drugstore chain is no longer making pregnant women show a prescription to get a flu shot. (MSNBC -- Health)
Richey: Elder offers a dose of preventative medicine Aug 1, 2010
Current research reveals elderberry and flower's antiviral efficacy on influenza, colds, sinusitis and Herpes simplex and zoster. The flavonoids of elder contain immunostimulatory properties for influenza A and B. An in vitro study on H1N1 demonstrated how elderberry flavonoids would bind to and prevent H1N1 infection by blocking the virus' ability to infect host cells. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Companies start shipping US flu vaccines Aug 1, 2010
Two flu vaccine makers said on Friday they had started shipping supplies for the U.S. market, one of the earliest starts ever to distributing seasonal influenza vaccine ... "This year we also are launching Fluzone High-Dose (Influenza Virus Vaccine) for people 65 years of age and older," Sanofi said in a statement ... Most years, seasonal influenza infects between 5 percent and 20 percent of the U.S. population and kills 36,000 people. (Business Report, South Africa)
Vaccine Scares May Do More Harm Than Previously Believed to a Population's 'Herd Immunity' Jul 30, 2010
While this study specifically modeled influenza, the results apply to a wide variety of diseases, and are consistent with data from past epidemics ... 2, 2009) Each year, the influenza virus evolves ... 29, 2008) Two new studies published in the journal PLoS Medicine show that increasing the number of people vaccinated against influenza can decrease the burden of the disease, and not just in the individuals. (Science Daily)
Super Immunity Foods to Improve Res... Jul 30, 2010
Mushrooms Help Treat Cold And Flu Symptoms - olibac Super immunity foods used to help those suffering from respiratory illness, such as asthma and influenza, include carrots, squash and mushrooms ... While the common cold and influenza rarely require medical treatment, the other respiratory-related conditions will need mainstream health-care ... To discuss any concerns about respiratory illness and an influenza vaccination, make an appointment with the family doctor. (Suite101.com)
Fly Eye Paves the Way for Manufacturing Biomimetic Surfaces Jul 29, 2010
27, 2007) Researchers have determined that copper surfaces are significantly better than stainless steel at protecting against influenza A. (May 13, 2007) Polymer scientists have devised a convenient way to construct test surfaces with a variable affinity for water, so that the same surface can range from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic, and. (Science Daily)
Health Ministry administers almost 400,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine Jul 29, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry administered 371,185 doses of Influenza A(H1N1) vaccine to 194,743 frontline personnel and 176,442 people in the high-risk group up to July 28 this year, the Dewan Negara was told Thursday ... She also said that hospitals or clinics would conduct two types of test to determine whether a patient undergoing treatment was actually suffering from Influenza A(H1N1) before administering the vaccine ... She also said that the public could also obtain the seasonal... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Drug Problem Jul 29, 2010
Sex also impacts how a person responds to medication: Women taking antidepressants and antipsychotics tend to have in their blood than men do; they also require influenza vaccine for the same level of protection, though they are always given the same amount. In an of 11 new drug applications submitted to the Food and Drug Administration between 1995 and 2000, drug concentrations in blood and tissues from men and women varied by as much as 40 percent. (Slate)
Spread of Deadly Cryptococcal Disease in Northwest Linked to Global Warming Jul 28, 2010
"But you have to make your own decision: Do we worry about C. gattii, or do we worry about influenza more?". DailyClimate. (Scientific American)
Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards pandemic influenza among cases, close contacts, and healthcare workers in tropical Singapore: a cross-sectional survey Jul 28, 2010
Effective influenza pandemic management requires understanding of the factors influencing behavioral changes. We aim to determine the differences in knowledge, attitudes and practices in various different cohorts and explore the pertinent factors that influenced behavior in tropical Singapore. (BioMed Central)
Can You Ask a Pig If His Glass Is Half Full? Jul 28, 2010
Can you ask a pig if his glass is half full. Can You Ask a Pig If His Glass Is Half Full. (Science Daily)
Bird Flu: Preening Spreads Viruses in Nature Jul 28, 2010
ScienceDaily (July 27, 2010) A team of scientists, led by Mauro Delogu, virologist from the Veterinary Faculty of the Bologna University and researchers from the Istituto Superiore di Sanit;, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (Memphis, Tennessee) have discovered a new way of avian influenza transmission. The study, which offers new insights into ecology, surveillance and prevention strategies of avian influenza viruses... (Science Daily)
Non-human sugar in biotech drugs causes inflammation Jul 26, 2010
At the same time, the attached sugars are targets for infectious diseases like influenza, malaria and cholera. "Sialic acids are required for survival, but they're also used to attack you," said Varki, who is founder and co-director of the Glycobiology Research and Training Center at UC San Diego. (EurekAlert!)
- CDC confirms H1N1 death Jul 25, 2010
Health authorities confirmed on Friday that a 24-year-old male in southern Taiwan died after being infected by the influenza A(H1N1) virus. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Deputy Director-General Chou Jih-haw (PE) said the mans death was the 45th caused by H1N1 since the virus began affecting Taiwan last year. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Travel Health Risks in Central Afri... Jul 23, 2010
Travel Health Risks in Central Africa and East Africa. Travel Health Risks in Central Africa and East Africa. (Suite101.com)
Health officials investigating food-borne illness outbreak Jul 22, 2010
However, noroviruses are completely unrelated to influenza, which is a respiratory virus, Jefferson County Health Department Director Gail Scott said. According to Scott, symptoms can appear from 12 to 60 hours after exposure to the virus, but usually occur within 24 to 48 hours. (Watertown Daily Times, WI)
ASEAN urges WHO to review pandemic alert levels Jul 22, 2010
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New Way to Target Viruses Could Make Antiviral Drugs More Effective Jul 22, 2010
Further research has begun to look at how this method could be used to target influenza ... 13, 2006) Researchers from the University of Wisconsin have identified a novel antiviral peptide that may inhibit influenza viruses including the H5N1 strain ... 9, 2007) Use of certain common antiviral drugs during a recent influenza B epidemic in Japan showed the development of viruses with partial resistance to the drugs, according to recent. (Science Daily)
Air Travel No 'Significant Threat' to Cardiovascular Health, Says New Guidance Jul 21, 2010
(May 6, 2006) Restricting air travel from countries where there is a serious influenza outbreak will do little to hold back the spread of the infection, according to the findings of a study conducted at the UK. (Nov. (Science Daily)
Pandemic continues, no WHO meeting this week - spokesman Jul 20, 2010
"We're still in phase 6, it is still a pandemic," Hartl said, referring to the WHO's six-phase scale where phase six denotes a full influenza pandemic ... The committee of influenza experts was set up by the WHO, a United Nations agency, to make recommendations about the pandemic, which emerged in early 2009 in the United States and Mexico and spread around the world in just six weeks ... "Worldwide, overall pandemic influenza activity remains low," the WHO said in its latest weekly update last... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
