Flu Blog

Vaccine Production Begins for 2007-08 Flu Season

NWHRC — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 13:17:00 +0000

Hard to believe, but flu vaccine manufacturers are already revving up for next flu season—during which they plan to produce a record 132 million doses.
http://www.clarionledger.com

Woman Attributes Longevity to Flu

NWHRC — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 13:15:00 +0000

A 107-year-old Ohio woman says the Spanish flu she contracted as a child provided her with the immunity that has enabled her long life.
http://toledoblade.com

Powder-Based Nasal Flu Vaccine Begins Human Trials

NWHRC — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 13:23:00 +0000

A powder-based nasal flu vaccine might join the liquid-based nasal vaccine FluMist if clinical trials just underway are successful.
http://www.labtechnologist.com

WHO Awards $15 Million for Flu Vaccine Manufacturing

NWHRC — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 13:22:00 +0000

The World Health Organization (WHO) awarded up to $15 million in grants to six nations to support the establishment or expansion of domestic manufacturing capacity for influenza vaccine.
http://www.who.int

Weekly Flu Report

NWHRC — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 13:55:00 +0000

The week of April 8-14 continued the strong decline in flu cases in the United States, with three states reporting no flu activity and the percentage of visits for influenza-like infections below the national baseline for the third week in a row.
http://www.cdc.gov

Do you know...when to use a prescription antiviral for flu treatment versus flu prevention?

NWHRC — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 13:51:00 +0000

It's very simple, actually Once you feel the first symptoms of the flu—the headache, the achiness, the fever—it means you may be infected with the virus. Antivirals like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) will lessen the length of time you are sick with the flu and reduce your risk for complications such as pneumonia. Not only that, but you'll be less contagious. So by all means, ask your doctor for a prescription and begin taking the medication within 12-48 hours of symptom onset for optimal results.

Now, as for preventing the flu...if someone you have been around comes down with the flu, call your doctor. Explain the situation and ask for a prescription for either Tamiflu or Relenza. Studies find both can reduce your risk of getting the flu once you've been exposed.

First Bird Flu Vaccine Approved

NWHRC — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 14:01:00 +0000

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first vaccine designed to protect against the so-called "bird" flu. But, the agency warned, the vaccine offers only a "stop-gap" measure.
http://www.fda.gov

Forget vitamin C: Get some sun for cold and flu protection

NWHRC — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 13:59:00 +0000

New research shows that vitamin D, not vitamin C, provides the most efficient protection against cold and flu viruses.
http://www.news24.com

Flu Triggers Heart Attacks

NWHRC — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 13:57:00 +0000

Yet another reason to get your flu vaccine: Researchers find that the flu significantly increases the risk of a heart attack in older people with heart disease.
http://www.guardian.co.uk

Weekly Flu Update

NWHRC — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 13:57:00 +0000

The weather might be lousy throughout much of the Midwest and northeastern U.S., but the medical indictors suggest we really are into spring. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that influenza activity continued to decrease in the United States for the week ending April 7, 2007. Just eight states reported widespread activity and 13 reported local activity.
http://www.cdc.gov

Do you know...that there is a test for the flu?

NWHRC — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 13:55:00 +0000

It's how we learn how much flu is around in the country. Certain physician offices belong to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's flu surveillance network, designed to provide an early warning system of any epidemic or pandemic. But any doctor can use the test, often in his or her own office. There are more than 10 approved rapid influenza tests that can provide results in as little as 30 minutes. Some identify influenza A and B viruses and can tell the difference between the two; others can't. The tests can be done with a variety of specimens, including nasal and throat swabs. So if you're not sure whether or not you really have the flu, ask your doctor to do a test. You'll probably have to ask; not that many doctors routinely test for the flu. Most diagnose it based just on your symptoms.
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/

Skip the Eggs; Bring in the Caterpillars

NWHRC — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 13:18:00 +0000

One of the biggest disadvantages of today's flu vaccine is that it must be grown in chicken eggs—a complex, lengthy process that also makes it impossible for anyone allergic to eggs to get vaccinated. That might be a thing of the past however, as Rochester, NY, researchers report on their efforts to grow the vaccine in insect cells.
http://www.theage.com.au

Lower Your Risk of Death from Flu and Your Cholesterol

NWHRC — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 13:23:00 +0000

Talk about unexpected benefits. A new study finds that people taking statins, the most commonly prescribed medication for high cholesterol, have a 40 percent reduced risk of death from pneumonia or flu.
http://www.medpagetoday.com

Weekly Flu Update

NWHRC — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 15:38:00 +0000

And the numbers keep dropping. During the week ending March 31, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported just 10 states with widespread flu activity and nine with regional activity.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/fluactivity.htm

Do you know...what's on the horizon for flu treatment?

NWHRC — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 13:57:00 +0000

Currently vaccine and antivirals are the most effective flu prevention and treatment tools available. However, scientists are constantly researching new and improved prevention and treatment options. For instance, researchers are close to figuring out how to deliver the vaccine through a skin patch, like the kind you wear for pain or to deliver hormones. They're also experimenting with a flu-destroying paint that could be "painted" onto surfaces in public places like hospitals and airlines to destroy flu viruses. Just think how far that would go in terms of preventing the spread of flu in day care centers, schools and nursing homes!

But there's more. Researchers in the United Kingdom and Belgium are attempting to producing what experts call the "holy grail" of flu protection—one vaccine that could protect against all 24 types of influenza A; even the bird flu! The best part? You'd only need two injections for long-term protection—no more annual shots.

Keeping Grocery Store Shelves Stocked During Flu Pandemic

NWHRC — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 16:13:00 +0000

It won't be easy, but if a major flu pandemic hit the United States, the nation's grocery stores will be prepared to keep their shelves stocked.
http://www.chiefengineer.org

New Study Recommends Public Health Measures to Reduce Flu Deaths

NWHRC — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 16:12:00 +0000

Simple public health measures like limiting contact between people to reduce the spread of viruses from person to person could make a major impact in the number of deaths during a flu pandemic, a new study finds.
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk

Do you know...what the federal government will do if a flu pandemic hits?

NWHRC — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 13:17:00 +0000

They figured it out this fall. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—the agency that steps up to the plate during outbreaks like a flu pandemic—has determined certain steps it would take if a pandemic occurs.

Since a vaccine isn't likely to be available, it plans to use what it calls "social distancing strategies" to reduce contact between people. Actually, it makes sense—the flu is only spread through close social contact. Specific steps include:

• temporarily closing schools

• canceling public gatherings

• planning for liberal work leave policies

• arranging for telecommuting

• asking people infected with the flu to voluntarily remain in isolation

• asking people who have come in contact with those with the flu to voluntarily remain in isolation

Other government agencies have their own plans. The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), for instance, has developed Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic for employers. The plan provides important information on how a severe pandemic could affect workplaces; how employee exposure to influenza at work should be determined; and, one of the most important things, how organizations can protect their employees. Employers can also learn how to estimate the number of lost workdays in a flu pandemic at FluWorkLoss.

Have a kid at college? Check out the federal government's checklist for colleges and universities at www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/school/collegeschecklist.html.

You can learn more about these and other governmental agency plans for a possible pandemic at www.pandemicflu.gov.

Early Intervention Key in Slowing Flu Spread During a Pandemic

NWHRC — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 13:14:00 +0000

Researchers found that quick, decisive action in the first days of a pandemic, such as closing schools, could significantly slow the spread of the pandemic. At least, it did during the 1918-1919 pandemic.
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov

Mild Flu Season Overall

NWHRC — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 13:13:00 +0000

It should probably come as no surprise that the 2006-07 flu season was a mild one—the second mild one in a row.
http://www.boston.com

New Flu Centers Established

NWHRC — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 13:11:00 +0000

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, awarded $23 million a year for seven years to establish six Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance in the United States.
http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/apr2007/niaid-02.htm

Weekly Flu Activity

NWHRC — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 13:09:00 +0000

Just as spring begins creeping northward, so, too, does the end of flu season. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to report decreased flu activity for the week ending March 24, with just 12 states reporting widespread activity and 17 states reporting regional activity. Since flu season began, 39 children have died from flu-related complications.
http://www.cdc.gov

Ask the Expert: Q & A

NWHRC — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 13:08:00 +0000

Diana (Dee) C. Swanson, MSN, NP-C, FAANP

Q: It's springtime—do I really need to worry about the flu?

A: Yes, actually, you do. The reality is that flu season can stretch to the end of May. This year it's particularly likely we'll have a long season because it started so late (remember the warm December and January much of the country had?). Although by spring, flu activity begins declining throughout the country, there are still hot pockets. For instance, in March the flu was widespread in 19 states, while 23 states reported regional activity. Certainly your risk has declined, but it isn't over. And if you're traveling to the other side of the world—say, Australia—keep in mind that flu season is just getting started over there. Although the flu strain emerging there might be different from the one covered in this year's vaccine, the vaccine should still provide a fair amount of protection.

And speaking of vaccines and protection, it's never too late to get vaccinated (well, maybe July is too late). If you know you're going to be exposed to the flu, say, in a hospital or nursing home, or even in a day care center or classroom, stop by your doctor's office or public health center and ask for a vaccine. Other than the needle prick, it won't hurt you very much—the most common side effect of the flu shot is some soreness or redness at the site of injection—and it can certainly help.

If you've been around someone who has the flu, you may want to ask your health care provider for a prescription of antiviral medication, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza). It's important that you begin taking the medication within 12-48 hours of exposure to the virus, even before any symptoms appear, as there is a 70 to 90 percent chance the drug will keep you from getting sick. Additionally, if you come down with the flu, contact your health care provider immediately, as he or she can prescribe an antiviral medication to help you feel better faster.

And finally, with spring in the air, it's important to know the difference between flu, cold and allergy symptoms:

• Common flu symptoms include muscle and joint pain, high fever, deep cough, chills, fatigue/weakness and headache.

• Common cold symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing and hacking cough.

• Allergy symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, itchy eyes/nose/throat, sneezing, pressure in the nose and cheeks, ear fullness and popping, and hives.

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Do you know ...What to eat when you're sick with the flu?

NWHRC — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 13:15:00 +0000

The adage "feed a cold, starve a fever" is just that ...an adage. The reality is that when you're sick, you need to maintain your strength so your immune system can fight off the virus. Focus on fluids first, since fever can be dehydrating. Soups, Jello, water, Gatorade and natural fruit juices are all good choices. Simple, yet nutritious foods like brown rice with a bit of fish and vegetables, or a stew or pasta rich with vegetables are also good ideas. Add some garlic—the "stinky rose" has strong antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Immunizations from a Pharmacist

NWHRC — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 13:29:00 +0000

A new law goes into effect in Pennsylvania allowing pharmacists to give immunizations.
http://www.wilkes.edu/pages/194.asp?item=12463