Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an infectious disease of birds and mammals caused by an RNA virus of the family Orthomyxoviridae, the influenza viruses. In people, common symptoms of influenza are fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, and weakness and fatigue.
Influenza A(H1N1) – update 18 – 23 countries have officially reported 1893 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection. – As of 16:00 GMT, 6 May 2009, 23 countries have officially reported 1893 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection.
Influenza of all types can pose greater dangers for people with heart failure, or with any cardiovascular disease. – In general, influenza of all types can pose greater dangers for people with heart failure, or with any cardiovascular disease. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
Update on influenza A (HINI) by Press Information Bureau, India. – World Health Organization has reported 1516 laboratory confirmed cases of influenza A/H1N1 infection with 30 deaths from twenty two countries. There are 403 laboratory confirmed human cases in USA with one death.
Flu pandemic in prison – A model for public health preparedness. – When pandemics occur, correctional facilities are not immune. With more than 9 million people incarcerated across the globe 2.25 million in U.S. jails and prisons alone it is vital that correctional officials and health professionals be prepared for a worst-case scenario that involves pandemic influenza reaching inmates and staff.
Late motherhood boosts family lifespan. Same genes linked to longevity and births after age 45. – Women who have babies naturally in their 40s or 50s tend to live longer than other women. Now, a new study shows their brothers also live longer, but the brothers’ wives do not, suggesting the same genes prolong lifespan and female fertility, and may be more important than social and environmental factors.
Infant pain response during routine intramuscular vaccine injection was affected by the order of administration of the vaccine. – Infants who receive the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) following the combination vaccine for diphtheria, polio, tetanus, pertussis and Haemophilus influenzae type b (DPTaP-Hib vaccine) appear to experience less pain than those who are immunized in the opposite order, according to a report in the May issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, a theme issue on vaccines.
Social distancing interventions are important measure guaranteed to be available against a novel strain of influenza in the early phases of a pandemic. – A disease spread simulation has emphasized that flu interventions must be imposed quickly, if they are to be effective. Researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Public Health have shown that staying at home, closing schools and isolating infected people within the home should reduce infection, but only if they are used in combination, activated without delay and maintained for a relatively long period.
Chemical found in medical devices impairs heart function – Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have found that a chemical commonly used in the production of such medical plastic devices as intravenous (IV) bags and catheters can impair heart function in rats.
No swine flu case in India – Update on influenza A (HINI) as on 3rd May 2009. – In a report released by Indian Health officials it is confirmed that there is no swine flu case identified, and all the samples are negative of passengers coming to India.
18 countries have officially reported 898 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, says World Health Organization, Switzerland. – As of 1600 GMT, 3 May 2009, 18 countries have officially reported 898 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, says World Health Organization, Switzerland.
The swine flu virus does not become resistant to homeopathy medicines. – People are seeking alternative medicine – Homeopathy, just in case the swine flu becomes resistant to treatments like Tamiflu. Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine that treats a disease with heavily diluted preparations that are thought to cause effects similar to the disease’s symptoms.
Survey finds nearly half of Americans concerned they or their family may get sick from swine flu. – Following the declaration of a public health emergency due to the new H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, the Harvard Opinion Research Program at the Harvard School of Public Health conducted a poll about how concerned Americans are about the outbreak, how they are responding and what they believe about transmission, prevention and treatment.
