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 8.1 = World Health Organization reported 13 countries have officially reported 367 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection. – The situation continues to evolve. As of 23:30 GMT, 1 May 2009, 13 countries have officially reported 367 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.
Universal flu vaccine holds promise. Study results will be presented at infectious diseases meeting on monday. – An influenza vaccine that protects against death and serious complications from different strains of flu is a little closer to reality, Saint Louis University vaccine researchers have found.
Lipoxen achieved positive preclinical results for revolutionary swine influenza vaccine. – Lipoxen plc (AIM:LPX) (“Lipoxen” or “the Company”), a bio-pharmaceutical company specialising in the development of high value differentiated biologicals, vaccines and siRNA delivery, and Cambridge Biostability Ltd (CBL), the developer of temperature stable vaccines and biopharmaceuticals, are pleased to announce that they have achieved positive preclinical results for the delivery of a novel and enhanced influenza vaccine based on the combination of Lipoxen’s novel vaccine delivery system ?ImuXen’ and CBL’s proprietary VitRIS stabilisation platform.
Mother-daughter breast density study points way to earlier cancer risk assessment – A unique mother-daughter study that used magnetic resonance to measure breast density in younger women shows that percent of breast water could be linked to the risk of breast cancer in middle age and older.
World’s largest DNA scan for autism uncovers new gene variant for disorder. Risk of autism tied to genes that influence brain cell connections. – Researchers have identified a new gene variant that is highly common in autistic children. Gene, known as CDH10, is most active in key regions that support language, speech and interpreting social behavior.
Update on Swine Flu Situation as on 30th April 2009 – World Health Organization has reported human cases of Swine Influenza A [H1N1] caused by a re-assorted Swine flu virus. As on 29th April, 2009 nine countries have officially reported 148 cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection with 8 deaths.
Enhance surveillance for detection of swine influenza on all international airports – The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed all International Airports across India to facilitate the enhanced surveillance and screening of passengers arriving from nations affected by Swine Influenza A (HINI).
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB), UK warns against counterfeit drugs for swine flu. – The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) issued a warning to the public about the risks of buying online medicines for swine influenza, such as Tamiflu or Relenza.
Scientists in Australia working on swine flu vaccine – Australian researchers started working hard to develop a vaccine to counter the deadly disease swine influenza.
World Health Organization raised Swine Influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5. – Based on assessment of all available information and following several expert consultations, Dr Margaret Chan, WHO’s Director-General raised the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5.
Swine flu screening has been instituted at airports and land borders for travelers departing Mexico, according to Mexican health authorities. – CDC is concerned that continued travel by U.S. travelers to Mexico presents a serious risk for further outbreaks of swine flu in the United States. At this time, CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico.
Long-term wine consumption is related to cardiovascular mortality and life expectancy independently of moderate alcohol intake – Drinking up to half a glass of wine a day may boost life expectancy by five years-at least in men-suggests research published ahead of print in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
