Swine influenza (Swine flu) refers to influenza cases that are caused by Orthomyxoviruses endemic to populations of pigs. The viruses are referred to as Swine influenza viruses (SIV). SIV strains isolated to date have been classified either as Influenzavirus C or one of the various subtypes of the genus Influenzavirus A.
H1N1 flu vaccination begins for school children in US — shortfall in the supply of swine flu vaccine. – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in the 2009 H1N1 press conference that H1N1 2009 vaccine levels are increasing but are still short of expected levels.
Experts advise WHO on pandemic vaccine policies and strategies — Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 briefing note – The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization, which advises WHO on policies and strategies for vaccines and immunization, devoted a session of its 27?29 October meeting to pandemic influenza vaccines.
Lessons learned from H1N1 virus pandemic — A comprehensive study has revealed, for the first time, the impact of swine flu on the health of the general public in Australia and New Zealand. – Australia and New Zealand sharing the lessons learned in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) across these two countries on the impact of the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. The information being shared with countries in the Northern Hemisphere to help them prepare for their upcoming flu season.
Swine flu claimed eight more lives across India raising the total number of deaths to 359 till now. – Influenza A H1N1 claimed eight more lives across the country raising the total number of deaths to 359 till now. And 185 fresh H1N1 flu cases have been reported, reaching to 11253 positive cases of swine flu in India.
Most would refuse emergency use H1N1 vaccine or additive — 70 percent said they would refuse the vaccine outright. – A new survey hinted that the majority of Americans would not take an H1N1 flu vaccine or drug additive authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration.
Novartis A(H1N1) Pandemic Influenza vaccine Focetria? receives positive opinion from CHMP – Novartis announced that Focetria, the Novartis Influenza A(H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine, has received a positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA).
Pregnant women need flu shots — it’s safe to get an influenza (flu) shot during pregnancy. – Pregnant women should be sure to get all their flu shots as soon as the vaccines become available this year to protect them against both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 (swine) flu.
Recommended composition of influenza virus vaccines for use in the 2010 southern hemisphere influenza season. – Pandemic influenza A H1N1 viruses are becoming much more common than the current seasonal influenza. WHO health experts have recommended that vaccines for use in the 2010 influenza season (southern hemisphere winter) contain the following:
Anti-swine flu drug or Influenza A H1N1 flu drug Fluvir — Oseltamivir — now available in retail market in India – Fluvir — the first anti-swine flu Influenza A H1N1 Oseltamivir drug is launched in the retail markets in India. Till date H1N1 virus has claimed 257 lives and affected 8,153 people in the country.
Pandemic vaccine donations for the developing world – WHO applauds and welcomes the announcement of donations of pandemic H1N1 vaccine made by the United States of America, in concert with Australia, Brazil, France, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
