Swine Flu News and Research

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Swine Flu or influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that first caused illness in Mexico and the United States in March and April, 2009. It’s thought that novel influenza A (H1N1) flu spreads in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread, mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus, but it may also be spread by touching infected objects and then touching your nose or mouth. Novel H1N1 infection has been reported to cause a wide range of flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In addition, many people also have reported nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.

More people rely on alternative medicine

As consumers look to save money in a tough economy, many turn to alternative health care options. CBS 4 reports: "Health care costs are soaring. Thousands of people are without jobs and without the benefits afforded them. Now, those people are turning to preventative or alternative measures. ... The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) shows 38 percent of adults and 12 percent of kids are now using alternative therapies to treat pain. In fact, Americans are now reportedly spending $34 billion a year on alternative therapies" (Demos, 10/26).

27 Oct 2009

New anti-flu drugs to fight flu virus could become a reality

New anti-flu drugs could become a reality as a result of a study carried out by academics at the University of Hertfordshire.

27 Oct 2009

Consumers concerned about H1N1 flu, to avoid shopping during holiday season

Nearly one in five consumers say their concern over the H1N1 flu will cause them to avoid shopping on traditionally busy retail days during the 2009 holiday season, according to a recent Morpace Omnibus Study.

27 Oct 2009

Genomics can provide insights in understanding emerging infectious disease

This week, the Public Library of Science, an open-access publisher, presents the "Genomics of Emerging Infectious Disease," a collection of essays, perspectives, and reviews that explores how genomics-with all its associated tools and techniques-can provide insights into our understanding of emerging infectious disease.

27 Oct 2009

Rhode Island launches new system for tracking swine flu

At a press conference featuring healthcare leaders from throughout the state, Governor Donald L. Carcieri will announce that Rhode Island has launched a new system for tracking swine flu. Unprecedented in its approach, the system makes use of prescribing data provided by pharmacies throughout the state via a secure electronic link. In yet another first for the state and the nation, Rhode Island will also announce that it has now connected 100 percent of its retail pharmacies for e-prescribing.

27 Oct 2009

President Obama declares H1N1 national emergency

President Barack Obama declared the H1N1 (swine) flu outbreak a national emergency, the Wall Street Journal reports. "The declaration, which Mr. Obama signed Friday, authorizes the administration to waive or modify certain federal requirements involving Medicare, Medicaid and health-privacy rules to speed treatment," the newspaper writes (McKay/Simpson/Whalen, 10/26).

26 Oct 2009

Swine flu 'emergency' declaration could mean expedited care

President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency as the number of swine flu cases soars and vaccine production doesn't keep up with demand.

26 Oct 2009

Anti-viral drug development programs progress successfully, reports NanoViricides

NanoViricides, Inc. (the "Company"), reports that the Company is well financed and its game changing anti-viral drug development programs are progressing successfully. As such, Management knows of no reason for the recent decline in stock price and associated volatility.

26 Oct 2009

H1N1 swine flu vaccine consent forms for Maryland Department of Health processed by Quality Associates

Quality Associates, Inc. (QAI) www.qualityassociatesinc.com, an established provider of services and solutions for large-scale document management, imaging, and archiving, announced it is processing H1N1 swine flu vaccine consent forms on behalf of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

26 Oct 2009

FDA issues emergency use authorization for peramivir anti-viral drug

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in response to a request from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the investigational anti-viral drug intravenous (i.v.) peramivir in certain adult and pediatric patients with confirmed or suspected 2009 H1N1 influenza infection who are admitted to a hospital.

24 Oct 2009

Maxim Health Systems cancels all flu shot clinics at retail locations

Maxim Health Systems has cancelled all flu shot clinics at retail locations after October 22, due to lack of vaccine availability. Across the country, there has been a drastic increase in both demand and media attention regarding influenza and vaccine availability. While the nation is experiencing an increase in demand for flu vaccine, manufacturers are unable to produce more seasonal flu vaccine because all resources have been shifted to H1N1 production.

24 Oct 2009

Pregnant women unsure about getting H1N1 flu shot, shows new survey

Despite majorities expressing concern about getting the novel H1N1 (or swine) flu this year, only about one in four pregnant women or new mothers plan to get the H1N1 flu shot, according to findings from a new survey conducted on behalf of HealthyWomen by Harris Interactive.

24 Oct 2009

Media examines U.S., Mexico H1N1 vaccine campaigns, health effects of handwashing in Bolivia

The Washington Post examines H1N1 vaccine supplies across the U.S.: "With only a fraction of the tens of millions of doses of vaccine that authorities predicted would be available arriving in states, cities and towns, public health officials who spent months planning for a massive immunization program are instead scrambling to parcel out their limited supply of nasal sprays and shots," the newspaper writes.

24 Oct 2009

Dr. Anthony Falcon: We're facing a catastrophic situation on the border

Kaiser Health News staff writer Jessica Marcy talks with Dr. Antonio Falcon, a physician in the border town of Rio Grande City, Texas. He explained his concern "about several health threats facing border communities, including tuberculosis, diabetes, obesity and the H1N1 virus that causes swine flu."

24 Oct 2009

Swine flu concern greater among less educated and low income people

Are Americans concerned about swine flu? About one-third say they are, one-third say they're not, and one-third say, well, maybe a little. Concern is greater among people with lower incomes and less education.

23 Oct 2009

ISHLT Infectious Disease Council issues new H1N1 advisory for cardiothoracic transplantation programs

Each year 3-5 million people have severe cases and 250-500,000 die from complications of seasonal influenza world-wide. This year, the novel 2009 H1N1 (nH1N1) influenza, previously called swine flu, has reached pandemic status.

23 Oct 2009

Practical guidance for cardiothoracic transplant programs in view of H1N1 flu pandemic

23 Oct 2009

Sinovac Biotech to distribute PANFLU.1 vaccine in Mexico

Sinovac Biotech Ltd. (NYSE Amex: SVA), a leading developer and provider of vaccines in China, today announced that it has received a Certificate of Approval from the Secretaria de Salud to distribute PANFLU.1, its H1N1 pandemic influenza (swine flu) vaccine, in Mexico. The certificate is valid through October 13, 2014.

23 Oct 2009

Some hospital revenues could decline if H1N1 becomes pandemic

"While it's common for hospitals to see a revenue boost at the onset of seasonal influenza season, the additional threat of cases from the H1N1 swine flu virus could complicate this fall's and winter's financial picture for such health facilities," The Chicago Tribune reports.

23 Oct 2009

Majority of allergy patients can be vaccinated against swine flu after evaluation by an allergist

Once supply catches up with the immediate demand for H1N1 "swine" flu vaccine, some allergy patients who could benefit from the vaccine may needlessly avoid it due to confusion over who should, and should not, be vaccinated, cautions Dr. Peter R. Smith, a board-certified allergist and clinical immunologist with Allergy Partners of Fredericksburg, Virginia.

23 Oct 2009