Cold, Flu & Cough News and Research

Latest Cold, Flu & Cough News and Research

Canadian Health deploys IceWEB's GIS server technology to combat the growth of H1N1 Flu virus

IceWEB, Inc., www.IceWEB.com, a leading provider of purpose built appliances and building blocks for cloud storage networks, announced today that Canadian Health has deployed IceWEB high performance GIS (Geographic Information System) server technology to augment their efforts to combat the growth of the H1N1 Flu virus.

28 Dec 2009

Medical treatment and evacuation during international travel

Recent surveys indicate that international travel, which had fallen off substantially over the course of the global recession, has rebounded in recent months – which means more U.S. business and leisure travelers navigating health- and security-related risks out in foreign corners of the world.

28 Dec 2009

Second part of the 2009 Food Safety Naughty and Nice list released

Food Safety News, the web-based newspaper that covers all things food safety, today released the second part of its 2009 Food Safety Naughty and Nice list. The web-based newspaper’s “Naughty” list was published yesterday and included food safety missteps, missed opportunities, and downright dirty deeds.

28 Dec 2009

Study shows vitamin C can facilitate the generation of embryonic stem cells from adult cells

Famous for its antioxidant properties and role in tissue repair, vitamin C is touted as beneficial for illnesses ranging from the common cold to cancer and perhaps even for slowing the aging process. Now, a study published online on December 24th by Cell Press in the journal Cell Stem Cell uncovers an unexpected new role for this natural compound: facilitating the generation of embryonic-like stem cells from adult cells.

28 Dec 2009

New series of 30-second PSAs on getting vaccinated against H1N1 flu

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in conjunction with the Ad Council and the Jim Henson Company, has released a new series of 30-second public service announcements (PSAs) about the importance of getting the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. Targeted to parents and children, the PSA campaign features 15 governors, a state first lady, a state chief medical officer and the main character from the PBS’ series “Sid the Science Kid” and reminds the public that getting vaccinated is the best way to stay healthy during this flu season.

24 Dec 2009

EGCg in green tea inhibits flu infection

Joint research conducted by the Central Research Institute of ITO EN, Ltd. and Professor Takashi Suzuki of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, showed that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), a kind of catechin contained in green tea, had an inhibitory effect against three types of influenza viruses, including the swine-origin H1N1 virus that caused pandemic flu in 2009, and that its effect did not depend on the type of virus. These findings once again suggest that green tea is effective in preventing flu.

24 Dec 2009

CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic expand H1N1 vaccine outreach effort

CVS/pharmacy, the nation's leading retail pharmacy, and MinuteClinic, the largest retail health care provider in the U.S., announced today an expanded H1N1 vaccine outreach effort.

24 Dec 2009

Walgreens offers H1N1 vaccinations throughout Indiana

Walgreens, the nation’s largest drugstore chain and industry leader with more than 17,000 certified or licensed immunizers, is now offering H1N1 vaccinations at all of its pharmacies throughout Indiana.

24 Dec 2009

Eclipsys acute care EMR retains its No. 2 ranking in KLAS awards

Eclipsys Corporation®, The Outcomes Company®, today announced that the company’s focus on delivering an enterprise portfolio of high-quality health information software solutions is reflected in the findings of the 2009 “Top 20 Best in KLAS Award: Software and Professional Services” report (2009 Top 20 Best in KLAS Awards report).

24 Dec 2009

Eli Lilly and Kowa Pharmaceuticals America to co-promote LIVALO in the U.S

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY), Kowa Company, Limited, and Kowa's U.S. subsidiary, Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc., today announced that Lilly and Kowa Pharmaceuticals America have entered into a co-promotion agreement in the United States to commercialize LIVALO® (pitavastatin). Lilly and Kowa have also entered into a licensing agreement in Latin America. LIVALO is a statin approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August 2009 for the treatment of primary hyperlipidemia and mixed dyslipidemia.

24 Dec 2009

Tips to minimize injuries during winter season

As we try to get outside and make the most of these cold winter months, it's important to use basic safety tips that help minimize injury. The Minnesota Chiropractic Association (MCA) offers the following tips to help keep your family injury free.

24 Dec 2009

Forest Laboratories acquires additional rights to NXL 104 beta-lactamase inhibitor

Forest Laboratories announced today its agreement to acquire additional rights to NXL 104, which amends the terms of its prior agreement with Novexel covering the combination of NXL 104 with ceftaroline and adds additional rights to the combination of ceftazidime and NXL 104, through a transaction with AstraZeneca executed immediately following AstraZeneca’s announced acquisition of Novexel, S.A.

24 Dec 2009

More H1N1 vaccines available in U.S., many Americans don't want it

While an increasing number of H1N1 (swine flu) vaccines are available in the U.S., "more than half of American adults say they still don't want it, and one-third of parents say they don't want their children to get it either, according to two surveys," the Washington Post reports. "As of this week, 111 million doses of vaccine against the pandemic strain of H1N1 flu have been released to states and cities.

24 Dec 2009

Fluzone High-Dose inactivated influenza virus vaccine receives FDA approval

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Fluzone High-Dose, an inactivated influenza virus vaccine for people ages 65 years and older to prevent disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and B.

24 Dec 2009

AstraZeneca signs definitive agreement to acquire Novexel

Novexel, a speciality pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel antibiotics designed to overcome the significant global problem of microbial drug resistance, announces today that its shareholders have signed a definitive agreement whereby Novexel shall be acquired by AstraZeneca for a total cash consideration of up to $505 million, including contingent payments and the net cash position of the company at closing.

24 Dec 2009

Elusys Therapeutics receives contract to speed up drug development for Anthrax

The HHS Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) today awarded a contract to Elusys Therapeutics, Inc. of Pine Brook, N.J., for the advanced development of a medication to treat inhalational anthrax, one of the top bioterrorism threats facing the nation.

23 Dec 2009

Majority of Australians think H1N1 vaccination is not necessary

Australia risks a serious swine flu (H1N1 influenza virus) outbreak with two-thirds (65 per cent) of unprotected Australians stating they're unlikely to get vaccinated against the disease in the next 12 months, according to an MBF Healthwatch Poll.

23 Dec 2009

Gene's role in immune system may suggest new treatments for childhood asthma

Pediatric researchers have identified a novel gene involved in childhood asthma, in one of the largest gene studies to date of the common respiratory disease. Because the gene, called DENND1B, affects cells and signaling molecules thought to be instrumental in the immune system overreaction that occurs in asthma, the discovery may have singled out an important target for new treatments.

23 Dec 2009

Cold Spring Publishing renamed as Harborside Press

Cold Spring Publishing, LLC, announced today that the principals of the company have approved a name change to Harborside Press, LLC.

23 Dec 2009

Food safety leader organizes holiday recipe contest to highlight food borne illness

It's not too late! Enter the National Pasteurized Eggs, (www.SafeEggs.com), makers of Davidson's Safest Choice Pasteurized Shell Eggs, best holiday recipe contest. Designed by National Pasteurized Eggs, food safety leader, to celebrate the season and remind at-home chefs and bakers about food borne illness, the Davidson's Safest Choice "Safest Recipes" contest runs through Dec. 31, 2009.

23 Dec 2009