Swine Flu Vaccine

Symptoms of swine flu

2010-01-22T03:29:00.000-08:00

So far, most swine flu cases have been mild, with symptoms similar to those of seasonal flu. Only a small number of people have had more serious symptoms.

If you or a member of your family has a fever or high temperature (over 38°C/100.4°F) and two or more of the following symptoms, you may have swine flu:

* unusual tiredness,
* headache,
* runny nose,
* sore throat,
* shortness of breath or cough,
* loss of appetite,
* aching muscles,
* diarrhoea or vomiting.

Checking symptoms

It makes sense to have a working thermometer at home, as an increase in temperature is one of the main symptoms. If you are unsure how to use a thermometer, go to How to take someone's temperature.

If you are still concerned you may have swine flu, stay at home and check your symptoms using the online National Pandemic Flu Service.

Call your GP directly if:

* you have a serious existing illness that weakens your immune system, such as cancer,
* you are pregnant,
* you have a sick child under one,
* your condition suddenly gets much worse, or
* your condition is still getting worse after seven days (five for a child).

source:http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pandemic-flu/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

Swine flu vaccine effective, say experts

2009-11-22T20:35:00.000-08:00

Swine flu vaccines are still effective despite reported cases of mutations in the A(H1N1) virus, health experts in Europe and North America said.

Bruno Lina, director of the national flu virus monitoring centre for southern France, said the mutation of the virus - blamed for around 6,750 deaths so far worldwide - came as no surprise.

"It was expected, it was announced, and it will happen again," Lina told AFP, adding: "That does not change anything with regard to treatment and vaccines."

In the United States, Anne Schuchat of the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) said the mutation would have no impact on the effectiveness of the swine flu vaccine or the anti-virals.

The experts' comments came a day after the World Health Organization announced that a mutation had been found in swine flu virus samples taken following the first two deaths from the pandemic in Norway.

However, the Geneva-based UN agency stressed that the mutation did not appear to cause a more contagious or more dangerous form of A(H1N1).

It also revealed that a similar mutation had been observed in Brazil, China, Japan, Mexico, Ukraine and the United States as early as April.

The WHO underlined that there was no evidence of more infections or more deaths as a result, while antivirals used to treat severe flu - oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) - are effective on the mutated virus.

"Studies show that currently available pandemic vaccines confer protection," it added, as mass vaccine campaigns slowly gain ground in the northern hemisphere.

That view was echoed by France's health chief, Didier Houssin, who said in a radio interview that the ability of the vaccine to induce an immune reaction is not affected by the mutation, "so the vaccines remain effective".

He added that in anticipation of a mutation, "a certain number of our vaccines are vaccines with an additive," which expands the range of effectiveness in being able to act against a slightly modified virus.

Scientists are nevertheless concerned that mutations in flu viruses could cause a more virulent and deadly pandemic flu.

In the cases observed in Norway, the mutation could potentially allow the virus to latch onto the pulmonary cells - that is, deep inside the lungs, which is generally considered a more dangerous form.

"At the moment we are purely at a descriptive stage," Lina said.#

"It will have to be verified if these viruses have acquired a particular characteristic which could potentially make them more likely and more easily to take a pulmonary form."

On Friday, World Health Organization data showed that around 6,750 people had died from swine flu since the virus was first uncovered in Mexico and the United States in April.
AFP

Narendra Modi down with swine flu

2009-10-30T01:25:00.000-07:00

GANDHINAGAR(India Oct-30-2009) - Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is down with swine flu two days after returning from Russia, doctors at a hospital said Friday.

This was confirmed by Atul Patel, the doctor at a government civil hospital on Friday morning.

The chief minister who returned from his three day-visit to Russia on Wednesday worked through Thursday attending his official engagements, despite feeling tired and coughing frequently.

As doctors in attendance checked him, samples were taken to check for the H1N1 virus. By evening, his fever shot up and speculation mounted that he had swine flu.

Following confirmation, Modi has been put under swine flu medication and quarantined at his own official residence here. All his appointments have been cancelled and he will be in isolation for a week.

Reports that the sample of a 60-year-old swine flu suspect - referred to as “VIP” and carrying the name Ramesh - had been sent for tests from Gandhinagar added to the rumours.

Vaccine experts prepare swine flu guidance for WHO

2009-10-28T22:15:00.001-07:00

GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Health Organization will issue new guidance on tackling the H1N1 flu virus next week, based on talks between vaccine experts that began in Geneva on Wednesday.

A WHO spokeswoman confirmed that the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE), chaired by Britain's immunization chief David Salisbury, was meeting but gave no details.

The 15-member group will tell WHO Director-General Margaret Chan who it recommends should be vaccinated against H1N1 flu and how many doses are needed, and Chan will review and circulate their suggestions.

The WHO's guidance on vaccinations is seen as pivotal for the pharmaceutical industry's investment decisions as well as government policies on buying and distributing vaccines against the swine flu virus.

The H1N1 virus has spread globally and killed nearly 5,000 people since appearing earlier this year, the WHO says. Symptoms have been mild in most patients but pregnant women and people with health problems like diabetes are seen at higher risk.

Earlier on Wednesday, GlaxoSmithKline said it would get a boost from H1N1 vaccine sales this year.

Its rivals such as Sanofi-Aventis, Novartis and AstraZeneca are also poised to benefit from governments' mass immunization campaigns.

In addition to pandemic flu, the SAGE panel will review broad immunization priorities including routine vaccinations and emergency campaigns. The experts come from Britain, the United States, Syria, Pakistan, Thailand, Australia, Finland, Jamaica, China, Hong Kong, South Africa, Indonesia and Nigeria.

(For details on the SAGE committee and its work please see: here)

(Reporting by Laura MacInnis, editing by Tim Pearce) Courtesy

Swine Flu - Precaution And Prevention Measures

2009-10-23T02:46:00.000-07:00

Swine flu displays regular human flu symptoms including cough, fever, body ache, fatigue, sore throat, chills and headache. Antiviral medicines are available to prevent and treat swine flu, but right now appropriate vaccine is not available to protect from swine flu. Spreading of these germs can be prevented as it causes respiratory illnesses such as influenza by:

* Avoiding contact with sick patients, avoiding touching your mouth, eyes or nose as the germs spread faster in this way.

* Covering mouth and nose using a tissue while coughing or sneezing and immediately throwing the tissue in a trash after one use.

* Washing hands using soap and water, particularly after sneezing or coughing is essential and also using hand cleaners that are alcohol-based is preferred.

* Staying at home when you are sick without attending school or your work place is suggested to prevent spreading of this infection.

Immediate care is recommended on the initial symptoms of swine flu. The symptoms vary from person to person as there are patients having high fever, body ache and sore throat, while some complain about running nose, vomiting and diarrhea. However, these symptoms alone does not declare a person being infected by swine flu and is confirmed after the respiratory specimen lab test.

Precautions taken helps in minimizing the risk and the simplest way is covering the nose and mouth by wearing a mask. Mask covering assists in avoiding spreading the infection especially, when an infected person comes in contact. Precautions also include maintenance of high levels of hygiene, by washing hands frequently using soap and water. Subsequently, as influenza spreads through contact and air, surface sanitizing is also one of the best ways to prevent infections. Effective sanitizer is alcohol and even bleach can be employed to sanitize rooms and equipments used by patients having influenza symptoms.

Prevention of swine flu is considered in the aim of limiting the risks and this can be done by:

* - Building and balancing the immune system, as it is believed that this infection affects people having compromised immune systems easily. Hence, balancing and improving the overall immune system is the best solution to beat swine flu.

* Improving overall health is highlighted as mostly people having underlying medical conditions are easily prone to this risk. Getting into better shape is essential so that your body is a warrior to attack swine flu and this can be achieved by going on physical fitness program.

* Washing hands before and after meals is mandatory, besides also wash after shaking hands with outsiders. This is simple but very protective to keep you at a safe distance from getting infected.

* Avoiding crowded areas is advised as there are more chances of acquiring this flu mainly because it is difficult to identify swine flu inflected people, even if they stand next to you.

* Avoid visiting patients infected with swine flue is highly recommended as this enhances all the chances of spreading swine flu.

* Checking the temperature of your body regularly is advised as fever is the main swine flu symptom.

Treatment plays a significant role in preventing spreading of this deadly infection and also in curing the ailment. People with flu are suggested to take plenty of rest, avoid taking tobacco and alcohol and to drink lots of liquids such as fresh fruit juices and water. Taking medications to get relieved from fever and muscle aches is recommended, but definitely relying on self-medication is not advisable and hence getting in touch with the doctor will ensure the right treatment. Panicking on observing the symptoms will lead to seriousness, while maintaining coolness and getting tested will ascertain proper treatments.

http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=2109334

Swine flu spreading at 'unbelievable' rate: WHO

2009-09-04T01:48:00.000-07:00

PARIS (AFP) - Swine flu spreads four times faster than other viruses and 40 percent of the fatalities are young adults in good health, the world's top health official warned in an interview appearing Saturday.

"This virus travels at an unbelievable, almost unheard of speed," World Health Organisation Director General Margaret Chan told France's Le Monde daily in an interview.

"In six weeks it travels the same distance that other viruses take six months to cover," Chan said.

"Sixty percent of the deaths cover those who have underlying health problems," Chan said. "This means that 40 percent of the fatalities concern young adults -- in good health -- who die of a viral fever in five to seven days.

"This is the most worrying fact," she said, adding that "up to 30 percent of people in densely populated countries risked getting infected."

Chan's warning came a day after the WHO said the virus had overtaken others to become the most prevalent flu strain.

"Evidence from multiple outbreak sites demonstrates that the A(H1N1) pandemic virus has rapidly established itself and is now the dominant influenza strain in most parts of the world," the UN agency said in a statement.

"The pandemic will persist in the coming months as the virus continues to move through susceptible populations," it added.

Chan underlined that emergency and healthcare services in several countries had come under strain and stressed that resources allocated for cancer patients and those suffering from heart disease should not be diverted.

"One must not rob Peter to pay Paul," she said. "All governments must prepare for the worst."

She said the most important thing in the battle against the virus was "political leadership."

More than 2,180 people around the world have died from the virus since it emerged in April, according to the latest WHO figures.

Chan also said that it could be months before sufficient vaccine is available to combat the pandemic.

She put world production capacity at 900 million doses a year, for a global population of 6.8 billion people.

Even if this was an unprecedented effort, and authorities were speeding up procedures for getting vaccines to the market, there should be no question of compromises on their safety and effectiveness, Chan said.

Britain and France received their first batches of swine flu vaccine this week. Australia on Friday said a massive swine flu vaccination programme would start in October and Turkey hopes the first supplies of the vaccine will come by that time.

While 90 percent of severe and fatal cases occur in people aged above 65 in seasonal flu, most of those who die from swine flu are under the age of 50.

A "very severe form of disease" affecting the lungs and causing severe respiratory failure among young and healthy people was being reported, WHO said Friday, adding that highly specialised care was required.

Large numbers of such patients could therefore "overwhelm" intensive care units and disrupt the provision of care for other diseases, it warned.

In the southern hemisphere where the flu-prone winter season is tailing off, the WHO said cities in several countries had reported that nearly 15 percent of hospitalised cases required intensive care.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/090829/health/health_flu_who

Swine flu deaths climb to 59 in Britain

2009-08-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

The number of deaths from swine flu in Britain has climbed to 59 but infection rates have continued to fall through the summer, according to the Department of Health.

The latest figures released today show the disease on the wane during the holidays with about 260 people still being treated in hospital, fewer than last week. Of those, 30 were in intensive care.

There were an estimated 11,000 people diagnosed with H1N1 flu in England last week, the cases spread uniformly across the country, and representing a sharp decline from the 25,000 cases recorded during the previous week.

After an unusual mid-summer spike in infections, pandemic flu could now be conforming to the normal pattern of seasonal flu which traditionally delivers peak rates of illness during the winter.

Health officials expect a second wave of infections to start building up again in the autumn, though when that will occur, and whether it will be chiefly due to the return of schools or the arrival of colder weather, remains unknown.

Sir Liam Donaldson, the chief medical officer, confirmed that there were no national plans to keep schools closed at the start of term. But he added: "If we get a big surge during the autumn it may be that individual schools will close."

One of the odder aspects of the latest data is that only 10% of those who sought help from a GP or the National Pandemic Flu helpline and subsequently took a swab test actually showed signs of infection.

Health experts said they were not surprised by the low proportion. The estimate of 11,000 new cases takes into account both the observation that not all those seeking medical help were ill and also that many who become infected never contact a doctor.

The government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) is assessing the latest fatality and infection rates – which are far lower than initially feared – to develop planning for the severity of the outbreak.

Commenting on the need for a revision, Justin McCracken, chief executive of the Health Protection Agency, said: "It's always best to plan for the worst, not the best."

The number of deaths did show a significant increase last week, rising from 44 to 54 in England. Almost half of those, 25, died in London. With five additional deaths in Scotland, the UK total now stands at 59 deaths.

Donaldson said he could not speculate on the timing of the second wave of swine flu but hoped it would follow the pattern of the 1968-70 pandemic which hit around Christmas time – a progession that would provide the UK with sufficient time to vaccinate as many people as possible, and possibly avoid a second peak altogether.

The chief medical officer said the full picture on how swine flu had affected the UK, including the number of excess deaths, would not be known until after the pandemic had passed.

The UK had taken a much more aggressive policy initially towards tackling the disease than many other countries, he said, enforcing school closures, providing antiviral drugs for contacts of swine flu victims, and checking flight lists to track down further potential contacts.

The development of the pandemic in Australia has been worrying health officials, with as many as 30% of those admitted to hospital being treated in intensive care.

Although infection in the UK appears to be subsiding in the warmer summer weather, Donaldson said it was "exceptional" to have so many flu victims in hospital at this time of year.

Of the 54 people who have died in England, 15% were under 15, a third were aged between 16 and 44, and 29% were over 65.

Of the same group of fatalities, 21% were recorded as having previously been healthy. More than half had severe prior conditions such as leukaemia.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/aug/20/swine-flu-deaths-britain

Symptoms of swine flu

2009-08-17T08:04:00.000-07:00

It is important that as swine flu spreads, you know the symptoms of the disease so you can recognise it in yourself and others at an early stage.

Please read this page and consider your symptoms carefully before using the National Pandemic Flu Service mentioned below.

So far, most swine flu cases have been mild, with symptoms similar to those of seasonal flu. Only a small number of people have had more serious symptoms.

If you or a member of your family has any of the following symptoms and a temperature of 38°C or above, you may have swine flu.

The typical symptoms are:

* a sudden fever (a high body temperature of 38°C/100.4°F or above), and
* a sudden cough.

Other symptoms may include:

* headache,
* tiredness,
* chills,
* aching muscles,
* limb or joint pain,
* diarrhoea or stomach upset,
* sore throat,
* runny nose,
* sneezing, or
* loss of appetite.
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

Tips on Flu/ Swine Flu

2009-08-16T23:57:00.000-07:00

The following measures may be undertaken to avoid the spread:

1. TULSI HERB - SHYAMA TULASI - BLACK (BASIL LEAVES)-------consume orally and make herbal tea. DRINK IN THE MORNING AND EVENING. Keep a plant in the house to keep away the virus.
2. Massaging feet with mustard oil at night before retiring to bed. Keep the feet warm. Wear cotton socks in the feet so as not to catch cold or cough.
3. SALINE WATER - 5 drops of lukewarm Saline water in each nostril 3-4 times a day.
4. Drink the juice of 2 Gooseberries ( green amla) everyday
5. Eat more onion, lemon, ginger and garlic with food.
6. One drop of lukewarm mustard oil in each nostril morning and evening to lubricate the nasal passage.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

* Frequently wash hands and blow the nose.
* Drink plenty of water. Eat nutritious food.. Avoid fast/ junk food.
* Dont mix with people having cough, running nose, sneezing and fever.
* Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief while sneezing or coughing
* Cleanliness in the house and due care to hygeine.

Novel H1N1 Vaccination Recommendations

2009-08-13T21:03:00.000-07:00

With the new H1N1 virus continuing to cause illness, hospitalizations and deaths in the US during the normally flu-free summer months and some uncertainty about what the upcoming flu season might bring, CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has taken an important step in preparations for a voluntary novel H1N1 vaccination effort to counter a possibly severe upcoming flu season. On July 29, ACIP met to consider who should receive novel H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available.

Novel H1N1 Vaccine

Every flu season has the potential to cause a lot of illness, doctor’s visits, hospitalizations and deaths. CDC is concerned that the new H1N1 flu virus could result in a particularly severe flu season this year. Vaccines are the best tool we have to prevent influenza. CDC hopes that people will start to go out and get vaccinated against seasonal influenza as soon as vaccines become available at their doctor’s offices and in their communities (this may be as early as August for some). The seasonal flu vaccine is unlikely to provide protection against novel H1N1 influenza. However a novel H1N1 vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public in the fall. The novel H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine – it is intended to be used along-side seasonal flu vaccine.

CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a panel made up of medical and public health experts, met July 29, 2009, to make recommendations on who should receive the new H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. While some issues are still unknown, such as how severe the virus will be during the fall and winter months, the ACIP considered several factors, including current disease patterns, populations most at-risk for severe illness based on current trends in illness, hospitalizations and deaths, how much vaccine is expected to be available, and the timing of vaccine availability.

The groups recommended to receive the novel H1N1 influenza vaccine include:

* Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;

* Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants less than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus;

* Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;

* All people from 6 months through 24 years of age

o Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in children and they are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and
o Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population; and,

* Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

We do not expect that there will be a shortage of novel H1N1 vaccine, but flu vaccine availability and demand can be unpredictable and there is some possibility that initially, the vaccine will be available in limited quantities. So, the ACIP also made recommendations regarding which people within the groups listed above should be prioritized if the vaccine is initially available in extremely limited quantities. For more information see the CDC press release CDC Advisors Make Recommendations for Use of Vaccine Against Novel H1N1.

Once the demand for vaccine for the prioritized groups has been met at the local level, programs and providers should also begin vaccinating everyone from the ages of 25 through 64 years. Current studies indicate that the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. However, once vaccine demand among younger age groups has been met, programs and providers should offer vaccination to people 65 or older.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm

Indian natural herb Tulsi to fight back swine flu

2009-08-13T07:28:00.000-07:00

Ayurveda, the traditional 'science of life', has a remedy for diseases when every other stream of medicine fails. Now, at a time when swine flu is spreading like wildfire across the world, Ayurveda has the remedy in the form of the miraculous herb, the basil leaves commonly known as Tulsi.

Tulsi, the purest and most sublime plant, has been known and worshipped in India for more than five millennia for its remarkable healing properties. Considered as an 'Elixir of Life', this wonder herb has now been claimed to keep the deadly swine flu at bay and help fast recovery in afflicted persons.

"The anti-flu property of Tulsi has been discovered by medical experts across the world quite recently. Tulsi improves the body's overall defence mechanism including its ability to fight viral diseases. It was successfully used in combating Japanese Encephalitis and the same theory applies to swine flu," Dr U K Tiwari, a herbal medicine practitioner says.

Apart from acting as a preventive medicine in case of swine flu, Tulsi can help the patient recover faster.

"Even when a person has already contracted swine flu, Tulsi can help in speeding up the recovery process and also help in strengthening the immune system of the body," he claims.

Dr Bhupesh Patel, a lecturer at Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar is also of the view that Tulsi can play an important role in controlling swine flu.

"Tulsi can control swine flu and it should be taken in fresh form. Juice or paste of at least 20-25 medium sized leaves should be consumed twice a day on an empty stomach." This increases the resistance of the body and, thereby, reduces the chances of inviting swine flu," believes Patel.

As its name suggests, Tulsi has again proved to be the 'the incomparable' medicine - this time, in the prevention and cure of swine flu.

The symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with novel H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. The high risk groups for novel H1N1 flu are not known at this time, but it's possible that they may be the same as for seasonal influenza. However, Please consult a practitioner in case of any such symptoms. Doctors have strictly advised against self medication.

http://in.news.yahoo.com/242/20090812/1512/tls-indian-natural-herb-tulsi-to-fight-b_1.html

Tips To Avoid Swine Flu

2009-08-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

1. Wash your hands frequently

Use the antibacterial soaps to cleanse your hands. Wash them often, at least 15 seconds and rinse with running water.

2. Get enough sleep

Try to get 8 hours of good sleep every night to keep your immune system in top flu-fighting shape.

3. Drink sufficient water

Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water each day to flush toxins from your system and maintain good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses.

4. Boost your immune system

Keeping your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection is important in flu prevention. So stick with whole grains, colorful vegetables, and vitamin-rich fruits.

5. Keep informed

The government is taking necessary steps to prevent the pandemic and periodically release guidelines to keep the pandemic away. Please make sure to keep up to date on the information and act in a calm manner.