Posts Tagged ‘influenza’

H1N1 Fizzle?

Author: Ernie Fitzpatrick

So, have we seen thw worst? has the press once again HYPED a story for their benefit (selling advertising and what newspapers are still viable)? Of will this strain go dormant for a few months and come back stronger than ever next winter which was the case in 1916?

Mexico’s health secretary said the swine flu epidemic in his country “is now in its declining phase,” even as the U.S. and five other countries in Europe and Latin America reported new cases Sunday.

Is the “shelf life” of this story over now?

China quarantined more than 70 Mexican travelers and Hong Kong isolated 350 people in a hotel as a precaution even though no new swine flu infections appeared in Asia. In Egypt, authorities’ attempt to kill all pigs as a precaution against the disease prompted pig owners to clash with police who were helping to seize their animals for slaughter.

Now we’re killing PIGS!

Field investigators at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday it appears the new H1N1 virus outbreak may be more widespread and milder in Mexico than it first appeared.

So far the swine flu virus has behaved like seasonal flu as it has spread to 14 countries, carried mostly by travelers from Mexico.

The World Health Organization says it cannot be stopped, but has no immediate plans to declare a pandemic — a global outbreak of a new and serious disease.

Field investigators at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday it appears the new H1N1 virus outbreak may be more widespread and milder in Mexico than it first appeared.

So far the swine flu virus has behaved like seasonal flu as it has spread to 14 countries, carried mostly by travelers from Mexico. The World Health Organization says it cannot be stopped, but has no immediate plans to declare a pandemic — a global outbreak of a new and serious disease.

Everyone is hoping this flu strain will just fizzle out. Influenza is a promiscuous virus, readily swapping genes with other flu viruses in a person’s or animal’s body. It also mutates constantly. These factors mean it can quickly grow worse or become milder. It could at any time lose its ability to transmit easily from one person to another and join the mix of regular seasonal flu strains.

Soon we will know- the short term answer, until next winter.

About the Author:

As a spiritual-futurist, I have a BA degree majoring in history. One cannot know the future without knowing the past which holds clues to what is on the horizon. The world is in such a rapid expansion of knowledge that we are close to entering a tipping point that will forever change earth as we know it.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – H1N1 Fizzle?

Author: Katt Mollar

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by viruses. There are many different types of flu, from swine flu to the most feared avian flu. This article, however, deals only with the so-called common or seasonal flu. The flu season usually starts in the fall and subsides in late spring. Because of its seasonality, the flu season differs between the Northern and the Southern hemisphere.

On the global scale, flu can affect tens of millions of people and cause 250,000 to 500,000 deaths each year. The United States CDC gives the following statistics. Yearly 5 to 20% of the population get the flu, 200,000 cases are hospitalized due to severe flu complications and 36,000 cases prove to be fatal. Annual healthcare costs approaches US$10 billion

THE FLU is caused by types A, B and C. Each type consists of different subtypes and substrains with A and B being responsible for most epidemics.

(1) Influenza A viruses are of subtypes based on two proteins on the surface of the virus: the hemagglutinin (H) and the neuraminidase (N). The current subtypes of influenza A viruses in humans are A (H1N1) and A (H3N2).

(2) Influenza B viruses do not have subtypes but can be further broken down into different strains.

(3) Influenza C seems to be relatively benign compared to the first two and is not as contagious.

Like many viruses, influenza viruses change with time producing new strains each season. This change occurs by antigenic drift or shift.

(1) Antigenic drift is slow and can lead to new strains after several seasons and is the typical change observed in influenza type B viruses but can also occur in type A.

(2) Antigenic shift happens abruptly and creates a major change that can lead to a new subtype but only occurs in type A.

The influenza viruses attack the epithelial cells lining the respiratory tract starting from the nose, throat, and down to the lungs. They do this by binding using hemagglutinin and neuraminidase proteins on the cells’ surface.

Influenza symptoms may be mild to severe to life-threatening. Symptoms can include high fever, headache, chills, sore muscles, fatigue, dry cough, red, watery eyes, sore throat and runny or stuffy nose. The so-called “tummy flu” symptoms may also occur in children, which include abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The flu symptoms shouldn’t be confused with the ordinary cold, which is another respiratory illness. A cold usually doesn’t cause high fever, muscle pains or stomach symptoms.

The incubation period of the flu can vary from a few days to a week. During this “asymptomatic period”, the infected person is already a carrier of the disease and is therefore highly contagious. The flu can last from a few days to less than two weeks. However, in certain cases, complications can develop which are potentially life-threatening. Some of these complications are bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, and ear infections. Anybody can get the flu but those who are highly susceptible to the flu are young children, the elderly and those with existing chronic health conditions and weakened immune systems.

Flu is very contagious. Direct transmission occurs from person to person via droplets that are released when a person coughs or sneezes. Indirect transmission happens when droplets from an infected person are transferred to inanimate objects, which are then touched by another person.

Flu-like symptoms can also occur with many other diseases. It is therefore sometimes difficult for doctors to diagnose the illness. There are many laboratory tests which can confirm whether a person has the flu or not but they cost money and time and are therefore impractical. However, in times of outbreaks and epidemics, it is important to perform tests. Usually, flu cases are diagnosed based on tests performed in a few individuals within a group. If one or two persons test positive for the flu in a closed environment, then the likelihood of subsequent illnesses within the group as being flu is rather high. Samples for flu testing are usually secretions from the nose and the throat, collected either by sterile swab, nasal wash, or aspiration. There are rapid influenza tests which can give results in 30 minutes. The tests are 70% sensitive in detecting the flu and are prone to false negatives. Another alternative is the more reliable but time consuming viral culture which takes about 3 to 10 days.

Several antiviral pharmacological agents have been approved for the treatment of the flu. Because of the seasonal changes in the types and strains of influenza viruses the recommended anti-flu drugs may change. This season, Tamiflu is the choice for treatment and chemoprophylaxis of persons aged 1 year and older and Relenza is approved for treatment of persons aged 7 years and older. Currently, the CDC discourages the use of previously used anti-flu drugs such as Amantadine and Rimantadine because the current circulating strains of flu viruses are resistant to these drugs.

The ultimate preventive measure against the flu is vaccination. However, again due to the constantly changing nature of the influenza viruses, flu vaccines do not afford 100% and lifetime immunity against the flu. Each season, flu vaccines are updated by adding strains collected and identified from the previous season. Flu vaccines contain different strains of the influenza types A and B but not type C.

Based on the 2005 guidelines of the Federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), annual flu shots are recommended for children aged 6 months to 5 years old and adolescents up to 18 years old. Vaccination is also highly recommended for people in key professions which may expose them to the infection and spread it to others. These include health care professionals and those working and living in closed units such as dormitories. Flu shots are usually given prior to flu season and afford protection for about a year. However, it takes about two weeks before the protection kicks in.

Over the years, several types of flu vaccines have been developed.

(1) The intranasal vaccine is the live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) made from living but weakened flu viruses. LAIV is prescribed for people aged 2 to 49 years old. LAIV should not be given to pregnant women, children under 2 years old, adults above 40 years old, and chronic medical conditions including compromised immune system disorders.

(2) The inactivated vaccine, the common flu shot is made from different strains of killed flu viruses. This vaccine is recommended for children from 6 months to 18 years old as well as those older than 50 years old. In addition, people who are not qualified to receive LAIV (as listed above) are recommended to have this vaccine.

Like all pharmacological agents, flu shots can have some side effects. Most of these side effects are mild. Rare severe side effects, mainly in the form of allergic reactions have been reported.

Some inactivated flu vaccines have contained thimerosal in the past, a form of mercury used as preservatives for vaccines. In recent years, there have been concerns about the link between thimerosal and autism in children. This controversy continues although no ample scientific evidence is available to prove this link.

Perhaps the main shortcoming of the flu shot is its efficacy, which is highly dependent on how well the vaccine is matched to the circulating influenza viruses of that season. For this reason, the efficacy of the vaccine in protecting healthy adults from the flu is only 70 to 90% and even less in children and the elderly.

The Global Influenza Surveillance Network (GISN) was set up in 1952 and currently includes more than 110 laboratories in 83 countries. It has recently set up FluNet, a web-based tool for surveillance, reporting, and alert mechanisms. The European Influenza Surveillance Scheme (EISS) issues a weekly report on influenza activity in 30 countries. It collects data from a network of more than 25,000 sentinel doctors covering a total population of 498 million people in Europe. In the US, the CDC is responsible for national influenza surveillance and is dependent on reports from more than 1500 sentinel doctors.

Google Flu Trends, being the new kid on the block, claims that it can estimate flu activity up “to two weeks faster than traditional flu surveillance systems” and bases its predictions on the number of people searching for flu-related topics. Actually its data compared well with the CDC’s. Google is now working together with the CDC in flu surveillance and their work has been published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature. Google Flu Trends also presents the data in graphs, maps, and animations which are easy to comprehend by the general public.

Don’t forget the CDC’s initiative “Take 3″ Steps To Fight The Flu; take time to get a flu vaccine, take everyday preventive actions and take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them.

And if you are still unlucky and get the flu, stay home from work or school including limiting contact with others, wash your hands often with soap and water and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

About the Author:

The article It’s Flu Season Somewhere – What’s The Scoop may be found in its entirety with references and links on http://HealthWorldNet.com .

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – It’s Flu Season Somewhere – Here’s The Scoop

Swine Flu Facts- Everything You Need To Know!

Author: Roxanne Gordimer

Due to the rising interests and questions being posted to around the web I thought it might be helpful for some of you out there to gather some information on the facts about the swine flu outbreak.

1. The swine flu influenza transmission use to jump from pig to pig and only in rare cases transmit to humans. The origins of it might be that humans first transmitted the influenza virus to pigs before they developed their own. The influenza season brings a mix of influenza viruses resulting in the increased risk of transmission and infection from pig to humans, causing cross-species transmission. Known swine flu viruses are the H1N1 subtype as well as less popular subtypes like H1N2, H3N1 or H3N2. Therefore a pig can be infected by more than one virus type at the same time.

Infection Risk

Human-to –human infection was once limited to a close group of people, before the Mexico incidents on April 2009. Prior to that swine influenza was transmitted from infected pigs that had direct contact to human, mostly their owners.

Safety Consumption of Pork?

It is indeed still safe eating pork food. So far no documentation is available indicating a link between safely prepared pork food and human swine flu infection. The swine flu influenza virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 70 degrees C or 160 F.

Any Vaccine Protection Against The Swine Flu Virus?

Up to now (End of April 2009) there are no vaccines known protecting human from this influenza virus illness. Usually each year they is an influenza protection vaccine being issued, however it is unclear if this influence protection does work on the swine flu virus. Please, do not take chances visit your health professional in any case of feeling typical symptoms of influenza infection.

Furthermore, it is recorded that previous swine flu infections have successfully been cured without any additional treatment, requiring no medical treatment at all.

The influenza virus is widespread and is a seasonal outbreak. In some cases it has developed resistance towards antiviral medication and therefore reducing the effectiveness of treatment.

So far in Mexico or the United States the health officials have recommended the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for treatment. But again, make an informed decision by visiting your local health centre or professional in case of observed symptoms on yourself or somebody you suspect within your social network.

What Are Typical Symptoms of Swine Flu Infection?

Acute respiratory tract infections of any kind well known throughout the influenza season could be an indication for swine flu infection. Even mild symptoms should be taken seriously, especially by children, aged people, pregnant or any physical weakened individuals like patients or people in some kind of medication program. Please seek your next nearest health information spot be it your doctor or any qualified.

How To Reduce The Risk Of Infection?

Please avoid the direct contact to pigs if possible. Should you be a pig farmer or dealer make sure the pigs you are around on a regular basis are checked by a veterinary and are labelled swine flu free. Clean your hands with soap every time after you were in contact with pigs.

Usually people like pig farmers are the ones who get infected as there are in a regular contact with them. Especially during slaughter is the exposure high. Please avoid sick animals and do not slaughter them on your own, but report them immediately to your local health authorities. This way you may avoid worse. The next best thing to do is to follow local and national news, especially from credible news sources like governmental health departments or respected NGO`s.

Furthermore, avoid people who seem to have catch flu, with fever symptoms or cough frequently.

Eat healthy food and drink 100 % fruits based liquids or just clean water. Avoid uncooked meat, especially pig, cooked as stated above should be ok. Just practice recommended health habits like physical fitness as much as possible. Together you reduce the risk of being infected and when infected you reduce the risk of illness or further deterioration.

Should someone in your family be infected make sure you take that person asap to the next clinic or doctor for advice and treatment. In case it’s not immediately possible keep that person at least 1 meter away from others, best into a separate room. Be there for the person, so he or she doesn’t feel abandoned which can lead to worsening situation.

Improve the airflow in where the infected person is. Use door or window for the breeze.

Keep the area clean from dirt or any open cans, dustbins etc. Do not forget to wash your hands properly each time after contact with the infected person. COVER MOUTH AND NOSE permanently with professional masks from your local authority or pharmacy and the like. They must be clean and unused.

Please note the information above was assembled from various credible sources, especially the World Health Organisation, a United Nations public health arm. However, in no case can it be regarded as sufficient or advisory for any action taken by you in case regarding the topic discussed here. It is for your basic information and education only, you are therefore, solely responsible for any action resulting from reading this. Only your local or national health authorities can advice you how to proper deal with infection and related, make sure you seek only expert advice and not just general basic information gathered from around the web like this one above. Healthy day, your activagers.com team!

About the Author:

Roxanne Gordimer is a travel, health and lifestyle expert working
for companies such as activagers.com and other social networks.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Swine Flu Facts- Everything You Need To Know!

Author: Jo Mark

The Swine flu originated in pigs. Prior to 2009, the virus only affected those who worked in close contact with pigs. However, this changed in 2009. At that time the swine flu virus mutated into a new strain that is easily transmitted from person to person.

You can only catch a specific strain of influenza once. After you have had the disease, your body creates antibodies against it and makes you immune to the disease. When a virus mutates into a new strain like the swine flu, a worldwide flu pandemic is possible because people have not built up any immunity to this new mutated strain.

The swine flu symptoms are the same as any other type of flu. Fever, cough, body aches and soreness, sore throat, headaches, fatigue, runny nose and chills are the most common symptoms. Nausea and diarrhea have also been some symptoms in certain victims. An unusually large percentage of otherwise healthy young people were killed by the disease in Mexico. This makes the swine flu a very serious matter, it is not something you should ignore.

This strain of influenza is transmitted from person to person much like any other flu. The virus is disbursed through the air by the coughing, sneezing, and breathing of infected individuals. You can also get it by handling objects that were touched by infected flu carriers.

When you go out in public, one of the most effective ways to protect yourself against swine flu is to wear a flu mask. Most flu masks worn by people are worthless. These cheap masks are much to porous to filter out minute viruses. Effective flu masks is rated N 95 or better. If you use public transportation, flu masks can be an important piece of safety equipment to protect you if you are concerned about the safety of your family.

If you are concerned about the swine flu and the safety of your family, download my guide on How To Reduce Your Risk Of Swine Flu Infection By 98%. Download the complete system atPreventing Swine Flu!

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Which Flu Masks are Best in Preventing Swine Flu

Author: Krissy Dyes

By now almost everyone has heard the news about the spread of Swine Flu. Parents are still wondering if it will reach the school their child attends. In some areas, there is a sense of worry bordering on panic.

In a field that helps people become home business entrepreneurs, there is opportunity to talk with many people in a wide range of careers. Up until today, you may have thought that the current economy was the major factor affecting income earned. It turns out that Swine Flu can also impact daily business. During a coaching session with a customer, I learned she is concerned her events business may suffer.

In a situation where business has slowed due to the economy, her local city government may cancel all local events where there will be large gatherings of people. An events coordinator develops and coordinates events like weddings, parties, community gatherings, city meetings and ceremonies. When a virus such as Swine Flu comes along, it could be spread easily at events such as these. Other businesses, campuses, factories and places where disease could be transferred easily might experience these types of shut downs.

During these times it is important to remember you can control what you and your family do to help prevent the spread of disease and germs. There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

The Center for Disease Control recommends some basics:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Avoid close contact with sick people.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person to person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Staying home is not an option for some people and it can be risking their job if they do not go into work. Many people do not realize that everyone has the choice of working from home at some point. Some have to work towards that goal and be employed outside the home while building their own independent source of income at home in the evenings. Most agree it is a sacrifice well worth it when they achieve their goal of being at home full time.

As a home business coach and trainer, I work with a large amount of moms who either already stay home and earn income or whom are working towards the goal of replacing their outside income so they can stay home. My primary objective is to coach and work alongside these women helping them to achieve these goals so they can live a better life with their families. In my work, I have seen that both the stay at home mom and the work outside the home mom have much common ground. They want the best life they can give their children. Overall, both groups of moms have the same concerns about their kid’s overall wellbeing in child care settings like daycare, the child care at the gym or Sunday school class. I enjoy working with these mothers to help them find solutions and bring them closer to their goals of being financially independent from the comfort of their own home.

*You may reprint this article in newsletters, ezines, websites, etc. if you include the author’s information below.

*You may reprint this article in newsletters, ezines, websites, etc. if you include the author’s information below.

About the Author:

Krissy Dyes is the cofounder/owner of the successful online community of FourPointGroup http://www.FourPointInfo.com With no experience in entrepreneurship, she got her start in the wake of 9/11. As a stay at home mom, she wanted something that would allow her to stay home, not keep inventory, or do heavy selling. Partnering up with a group of women with similar interests, she built a highly successful business helping people generate a side stream or replacement income using the Internet. She specializes in helping moms become owners of their own businesses at home without a huge startup. She is an experienced author, coach, mentor, public speaker and trainer. You can reach her for more information by visiting her website.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Swine Flu Impacts More than Your Health