1. Flu Vaccines Are Approved and Urged for Most - New York Times -

   89.3 KPCC

   Flu Vaccines Are Approved and Urged for Most New York Times Last year's notorious virus, the pandemic A(H1N1) swine flu, has now become just one of the usual suspects included in a killed or weakened form in the ... Targeted flu strains selected for seasonal flu vaccinesKWCH Hospitals 'coping well' with swine flu casesRadio New Zealand New Swine Flu Vaccination Drive PlannedYLE News BusinessWeek -msnbc.com -Reuters all 168 news articles »

2. Fifth death in week due to swine flu - Times of India -

   Fifth death in week due to swine flu Times of India SURAT: Nital Shankar Patel, 27, died of swine flu at Apple Hospital here on Saturday. With this, the virus has claimed at least five lives in a week's time ... and more »

3. Two more swine flu cases in Bengal - Hindustan Times -

   TopNews Arab Emirates

   Two more swine flu cases in Bengal Hindustan Times Two more people tested positive for swine flu in West Bengal on Friday, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 93 this year, ... Swine Flu Detection Kit Developed by India NowAll India Today Swine flu victim fights for lifeABC Online One more swine flu death in KolkataThe Hindu Tasmania Mercury -Sify -Times of India all 226 news articles »

4. Swine Flu Returns in New Zealand - TopNews United States -

   News Views (blog)

   Swine Flu Returns in New Zealand TopNews United States Till now, nearly 1900 people have reported swine flu like symptoms in New Zealand. The Emergency Department in the country is trying its best to deal with ... Swine flu at Kolkata- Death toll rises to three during JulyHealth(Y) Destination (blog) Return of swine flu places strain on hospitalsNew Zealand Herald More swine flu casesHindustan Times TVNZ -Stuff.co.nz -Sify all 27 news articles »

5. Swine flu claims one more in Mumbai - Daily News & Analysis -

   Newstalk ZB

   Swine flu claims one more in Mumbai Daily News & Analysis Place: Mumbai | Agency: PTI A 51-year-old woman succumbed to swine flu taking the death toll due to H1N1 influenza to ten this month. ... School hit hard by swine fluNew Zealand Herald Swine flu hits schoolStuff.co.nz all 10 news articles »

6. Govt docs refuse free vaccines even as swine flu returns - Times of India -

   Govt docs refuse free vaccines even as swine flu returns Times of India As regards the outbreak, the health authorities claim they are better prepared to handle the swine flu with vaccines as well as medicines available in ... and more »

7. Swine flu and snow hit airports - BBC News -

   Swine flu and snow hit airports BBC News Swine flu, the recession and a bad winter have been identified as among the factors behind a fall in passengers using Highlands and Islands airports. ... and more »

8. Second wave of swine flu hits Pune - The Hindu -

   TheMedGuru

   Second wave of swine flu hits Pune The Hindu Swine flu seems to be returning and has claimed eight lives here this month. Despite newspaper reports that the National Institute of Virology (NIV) has ... '2nd wave of swine flu has arrived'Times of India H1N1: state plans expert centre at Sassoon HospitalIndian Express Most H1N1 victims in high risk categoryTheMedGuru Times of India -Times of India all 8 news articles »

9. One more swine flu death in Surat - Times of India -

   One more swine flu death in Surat Times of India Meanwhile, nine more suspected swine flu cases were reported on Friday from various hospitals in the city. Of these three were from New Civil Hospital, ... and more »

10. Health insurer 2Q profits rise as flu threat fades - The Associated Press -

    Health insurer 2Q profits rise as flu threat fades The Associated Press INDIANAPOLIS — Last fall's swine flu scare has helped health insurer profits in this year's second quarter by preventing expensive medical claims and ... and more »

Swine Flu Virus Pandemic

1. Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 111 - As of 25 July 2010, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18398 deaths. (Source: WHO Swine Flu)

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2. Study Finds Respiratory Symptoms More Reliable Indicator Of H1N1, Not Fever Alone - New research shows that individuals with mild H1N1 infection may go undetected using standard diagnostic criteria, according to a study in the August issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, the official publication of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, (APIC). The study concludes that coughing or other respiratory symptoms are more accurate in determining influenza infection than presence of a fever. Currently, public health officials rely on body temperature (detecting fever) to screen individuals for potential infection with H1N1... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
3. MMWR: Regional Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccination Campaign -- Skokie, Illinois, October 16--December 31, 2009 - Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)July 30, 2010 / 59(29);909-913 (Source: CDC Swine Flu Updates)
4. Swine Flu Pandemic Hit Children the Hardest - The H1N1 flu strain that sparked the first influenza pandemic in four decades has caused the majority of flu cases so far in the 2009-2010 season, the CDC says. (Source: WebMD Health)
5. Level of Concern and Precaution Taking Among Australians Regarding Travel During Pandemic (H1N1) 2009: Results From the 2009 Queensland Social Survey - Conclusions. Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 was of some concern to more than half of Queensland travelers. None-the-less, the majority of Queenslanders would not have postponed their own travel, even if they exhibited symptoms consistent with Pandemic (H1N1) 2009. (Source: Journal of Travel Medicine)
6. Rapid Detection of Reassortment of Pandemic H1N1/2009 Influenza Virus [Brief Communications] - CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that these assays can detect reintroductions of pandemic H1N1/2009 virus in pigs. These assays might be useful screening tools for identifying viral reassortants derived from pandemic H1N1/2009 or its precursors. (Source: Clinical Chemistry)

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7. Swine flu had serious effects in solid organ transplant recipients - Source: Lancet Infectious Diseases Area: News An observational study of solid organ transplant recipients found that infection with pandemic influenza A H1N1 ('swine flu') was associated with significant morbidity: early treatment with antiviral therapy reduced the risk of ITU admission and need for ventilation.   Solid organ transplant recipients are considered to be at higher risk of complications of flu, and this study aimed to characterise outcomes in a cohort of such patients during the swine flu pandemic. Data on patients from 26 North American transplant centres were used to determine the demographics, presentation, treatment and outcomes for adults and children with transplanted solid organs and confirmed swine flu infection.   Data were available on 237 patients...
8. UPDATE: 2009 H1N1 Flu International Situation Update - This report provides an update to the international flu situation using data collected through July 18, 2010, and reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) on July 23. (Source: CDC Swine Flu Updates)
9. FDA Clears Prodesse's ProFAST™+ Assay To Identify Three Strains Of Influenza A, Including 2009 H1N1 - Gen-Probe Incorporated (Nasdaq: GPRO) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared for marketing Prodesse's ProFAST™+ assay, making it the only FDA-cleared molecular diagnostic test to simultaneously detect and differentiate three common influenza A virus subtypes seasonal A/H1, seasonal A/H3, and 2009 H1N1. "FDA clearance of our ProFAST+ assay is important for public health, as the test enables physicians to accurately differentiate among influenza A subtypes that have different antiviral susceptibilities," said Carl Hull, Gen-Probe's president and CEO... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
10. Health watchdogs 'are to be axed' - The Health Protection Agency that handles public health emergencies such as swine flu is to be axed under reforms, the government confirms. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)
11. Diabetes risk factor for swine flu hospitalization - Results from an influenza surveillance project in Canada show that patients with diabetes who become infected with the pandemic influenza A virus are at significantly greater risk for hospitalization and intensive care unit admission than those without diabetes. (Source: MedWire News - Respiratory)

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12. NHS HTA - themed issue on pandemic flu - Source: Health Technology Assessment Area: Evidence > Disease Focused Reviews A NHS HTA report discusses a number of issues on the management of pandemic flu based on assessment of the recent H1N1 ('swine flu') pandemic. Issues examined are: . needs, concerns and behaviours of people with existing respiratory conditions . influenza A/H1N1v in pregnancy . the impact of communications about swine flu on public responses to the outbreak . the impact of illness and of school closure on social contact patterns . vaccine effectiveness; and . a Cochrane review of physical  interventions to to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.   The full text of the report is available online. (Source: NeLM - Disease Focused Reviews)
13. Pandemic 2009 (A)H1N1 influenza (swine flu) - the Manitoba experience. - Authors: Embree J The pattern of illness associated with the first wave of the pandemic influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) in the spring and early summer of 2009 in regions of the province of Manitoba in Canada was more severe, on a population basis, than any other northern hemisphere jurisdiction outside of Mexico City. Manitoba accounted for 50% of intensive care admissions and 25% of pediatric admissions, but only 6.5% of deaths, attributable to the virus in Canada during the first wave. Activation and use of emergency response protocols embedded within the routine health authority management system and good communication between the diagnostic laboratory, public health, and health care practitioners was effective in coping with the sudden need for hospitalization of large numbers of chil...
14. NEW: QUESTIONS & ANSWERS - About the Central Vaccine Recovery Program - This Q&A document provides information for providers who signed a Provider Agreement to administer 2009 H1N1 about the Central Vaccine Recovery Program regarding the recovery of unused and expired 2009 H1N1 vaccine. (Source: CDC Swine Flu Updates)
15. Acute myelopathy associated with H1N1 virus infection - Abstract  The swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus caused a pandemic infection in June 2009. The incidence of neurological complications due to H1N1 virus infection is unknown. Two cases of cervical acute myelopathy associated with H1N1 virus infection are reported. Both patients (male 29 years and female 24 years) suffered moderate to severe sensory and motor symptoms, but recovered completely within a few weeks. Acute myelopathy is a rare complication of H1N1 infection, but appears to be of similar course and prognosis as myelopathy associated with conventional viral infection. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original CommunicationDOI 10.1007/s00415-010-5676-3Authors Dennis A. Nowak, Klinik Kipfenberg Neurologische Fachklinik Kindinger Strasse 13 8511...

Syndicated from http://www.www.pandemicflu.gov – Swine Flu Virus Pandemic.

1. FDA Approves Vaccines for the 2010-2011 Influenza Season - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today that it has approved vaccines for the 2010-2011 influenza season in the United States.
2. Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2010 - This report updates the 2009 recommendations by CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) regarding the use of influenza vaccine for the prevention and control of influenza.
3. NIAID Grantees Use New Skin Patches to Deliver Flu Vaccine in Mice - For many years, researchers have been working to find a way to deliver flu vaccine – whose components are much larger than those of nicotine and hormones – using a transdermal (across the skin) patch.
4. NIH Scientists Advance Universal Flu Vaccine - A universal influenza vaccine - so-called because it could potentially provide protection from all flu strains for decades - may become a reality because of research led by scientists from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health.
5. H1N1 Influenza Public Health Emergency Determination to Expire on June 23 - H1N1 Influenza Public Health Emergency Determination to Expire on June 23
6. Advance Notice for Termination of the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of Medical Products and Devices - Per the FDA-issued advance notice letters listed below, the declaration of Public Health Emergency determination for 2009 H1N1 Influenza expires on June 23, 2010.
7. New CDC Test to Detect Human Infections with the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus Authorized for Use by FDA - A test developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to diagnose human infections with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (formerly known as swine flu or pandemic H1N1 flu) was authorized for use today by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
8. WHO Updates International H1N1 Flu Situation - As of 13 June, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18172 deaths.
9. FDA Warns About Fraudulent Tamiflu - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today warned consumers about a potentially harmful product represented as Generic Tamiflu sold over the Internet. FDA tests revealed that the fraudulent product does not contain Tamiflu’s active ingredient, oseltamivir, but cloxacillin, an ingredient in the same class of antibiotics as penicillin.
10. CDC issues 2009 H1N1 Pandemic: Summary Highlights, April 2009-April 2010 - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention document that summarizes key events of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic and CDC's response activities.
11. NIH-Funded Scientists Find 2009 H1N1 Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Protects Mice from 1918 Influenza Virus - Mice injected with a 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza vaccine and then exposed to high levels of the virus responsible for the 1918 influenza pandemic do not get sick or die, report scientists funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health.
12. WHO Director-General Statement on Continuation of Pandemic Disease - A global update was provided to the Committee on the pandemic situation, including a particular focus on developments in Africa and the Southern Hemisphere.
13. Preliminary Results: Surveillance for Guillain-Barre Syndrome After Receipt of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine --- United States, 2009--2010 - Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an uncommon peripheral neuropathy causing paralysis and in severe cases respiratory failure and death.

Syndicated from http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ – Swine Flu Virus Pandemic.

1. MMWR: Regional Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccination Campaign -- Skokie, Illinois, October 16--December 31, 2009 - Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)July 30, 2010 / 59(29);909-913
2. UPDATE: 2009 H1N1 Flu International Situation Update - This report provides an update to the international flu situation using data collected through July 18, 2010, and reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) on July 23.
3. NEW: QUESTIONS & ANSWERS - About the Central Vaccine Recovery Program - This Q&A document provides information for providers who signed a Provider Agreement to administer 2009 H1N1 about the Central Vaccine Recovery Program regarding the recovery of unused and expired 2009 H1N1 vaccine.
4. UPDATE: 2009 H1N1 Flu International Situation Update - This report provides an update to the international flu situation using data collected through June 27, 2010, and reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) on July 2.
5. UPDATE: 2009 H1N1 Flu International Situation Update - This report provides an update to the international flu situation using data collected through June 20, 2010, and reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) on June 25.
6. NEW: Advance Notice of Termination of Emergency Use Authorization - The FDA-issued Emergency Use Authorization of certain medical products allowed for use to diagnose, prevent and treat 2009 H1N1 influenza virus will terminate on June 23, 2010.
7. New CDC test to detect human infections with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus authorized for use by FDA - This document announces a new influenza diagnostic test developed by CDC that was FDA authorized today for use in detecting human infections with the 2009 H1N1 virus.
8. NEW: Questions and Answers about Updating Guidance on Infection Control Measures for Influenza in Healthcare Settings - Proposed updated guidance for seasonal influenza and the Interim Guidance on Infection Control Measures for 2009 H1N1 Influenza in Healthcare Settings, Including Protection of Healthcare Personnel has been published in the Federal Register, along with a Request for Comments. The comment period began on June 22, and will end on July 22. All comments received during the comment period will be considered, following which final guidance will posted on the CDC web site.
9. Questions and Answers: Average and Median Ages of 2009 H1N1-Related Deaths in the United States, Spring and Fall 2009 - This document provides information about the average and median ages of 2009 H1N1-related deaths that occurred in the United States in the spring and fall of 2009.
10. NEW: The 2009 H1N1 Pandemic: Summary Highlights of CDC's Response, April 2009-April 2010 - This document summarizes key events of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic and CDC's response activities for historical purposes.
11. MMWR: Deaths and Hospitalizations Related to 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) --- Greece, May 2009--February 2010 - Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) June 11, 2010 / 59(22);682-686
12. MMWR: Preliminary Results: Surveillance for Guillain-Barré Syndrome After Receipt of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine - United States, 2009-2010 - Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) June 2, 2010 / 59(Early Release);1-5
13. UPDATE: 2009 H1N1 Flu International Situation Update - This report provides an update to the international situation as of May 28, 2010. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to report updated 2009 H1N1 flu-associated laboratory-confirmed cases and deaths on its Web page.
14. UPDATE: Rabies: Haiti Pre-decision Brief for Public Health Action - Rabies: Haiti Pre-decision Brief for Public Health Action
15. UPDATE: Weekly FluView Map and Surveillance Report for Week Ending May 22, 2010 - This is the final report of the 2009-2010 season. During week 20 ( May 16-22, 2010), influenza activity decreased in the U.S. Two (0.2%) specimens tested by U.S. World Health Organization (WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) collaborating laboratories and reported to CDC/Influenza Division were positive for influenza.

WHO – World Health Organization

Syndicated from http://www.who.int – Swine Flu Virus Pandemic.

1. Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 111 - As of 25 July 2010, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18398 deaths.
2. Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 110 - As of 18 July 2010, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18366 deaths.
3. Monitoring patterns and levels of worldwide activity - As part of regular monitoring of H1N1 pandemic influenza, the WHO is in close dialogue with public health experts in countries worldwide, specifically to determine whether H1N1 activity has returned to levels and patterns normally seen for seasonal flu.
4. Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 109 - As of 12 July, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18337deaths.
5. Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 108 - As of 4 July, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18311 deaths.
6. Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 107 - As of 27 June, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18239 deaths.
7. Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 106 - As of 20 June, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18209 deaths.
8. Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 105 - As of 13 June, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18172 deaths.
9. Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 104 - As of 6 June, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18156 deaths.
10. The international response to the influenza pandemic: WHO responds to the critics - On Friday 4 June 2010, the BMJ, formerly British Medical Journal, and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) simultaneously released reports critical of the World Health Organization's handling of the H1N1 pandemic. WHO takes the issues and concerns that were raised seriously and wishes to set the record straight on several points.

1. Flu Vaccines Are Approved and Urged for Most - New York Times -

   89.3 KPCC

   Flu Vaccines Are Approved and Urged for Most New York Times Last year's notorious virus, the pandemic A(H1N1) swine flu, has now become just one of the usual suspects included in a killed or weakened form in the ... Targeted flu strains selected for seasonal flu vaccinesKWCH Hospitals 'coping well' with swine flu casesRadio New Zealand New Swine Flu Vaccination Drive PlannedYLE News BusinessWeek -msnbc.com -Reuters all 168 news articles »

2. Fifth death in week due to swine flu - Times of India -

   Fifth death in week due to swine flu Times of India SURAT: Nital Shankar Patel, 27, died of swine flu at Apple Hospital here on Saturday. With this, the virus has claimed at least five lives in a week's time ... and more »

3. Two more swine flu cases in Bengal - Hindustan Times -

   TopNews Arab Emirates

   Two more swine flu cases in Bengal Hindustan Times Two more people tested positive for swine flu in West Bengal on Friday, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 93 this year, ... Swine Flu Detection Kit Developed by India NowAll India Today Swine flu victim fights for lifeABC Online One more swine flu death in KolkataThe Hindu Tasmania Mercury -Sify -Times of India all 226 news articles »

4. Swine Flu Returns in New Zealand - TopNews United States -

   News Views (blog)

   Swine Flu Returns in New Zealand TopNews United States Till now, nearly 1900 people have reported swine flu like symptoms in New Zealand. The Emergency Department in the country is trying its best to deal with ... Swine flu at Kolkata- Death toll rises to three during JulyHealth(Y) Destination (blog) Return of swine flu places strain on hospitalsNew Zealand Herald More swine flu casesHindustan Times TVNZ -Stuff.co.nz -Sify all 27 news articles »

5. Swine flu claims one more in Mumbai - Daily News & Analysis -

   Newstalk ZB

   Swine flu claims one more in Mumbai Daily News & Analysis Place: Mumbai | Agency: PTI A 51-year-old woman succumbed to swine flu taking the death toll due to H1N1 influenza to ten this month. ... School hit hard by swine fluNew Zealand Herald Swine flu hits schoolStuff.co.nz all 10 news articles »

6. Govt docs refuse free vaccines even as swine flu returns - Times of India -

   Govt docs refuse free vaccines even as swine flu returns Times of India As regards the outbreak, the health authorities claim they are better prepared to handle the swine flu with vaccines as well as medicines available in ... and more »

7. Swine flu and snow hit airports - BBC News -

   Swine flu and snow hit airports BBC News Swine flu, the recession and a bad winter have been identified as among the factors behind a fall in passengers using Highlands and Islands airports. ... and more »

8. Second wave of swine flu hits Pune - The Hindu -

   TheMedGuru

   Second wave of swine flu hits Pune The Hindu Swine flu seems to be returning and has claimed eight lives here this month. Despite newspaper reports that the National Institute of Virology (NIV) has ... '2nd wave of swine flu has arrived'Times of India H1N1: state plans expert centre at Sassoon HospitalIndian Express Most H1N1 victims in high risk categoryTheMedGuru Times of India -Times of India all 8 news articles »

9. One more swine flu death in Surat - Times of India -

   One more swine flu death in Surat Times of India Meanwhile, nine more suspected swine flu cases were reported on Friday from various hospitals in the city. Of these three were from New Civil Hospital, ... and more »

10. Health insurer 2Q profits rise as flu threat fades - The Associated Press -

    Health insurer 2Q profits rise as flu threat fades The Associated Press INDIANAPOLIS — Last fall's swine flu scare has helped health insurer profits in this year's second quarter by preventing expensive medical claims and ... and more »

Swine Flu Virus Pandemic

1. Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 111 - As of 25 July 2010, worldwide more than 214 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including over 18398 deaths. (Source: WHO Swine Flu)

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2. Study Finds Respiratory Symptoms More Reliable Indicator Of H1N1, Not Fever Alone - New research shows that individuals with mild H1N1 infection may go undetected using standard diagnostic criteria, according to a study in the August issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, the official publication of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, (APIC). The study concludes that coughing or other respiratory symptoms are more accurate in determining influenza infection than presence of a fever. Currently, public health officials rely on body temperature (detecting fever) to screen individuals for potential infection with H1N1... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
3. MMWR: Regional Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccination Campaign -- Skokie, Illinois, October 16--December 31, 2009 - Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)July 30, 2010 / 59(29);909-913 (Source: CDC Swine Flu Updates)
4. Swine Flu Pandemic Hit Children the Hardest - The H1N1 flu strain that sparked the first influenza pandemic in four decades has caused the majority of flu cases so far in the 2009-2010 season, the CDC says. (Source: WebMD Health)
5. Level of Concern and Precaution Taking Among Australians Regarding Travel During Pandemic (H1N1) 2009: Results From the 2009 Queensland Social Survey - Conclusions. Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 was of some concern to more than half of Queensland travelers. None-the-less, the majority of Queenslanders would not have postponed their own travel, even if they exhibited symptoms consistent with Pandemic (H1N1) 2009. (Source: Journal of Travel Medicine)
6. Rapid Detection of Reassortment of Pandemic H1N1/2009 Influenza Virus [Brief Communications] - CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that these assays can detect reintroductions of pandemic H1N1/2009 virus in pigs. These assays might be useful screening tools for identifying viral reassortants derived from pandemic H1N1/2009 or its precursors. (Source: Clinical Chemistry)

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7. Swine flu had serious effects in solid organ transplant recipients - Source: Lancet Infectious Diseases Area: News An observational study of solid organ transplant recipients found that infection with pandemic influenza A H1N1 ('swine flu') was associated with significant morbidity: early treatment with antiviral therapy reduced the risk of ITU admission and need for ventilation.   Solid organ transplant recipients are considered to be at higher risk of complications of flu, and this study aimed to characterise outcomes in a cohort of such patients during the swine flu pandemic. Data on patients from 26 North American transplant centres were used to determine the demographics, presentation, treatment and outcomes for adults and children with transplanted solid organs and confirmed swine flu infection.   Data were available on 237 patients...
8. UPDATE: 2009 H1N1 Flu International Situation Update - This report provides an update to the international flu situation using data collected through July 18, 2010, and reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) on July 23. (Source: CDC Swine Flu Updates)
9. FDA Clears Prodesse's ProFAST™+ Assay To Identify Three Strains Of Influenza A, Including 2009 H1N1 - Gen-Probe Incorporated (Nasdaq: GPRO) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared for marketing Prodesse's ProFAST™+ assay, making it the only FDA-cleared molecular diagnostic test to simultaneously detect and differentiate three common influenza A virus subtypes seasonal A/H1, seasonal A/H3, and 2009 H1N1. "FDA clearance of our ProFAST+ assay is important for public health, as the test enables physicians to accurately differentiate among influenza A subtypes that have different antiviral susceptibilities," said Carl Hull, Gen-Probe's president and CEO... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
10. Health watchdogs 'are to be axed' - The Health Protection Agency that handles public health emergencies such as swine flu is to be axed under reforms, the government confirms. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)
11. Diabetes risk factor for swine flu hospitalization - Results from an influenza surveillance project in Canada show that patients with diabetes who become infected with the pandemic influenza A virus are at significantly greater risk for hospitalization and intensive care unit admission than those without diabetes. (Source: MedWire News - Respiratory)

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12. NHS HTA - themed issue on pandemic flu - Source: Health Technology Assessment Area: Evidence > Disease Focused Reviews A NHS HTA report discusses a number of issues on the management of pandemic flu based on assessment of the recent H1N1 ('swine flu') pandemic. Issues examined are: . needs, concerns and behaviours of people with existing respiratory conditions . influenza A/H1N1v in pregnancy . the impact of communications about swine flu on public responses to the outbreak . the impact of illness and of school closure on social contact patterns . vaccine effectiveness; and . a Cochrane review of physical  interventions to to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.   The full text of the report is available online. (Source: NeLM - Disease Focused Reviews)
13. Pandemic 2009 (A)H1N1 influenza (swine flu) - the Manitoba experience. - Authors: Embree J The pattern of illness associated with the first wave of the pandemic influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) in the spring and early summer of 2009 in regions of the province of Manitoba in Canada was more severe, on a population basis, than any other northern hemisphere jurisdiction outside of Mexico City. Manitoba accounted for 50% of intensive care admissions and 25% of pediatric admissions, but only 6.5% of deaths, attributable to the virus in Canada during the first wave. Activation and use of emergency response protocols embedded within the routine health authority management system and good communication between the diagnostic laboratory, public health, and health care practitioners was effective in coping with the sudden need for hospitalization of large numbers of chil...
14. NEW: QUESTIONS & ANSWERS - About the Central Vaccine Recovery Program - This Q&A document provides information for providers who signed a Provider Agreement to administer 2009 H1N1 about the Central Vaccine Recovery Program regarding the recovery of unused and expired 2009 H1N1 vaccine. (Source: CDC Swine Flu Updates)
15. Acute myelopathy associated with H1N1 virus infection - Abstract  The swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus caused a pandemic infection in June 2009. The incidence of neurological complications due to H1N1 virus infection is unknown. Two cases of cervical acute myelopathy associated with H1N1 virus infection are reported. Both patients (male 29 years and female 24 years) suffered moderate to severe sensory and motor symptoms, but recovered completely within a few weeks. Acute myelopathy is a rare complication of H1N1 infection, but appears to be of similar course and prognosis as myelopathy associated with conventional viral infection. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original CommunicationDOI 10.1007/s00415-010-5676-3Authors Dennis A. Nowak, Klinik Kipfenberg Neurologische Fachklinik Kindinger Strasse 13 8511...

source

29 April 2009 — The situation continues to evolve rapidly. As of 18:00 GMT, 29 April 2009, nine countries have officially reported 148 cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection. The United States Government has reported 91 laboratory confirmed human cases, with one death. Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection including seven deaths.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths – Austria (1), Canada (13), Germany (3), Israel (2), New Zealand (3), Spain (4) and the United Kingdom (5).

Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.

There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

(CNN) — Seventy-three cases of swine flu have been confirmed worldwide, the World Health Organization said Monday.

Forty of those cases are in the United States, 26 in Mexico, six in Canada and one in Spain, a WHO representative said.

Later Monday, health officials in Scotland said two cases of swine flu had been confirmed there.

Hundreds more cases are suspected, especially in Mexico, where as many as 103 deaths are thought to have been caused by the virus, the country’s health minister said. More than 2,000 cases have been reported but not confirmed in the country.

Federal officials confirmed 20 new U.S. cases on Monday.

A federal official said they were at the same school in New York in which eight U.S. cases were confirmed earlier. More than 100 students at the school were out with flu-like symptoms last week.

The outbreak is a particular concern because of who it is hitting hard, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Monday.

“We are concerned that in Mexico, most of those who died were young and healthy adults,” he said.

California Department of Public Health confirms a seventh case of swine flu in the state — and it’s the third in Imperial County.

A 35 year old woman was hospitalized April 4, she recovered and was later released.

At least two cases of the human swine influenza were also confirmed in Kansas Saturday, bringing the U.S. total to 12.

At least eight more are suspected in students at a New York City high school, but health officials say they don’t know whether they have the same virus that has killed scores of people in Mexico.

A strain of the flu has killed as many as 68 people and sickened more than 1,000 across Mexico. The World Health Organization chief says the strain has “pandemic potential” and it may be too late to contain a sudden outbreak.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta says besides the two confirmed cases in Kansas, there are nine in California and Texas.

To date, four cases of swine flu have been reported in San Diego County.

• A 7-year-old male (Friday)
• A 54-year-old male and his 16-year-old daughter (Thursday)
• A 10-year-old male (Tuesday)

All have recovered. Officials say none were exposed to pigs, which is the typical way swine flu is transmitted.

“We have heightened our surveillance and put area healthcare providers on alert. This will most likely generate additional cases of human infection with swine influenza,” Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer said Saturday.

The public is being advised to follow typical precautions, as they should during a regular flu season.

“If you are sick, do not go to work, school or travel. Cover your mouth when coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose, and wash your hands frequently,” Wooten said.

In Mexico, authorities have closed schools, museums, libraries and theaters in the capital to try to contain an outbreak that has spurred concerns of a global flu epidemic.

A hot line fielded 2,366 calls in its first hours from frightened city residents who suspected they might have the disease. Soldiers and health workers handed out masks at subway stops, and hospitals dealt with crowds of people seeking help.

This virus is a mix of human, pig and bird strains that prompted WHO to meet Saturday to consider declaring an international public health emergency — a step that could lead to travel advisories, trade restrictions and border closures. Spokesman Gregory Hartl said a decision would not be made Saturday.

The CDC and Canadian health officials were studying samples sent from Mexico, and airports around the world were screening passengers from Mexico for symptoms of the new flu strain, saying they may quarantine passengers.

But CDC officials dismissed the idea of trying that in the United States, and some experts said it’s too late to try to contain spread of the virus.

They noted there had been no direct contact between the cases in the San Diego and San Antonio areas, suggesting the virus had already spread from one geographic area through other undiagnosed people.

Testing indicates some mainstream antiviral medications seem to work against the virus. The CDC is checking people who have been in contact with the confirmed cases, who all became ill between late March and mid-April.

Health experts say the last recorded death from swine flu in the U.S. was in 1976 and what is significant to the cases here is not the severity, but the strain.

“This is the very first time that it has been detected,” Wooten, M.D., M.P.H said.  And with all the attention, she says it’s unlikely this is the last of it.  “We definitely expect to find more because we’re asking doctors to test.”

Doctors say symptoms of this flu include fever, sore throat, coughing and nausea.

The CDC says two flu drugs, Tamiflu and Relenza, seem effective against the new strain. Roche, the maker of Tamiflu, said the company is prepared to immediately deploy a stockpile of the drug if requested. Both drugs must be taken early, within a few days of the onset of symptoms, to be most effective.

Get more information about swine flu on the San Diego County “Swine Flu and You” Web page.