H1N1 Pandemic Flu


CDC Tracking Swine Flu Cases in Several States

On Aug. 3, the agency reported 12 new cases in Hawaii, Ohio, and Indiana.

Flu experts recommend getting vaccinated annually. But taking health-promoting actions can prevent the common cold or flu from occurring altogether.

Stay Healthy on the Job This Cold & Flu Season

To stay healthy throughout our lives, our immune systems need proper training and the right support.

Swine flu usually sickens pigs alone but can cause pandemics in humans.

NIAID Scientists Trace Development of Swine Flu Viruses

This long-term study allowed them to pinpoint when specific subtypes of virus first appeared in pigs in Hong Kong.

CMS already has a similar but less extensive mandate to offer flu vaccinations in place.

CMS Extending Flu Vaccination Requirement

Its proposed vaccination standard covers both annual and pandemic flu and would affect Medicare and Medicaid participating hospitals of all types.

WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan called the agreement "a very significant victory for public health."

WHO Members Agree to Share Flu Virus Samples

Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan hailed the agreement reached last weekend as paving the way for effective response during future influenza pandemics.

Limited School Closures Called Ineffective on Epidemics

New research shows limited school closures are ineffective and only significant, widespread school closures would have real impact on the spread of an epidemic and the strain placed on hospitals' intensive care units.

Washing your hands frequently can control viral spread, as can covering your mouth with a tissue or your arm when you sneeze.

Don't Share Flu This Holiday Season: HHS

"If you get sick, stay home as much as possible except to get medical care, if needed," said CDC's Dr. Phyllis Kozarsky, an expert on travelers' health issues.



Folks who wash their hands before leaving a facility bathroom are nonetheless presented with germy door handles.

Top 5 Germiest Places in the Workplace

Fortunately, knowing what surfaces provide the greatest risk for disease transmission at work allows us to put a proactive plan in place to implement effective cleaning practices.

Mandatory Immunization's Growing Appeal

Many U.S. health care providers already require employees to accept vaccinations. Henry Ford Health System requires measles, mumps, rubella, and tuberculosis vaccinations, with no opt-outs allowed.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius

Flu.gov Vaccine Locator Available Next Week

Three HHS leaders, including Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, gave a short briefing Tuesday in which they urged all Americans to get this year's flu vaccine.

The new "Public Health Preparedness" report says emergency preparedness for public health emergencies is in good shape.

Good Progress Nationwide on Emergency Preparedness: CDC

The agency's second report on all 50 states and four localities receiving federal money for this shows improved ability to meet a public health emergency.

American Academy of Pediatrics Backs Mandatory Flu Shots For Health Workers

Flu vaccination should be required for all doctors, nurses, and other health workers, the nation's largest pediatricians' group says, calling it a long overdue step to protect patients.

Secretary Sebelius requested the review because of challenges HHS encountered with the 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza vaccine.

HHS Wants Faster Approval of Medical Countermeasures

Following a review undertaken because of challenges presented by the H1N1 flu vaccine, the department wants a better pipeline to move vaccines, medical equipment, and supplies for medical emergencies.

Multiple doses of the vaccine contain enough mercury-based Thimerosal to be treated by EPA as a hazardous waste and will be incinerated.

Service Will Incinerate Unused H1N1 Vaccine

Clean Harbors, based in Norwell, Mass., is offering the service to health care providers because multiple doses of the vaccine contain enough mercury-based Thimerosal to be treated as a hazardous waste.

Canadian Experts Share H1N1 Pandemic's Lessons

A roundtable hosted by CSA Standards produced a whitepaper suggesting how to prepare for the next one, with emphasis on vaccine development and PPE.

Fragrances or dyes in soaps potentially can irritate the skin.

Getting Clean, Going Green

Clean and healthy hands depend on clean and healthy soap.

Topics to be discussed include the draft National Vaccine Plan, adult immunization recommendations, vaccine financing, and the 2009 H1N1 influenza outbreak.

Vaccine Panel Looking at H1N1, National Plan Next Month

Vaccine financing and safety are also to be discussed at the June 2-3 public meeting in Washington, D.C., by the HHS National Vaccine Advisory Committee.

Year One of H1N1 Showed System's Effectiveness, Frieden Says

Influenza activity remains low, but the CDC director warns a resurgence is still possible. Almost 17,800 deaths worldwide have been attributed to H1N1, WHO says.

EU's CDC Sees No New H1N1 Wave Coming

The most likely scenario for Europe throughout 2010 is continuing low-level transmission and small outbreaks of the pandemic 2009 A(H1N1) influenza, although larger outbreaks could occur, according to the March 9 forecast.

Featured

Artificial Intelligence