Swine (Influenza) Flu – A Pandemic Catastrophe
Swine (Influenza) Flu – A Pandemic Catastrophe
You’ve seen it on TV. It has made headlines of newspapers all around the globe and the subject of Indonesia’s latest conspiracy theories against the oh-so-powerful USA. It’s even the latest and hottest circulating gossip, trumping Miss California’s photo scandal. Now, the swine flu’s emergence has instantly skyrocketed in its popularity that it has become another star in the gaming world. Good news for Ms. Cali and the game-freaks; bad news for the rest of humankind.
Adding up to the list of the world’s MAJOR problems, the swine flu, a variant of the influenza virus, threatens the health of the earth’s human population. Why? I’m sure you know. It’s all over the news. How could anyone miss it? It spreads quickly and easily. One cough here, a sneeze there, and ta da! You’re infected! But most of all, because its symptoms are those of a common cold people could easily ignore its gravity, not knowing that death could come swiftly after a few days of what people would think is just a harmless cold.
I am well aware of the gravity of the situation, and I know it’s not something to joke about, but when I read the article I cracked a smile (well, okay, I laughed out loud). Why would anyone commission game programmers to create a game-whose sole goal is to spread the virus- and say it’s for the awareness of the youth? Seriously! What the hell were they thinking! (Uh, pardon the French.) The rich and their charities! I may not be the brightest bulb in the tanning bed and I may not be the most open-minded person in the world, but I think they could have invested their money to a better use. Like broadcasting the ways to prevent …
Flu Duration – Influenza Season 2012
Flu Duration – Influenza Season 2012
Given the recent interest in Armageddon movies, where an outbreak of an unknown type of supervirus mercilessly reduces the earth population and plunges civilization into absolute chaos, it is curious how the global efforts to control the flu each and every year go largely unnoticed. But just like in the movies, specialists from various organizations like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), WHO (World Health Organization), CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) and other institutions analyze virus samples that were collected from around the world. The goal is to identify and predict which viruses will dominate the next influenza season. For it is only through a specially tailored vaccine that the public can be protected against them.
For 2012 three flu viruses have been chosen by the FDA to be included in the seasonal vaccine. Many factors determine if a virus is considered dangerous enough to be recommended for inclusion. The rate with which a virus is spreading as well as how much this virus is “immune” to last year’s vaccine play the most important roles in this decision. To be able to monitor the many virus strains out in the wild, 136 influenza centers in 106 countries continuously monitor and research all flu related activities. The essence of all this information is sent to and consolidated in the five main global flu institutes:
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA
The National Institue for Medical Research (NIMR) in London, UK
The Victoria Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL) in Melbourne, Australia
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in Tokyo, Japan
The National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention in Beijing, China
Based on the combined information, a seasonal flu vaccine is selected, that promises …
Influenza and Your Dog
Influenza and Your Dog
Canine influenza is a very real and highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs, caused by a new and unusual influenza known as the H3N8 virus, a subtype first discovered in 2004. Due to the fact that canine influenza is a virus fairly new to the canine population, dogs lack preexisting immunity to it. Dogs of any age, breed or health status are susceptible to infection. Although it has not been documented, it is likely that dogs who have recovered from the infection retain immunity to re-infection for an undetermined time period.
Unlike viruses that infect people, canine influenza is not a “seasonal” infection and can occur at any time, year round. It is one of the several viruses and bacteria that are associated with canine respiratory disease, or what is commonly called “Kennel Cough” (infectious tracheobronchitis).
Canine influenza virus (CIV) infection can cause respiratory disease by itself or along with other canine respiratory pathogens. Like influenza viruses in other species, CIV causes flu-like symptoms, coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge. Canine influenza is most likely spread where dogs are housed together and there is a high turnover of dogs in and out of the facility. Grooming parlors, shelters, veterinary clinics, boarding facilities and pet stores pose the highest risk of exposure. Stay at home dogs that only walk within their neighborhood are at low risk.
Testing to confirm canine influenza virus infection is available at veterinary diagnostic centers. The tests are preformed using respiratory secretions at the onset of symptoms using blood samples. The second is collected two to three weeks later. Prevention is the key to any disease outbreak, whether it is Kennel Cough, swine flu or canine influenza. These viruses are highly susceptible to common disinfectants.
The good news is that there is a new …
Can Type 2 Diabetics Achieve a Normal Blood Pressure Range Without Drugs?
Can Type 2 Diabetics Achieve a Normal Blood Pressure Range Without Drugs?
Having a high blood pressure (hypertension) reading that is above the normal blood pressure range is a concern for anyone, however people with diabetes are more likely to suffer from hypertension than most others. If you are obese and type 2 diabetic, then having high BP can be deadly leading to a fatal heart attack, or a stroke. Like many of the health risks associated with diabetes, ensuring good control of your blood sugars, eating a healthy diet and physical activity can help to keep your hypertension in check.
If you find yourself suffering from regular headaches, your vision is blurry, or you feel light headed or dizzy you may have hypertension. These symptoms are not just indicative of hypertension though and you should seek medical attention to determine the cause.
Other times there may be no symptoms at all when you have high blood pressure or it may be slightly elevated. It’s a good idea, particularly if you are diabetic to have your blood pressure routinely checked at each doctor’s appointment.
When you are obese, the most effective way to achieve a normal blood pressure range is to lose weight. Following a dietician prescribed meal plan that works for your diabetes, which will ensure you are consuming enough food, whilst still allowing you to lose weight. Other changes you can make that will improve your blood pressure are:
* An exercise routine that is undertaken on a regular basis
* Try and reduce the stress in your life – mediation, yoga, letting go of some your responsibilities
* Stop smoking
* Reduce or cut any additional salt you use for cooking or on your food
* Taking resveratrol supplements. Taking a natural resveratrol supplement each day has …
Influenza – A Common Epidemic Fever
Influenza – A Common Epidemic Fever
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a viral infection of the respiratory system that primarily affects the throat, bronchi, nose and the lungs. This infection can last for a week or so. Sudden aching muscles, sore throat, headache, severe malaise and even high fever characterize it. Like other fevers, the cardinal symptoms are high temperature, stiffness of the limbs and a sore throat.
Influenza spreads fast. It is spread by direct contact through the air. The virus easily passes on from person to person – through droplets or small particles produced when infected people sneeze or cough. Most people infected by influenza recover without medical treatment. However, in the very young, the elderly and those with other serious medical conditions, the infection can lead to severe complications. The underlying condition can be pneumonia or death.
Fever is the main symptom of influenza. It can last from 3-7 days. Fever can be as high as 103-105 degrees F or 39.5-41A�C. In the absence of fever, patients usually feel better but so much sweating is present. Fever can also result to dehydration since body water is lost in the onset of high temperatures.
When experiencing influenza, patient should take only liquid food for 2 to 3 days. Solid foods may be avoided temporarily. Fruit juices and vegetable are also very beneficial as well as one or two glasses of hot water. You can also apply cold compresses on the head.
A person with influenza should be covered with light clothing when there is fever present. This is in order for the heat in the body to get out. Get rid of extra clothes and blankets from an influenza patient unless they start to feel cold or they start to shiver.
Washing the patient’s skin with …
Swine Flu’s Deadly Return is a Global Warning
Swine Flu’s Deadly Return is a Global Warning
The World Health Organization has now raised the swine flu epidemic warning level to Phase 6 – the highest level. Media attention to this serious worldwide pandemic faded after the immediate fears of widespread infection and deaths subsided – unfortunately the swine flu has not subsided at all and is more dangerous and spreading more quickly than earlier anticipated. Widespread human infection is underway.
The death toll is also increasing. Statistics as of July 2009 indicate, in the USA alone, there has been over 40,600 confirmed or probable cases of swine flu and at least 263 deaths. States leading the pack with infected populations are California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Mass., New Jersey, New York, Penn., Texas and Wisconsin. Wisconsin and Texas lead with 6,031 and 4,975 cases respectively. The situation is becoming so serious and developing so rapidly that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has already deployed over 25% of its stockpile of supplies of antiviral drugs, personal protection equipment and respiratory protection devices and is trying to quickly train personnel at newly designated dispensaries (PODs) throughout the U.S.
The big question is will scientists be able to develop a vaccine that works and will it be available soon enough and in large enough supply to vaccinate everyone. Much of the World’s supply of flu vaccine is produced outside of the U.S. and the demand will be very high globally. No one is sure at this point when a vaccine will be available and how much will be available on such short notice. A monumental effort is underway Worldwide to develop an effective vaccine in large enough quantities to vaccinate the World population. Will this effort be successful?
Who is most at risk? Any person who is high risk for the …
Benefits of Flu Vaccines in the Workplace
Benefits of Flu Vaccines in the Workplace
Employers have a vested interest in employee health, but those employees obviously have a major interest in it as well. Nothing makes that more clear than the flu vaccination, which brings positive benefits for both parties.
Benefits For Employees –
In many ways, the benefits that the flu vaccine brings for everyday employees are quite similar to those enjoyed by just about anyone. However, there are plenty of advantages that are more workplace-specific that deserve a closer look. Consider these points:
Less Sick Leave – When an employee has to miss work due to an illness, their work not only suffers – so does the work of his or her coworkers. Avoiding the flu can reduce the amount of sick leave that
employees need to take.
Boost Morale – Generally employees who are given the option of receiving a workplace flu vaccination feel more in control of their personal health, which usually translates into a boost of team morale.
Keeping The Family Healthy – Knowing that fellow employees have received the flu shot – and that you have, too – increases your confidence that you are protecting your family from the flu as well. You’re less likely to bring the flu home when you work someplace that promotes the flu vaccine.
Benefits For Employers –
The benefits that the flu shot has for employers are just as compelling as those for employees, which makes it easy to see why so many workplaces have started offering them. For instance:
Fewer Absences – From a productivity standpoint, the flu vaccine reduces the chances that employees will contract the flu and be out for days at a time. In turn, productivity takes less of a hit, especially during flu season.
Shows That Employers Care – Employers …
Can We Predict the Rates of Mutation of Influenza Virus Strains?
Can We Predict the Rates of Mutation of Influenza Virus Strains?
It seems as if our mathematical prediction software is getting rather good these days. Did you know that we have mathematical formulas, along with the computational predictions used to estimate “sand avalanches” based on the degree of slope, wind, weight of sand, and when one additional 100 lb. layer would trigger the event? It’s just amazing all that we can do to predict what we once considered random and unpredictable.
Not long ago, I read an interesting set of research papers by Guang Wu, a Chinese Researcher working on the influenza strains, and trying to prevent massive population deaths from a mutated deadly strain of Influenza, such as a bird flu or swine flu pandemic. It estimates the rates of mutation, disease spread rates, and challenges in the future, which can be calculated. He has considered many different mathematic scenarios for these things.
One paper he wrote on Monte Carlo mathematic formulas for prediction is interesting, and probably worthy of a read if you are fascinated by such things. These types of topics do challenge the mind, and there is also a very good TED Conference talk video that I’d also recommend on bacteria communication, during attrition phases, and as they grow in numbers and trigger their own dominance once they have the synergy of numbers to overpower the immune system. In a way it’s a lot like war strategy.
Guang’s work in the H1N1 and related flu strains takes this discussion to yet another level. Other books I recommend reading on are;
Virus Hunters of CDC,
Germs,
Hot Spot,
Cobra Event,
Gravity by Tess Garretsen,
Andromeda Strain
After you review all this, I’d like you to check out the National Science Foundation and study up on the CDC …
Flu Test Kit Spotlight – OSOM Influenza Testing
Flu Test Kit Spotlight – OSOM Influenza Testing
OSOM Influenza Testing gives quick and accurate results for influenza testing this 2010-2011 flu season.
As patients and medical professionals begin the long process of dealing with the 2010-2011 flu season, it’s important to have an accurate flu testing kit in order to quickly identify in patients whether or not they have the flu. This influenza season, get the best flu testing kit possible: OSOM Influenza A&B Test.
While there are many different influenza test kits to choose from, what makes OSOM arguably the best is the assurance that every result is not simply quick, but completely accurate.
While most flu testing kits come with a maximum of 25 test strips, OSOM comes with 27. Two extra test strips can be used for QC testing.
What is QC testing?
QC testing stands for “Quality Control,” and gives doctors and patients the complete satisfaction of knowing their OSOM flu testing kit is 100% accurate. Using two vials, one which contains an inactive substance and one which contains a partial rendering of the influenza virus, each can be used on the test strips to make sure that the results come out 100% accurate.
By using QC testing, every real test afterwards can be done with complete confidence that OSOM Influenza Testing is the best bet for determining whether or not you or a patient has the influenza virus.
With just a simple nasal swab and three distinct, easy to read lines, results of OSOM Influenza Test are available in only ten minutes or less. With only one minute of actual testing time and ten minutes or less to determine results of the test, OSOM ranks as one of the fastest, most reliable ways to check for the influenza virus.
OSOM Influenza Test detects both …
Cure For a Dry Cough
Cure For a Dry Cough
What’s the cure for a dry cough? First we should define a dry cough. A “dry cough” does not produce sputum, or phlegm coughed up from the chest. Beyond that, a dry cough may be caused by a number of conditions.
Probably the most common cause of a so-called dry cough is a tickle in the throat. Strangely enough, this is often due to drainage of mucus (or phlegm) down the back of the throat in association with a cold or sinus infection. Though there may not be enough drainage to cough it out, drying up the drainage with an antihistamine may be the answer. This is not actually a “cure” but rather a treatment. Over-the-counter antihistamines include loratadine, cetirizine, and diphenhydramine.
If you have had symptoms for over a week, or if you’re getting worse, or if you keep blowing out thick, yellow mucus (snot) from your nose, you may benefit from an antibiotic.
A dry cough can also be a symptom of influenza, other viruses, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, COPD, pleurisy, pneumonia, or acid reflux disease (GERD). If you seem to have a respiratory flu or other viral infection, a cough suppressant containing dextromethorphan may help. If your chest is tight or wheezy from asthma, bronchitis, or COPD a prescription inhaler may help. (You may also benefit from an antibiotic, cough suppressant, or antihistamine.) If you have pneumonia or pleurisy, you should be asking your doctor about your cough.
If you seem to be allergic to trees, grass, weeds, animals, mold, dust, etc., a dry cough may respond to an antihistamine, a nasal inhaler such as cromolyn sodium (OTC) or prescription steroid spray, or montelukast (prescription). If you have acid reflux, an OTC acid reducer such as famotidine, ranitidine, omeprazole, or lansoprazole may help. …