Showing posts with label diseases. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diseases. Show all posts
Nerve disease feared in swine flu vaccination
As the production of the H1N1 flu immunization is being rushed for the fall and winter season, scientists are worried if the vaccine can trigger a complication called Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS.) The vaccine's adverse effect involves the nerve, causing paralysis, difficulty of breathing and sometimes death.
In 1976, when vaccination was recommended in USA to a swine flu epidemic, about 500 cases came down with GBS Twenty five (25) people died, prompting health authorities to withdraw the vaccine. Guillain Barre Syndrome affected about one in 80,000. It turned out to be more lethal than the complication of the swine flu vaccine itself.
The concern for GBS was relayed to about 600 neurologists on July 28, 2009 in United Kingdom as swine vaccine is being prepared for administration to nearly 13 million people to counter the threat of the resurgence of H1N1 flu in October.
“GBS has been identified as a condition needing enhanced surveillance when the swine flu vaccines are rolled out. Reporting every case of GBS irrespective of vaccination or disease history is essential for conducting robust epidemiological analyses capable of identifying whether there is an increased risk of GBS in defined time periods after vaccination, or after influenza itself, compared with the background risk."--- Professor Elizabeth Miller, head of the Health Protection Agency’s (HPA) Immunisation Department. MailOnline (08/15/09, McFarlane, J.)
The alert to monitor GBS is important to avoid the past experience when the vaccine was given to about 40 million people before it was withdrawn after the side effect emerged. Guillain Barre Syndrome carries a mortality rate of 5 to 6%. As the government strategize to control the swine flu, the public must know the possible complication(s) of the immunization. (Photo Credit: CDC H1N1)=0=
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WHO declares H1N1 flu a pandemic; RP’s cases rise to 92
After weeks of weighing in the right time to declare a pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) finally ruled on Thursday, June 11, 2009 that the swine flu which caused illness and death to 27,737 and 141 people respectively, had reached pandemic level. It’s the first pandemic to be categorized in more than 40 years.
The new viral infection which has spread to 74 countries usually manifests as a mild illness and uncommonly cause death. Health authorities however emphasize the need for prevention and more caution. The virus is highly transmissible and quite unpredictable. It has a potential to transform and grow in virulence as it affects different populations of the world.
The decision to raise the disease to level 6 underscores the need for vigilance, prevention and control by various governments. The pandemic will spur the production of vaccines and drugs to fight the disease. It will require more money to keep the illness under control.
The raising the alert to the highest level coincides with the increase of cases in the Philippines to about 100, the highest number of those sickened so far by the swine infection in Southeast Asia. With the unpredictability the infection, one can just hope that the effort by the health authorities will lessen the incidence, mortality and morbidity of the pandemic in the country.
What is a pandemic?
A pandemic is a new infectious disease that spreads around the world.
The best recent example of a pandemic is AIDS, caused by a virus new to humans: HIV.
Seasonal flu viruses spread around the globe and cause 250,000 to 500,000 deaths each year -- including some 36,000 annual deaths in the U.S. But seasonal flu isn't considered a pandemic, even though the viruses that cause them change a little from season to season.
One of the seasonal flu viruses is a type A H1N1 virus. But the type H1N1 swine flu virus that appeared in 2009 is an entirely different virus. It carries genes from swine flu viruses from North America and Eurasia as well as genes from human and bird flu viruses.
Humans have never before been infected with this virus. That means that nobody is immune, although some people born before 1957 may have been exposed to an ancestor virus that could possibly give them a small degree of protection.
Because the vast majority of people are vulnerable to the 2009 H1N1 swine flu virus, because it spreads easily from person to person, and because the virus is spreading in communities in different parts of the world, the current swine flu has reached pandemic proportions.
Flu pandemics occur regularly. That's because there are many kinds of flu viruses in animals (mostly birds), but so far only a few have evolved the ability to infect humans. There were three flu pandemics in the 20th century: in 1918, in 1957, and in 1968. Source: WebMD (06/11/09, Daniel J. DeNoon; Louise Chang, MD)
What is WHO doing to respond?
"WHO continues to help all countries respond to the situation. The world cannot let down its guard and WHO must help the world remain and become better prepared.
WHO's support to countries takes three main forms: technical guidance, materials support, and training of health care system personnel.
WHO's primary concern is to strengthen and support health systems in countries with less resources. Health systems need to be able to prevent, detect, treat and mitigate cases of illness associated with this virus.
WHO is also working to make stocks of medicines (such as antivirals and antibiotics) and an eventual pandemic vaccine more accessible and affordable to developing countries.
Both antivirals and vaccines have important roles in treatment and prevention respectively. However, existing stocks of antivirals are unlikely to meet the demand. And vaccines may be developed, but it will some months.
Therefore, rational use of the limited resources will be essential. And medicines are only part of the response. WHO is also deploying diagnostic kits, medicines and masks and gloves for health care settings, teams of scientific experts, and medical technicians so countries in need can respond to local epidemics.
A pandemic sets national authorities in motion to implement preparedness plans, identify cases as efficiently as possible, and minimize serious illness and deaths with proper treatment.
The goal is to reduce the impact of the pandemic on society."---Source: www.who.int (Photo Credit: Amanda Ruth) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Mitigation versus containment in the fight against the H1N1 flu" Posted by mesiamd at 6/09/2009
UDATE: June 14, 2009. Surveillance of H1n1 cases in the Philippines added more cases to the previous count---now totalling to 111 cases after a few grade school students in Nueva Ecija tested positive to the swine flu infection. =0=
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Mitigation versus containment in the fight against the H1N1 flu
The sudden rise of H1N1 flu cases in the Philippines to 46 had Dr. Francisco Duque III of the Department of Health (DOH) and his team to shift gear in the battle against the viral infection. Early on, containment was the goal to stop the spread of the swine flu at the bud, but the sharp increase of those stricken with the disease, made them to resort to “mitigation”----a lesser goal to reduce the outbreak’s spread and severity.
“As more and more cases were confirmed daily, Duque said health authorities were no longer doing contact tracing since the virus was being transmitted much faster than they could trace and quarantine all contacts of those infected with the virus.
"It offers little benefit to do extensive tracing of this virus when it is clear that the disease can be passed on to others at a rate faster than it will ever be humanly possible to find the contacts,” he said.
“This means that we only do early detection and aggressive treatment of cases as they come, especially for those with high-risk preexisting conditions. Those manifesting mild symptoms can be managed and monitored at home so that only patients at risk of developing complications ‘----PDI (06/08/09, Pazzibugan, D.)
What Dr. Duque says is that the illness is out of the genie box and absolute control is unrealistic. Minimization of the disease’ potential impact is the "better" course of action. Reducing the severity of exposure is now the strategy knowing that the exposed have become more difficult to track.
This comes at a time of the opening of classes. And rainy season is at hand. Dengue, another health hazard carried by mosquitoes is brewing in the air. In greater numbers, more people have become possible swine flu and dengue hemorrhagic fever carriers thus making more infections in the community possible.
To date, the World Health Organization (WHO) identified the Philippines to have the highest number of swine flu cases in Southeast Asia. As of its latest tally on June 8, 2009, WHO listed 73 countries affected by the swine flu with a total of 25,288 confirmed cases and 139 recorded deaths. (Photo Credit: CDC) =0=
UPDATE: June 9, 2009: Follow up update revealed 57 cases of swine flu in the Philippines. Many of the recently infected had been students in Manila and those with history of travel outside the country. Vigilance, personal responsibility, and self-help to prevent the disease are in order to limit the spread of the infection.
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Communion by hand makes sense against the spread of H1N1 virus
The advice of Manila Archibishop Gaudencio Cardinal Santos to temporarily stop the custom of hand-to-mouth contact at the time of communion during mass will certainly help avoid the easy transmission of the flu virus in the community. Coupled with avoidance of hand contact during a religious service, this is certainly helpful as swine virus infection in the country jumped to 33 on Saturday, June 6, 2009.
Obviously, as more people get infected, the chance of a widespread influenza is greater. The public must appreciate the effort taken by health and religious authorities to contain the disease, hence the recommendation of frequent hand-washing, avoidance of crowds, the postponement of school opening from June 8 to June 15, the quarantine of those stricken with the disease, and the active educational campaign on prevention. It’s the civic duty of every Filipino to help stop the transmission of the illness. (Photo Credit: gems) =0=
SWINE FLU UPDATE:
June 8, 2009. The Department of Health headed by Dr. Francisco Duque III reported additional cases of H1N1 flu which totalled to 46 during the weekend.
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WHO about to declare H1N1 flu as a worldwide pandemic
In spite of close monitoring and containment, the H1N1 virus has spread to sicken render about 20,000 individuals in 66 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) is weighing in if it’s the right time that the viral infection be called a pandemic, the highest level of threat for a highly transmissible disease.
At present, the spread of the disease is mostly among travelers, in schools, and close contacts, but not much within the community. However, with the start of winter in the Southern Hemisphere, health authorities worry if the swine flu will infect more people than last year’s similar strain (H1N1 flu) which is resistant to the anti-viral medication Tamiflu.
The WHO is now "getting closer" to declaring the outbreak had reached phase six, the highest level on their alert scale.---said WHO’s flu chief Keiji Fukuda. Guardian.co.uk (06/03/09 Carrell, S.)
The same consideration has been reported in New York Times (06/03/09, A9, McNeil)
To declare the flu as a pandemic requires many considerations. People who don’t fully understand the disease may panic so the logistics to inform and prepare them must be put in place. In a pandemic, there may be trade and travel restrictions that my impact the economy of a country. A bigger budget and personnel to fight the illness must be readied.
The WHO is preparing an additional $500 million to aid poor countries. Pres. Barack Obama has asked the US legislature for $2 billion in anticipation of a full blown pandemic.
The virus which behaves like a mild seasonal flu at this time may mutate, grow in virulence and cause more deaths than generally expected as it moves along. With all these considerations, WHO calls on its experts---public health officials and academics to think what is best in the fight against the infection. They’re trying to figure if raising the level of disease threat to 6 is warranted and will be for the benefit of the people. (Photo Credit: Healthcare without Harm) =0=
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June 3, 2009: Philippine Swine Flu Update
The 22nd case of H1N1 flu in the Philippines was confirmed in a 21 year old foreign student prompting the De La Salle University in Manila to close temporarily on June 4 to 14 as a measure to contain the disease.
As of June 3, 2009, the WHO tally puts the number of swine flu infections to 19, 273 and 117 deaths in 66 countries. About half of the number of cases have been confirmed in the United States. (Photo Credit: Bendicte Desrus)
UPDATE: On June 4, 2009, 6 more positive H1N1 flu sufferers were reported by Dr. Francisco Duque III of DOH, bringing a total of 28 people having contracted the disease. =0=
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H1N1 flu cases in RP jump to a total of 6
The Department of Health (DOH) announced 4 more Filipinos testing positive for the H1N1 flu bringing the number of cases to a total to 6 of May 27, 2009. Two of the four got their illnesses after attending a wedding in Zambales where the infected Taiwanese woman and her child were present.
A one-year old girl from USA also exhibited signs and symptoms of flu 5 days after her arrival on May 19, 2009. Another is a 13 year old boy who became ill after a trip from Hongkong.
The increase in swine flu cases is a cause of concern knowing that the virus is highly transmissible. With the anticipated opening of classes in the Philippines, the public is advised to take the needed precaution to avoid the disease.
In a tally of the World Health Organization (WHO) as of 06:00 GMT, 27 May 2009, the number of those who contracted the disease has reached 13,398 in 48 countries. It has caused death to 95 people.(Photo Credit: Benedicte Desrus) =0=
RELATED BLOGS: "2nd H1N1 flu case reported in the Philippines" Posted by mesiamd at 5/25/2009; "RP reports its first H1N1 virus infection" Posted by mesiamd at 5/22/2009
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2nd H1N1 flu case reported in the Philippines
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Because of the time lag between the exposure to influenza and the moment manifestations of the infection arise, it’s only now that the 50-year old Filipina who arrived as a balikbayan from USA is confirmed as the second case of swine flu infection in the country. The first case is a 10 year-old child who also came home from a trip abroad. She is reported to have fully recovered from the illness.
The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) announces the woman tested positive for the H1N1 virus though it appears that she has been recovering since she experienced having cough and fever, one day after her arrival from USA.
“Since monitoring started on May 1, the DOH has placed 105 individuals under observation, with 88 already being found negative and 15 have pending laboratory test results.”---Malaya (05/23/09, Naval, G)
Though there is no reason to panic, the viral infection that has affected close to 12,000 individuals in 43 countries is a source of concern. The new strain of viral infection has the capacity to kill and is still under study. Nobody knows how the virus with a propensity to mutate and assume more virulence will behave when it spreads in different countries as the seasons change.
Preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, covering one’s nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, avoiding hand contact with people as advised by the Department of Health are in place.
The World Health Organization urges nations to push for pandemic preparedness and advices pro-active fight against the disease while only a few individuals have been stricken ill of the disease.(Photo Credit: CDC)=0=
RELATED BLOG: "RP reports its first H1N1 virus infection " Posted by mesiamd at 5/22/2009
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Because of the time lag between the exposure to influenza and the moment manifestations of the infection arise, it’s only now that the 50-year old Filipina who arrived as a balikbayan from USA is confirmed as the second case of swine flu infection in the country. The first case is a 10 year-old child who also came home from a trip abroad. She is reported to have fully recovered from the illness.
The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) announces the woman tested positive for the H1N1 virus though it appears that she has been recovering since she experienced having cough and fever, one day after her arrival from USA.
“Since monitoring started on May 1, the DOH has placed 105 individuals under observation, with 88 already being found negative and 15 have pending laboratory test results.”---Malaya (05/23/09, Naval, G)
Though there is no reason to panic, the viral infection that has affected close to 12,000 individuals in 43 countries is a source of concern. The new strain of viral infection has the capacity to kill and is still under study. Nobody knows how the virus with a propensity to mutate and assume more virulence will behave when it spreads in different countries as the seasons change.
Preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, covering one’s nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, avoiding hand contact with people as advised by the Department of Health are in place.
The World Health Organization urges nations to push for pandemic preparedness and advices pro-active fight against the disease while only a few individuals have been stricken ill of the disease.(Photo Credit: CDC)=0=
RELATED BLOG: "RP reports its first H1N1 virus infection " Posted by mesiamd at 5/22/2009
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RP reports its first H1N1 virus infection
Based on the tally of the World Health Organization (WHO,) the swine flu spreading throughout the world has reached 11,168 and 86 deaths as of May 22, 2009. This coincides with the first case confirmed in the Philippines which joins at least 38 countries having the disease.
The Department of Health (DOH,) reported that the swine flu-positive 11 year-old girl identified by the laboratory of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine(RITM) arrived on May 18, 2009 from USA and Canada where many swine infections have been reported. She is presently quarantined in an effort to contain the virus from infecting the general population.
“The government will conduct contact tracing to identify and diagnose individuals who might have come into contact with the infected girl. Health authorities will also check the plane boarded by the girl for traces of the disease.”--- GMA TV News.com (05/21/09 Balagtas-See, A)
Advising the public to be calm and be mindful of the preventive measures advised by health authorities, the DOH reminds the public of the need for vigilance. Filipinos must not be complacent as the virus easily mutates; it has the potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality which can affect the nation's economy. Pharmaceuticals are still on the process of making a the H1N1 flu vaccine, but it will take a few months before it will be available. =0=
World Health Organization (WHO) Tally of H1N1 Flu Infection
As of 06:00 GMT, 22 May 2009
Laboratory-confirmed cases of new influenza A(H1N1) as officially reported to WHO by States Parties to the International Health Regulations (2005)
Country----Cumulative total-----Newly confirmed since the last reporting period-
--------------Cases---Deaths----Cases-----Deaths
Argentina------1------0-----------0---------0
Australia-------7------0-----------4---------0
Austria---------1------0-----------0---------0
Belgium--------5------0-----------0---------0
Brazil-----------8------0-----------0---------0
Canada--------719----1-----------0---------0
Chile-----------24-----0-----------19--------0
China-----------11-----0-----------3---------0
Colombia-------12-----0-----------0---------0
Costa Rica-----20-----0-----------0---------0
Cuba-------------4------0-----------0---------0
Denmark---------1------0-----------0---------0
Ecuador---------8------0-----------7---------0
El Salvador-----6------0-----------0---------0
Finland----------2------0-----------0---------0
France----------16-----0-----------0---------0
Germany--------14-----0-----------0---------0
Greece----------1------0-----------0---------0
Guatemala------4------0-----------0---------0
India-------------1------0-----------0---------0
Ireland----------1------0-----------0---------0
Israel------------7------0-----------0---------0
Italy-------------10-----0-----------0---------0
Japan-----------294---0-----------35--------0
Korea-----------3------0-----------0---------0
Malaysia--------2------0-----------0---------0
Mexico----------3892---75---------0---------0
Netherlands-----3------0-----------0---------0
New Zealand-----9------0-----------0---------0
Norway-----------3------0-----------0---------0
Panama----------73-----0-----------4---------0
Peru--------------5------0-----------2---------0
Philippines------1------0-----------1---------0
Poland-----------2------0-----------0---------0
Portugal---------1------0-----------0---------0
Spain------------113----0-----------2---------0
Sweden----------3------0-----------0---------0
Switzerland------1------0-----------0---------0
Thailand---------2------0-----------0---------0
Turkey-----------2------0-----------0---------0
United Kingdom--112----0---------3---------0
USA--------------5764---9-----------54--------1
Grand Total----11168---86--------134-------1
Cumulative and new figures are subject to revision
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Favoring alternative medicine, mom and child from Minnesota reject cancer treatment
To protect the best interest of a child suffering from cancer, the court in Minnesota ordered the mother to bring her son to the doctor for additional tests and treatment. But 13 year-old David Hauser is nowhere to be found after her mother Colleen told the court that she wanted alternative cancer treatment for her son instead of the state-of-the-art medical treatment offered in the hospital.
The teenager suffers from a life-threatening lymph node malignancy called Hodgkin’s lymphoma which when medically treated has a high chance of being cured. He and his family were ordered by the court to come on May 19, 2009 for a hearing to determine if its in the boy’s advantage that he goes for chemotherapy and/or radiation instead of taking the nebulous alternative treatment of herbals and vitamin supplements that the mother learned from the internet.
After having a course of chemotherapy, the boy and his mother who are believed to be hiding in California, decided against further treatment, invoking on religious beliefs as the reason for their change of heart.
“Daniel's father, Anthony Hauser, said in an interview Wednesday at the family's farm near Sleepy Eye, a town of 3,500 people about 80 miles from Minneapolis, that his wife and son left without telling him their plans, and that he hadn't heard from them... In Minnesota, district judge John Rodenberg ruled last week that the Hausers were neglecting their son, and ordered them to consult doctors. He cited a state law requiring parents to provide necessary medical care for a child." ----AP (05/20/09, Forliti, A; Condon,P, Kamowski, S)
The boy who obviously doesn’t fully understand the prognostic ramifications of his disease is in bigger danger of dying if he is not promptly treated medically. Daniel’s case brings to focus the clash between standard medical treatment and alternative medicine when patients are faced with difficult illnesses.
Because of the mother and child’s decision to dodge conventional medical remedies, the government is in an awkward position to pursue protection for the boy against the mother’s conviction of what is best for her child. The decision is probably easier if the sick person is an adult and mature enough to decide for himself. (Photo Credit: CBS) =0=
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Manny Pacquiao: a disappointing role model?
The praises Manny Pacquiao got in beating Ricky Hatton during a boxing match in Las Vegas, Nevada had been extraordinary. He was truly deserving of such admiration from his adoring fans. Yet, in a rare read, I came across the editorial of Malaya----which was bold in criticizing the sports hero for not heeding the advice of health authorities in Manila and the World Health Organization (WHO.) The humble entertaining boxer from General Santos City was stubborn. He couldn't be dissuaded from postponing his return so that the health protocol to keep the disease out of the country could be enforced. Billions of dollars had been spent the world over in order to prevent the disease from spreading any further.
“Manny Pacquiao was a disappointment as a role model when he turned a deaf ear to the appeal of health officials to undergo self-quarantine for at least five days before returning to Manila. There were two options presented to him. First, to postpone his return home for at least five days. Second, to closet himself for the same length of time if it was impossible for him to postpone his homecoming.”---- Malaya (05/10/09)
Manny’s slobbering VIP treatment is common in the Philippines. Almost no one in the country can speak against the boxing legend “who can’t go wrong”--- not even Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo and the politicians. The way some people trivialize health risks and disregard medical advice is rather worrisome. I hope nothing horrible comes along because Manny prevailed over the wisdom of Department of Health (DOH). (Photo Credit: Newkleus00)=0=
RELATED BLOGS: "May 8, 2009: H1N1 flu update" Posted by mesiamd at 5/09/2009; " Filipinos take risk in allowing Pacquiao to go home early" Posted by mesiamd at 5/08/2009
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Ryan O’ Neal speaks of Farrah Fawcett’s grim battle with cancer
Movie star Ryan O’ Neal who himself suffers from chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is distraught over his long-time partner actress Farrah Fawcett's medical condition.. The 68-year old actor says Farrah, 62, who is battling advanced anal cancer is resting in bed at home. With metastatic malignancy entrenched in her body, Farrah’s treatment is almost done.
“Farrah has never, ever talked about how unfair it is," concludes O'Neal. "But I've thought about it. She may have thought to herself that she had been chosen to do this, that some higher power had put her in this situation. Because then there would be something positive to come out of it. And maybe that's true. But I'm just not so sure it's something positive for Farrah."—said -Ryan O’ Neal. People (05/07/09, Clark, C)
The severely ill actress who lost the trademark hair which she was known for was visited by her son Redmond on April 25, 2009. Redmond had been serving jail sentence for violations of a drug-related offense. He was allowed a three-hour visit by prison officials to see his mom on the end stage of a horrible disease. (Photo Credit: Blezk.cz)=0=
RELATED BLOG: "Actress Farrah Fawcett hospitalized for cancer" Posted by mesiamd at 4/07/2009
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May 2, 2009: Update of swine influenza; Hongkong reports its first case
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its vigilance to level 5---an indication that the swine influenza infection has actively propagated through an efficient human-to-human infection causing more people to fall ill. Still expected to rise, the number of confirmed H1N1 pig influenza infection has reached 331 as of May 1, 2009. If uncontrolled, the disease is on its way to be a pandemic.
In a matter of days, what was originally confined to Mexico and United States has spread to 10 countries with confirmed infection: Austria (1), Canada (34), Germany (3), Israel (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (3), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) United States (109), Hongkong (1) and Great Britain (8). Closures of schools and cancellation of public gatherings, surveillance of travelers for febrile illness, educational campaign to prevent infection, and the use of anti-flu drugs are among the measures being done to stop the contagion's spread.
Hongkong recently confirmed it's first case of swine influenza diagnosed from a Mexican tourist. Quarantine procedures were quickly set in place for about 300 individuals who were in close contact with the ill person. (Photo Credit: Reuters/ Lee, Jin-man)=0=
RELATED BLOGS: “The march of the pig virus “ Posted by mesiamd at 4/28/2009; “Mexico’s new swine-avian-human flu worries health experts of global pandemic “ Posted by mesiamd at 4/25/2009
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Mexico’s new swine-avian-human flu worries health experts of global pandemic
Mexico closed down schools, museums and movie houses on Friday, April 24, 2009 as nearly a thousand suspected cases of influenza were reported to sicken people and at least 61 died. The disease which may be transmitted from animals (zoonotic infection) has worried Mexican authorities for its killing power and its adverse effects on tourism, a major source of revenue for the country struck by economic downturn, drug wars, and narcotics trade.
“Mexico's Health Secretary, Jose Cordova, said only 16 of the deaths have been confirmed to have been caused by the new strain, through testing at government laboratories. Samples from 44 other people who died were still being tested. The health department put the total number of people sickened by the virus at around 943 nationwide.” ----AP/ Philstar (04/24/09)
To contain the spread of the disease, the Mexican government urged the public to shun large crowds and avoid close contacts with people. Those with fever, cough, a sore throat, muscle and joint pains are advised to see a doctor and stay at home. The people responded with certain fear and confusion.
“Most of Mexico’s dead were young, healthy adults, and none were over 60 or under 3 years old, the World Health Organization said. That alarms health officials because seasonal flus cause most of their deaths among infants and bedridden elderly people, but pandemic flus — like the 1918 Spanish flu, and the 1957 and 1968 pandemics — often strike young, healthy people the hardest.”--- New York Times (04/24/09, Lacey, M.; McNeil, D. Jr.)
Eight (8) non-fatal flu similar to those caused by this new Mexican strain were diagnosed in the southwest United States prompting health authorities to sound an alarm. It is unknown how many more will go down with the disease.
According to Center for Disease Control (CDC,) which monitors the disease, the new strain of flu contains a combination of gene sequences of pig, bird, and human influenza.
“Given how quickly flu can spread around the globe, if these are the first signs of a pandemic, then there are probably cases incubating around the world already, said Dr. Michael Osterholm at the University of Minnesota.” ----Newsnet5.com / AP (04/42/09, Stevenson, M)
It is said the flu seems responsive to the two drugs available: Tamiflu and Relenza. The medicines need to be taken early during the illness to get the best benefit.
Health authorities scramble to control the disease which has the potential to spread as a pandemic. It isn't known if the vaccination given last fall and winter confers protection from this new viral strain which is transmissible from person to person. Neither is it understood how the genetic mixture of the virus came to be. Frequent hand washing and covering one’s mouth during a sneeze or cough are among the common precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. (Photo Credit: Opiado)
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Cristina Enrile quits Vatican post
Citing poor health, Cristina Enrile, wife of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile resigned from her post as Philippine ambassador to the Vatican which she held for barely six months. The easily tired lady had been suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS,) a nebulous medical condition whose diagnosis is as challenging as its treatment.
Prior to Cristina's assumption as envoy, there were some criticisms on the aptness of her selection. Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales (Mount Balatucan Monitor) and Bishop Leonardo Medroso of Tagbilaran (tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com) expressed it could have been better if the Catholic clergy was consulted about her appointment.
According to Juan Ponce, his wife complained of muscle pains, difficulty of breathing, dizziness, and tiredness, prompting Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo to accept her resignation.
Many of CFS sufferers complain of perplexing signs and symptoms that require thorough medical evaluation. A sizeable fraction of CFS sufferers have psychological overlays. It is uncertain if this holds true with the resigned lady envoy.
Replacing Cristina is Ma. Mercedes “Mercy” Reinares Arrastia-Tuason, the wife of a cousin of Pres. Arroyo’s husband. Tuason, a pro-lifer, is said to work with charitable organizations including those that minister to the poor and the sick.
It had been reported that another Philippine leader, Sen. Miriam D. Santiago suffers from the same medical condition as Cristina's. (Photo Credit: DFA) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” and Sen. Miriam D. Santiago’s tiredness" Posted by mesiamd at 2/07/2009
Chronic Fatigue Synrdome (CFS)
"Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a hard diagnosis to make because there are no specific tests or laboratory markers to pinpoint the ailment; many illnesses have fatigue as among their prominent symptoms and a good fraction of patients looks well. The manifestations of CFS vary in severity and its course is characterized by periods of remissions and exacerbations."---UP Ibalon Bicol Blog (02/07/09, mesiamd)
A CFS diagnosis should be considered in patients who present with six months or more of unexplained fatigue accompanied by other characteristic symptoms. These symptoms may include:
• cognitive dysfunction, including impaired memory or concentration
• malaise or exhaustion lasting > 24 hours after physical or mental exercise
• unrestful sleep
• joint pain without signs of inflammation
• persistent musculo-skeletal pain
• depression
• mood swings
• headaches
• tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes
• sore throat
• cardiac and respiratory symptoms
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TB patients without treatment, lowered hunger rate & recent joblessness data
135,000
Tuberculosis, the chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis has reportedly gone down in prevalence in the Philippines, but there are an estimated 450,000 people still suffering from the disease. Of this number, a staggering 135,000 don’t seek medical treatment offered by the government. In spite of free diagnostic and treatment programs available, about 30% with TB choose to ignore the disease until the condition becomes complicated and hard to treat. Cultural barriers and stigma are reasons offered for the people’s refusal for TB treatment.
P11.3 billion
For the full automation of the 2010 national election, Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo signed the budget of P11.3 billion. Although it is unclear how the government will implement the modernization, the upgrade of the electoral counting system is hoped to prevent the rampant cheating in the election process. At the late hour of the Arroyo’s presidency, many still doubt her winning in the last ballot.
15%
According to the SWS, 15% of Filipinos (2.9 million families) reported of being hungry for at least once in a period of three months. The survey taken in February 20-23 was an improvement from December’s finding of 23.7% (4.3 million families.) It is unclear what kind of food poor Filipinos eat with their meager food budget.
$280-290 billion
The World Bank estimates this amount of remittance to developing countries by OFWs----gains from employment abroad. This is lower and less rosy than the expected amount of $305 billion---an effect of the global financial crisis. In 2008, 1.376 million Filipinos went abroad to work in more than 190 host nations. They sent back an estimated US$16.4 billion to the country, the highest in history so far.
41,000
The number of workers who lost the jobs, raising the unemployment rate to 7.7% in January, 2009, according to Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo. This adds up to the 2.9 million of jobless individuals which rose by 0.3% from last year’s data. As a cost-saving measure, the president announced the cancellation of the independence parade this year which costs P30 million to stage. (Photo Credit: =0=
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Recalling Fr. Damien of Molokai, Hawaii
Vatican announced that Fr. Damien de Veuster (1840-1889), the late 19th century Belgian priest who selflessly ministered to leprosy-stricken people in a settlement in Kalaupapa, Hawaii will be declared saint on October 11, 2009. Considered a “martyr of charity,” Fr. Damien served the quarantined patients in Molokai, Hawaii where he contracted Hansen’s disease (leprosy) until he died at the age of 49.
“Damien's life was suffused with horror, yet he refused to be broken by it and refused to permit his little flock to be swept into despair. He ran foot races for the sports-loving lepers, even though some of them had no feet. He formed a band, even though some had few fingers to play the instruments. One witness reported two organists who played at the same time, managing ten fingers between them.”---Damien, the leper (www.ewtn.com/library/)
A protector of those shunned by society because of disease affliction, the Roman Catholic priest and member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, a missionary religious group, was beatified by Pope John Paul II on June 4, 1995. He had been identified as a champion of the outcasts---those with HIV-AIDS, leprosy, and other contagious diseases.
The remembrance of Fr. Damien is timely as the Catholic Church observes Ash Wednesday on February 25, 2009, the onset of lent, the days of fasting, penance, and reconciliation. (Photo Credit: Hawaii State Archives x 2 PD) =0=
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Medicine & Religion: Is confession a potent balm against major diseases in RP?
Dr. Francisco Duque III, the secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) reportedly said a staggering 80% of Filipinos are suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) “due to unhealthy lifestyle.” The doctor goes on to say that to combat cardiovascular illnesses, cancers, and diabetes, people have to go to church and make regular “confession.” I find his religious recommendation oddly misleading. It needs clarification.
“Among those considered as NCDs are cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes. Duque said the three are now among the major health problems in the country. Duque said one way to address this problem is for the people to go on regular confession." I suggest that they go to church to pray and confess their sins because its one way of managing”----GMANewTV.net (02/16/09)
It isn’t unusual to blame stress as a cause of sickness. Though stress goes with almost all diseases, its role is often indirect, sometimes obscure, in many organic diseases. As far as science is concerned, most illnesses have underlying pathogenetic bases whose roles are generally far-reaching than the effects of stress.
Heart diseases are related to high fat diet, sedentary lifestyle, and smoking. Diabetes mellitus may have an autoimmune basis but can come with risk factors like obesity, lack of exercise, and genetics. Certain cancers are triggered by stepwise mutations (alterations in the DNA) that generate clones of abnormal cells that invade, metastasize, and eventually kill the body. In all these, stress plays a role, albeit less strongly than what is suggested by Dr. Duque.
The act of confession (reconciliation) taught by certain religions is not shared by all believers. Confessing sins to a priest by the Catholics has markedly dwindled in recent years. Dr. Duque may encounter criticism and opposition in recommending the holy sacrament to prevent non-communicable diseases. There are non-faith based treatments in medicine which are more predictable and efficacious.
Stress is part of the normal challenges of daily living. Not all people who go through significant emotionally disruptive situations get ill in the process. Sick and healthy individuals, suffer from harrowing conditions in varying degrees. As such the roles of stress in every illness are hard to quantify; their effects on the body aren’t uniformly the same.
I believe emotion plus the working of the mind, and the entire body equilibrium are influenced by stress more than it affects specific organs of the body. It is probably the reason why religion, spirituality, a belief in the supernatural, exercise, meditation, and relaxation regimens have some roles to play in disease management. The mechanisms behind their healing properties aren't fully understood.
Yet, medical science offers credible explanations in disease causation and treatment. Illnesses can be attributed to causes like direct physical injuries, infections, cancers, immunologic conditions, hormonal swings, metabolic derangements, nutritional deficiencies, hereditary disorders, chemical, drug and radiation exposures, poisonings, among others.
Stress is only one among the long list. Therefore, “confession” as Dr. Duque suggested may help in being healthy, preventing sickness, and going through an illness and subsequent recuperation. But surely, we need to account for greater ways to fight diseases more than what have been recommended by the standard and complementary approaches of medicine. This is important in the holistic way of maintaining the health of the nation.(Photo Credits: denislpaul; sacerdotal) =0=
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