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Death toll of H1N1 reaches 4,000 in the US

11/12/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

In a recent estimate by the Center of Disease Control, H1N1 flu claimed the lives of 4,000 people since the disease spread to the United States in April. The number was more than the 1,000 that was previously reported. The rise in mortality was explained by adding the deaths caused by flu complications such as pneumonia and other infections.

So far about 40,000 people stricken with the H1N1 virus have been treated in hospitals. Authorities believe that the swine flu will not cause deaths more than the ordinary seasonal flu which kills about 36,000 people in the US yearly. The World Health Organization has placed the death toll of H1N1 pandemic to 6,000 across the continents.

The vaccine for H1N1 is now available and being administered to vulnerable individuals including those with pre-existing medical condition such as asthma, end stage renal disease, diabetes, those undergoing chemotherapy and immunosuppression. (Photo Credit: Amadaruth) =0=

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Labels: CDC, death, H1N1 virus, Health, influenza virus, mortality, Swine flu, Totie Mesia, update, US, vaccination, vaccine

In spite of emergency declaration, USA suffers from H1N1 flu vaccine shortage

11/02/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

Of the 250 million doses of H1N1 flu vaccine purchased by the US government, only 40 million was expected by Center of Disease Control (CDC) to be available by mid-October. CDC director Dr. Thomas Friedman however said, in reality, only 22.1 million were shipped.

Despite the emergency declaration of Pres. Barack Obama on the flu pandemic, the delay in vaccine availability has led to scrambling for the few medicines available as swine influenza surges in 46 states as of mid October.

“The CDC identified at-risk groups, including pregnant women, children and young adults, and recommended they be vaccinated first. But in many cases, even physicians who have vaccine don't have enough to inoculate all their high-risk patients.”----amednews (11/02/09, Moyer, C. S.)

People waiting in community clinics are afraid of catching disease as they learn the vaccine is in short supply. Since the outbreak of the flu in April, there have been 1,000 deaths and about 2,000 hospitalizations.

The CDC suggests that patients with flu-like manifestations and showing severe symptoms should be given antiviral treatment. Since it takes time to make a lab diiagnosis of the flu and the maximum benefit of the antiviral is within the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms, health authorities recommend that doctors start the medication even without the laboratory confirmation.

Vaccine production is accelerating to meet the demand. In response to CDC request, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA,) has approved the use of emergency intravenous antiviral peramivir for hospitalized patients with worse symptoms and do not respond to oral and inhalational anti-flu medications.

The public is encouraged to watch for advisories regarding the flu including particular attention to precautionary measures, prevention, and treatment regimens. In spite of the health preparations and citizen alerts conducted by health authorities, the vaccine delay is causing fear in the community.

Obviously the expectation on drug availability doesn’t match what has happened in the field. Doctors advise those with flu-like symptoms to stay away from people, wear masks, and bypass staying in patient’s waiting rooms---all to avoid spread of the disease. More cases of the virus infection are expected as the flu season goes in high gear. (Photo Credit: Ben Chau) =0=

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Labels: CDC, epidemic, FDA, H1N1 virus, Health, Influenza, influenza virus, pandemic, Totie Mesia, vaccination, vaccine

Obama calls swine flu a national emergency

10/25/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

As predicted early in spring that the H1N1 flu pandemic will escalate to cause illness in fall and winter. Early this month, about 20% of school children in US have complained of flu-like symptoms, most of them are thought to be caused by the H1N1 virus. In addition, 7% of 10,000 adults surveyed reported manifestations of flu which had claimed the lives of 1,000 people in USA.

The spread of the swine flu has the potential to overtax the healthcare system as 46 out 50 states have reported rising influenza infections. Wordwide, it was reported 5,000 people have so far died of the disease since the first cases were identified in April. This prompted Pres. Barack Obama to declare a national flu emergency.

“The emergency declaration, which Obama signed late Friday, lets doctors and nurses temporarily bypass certain federal requirements so they can better handle a spike in influenza A(H1N1) patients. The declaration comes just days after Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius warned that demand was outstripping supply of vaccine for the novel flu strain.”----AFP (10/24/09)

More than 1 million Americans have been downed by the H1N1 flu. Facing a vaccine shortage, the state of New York on Friday suspended the controversial ruling that health care personnel be vaccinated against the H1N1 flu by the end of November or face the possibility of job termination.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) about 16.1 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine was ready for distribution and 11 million doses have already been passed on to state health authorities for use. In spite of this, it is believed that the distribution is already late to be able to cover individuals who truly need the vaccine. (Photo Credit: Fassbender, I./ Reuters/ Getty images) =0=

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Labels: H1N1 virus, Influenza, influenza virus, pandemic, Swine flu, Totie Mesia, vaccination, vaccine

H1N1 flu vaccination in US starts in October

9/14/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

With the onset of school, health experts fear that the spread of the swine flu will intensify. That’s why they plan to start the vaccination in about three weeks to protect as much individuals as possible to the pandemic virus.

Earlier, it was thought that the new H1N1 flu virus would need a two step dosing to achieve a level of immunity during the vaccination, but recent studies on patients with ages 18 to 64 years showed that a single dose containing 15 micrograms of the viral antigen was enough to stimulate protective levels of antibodies. From the initial results, the vaccine which didn’t contain adjuvant to boost its efficacy, showed no serious side-effects.

“The results of the vaccine studies suggest one dose of the formula used by drugmakers should offer H1N1 protection similar to the seasonal flu shot. Paris-based Sanofi Aventis SA, London- based GlaxoSmithKline Plc, and Basel, Switzerland-based Novartis AG are among the other companies making the vaccine. “---- Bloomberg.com (09/13/09, Randall, T; Gale, J.)

The single dose regimen will simplify the vaccination process and appreciably increase the production and stockpile of Paris-based Sanofi Aventis SA, London- based GlaxoSmithKline Plc, and Basel, Switzerland-based Novartis AG which are making the vaccines. There are plans in the US to donate prepared vaccines to poor countries. Since the experience their use is limited, more studies are needed to validate the initial findings to ascertain the efficacy and safety of the drug. (Photo Credit: CDC) =0=

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Labels: antibodies, antiviral, H1N1 virus, Influenza, influenza virus, prevention, Swine flu, Totie Mesia, vaccination, vaccine

H1N1 influenza death toll doubles in RP

9/07/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

After the Department of Health (DOH) halted its daily update of the H1N1 pandemic in the country, the government agency reported that the August death toll doubled to 28 from July’s mortality of 13. Those who died were part of the 4,548 reported cases of swine flu documented in the country of which 4,369 fully recovered.

Morbidity & Mortality of H1N1, European Center for Disease Control Data

Worldwide, infected, 254,206 as 08/30/09
Worldwide, deaths 3,315 (ECDC)
Southeast Asia, 262
Thailand, 130
Malaysia, 73
the Philippines, 28
Singapore, 17
Indonesia, 10
Vietnam, two
Brunei, 1
Laos, 1

As the pandemic spreads and persists worldwide, the focus is to rush the flu vaccine which is expected to be ready by October. Health authorities predict a surge of the swine influenza during fall and winter seasons needing preventive measures to control its spread. The easily transmissibe virus has the potential of infecting 2 billon people worldwide.

The vaccination makes the public leery over the potential side effects of the vaccination such as Guillain Barre Syndrome which is more fatal than the H1N1 or the usual flu infection. It is unclear if this vaccination being readied will offer enugh efficacy and protection as desired.

Many health workers believe vaccination is important in preventing morbidity and mortality among vulnerable population groups, particularly the young, the elderly. the immunosuppressed, diabetes and dialysis patients, and those suffering from chronic diseases. (Photo Credit: Benedicti Desrus) =0=

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Labels: DOH, Guillain Barre Syndrome, H1N1 virus, Influenza, influenza virus, morbidity, mortality, Swine flu, vaccination, vaccine

Nerve disease feared in swine flu vaccination

8/17/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

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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Labels: complications, diseases, GBS, Guillain Barre Syndrome, H1N1 virus, immunzation, Influenza, Totie Mesia, vaccination, warning

St. Agnes Academy of Legazpi temporarily closes vs. H1N1 influenza

7/26/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

After 5 of its students tested positive for the H1N1 virus, St. Agnes Academy in Legazpi City stopped operations to contain the spread of the disease. Classes ceased in the elementary and high school levels and are expected to resume on August 2, 2009. Of the five ill students, 2 have recovered and 3 continue to get medical treatment.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda ordered local health officers to work hand in hand with school authorities as they monitor and try to curtail the spread of the disease.

In the world front, pharmaceuticals are rushing the production of the H1N1 vaccine in anticipation of a possible disease resurgence when the winter season arrives. At least `160 million vaccines are being rushed in United States. According to experts, up to about 40% of Americans may get ill from the swine flu. Yet, so far it behaves in a benign fashion similar to the seasonal flu. According to reports, there are increasing number of viral resistance to treatment which needs close monitoring.

The H1N1 flu has the potential to infect the elderly, the sick, those who are immunocompromised, and the very young. Deaths from these susceptible groups have been reported. (Photo Credit: AP/ Gregory Bull) =0=

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Labels: Ebola-Reston virus, H1N1 virus, Influenza, Legazpi City, St. Agnes Academy, Swine flu, Totie Mesia, vaccination

Natural defense against H1N1 flu among Filipinos & the potential economic impact of the pandemic in poor countries

6/24/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

In spite of the aggressive surveillance of the swine flu, the pandemic has basically spilled in the community raising the number of those stricken ill to 604 as of June 24, 2009. The rapid transmission in Metro Manila is expected to increase as more cases are identified. Nobody knows how the disease spread will end.

In a Wall Street blog by Shirley Wang on June 23, 2009, the World Bank has estimated that the pandemic may bring far-reaching negative economic impact in countries that are poor. In Mexico where the swine influenza started, it is estimated that tourism has dropped to 43%. Citing a 2006 study, World Bank says that the low end impact of the illness is a contraction of about 0.7% of global GDP similar to the Hong Kong flu of 1968-69. A high end impact can contract global GDP by 4.8% like the 1918-1919 Spanish flu. This is something to watch when the next flu season arrives. Countries with limited funds and facilities to fight the disease are most vulnerable to get the worst effects of the pandemic.

If greater than 80% of the illness is self-limiting---i.e. the viral infection heals by itself, then the main body defense is likely the person’s immunity. A breakdown of the immune response in persons with chronic illnesses or conditions of immunosuppression will therefore put a person at risk of getting sick or dying. People catching the virus at the same time disrupt the workplace. Productivity is undermined when illness prevents people from working.

If the new virus mutates to a deadly form, the picture may change for the worse when the genetic change turns towards the acquisition of more virulence. Influenza viruses which acquire traits of greater virulence have the capacity to sicken more people.

The techniques of prevention still apply to avoid getting ill. Constant hand-washing, educational seminars to understand the nature of the disease, avoiding huge crowds and quarantine of those suspected of having disease appreciably lowers the number of infection. Case finding and treating those who harbor signs of illness on time will help avoid transmission in the community.

The use of seasonal flu vaccine (vs. the vaccine against the new swine strain) is not expected to protect against the H1N1 flu and thus may end up just a wastage of money. The vaccine which will accomplish protection for swine flu is still under development in laboratories abroad.

Anti-virals (Tamiflu) may be used to ameliorate the signs of the disease, but their efficacy to foil the new H1N1 flu is basically equivocal. Dirty contaminated masks that are repeatedly used may serve as a soil on which the swine flu can grow if not discarded in a timely fashion. (Photo credit: Lucher) =0=

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Labels: antivifal, economy, H1N1 virus, immunity, impact, Influenza, pandemic, Swine flu, Totie Mesia, vaccination, World Bank

Politics of Health: Give the flu vaccines to those who need them most

6/15/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

The number of H1N1 flu infection ominously jumped from 111 to 147 cases and health authorities reported brisk community transmission in Nueva Ecija----suggesting that more cases are cropping up and the flu is getting harder to control.

As a response, the government said 8,000 Makati City employees will be given free flu shots on Monday to prevent the seasonal flu, not the H1N1 viral infection. The government thinks mass vaccination against the common flu at a cost of P2.8 million will help track down by “elimination” those with swine flu. But health authorities know that giving the vaccine doesn't completely assure seasonal flu will be avoided.

“We have prioritized the immunization against seasonal or common flu of our city workers, especially our frontline and field workers, not only to strengthen their defenses against respiratory diseases, but also to help us in promptly identifying possible cases of A(H1N1),” Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay said.---Philippine Daily Inquirer (06/14/09, Lopez, A.)

Really?

The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to be effective in preventing the H1N1 flu. At best, the justification that swine flu can be detected by “elimination” is faulty because there are many illnesses which present with flu-like symptoms. If one means to control the viral disease, it’s not by “elimination.” Doctors need the right diagnosis, even if influenzas in general have essentially the same treatment.

To identify H1N1 flu or seasonal flu, a lab test like the one done at the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) must be done. This makes one to consider if Mayor Binay’s decision to administer the vaccine is in line with good medical judgment. Why don't politicians like Binay leave the medical decisions to Dr. Francisco Duque III and the Department of Health (DOH?)

Government employees, unless they are in the high risk group, hardly qualify as the priority group to get the vaccines. Though workers may receive them, the government in triaging patients, must give the vaccines to those who need them most as shown below. On the process of production, it will take sometime before the new H1N1 vaccine will be readily available in the market:

2008-09 INFLUENZA PREVENTION & CONTROL RECOMMENDATIONS
Center for Disease Control

Vaccination of all children aged 6 months–18 years should begin before or during the 2008–09 influenza season if feasible, but no later than during the 2009–10 influenza season. Vaccination of all children aged 5–18 years is a new ACIP recommendation.

Children and adolescents at high risk for influenza complications should continue to be a focus of vaccination efforts as providers and programs transition to routinely vaccinating all children and adolescents. Recommendations for these children have not changed. Children and adolescents at higher risk for influenza complication are those:

•aged 6 months–4 years;
•who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus);
•who are immunosuppressed (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus);
•who have any condition (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk for aspiration;
•who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy who therefore might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection;
•who are residents of chronic-care facilities; and,
•who will be pregnant during the influenza season.

Note: Children aged <6 months should not receive influenza vaccination. Household and other close contacts (e.g., daycare providers) of children aged <6 months, including older children and adolescents, should be vaccinated.

Annual recommendations for adults have not changed. Annual vaccination against influenza is recommended for any adult who wants to reduce the risk for becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting it to others. Vaccination also is recommended for all adults in the following groups, because these persons are either at high risk for influenza complications, or are close contacts of persons at higher risk:

•persons aged >50 years;
•women who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
•persons who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus);
•persons who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus);
•persons who have any condition (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk for aspiration;
•residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities;
•health-care personnel;
•household contacts and caregivers of children aged <5 years and adults aged >50 years, with particular emphasis on vaccinating contacts of children aged <6 months; and,
•household contacts and caregivers of persons with medical conditions that put them at high risk for severe complications from influenza.
Source: Center for Disease Control (Photo Credit: Healthcarewithoutharm/ Southeastasia) =0=

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Labels: CDC, DOH, epidemic, Flu, H1N1 virus, Influenza, Makati, pandemic, politics, Public Health, RITM, seasonal flu, Swine flu, Totie Mesia, treatment, vaccination

UP Ibalon Bicol

Death toll of H1N1 reaches 4,000 in the US

In spite of emergency declaration, USA suffers from H1N1 flu vaccine shortage

Obama calls swine flu a national emergency

H1N1 flu vaccination in US starts in October

H1N1 influenza death toll doubles in RP

Nerve disease feared in swine flu vaccination

St. Agnes Academy of Legazpi temporarily closes vs. H1N1 influenza

Natural defense against H1N1 flu among Filipinos & the potential economic impact of the pandemic in poor countries

Politics of Health: Give the flu vaccines to those who need them most

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