Almost half of patients (46%) who are hospitalized because of the H1N1 virus (swine flu) are otherwise healthy adults with no chronic illnesses such as asthma. This study or 1400 adults (and 500 children) goes against a previously release study found in the New England Journal of Medicine earlier this month. This much smaller study (272 patients) said that 83% of adults and 60% of children had underlying conditions. The second study was done by the Centers of Disease Control (CDC).
Among the adults:

26% had asthma
8% had another chronic lung disease
10% had diabetes
8% had weakened immune systems
6% were pregnant

Among children, …read more

Wow, that headline looks a bit like alphabet soup with all the abbreviations.
Here’s a bit of interesting fun. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services began a contest for the best public service announcement (PSA) about H1N1, often called swine flu. They had about 200 entries and they’ve been narrowed down to 10. You can watch the entries and vote on your favorite. You have until September 16, 2009 to vote.
Not that I’m trying to influence you in any way {grin}, but I think you should check out the one called “H1N1 Rap by Dr. Clarke.” I …read more

A recent article on CBC News talked about pregnant schoolteachers in Vancouver and the dilemma they now face at work. While in the past they would immediately feel sympathy for a kid that didn’t look very well, they now want to take a step back to protect themselves (and rightfully so.) The article mentioned a Montreal woman who “died of complications from swine flu after giving birth.”

Teachers have been dealing with various dangers in the classroom for quite a while. But with swine flu outbreaks in several schools last year, it has reminded every schoolteacher to …read more

The original Sesame Street generation is in their late 30s and 40s now, there are still millions of younger Sesame Street fans around the world, watching the muppets’ antics and listening to their stories and songs in several different languages. So, considering how popular the franchise is, it’s no wonder that one of Sesame Street’s most popular muppets, Elmo, has been recruited to help children learn more about staying healthy amidst the H1N1 influenza phase.
All parents have gone through the handwashing thing with their children at some point. Some children learn it well and do it, others pay lip service …read more

Watching the news the other day, I saw a reporter at a school where kids were being told to do elbow bumps instead of high fives. Hugs and definitely kisses were strongly discouraged. This all in the name of preventing the spread of H1N1. Hype or help?
My vote is on the hype part. H1N1 is very easily spread. In fact, it’s being found to be one of the most easily spread viruses we’ve had around for a while. And, yes, while it may be spread through touch, it’s also spread through touching contaminated objects. So, while a school child may …read more

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued guidelines regarding the use of the antivirals (Tamiflu and Relenza) for people infected with the H1N1 virus. The goal of antivirals is to reduce the amount of hospital care need to treat patients who have developed severe complications of influenza and limit the number of deaths.
The WHO has already identified the people who are highest risk of developing these severe complications should they contract the H1N1 virus. Considering the limited time that doctors have to give the antivirals (within 48 hours of onset of illness), the WHO has recommended that if patients come …read more

Getting a flu shot this year? How about three? That’s what medical professionals say might be the magic number when it comes to inoculating yourself against the H1N1 virus. They also tried to prepare employers to expect many of their employees to be out at least a few days this upcoming year with the Swine Flu. In other words, employers should encourage their workers to stay home at even the hint of the flu. If they don’t, they could inadvertently make more people sick.

Employees are reminded to wash their hands often, stay home if …read more

A day after he played in the United States’ versus Mexico World Cup loss, Landon Donovan found out he has the Swine Flu. I can’t imagine running around a soccer field while sick with the regular flu, let alone Swine Flu, can you? But the H1N1 virus has been shown in his system.

Did it have something to do with the team’s loss? It certainly couldn’t have helped. Donovan says he did feel lethargic and just not himself before the game, but he couldn’t pinpoint the problem. Despite playing in Mexico, Donovan also says he must …read more

When we hear of illness outbreaks, we often also hear of school closings. This is done with the hope of containing contagious illnesses and minimizing the spread and impact. However, with a new school year dawning in the United States, this may not be the case with regards to the H1N1 virus, the so-called swine flu.
There are a lot of issues to take into account when schools are closed en masse. Parents must scramble for child care, stay home and lose income, or leave their children unattended if they’re desperate enough. This can have a domino effect for the families, …read more

Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) have said that the world seems to be on track for the first H1N1 influenza vaccines to be approved by September. The so-called swine flu has been making its way around the world and scientists have been working at developing a vaccine before the virus makes its second wave, affecting even more people.
Developing a vaccine is intense work that can go in the wrong direction at any time. The many steps involved in developing the vaccine and ensuring  its safety and efficacy takes time. The WHO has outlined how this is done in …read more