A study has found older African Americans are less likely to get a flu shot than are older non-Hispanic whites. It’s not uncommon to hear about differences in certain illnesses and approach to illnesses, depending on race or culture, or even genetics. For example, it’s known that African Americans have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension). However, when it’s a behavior, such as avoiding a vaccination, it’s important for the medical community to understand why this is happening.
Researchers in Buffalo, NY, looked at the reasons why older African Americans may be reluctant to get a flu shot …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

Australia is ready to begin testing the first vaccine for the H1N1 virus, the so-called swine flu.
Although the H1N1 virus hasn’t been as harsh or fatal as some seasonal influenzas, the fear is that it still could develop into a stronger illness. As it is, it’s estimated that the H1N1 virus has caused almost 500 deaths. By far not as deadly as some other diseases we have, but we are still in the virus’ infancy – we don’t know what can or will happen.
Experts are saying that it may take two injections of the vaccine to gain immunity, meaning that, …read more

You’ve likely heard by now. After weeks of hesitating, the World Health Organization has declared the H1N1 virus infections to be a Level 6 on the pandemic scale, which means a pandemic has been announced. The thing is, your life is still the same. My life is still the same. Nothing has changed from the five minutes before the announcement and five minutes after the announcement. That’s what people need to remember before beginning to panic.
Here is some information that may help you learn more about pandemics, viruses, etc.
What’s the difference between a pandemic and an epidemic?