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

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

With the medical community on edge wondering when the next severe pandemic will hit, governments across the world are making preparations to deal with what may happen. There are people who feel that these preparations are akin to Chicken Little and the sky falling in, but it really does seem to be a good idea to be prepared. Because something is going to happen; we just don’t know when and what, and to what severity.
Part of this preparation is making sure that the world has enough vaccines against the flu. Earlier this month, the United States FDA has approved a …read more

Since mid-April, several people have died from swine flu and many more are ill, report Mexican authorities. The numbers reported differ a bit though, according to the news source. The New York Times reports 61 dead, while Associated Press reports “Mexico put the confirmed toll at 20 dead, but 40 other fatalities were being probed, and at least 943 nationwide were sick from the suspected flu, the health department said.”
The worrying thing is that, like the major epidemic of early last century, it’s the young, healthy adults who are dying, not the very young, sick, or elderly who the most …read more

Just a little reminder for those that reside in the US, I am not certain about time frames in other countries, that it is time to receive your Influenza and Pneumococcal Immunization/Vaccine.
Yes, if you hadn’t already guessed diabetics are in the “persons at risk” category. Make your appointment today and save yourself some troubles down the road. Better safe than sorry! That is what I always say.
And no, I am not advising you to do so because I am a nurse and enjoy inflicting pain on people with needles. But that is always a perk when a patient misbehaves, …read more