HYDERABAD: With three more deaths on Tuesday, the state’s swine flu toll has gone up to 16. Madan Mohan, a Home Guard from Kurnool, died of H1N1
flu at the Global Hospital in L B Nagar. Rajitha, A 25-year-old housewife from Medak district died at Gandhi Hospital on Tuesday evening. In the third case, a 25-year-old woman K Santoshi, native of Warangal district died at Gandhi Hospital even as samples of another patient, Mohammed Osman, who had died at OGH on September 13, tested positive for swine flu on Tuesday taking the death toll to 16.
Earlier, Osmania General Hospital resident medical officer Dr Sudha Rani confirmed to TOI that Ashish Raj, 25-year-old resident of Vanasthalipuram, who died at OGH on September 13 also tested positive for swine flu. On Tuesday, 15 more people tested positive for swine flu.
Sep 16, 2009
8 more die of swine flu, India's death toll touches 201
NEW DELHI: Eight more persons succumbed to swine flu across the country on Tuesday, taking the toll from the disease to 201 as 229 fresh cases
were reported in the day.Of the eight deaths, two were reported from Delhi, bringing the total number of deaths in the national capital to 10.
The other deaths were reported from Maharashtra and Gujarat
All the 229 fresh cases reported across the country were indigenousIn Delhi, one of the dead was a 40-year-old woman who was admitted to the GTB hospital.
The other case was that of a 26-year-old man undergoing treatment at the RML hospital here, who succumbed to the viral infection this morning.
"With today's death, the toll due to swine flu has now reached 10 in the city. A total 70 positive cases of H1N1 Influenza have been identified in various hospitals.
The count of the number of cases that tested positive for the virus has reached 1,415 so far. Of these, 1,262 patients have been treated and discharged," Delhi Health Minister Kiran Walia said.
The total number of those afflicted by the disease today reached 6,588 while the number of dead touched 201.
Delhi reported the highest of 61 cases followed by Tamil Nadu 50, Karnataka 22 and Haryana 31.
were reported in the day.Of the eight deaths, two were reported from Delhi, bringing the total number of deaths in the national capital to 10.
The other deaths were reported from Maharashtra and Gujarat
All the 229 fresh cases reported across the country were indigenousIn Delhi, one of the dead was a 40-year-old woman who was admitted to the GTB hospital.
The other case was that of a 26-year-old man undergoing treatment at the RML hospital here, who succumbed to the viral infection this morning.
"With today's death, the toll due to swine flu has now reached 10 in the city. A total 70 positive cases of H1N1 Influenza have been identified in various hospitals.
The count of the number of cases that tested positive for the virus has reached 1,415 so far. Of these, 1,262 patients have been treated and discharged," Delhi Health Minister Kiran Walia said.
The total number of those afflicted by the disease today reached 6,588 while the number of dead touched 201.
Delhi reported the highest of 61 cases followed by Tamil Nadu 50, Karnataka 22 and Haryana 31.
Sep 7, 2009
swine flu flu
UPDATE: World Health Organisation took us to Phase 6 on June 11, which only means that they see the distribution of the virus across the globe as being at levels associated with a flu pandemic, the first such declaration since 1968. The virus itself has not become any worse nor have the chances of any individual dying from the disease increased.
Swine flu is still with us although the media hype has died down. There have been numerous cases and many deaths, but nothing on the scale of the millions predicted early on. Could this first wave strain now be evolving into a more virulent form that will affect the northern hemisphere more severely after the summer is over?
I’ve previously discussed the many latent diseases in hosts as rodents, birds, and cattle. Many of these are ready and willing to make the species leap to humans given the opportunity. For the last ten years or so bird flu and Asia have been the focus of much research and concern. However, the wave of swine flu (H1N1) infections that began in March-April 2009 in Mexico highlight the fact that a potentially lethal strain of virus can emerge from other species and not necessarily in Asia.
Currently, not all the deaths attributed to swine flu have been definitively associated with type A H1N1 influenza, the actual mortality rate could be as low as 1% or as high as 6.5% depending on how you count.
Should we be worried?
No. We should be cautious, but not worried. While some observers are suggesting serious caution others are advising that there is no reason for real concern yet. We are not quite at the danger levels of even the worldwide SARS epidemic and certainly not close to the Spanish flu pandemic that ravaged the world in 1918-9.
Is the WHO scaremongering too?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Mexican/US swine flu outbreak as a “public health emergency of international concern”. It moved us to a Phase IV alert and then a Phase V alert and told us that the disease could no longer be contained. However, as things are panning out it would seem that this latest emergent virus is not even as bad as the common seasonal flu that kills tens of thousands of people every year. But, there a new strain could evolve in the coming weeks and months.
What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a type A influenza virus. It’s a subtype of H1N1 and is something of a misnomer.
Why is this new H1N1 virus called swine flu?
In the original testing many of the viral genes were shown to be similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further studies have shown that this new virus is very different. It also has two genes from flu viruses present in European and Asian pigs as well as genes from bird flu and human flu strains. It is referred to as a “quadruple reassortant” virus.
What is unusual about the present strain?
The new strain is a hybrid of swine, human and avian flu viruses and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it might spread from human to human but the level of virulence is not yet clear. UPDATE: There have been numerous deaths, but so far the vast majority of people infected have shown only mild symptoms and after treatment have recovered.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to regular human flu: fever and chills, a cough, sore throat, aching limbs, headaches, and general malaise. However, there are reports of swine flu also causing diarrhoea and vomiting. Pneumonia and respiratory failure can occur leading to death as also happens in regular human flu.
Are there warning signs in children?
Children having trouble breathing, being averse to drinking, lethargy not waking up or not interacting, being so irritable that the child does not want to beheld, flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough, fever with a rash.
Are there any drugs to treat swine flu?
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are the possible pharmaceutical frontline defences against the virus and are proving effective in treating patients diagnosed early enough. There is as yet no vaccine, although researchers are working hard to develop one. It takes several months to create a flu vaccine and any such vaccine will be effective against only the specific strain for which it was created. By the time we have a vaccine the virus may have either died out or evolved into a different strain resistant to the vaccine.
Has the disease spread to the USA?
Cases in California, Texas, and Kansas, have been confirmed and tests are being carried out on students at a school in New York. Cases have been seen in New Zealand, Spain, Scotland, and elsewhere; those infected have been recovering well.
How can we prevent the spread of swine flu?
People at risk should cover their mouth when they cough. They should regularly wash their hands with an alcohol-based cleaner and and avoid close contact with the sick. Patients with the disease should stay at home. There is no need to avoid eating pork.
Will there be a global flu epidemic?
“We do not know whether this swine flu virus or some other influenza virus will lead to the next pandemic,” says, Richard Besser, acting director of the CDC, “However, scientists around the world continue to monitor the virus and take its threat seriously.” UPDATE: the WHO raised its alert level from Phase IV to V, with recent infection rates in Japan, the WHO has been hinting that they will need to upgrade to pandemic Phase VI.
Will there be a second wave?
One of two outcomes are being forecast, first that this rather poorly virulent strain will continue spreading slowly but ultimately die out, thanks to a combination of low virulence and monitoring and isolation of outbreaks, or secondly it will mutate into something much more virulent and bring with it a fast-spreading and more lethal wave of influenza. Thankfully, in the Northern hemisphere, we are heading into summer and influenza viruses do not spread as efficiently in the summer as they do in the winter.
What’s next?
It is impossible to predict what virus will emerge from which host, there are countless different types of pathogen lying dormant in the countless different mammals across the globe. No one predicted SARS, AIDS, Ebola, West Nile virus, or swine flu. This time, health agencies have responded well and although the WHO is saying it is now impossible to “contain” swine flu, it seems that the first wave is not revealing itself to be quite as lethal as was at first feared. However, that does not detract from the possibility of a second wave of H1N1 emerging.
Is this a wake-up call?
At the very least this swine flu outbreak should wake us all up to either getting the dust off our (bird flu) pandemic plans (as the response is the same) or getting started with putting them together. This includes both businesses and individuals. If the outbreak dies out quickly and this turns out not to be the next global pandemic then we can be sure another strain will try to be at some point in the future. Pandemic preparedness for businesses should now be at the forefront of every business manager’s mind.
What is cyberchondria?
Cyberchondria is an anxiety disorder related to hyperchondria and brought on by reading too many tweets with the #swineflu tag, listening to conspiracy theorists, and viewing online news stories about diseases that scare the sheesh kebab out of you. But, just because you’re paranoid does not mean the disease isn’t out to get you.
swine flu flu
UPDATE: World Health Organisation took us to Phase 6 on June 11, which only means that they see the distribution of the virus across the globe as being at levels associated with a flu pandemic, the first such declaration since 1968. The virus itself has not become any worse nor have the chances of any individual dying from the disease increased.
Swine flu is still with us although the media hype has died down. There have been numerous cases and many deaths, but nothing on the scale of the millions predicted early on. Could this first wave strain now be evolving into a more virulent form that will affect the northern hemisphere more severely after the summer is over?
I’ve previously discussed the many latent diseases in hosts as rodents, birds, and cattle. Many of these are ready and willing to make the species leap to humans given the opportunity. For the last ten years or so bird flu and Asia have been the focus of much research and concern. However, the wave of swine flu (H1N1) infections that began in March-April 2009 in Mexico highlight the fact that a potentially lethal strain of virus can emerge from other species and not necessarily in Asia.
Currently, not all the deaths attributed to swine flu have been definitively associated with type A H1N1 influenza, the actual mortality rate could be as low as 1% or as high as 6.5% depending on how you count.
Should we be worried?
No. We should be cautious, but not worried. While some observers are suggesting serious caution others are advising that there is no reason for real concern yet. We are not quite at the danger levels of even the worldwide SARS epidemic and certainly not close to the Spanish flu pandemic that ravaged the world in 1918-9.
Is the WHO scaremongering too?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Mexican/US swine flu outbreak as a “public health emergency of international concern”. It moved us to a Phase IV alert and then a Phase V alert and told us that the disease could no longer be contained. However, as things are panning out it would seem that this latest emergent virus is not even as bad as the common seasonal flu that kills tens of thousands of people every year. But, there a new strain could evolve in the coming weeks and months.
What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a type A influenza virus. It’s a subtype of H1N1 and is something of a misnomer.
Why is this new H1N1 virus called swine flu?
In the original testing many of the viral genes were shown to be similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further studies have shown that this new virus is very different. It also has two genes from flu viruses present in European and Asian pigs as well as genes from bird flu and human flu strains. It is referred to as a “quadruple reassortant” virus.
What is unusual about the present strain?
The new strain is a hybrid of swine, human and avian flu viruses and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it might spread from human to human but the level of virulence is not yet clear. UPDATE: There have been numerous deaths, but so far the vast majority of people infected have shown only mild symptoms and after treatment have recovered.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to regular human flu: fever and chills, a cough, sore throat, aching limbs, headaches, and general malaise. However, there are reports of swine flu also causing diarrhoea and vomiting. Pneumonia and respiratory failure can occur leading to death as also happens in regular human flu.
Are there warning signs in children?
Children having trouble breathing, being averse to drinking, lethargy not waking up or not interacting, being so irritable that the child does not want to beheld, flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough, fever with a rash.
Are there any drugs to treat swine flu?
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are the possible pharmaceutical frontline defences against the virus and are proving effective in treating patients diagnosed early enough. There is as yet no vaccine, although researchers are working hard to develop one. It takes several months to create a flu vaccine and any such vaccine will be effective against only the specific strain for which it was created. By the time we have a vaccine the virus may have either died out or evolved into a different strain resistant to the vaccine.
Has the disease spread to the USA?
Cases in California, Texas, and Kansas, have been confirmed and tests are being carried out on students at a school in New York. Cases have been seen in New Zealand, Spain, Scotland, and elsewhere; those infected have been recovering well.
How can we prevent the spread of swine flu?
People at risk should cover their mouth when they cough. They should regularly wash their hands with an alcohol-based cleaner and and avoid close contact with the sick. Patients with the disease should stay at home. There is no need to avoid eating pork.
Will there be a global flu epidemic?
“We do not know whether this swine flu virus or some other influenza virus will lead to the next pandemic,” says, Richard Besser, acting director of the CDC, “However, scientists around the world continue to monitor the virus and take its threat seriously.” UPDATE: the WHO raised its alert level from Phase IV to V, with recent infection rates in Japan, the WHO has been hinting that they will need to upgrade to pandemic Phase VI.
Will there be a second wave?
One of two outcomes are being forecast, first that this rather poorly virulent strain will continue spreading slowly but ultimately die out, thanks to a combination of low virulence and monitoring and isolation of outbreaks, or secondly it will mutate into something much more virulent and bring with it a fast-spreading and more lethal wave of influenza. Thankfully, in the Northern hemisphere, we are heading into summer and influenza viruses do not spread as efficiently in the summer as they do in the winter.
What’s next?
It is impossible to predict what virus will emerge from which host, there are countless different types of pathogen lying dormant in the countless different mammals across the globe. No one predicted SARS, AIDS, Ebola, West Nile virus, or swine flu. This time, health agencies have responded well and although the WHO is saying it is now impossible to “contain” swine flu, it seems that the first wave is not revealing itself to be quite as lethal as was at first feared. However, that does not detract from the possibility of a second wave of H1N1 emerging.
Is this a wake-up call?
At the very least this swine flu outbreak should wake us all up to either getting the dust off our (bird flu) pandemic plans (as the response is the same) or getting started with putting them together. This includes both businesses and individuals. If the outbreak dies out quickly and this turns out not to be the next global pandemic then we can be sure another strain will try to be at some point in the future. Pandemic preparedness for businesses should now be at the forefront of every business manager’s mind.
What is cyberchondria?
Cyberchondria is an anxiety disorder related to hyperchondria and brought on by reading too many tweets with the #swineflu tag, listening to conspiracy theorists, and viewing online news stories about diseases that scare the sheesh kebab out of you. But, just because you’re paranoid does not mean the disease isn’t out to get you.
Sep 5, 2009
Was The Public Health Response To Swine Flu Alarmist?
The public health measures taken in response to swine flu may be seen as alarmist, overly restrictive, or even unjustified, says a US expert in a paper published on bmj.com today.
Peter Doshi, a doctoral student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, argues that our plans for pandemics need to take into account more than the worst case scenarios, and calls for a new framework for thinking about epidemic disease.
Over the past four years, pandemic preparations have focused on responding to worst case scenarios. As a result, we responded to the H1N1 outbreak as an unfolding disaster. Some countries erected port of entry quarantines. Others advised against non-essential travel to affected areas and some closed schools and businesses.
Pandemic A/H1N1 is significantly different than the pandemic that was predicted, says Doshi. Pandemic A/H1N1 virus is not a new subtype but the same subtype as seasonal H1N1 that has been circulating since 1977. Furthermore, a substantial portion of the population may have immunity.
Actions in response to the early H1N1 outbreak were taken in an environment of high public attention and low scientific certainty, he argues. The sudden emphasis on laboratory testing for H1N1 in the first weeks of the outbreak helped to amplify the perceived risk.
He also points out that, since the emergence of A/H1N1, the World Health Organisation has revised its definition of pandemic flu.
The wisdom of many of these responses to pandemic A/H1N1 will undoubtedly be debated in the future, he writes. What the early response to the pandemic has shown, however, is that the public health response to, as well as impact and social experience of a pandemic, is heavily influenced by longstanding planning assumptions about the nature of pandemics as disaster scenarios.
If the 2009 influenza pandemic turns severe, early and enhanced surveillance may prove to have bought critical time to prepare a vaccine that could reduce morbidity and mortality, says Doshi. But if this pandemic does not increase in severity, it may signal the need to reassess both the risk assessment and risk management strategies towards emerging infectious diseases.
He suggests that future responses to infectious diseases may benefit from a risk assessment that broadly conceives of four types of threat based on the disease's distribution and clinical severity.
For example, the 1918 pandemic was a type 1 epidemic (severe disease affecting many people), while SARS was a type 2 epidemic (infecting few, mostly severe disease), and the H1N1 pandemic may prove to be type 3 (affecting many, mostly mild).
Public health responses not calibrated to the threat may be perceived as alarmist, eroding the public trust and resulting in the public ignoring important warnings when serious epidemics do occur, he warns.
The success of public health strategies today depends as much on technical expertise as it does on media relations and communications. Strategies that anticipate only type 1 epidemics carry the risk of doing more harm than they prevent when epidemiologically limited or clinically mild epidemics or pandemics occur, he concludes.
Peter Doshi, a doctoral student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, argues that our plans for pandemics need to take into account more than the worst case scenarios, and calls for a new framework for thinking about epidemic disease.
Over the past four years, pandemic preparations have focused on responding to worst case scenarios. As a result, we responded to the H1N1 outbreak as an unfolding disaster. Some countries erected port of entry quarantines. Others advised against non-essential travel to affected areas and some closed schools and businesses.
Pandemic A/H1N1 is significantly different than the pandemic that was predicted, says Doshi. Pandemic A/H1N1 virus is not a new subtype but the same subtype as seasonal H1N1 that has been circulating since 1977. Furthermore, a substantial portion of the population may have immunity.
Actions in response to the early H1N1 outbreak were taken in an environment of high public attention and low scientific certainty, he argues. The sudden emphasis on laboratory testing for H1N1 in the first weeks of the outbreak helped to amplify the perceived risk.
He also points out that, since the emergence of A/H1N1, the World Health Organisation has revised its definition of pandemic flu.
The wisdom of many of these responses to pandemic A/H1N1 will undoubtedly be debated in the future, he writes. What the early response to the pandemic has shown, however, is that the public health response to, as well as impact and social experience of a pandemic, is heavily influenced by longstanding planning assumptions about the nature of pandemics as disaster scenarios.
If the 2009 influenza pandemic turns severe, early and enhanced surveillance may prove to have bought critical time to prepare a vaccine that could reduce morbidity and mortality, says Doshi. But if this pandemic does not increase in severity, it may signal the need to reassess both the risk assessment and risk management strategies towards emerging infectious diseases.
He suggests that future responses to infectious diseases may benefit from a risk assessment that broadly conceives of four types of threat based on the disease's distribution and clinical severity.
For example, the 1918 pandemic was a type 1 epidemic (severe disease affecting many people), while SARS was a type 2 epidemic (infecting few, mostly severe disease), and the H1N1 pandemic may prove to be type 3 (affecting many, mostly mild).
Public health responses not calibrated to the threat may be perceived as alarmist, eroding the public trust and resulting in the public ignoring important warnings when serious epidemics do occur, he warns.
The success of public health strategies today depends as much on technical expertise as it does on media relations and communications. Strategies that anticipate only type 1 epidemics carry the risk of doing more harm than they prevent when epidemiologically limited or clinically mild epidemics or pandemics occur, he concludes.
Sep 4, 2009
New Online Learning Tool Launched To Help Kids Protect Themselves From Infections
School children across England and Europe can now learn about protecting themselves from swine flu and other infections, following today's launch of an education programme and interactive website by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
e-Bug is made up of educational activities for primary and secondary school-age children, complemented by online games, on microbes, hygiene, antibiotic use and vaccines. The programme features age-appropriate animated characters and cartoon microbes; and lesson plans and materials for teachers. Topics include hygiene measures to stop the spread of swine flu and other respiratory infections.
The programme also educates children - our future generation of antibiotic users - on the importance of the prudent use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are currently the most common medicines given to children, and increased antibiotic use is linked to increased resistance.
e-Bug was developed by a team of healthcare experts at the HPA's Primary Care Unit, Gloucester, after research in English and European schools found teaching about antibiotics and resistance varied widely. This research also found that the majority of hand hygiene campaigns were targeted towards adults, with few school-based resources available for children.
Eighteen European countries assisted the HPA with the development of e-Bug: ten are immediately implementing e-Bug as part of the junior and senior school curriculum, or making it available to schools; and eight plan to roll it out in the future. e-Bug will be available as a resource for all English junior and secondary schools from this month.
The HPA's Dr Cliodna McNulty, who led on the development of e-Bug, said:
"With the current swine flu epidemic as well as seasonal flu, we have seen how children are not only more susceptible to acquiring viruses, but are also more infectious to others. Since many swine flu cases have been centred around school outbreaks, the implementation of e-Bug in schools this autumn is particularly timely.
"e-Bug provides practical information on these topics in a fun, hands-on way; which means children are more likely to retain and use what they learn."
The HPA's Chairman, Dr David Heymann, said: "A key role of the HPA is to provide advice and information on issues of public health to specific audiences, so I'm delighted that one of our units has led on the development of this interactive tool for schools.
"I am also very pleased that we have been able to collaborate with schools in so many EU countries in developing e-Bug. Working across national boundaries is crucial if we are to tackle pressing global health issues, such as the spread of swine flu and antibiotic resistance, so I see this as a really positive project."
Notes
- The e-Bug website is http://www.e-bug.eu
- e-Bug is being launched in ten EU countries with some of the highest antibiotic use and largest populations, making up 55% of the EU population. The 10 countries which will be implementing e-Bug are Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Greece, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Spain. The eight countries which are seeking funding to implement it are Croatia, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Slovenia and Slovakia
- e-Bug is sponsored by the European Commission Director General for Health, and Consumer Protection Directorate General. 40% of funding is contributed by the ten countries implementing e-Bug
- e-Bug has already been endorsed by the Ministries of Health and Education in 10 EU countries
- e-Bug will not be formally included in the English school curriculum but the pack will be sent to all schools as a hard copy resource for teachers. e-Bug has been evaluated within schools in Gloucestershire and London
e-Bug is made up of educational activities for primary and secondary school-age children, complemented by online games, on microbes, hygiene, antibiotic use and vaccines. The programme features age-appropriate animated characters and cartoon microbes; and lesson plans and materials for teachers. Topics include hygiene measures to stop the spread of swine flu and other respiratory infections.
The programme also educates children - our future generation of antibiotic users - on the importance of the prudent use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are currently the most common medicines given to children, and increased antibiotic use is linked to increased resistance.
e-Bug was developed by a team of healthcare experts at the HPA's Primary Care Unit, Gloucester, after research in English and European schools found teaching about antibiotics and resistance varied widely. This research also found that the majority of hand hygiene campaigns were targeted towards adults, with few school-based resources available for children.
Eighteen European countries assisted the HPA with the development of e-Bug: ten are immediately implementing e-Bug as part of the junior and senior school curriculum, or making it available to schools; and eight plan to roll it out in the future. e-Bug will be available as a resource for all English junior and secondary schools from this month.
The HPA's Dr Cliodna McNulty, who led on the development of e-Bug, said:
"With the current swine flu epidemic as well as seasonal flu, we have seen how children are not only more susceptible to acquiring viruses, but are also more infectious to others. Since many swine flu cases have been centred around school outbreaks, the implementation of e-Bug in schools this autumn is particularly timely.
"e-Bug provides practical information on these topics in a fun, hands-on way; which means children are more likely to retain and use what they learn."
The HPA's Chairman, Dr David Heymann, said: "A key role of the HPA is to provide advice and information on issues of public health to specific audiences, so I'm delighted that one of our units has led on the development of this interactive tool for schools.
"I am also very pleased that we have been able to collaborate with schools in so many EU countries in developing e-Bug. Working across national boundaries is crucial if we are to tackle pressing global health issues, such as the spread of swine flu and antibiotic resistance, so I see this as a really positive project."
Notes
- The e-Bug website is http://www.e-bug.eu
- e-Bug is being launched in ten EU countries with some of the highest antibiotic use and largest populations, making up 55% of the EU population. The 10 countries which will be implementing e-Bug are Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Greece, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Spain. The eight countries which are seeking funding to implement it are Croatia, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Slovenia and Slovakia
- e-Bug is sponsored by the European Commission Director General for Health, and Consumer Protection Directorate General. 40% of funding is contributed by the ten countries implementing e-Bug
- e-Bug has already been endorsed by the Ministries of Health and Education in 10 EU countries
- e-Bug will not be formally included in the English school curriculum but the pack will be sent to all schools as a hard copy resource for teachers. e-Bug has been evaluated within schools in Gloucestershire and London
Will Healthcare Workers Refuse the Swine Flu Vaccine?
The first doses of vaccine for the Influenza A H1N1 virus (“swine flu”) should be available in October of 2009. Due to an initial limited supply, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that healthcare workers should be first in line to receive the vaccine. Immunizing healthcare workers against the H1N1 virus not only provides personal protection for the workers, but also protects patients and reduces absenteeism in healthcare settings. Unfortunately, a recent study published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) reports that less than half of healthcare workers surveyed are willing to be vaccinated against pandemic flu.
Swine FluThe BMJ “fast track” study surveyed healthcare workers — physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals — in the first several months of 2009 to assess their willingness to receive a flu vaccine as part of pre-pandemic planning. When the WHO pandemic alert was phase 3, indicating limited human-to-human transmission, less than one-third (28.4%) of workers were willing to receive a vaccine. At phase 5 alert level, an indicator that a global pandemic is imminent, less than half (47.9%) were still willing to do so.
The most common reasons that healthcare workers who were willing to receive the vaccine included the desire to be protected against the virus, and compliance with the recommendations of healthcare authorities. Also, healthcare workers who received seasonal flu vaccines in the past, and those who perceived an increased risk of becoming infected, were more likely to be willing to receive the vaccine. Fear of possible side effects, as well as questions regarding the effectiveness of the vaccine, limited the willingness to receive the vaccine.
The results of this study are similar to those of a survey recently conducted by Nursing Times that reported only 37% of nurses with direct patient contact were planning to be vaccinated against H1N1 flu. Additionally, 33% were undecided, but 30% of nurses were not planning on being vaccinated. The same reasons reported in the BMJ study are cited as reasons in favor of or opposition to vaccine acceptance.
Overall rates of healthcare worker vaccination are low, with only 42% of healthcare workers typically receiving seasonal flu vaccines. In many hospital settings, this vaccine is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as hospital administrators, but is not mandatory. In contrast, immunization requirements for healthcare workers have resulted in near-100% coverage against measles, mumps, rubella, and tuberculosis screening. A required flu vaccine — seasonal or H1N1 — could have the same outcome, according to the recent position paper by the Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.
With a flu pandemic almost certain according to most health organizations, hospitals will face many decisions regarding protective measures against the flu. Ordering extra surgical masks, providing family support for affected hospital staff, reinforcing infection control procedures, limiting unnecessary visitors to the hospital, and limiting procedures that may increase the spread of the flu virus are all potential strategies to keep healthcare workers and patients safe.
The acceptance of flu vaccines by healthcare workers limits the spread of the disease to vulnerable patients and keeps the healthcare system running at optimal levels. Moreover, healthcare workers also influence the vaccination of patients and people in the community at large. According to research among children and adults, healthcare providers are very influential in the decision to vaccinate or not. Most importantly, healthcare workers must be confident that flu vaccines are safe and effective, and be motivated to pass this information on to the community.
The media hype and conflicting information since the first cases of H1N1 flu appeared in the spring of 2009 has prevented many people — healthcare workers included — from fully understanding the risks of H1N1 flu or how to prevent it. Complete and accurate information needs to be provided to healthcare workers as hospitals make decisions about vaccine requirements and other flu prevention strategies.
Swine FluThe BMJ “fast track” study surveyed healthcare workers — physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals — in the first several months of 2009 to assess their willingness to receive a flu vaccine as part of pre-pandemic planning. When the WHO pandemic alert was phase 3, indicating limited human-to-human transmission, less than one-third (28.4%) of workers were willing to receive a vaccine. At phase 5 alert level, an indicator that a global pandemic is imminent, less than half (47.9%) were still willing to do so.
The most common reasons that healthcare workers who were willing to receive the vaccine included the desire to be protected against the virus, and compliance with the recommendations of healthcare authorities. Also, healthcare workers who received seasonal flu vaccines in the past, and those who perceived an increased risk of becoming infected, were more likely to be willing to receive the vaccine. Fear of possible side effects, as well as questions regarding the effectiveness of the vaccine, limited the willingness to receive the vaccine.
The results of this study are similar to those of a survey recently conducted by Nursing Times that reported only 37% of nurses with direct patient contact were planning to be vaccinated against H1N1 flu. Additionally, 33% were undecided, but 30% of nurses were not planning on being vaccinated. The same reasons reported in the BMJ study are cited as reasons in favor of or opposition to vaccine acceptance.
Overall rates of healthcare worker vaccination are low, with only 42% of healthcare workers typically receiving seasonal flu vaccines. In many hospital settings, this vaccine is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as hospital administrators, but is not mandatory. In contrast, immunization requirements for healthcare workers have resulted in near-100% coverage against measles, mumps, rubella, and tuberculosis screening. A required flu vaccine — seasonal or H1N1 — could have the same outcome, according to the recent position paper by the Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.
With a flu pandemic almost certain according to most health organizations, hospitals will face many decisions regarding protective measures against the flu. Ordering extra surgical masks, providing family support for affected hospital staff, reinforcing infection control procedures, limiting unnecessary visitors to the hospital, and limiting procedures that may increase the spread of the flu virus are all potential strategies to keep healthcare workers and patients safe.
The acceptance of flu vaccines by healthcare workers limits the spread of the disease to vulnerable patients and keeps the healthcare system running at optimal levels. Moreover, healthcare workers also influence the vaccination of patients and people in the community at large. According to research among children and adults, healthcare providers are very influential in the decision to vaccinate or not. Most importantly, healthcare workers must be confident that flu vaccines are safe and effective, and be motivated to pass this information on to the community.
The media hype and conflicting information since the first cases of H1N1 flu appeared in the spring of 2009 has prevented many people — healthcare workers included — from fully understanding the risks of H1N1 flu or how to prevent it. Complete and accurate information needs to be provided to healthcare workers as hospitals make decisions about vaccine requirements and other flu prevention strategies.
H1N1 Vaccine To Cost Countries $2.50 - $20 Per Dose
The H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine will cost countries between $2.50 and $20 per dose, based on their ability to pay, according to the director of the Initiative for Vaccine Research at the WHO, Marie-Paule Kieny, Agence France-Presse/Khaleej Times reports. During an interview published in the September issue of the WHO Bulletin, Kieny "also warned that there would not be enough vaccines for the world's population and that people should not rely entirely on the vaccine," the news service writes (9/2).
"Kieny stressed that it was neither possible nor necessary to vaccinate every person against the H1N1 flu, which has killed some pregnant women and people with other diseases such as diabetes but caused manageable flu symptoms in most patients," Reuters writes. "We should not be 'hypnotized' by vaccines," Kieny said. "There are other measures, such as social distancing, school closure, avoidance of large gatherings, antibiotics and personal hygiene," she said, adding, "This is not like rabies, which is 100 percent fatal. We are talking about a disease from which most people recover very well" (MacInnis, 9/2).
The WHO Bulletin also features Kieny's responses to questions about plans to help developing countries access the H1N1 vaccine, the safety of fast-tracked vaccines and the WHO's recommendations for who should receive the H1N1 vaccine first (9/09).
The Associated Press/Seattle Times also reports on why it is difficult for scientists to predict whether the H1N1 vaccine can be administered in a single dose or require two doses to offer protection against the virus (9/2). Nature News features a series of short articles, written by researchers from around the world, highlighting the public health and scientific challenges presented by H1N1 (9/2).
Chinese Government Approves Mass Production Of Single-Dose H1N1 Vaccine
In related news, on Thursday, the Chinese government gave the Chinese drug manufacturer Sinovac the go-ahead to begin the mass production of its H1N1 vaccine, Al Jazeera reports. "The vaccine is the first to be approved by the Chinese regulator and is set to be followed by at least one other vaccine this week, made by Hualan Biological Engineering Incorporated. Another four vaccines are being reviewed," the news service writes (9/3).
"Sinovac says it has the capacity to produce up to 30 million doses of swine flu vaccine in a year, while Hualan said it can make 160 million doses," the AP reports. The article also includes information about quality concerns that could arise if China were to export vaccines. The WHO "says it is encouraged after reviewing the test details from one of the two Chinese vaccines. However, experts said more results are needed from other vaccine makers to determine if one dose would be potent enough," the news service writes (Wong/Schmid, 9/2).
Novartis Reports Pilot Trial Shows Signs Single-Dose H1N1 Effective
The "Swiss drugmaker Novartis said Thursday one of its swine flu vaccines may work with just one dose, rather than two as previously expected, a finding that could potentially boost global supplies," the AP/Washington Post reports. The WHO "would not comment specifically on Novartis' vaccine since it had not yet seen the data. The agency said a number of companies were working on one-dose formulations which could theoretically increase the world's swine flu vaccine supplies," the news service writes (Cheng, 9/3).
Novartis' announcement came after the results of a "pilot trial" involving 100 volunteers showed its H1N1 vaccine caused "a strong immune response after just one dose," the news service writes, adding that "[o]ther studies with more than 6,000 adults and children are continuing," Reuters reports (Cage/Hornby, 9/3).
President Obama Requests $2.7B In Emergency H1N1 Funding
President Obama on Tuesday requested an additional $2.7 billion "in emergency H1N1 flu funding to buy vaccines, antiviral drugs and to make other preparations for an immunization campaign in the fall," Roll Call reports (Dennis, 9/2). "The money is on top of $1.8 billion the administration earmarked in July for tackling the virus" and is part of funds that have already been appropriated, Reuters writes(9/3).
This information was reprinted from globalhealth.kff.org with kind permission from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Global Health Policy Report, search the archives and sign up for email delivery at globalhealth.kff.org.
"Kieny stressed that it was neither possible nor necessary to vaccinate every person against the H1N1 flu, which has killed some pregnant women and people with other diseases such as diabetes but caused manageable flu symptoms in most patients," Reuters writes. "We should not be 'hypnotized' by vaccines," Kieny said. "There are other measures, such as social distancing, school closure, avoidance of large gatherings, antibiotics and personal hygiene," she said, adding, "This is not like rabies, which is 100 percent fatal. We are talking about a disease from which most people recover very well" (MacInnis, 9/2).
The WHO Bulletin also features Kieny's responses to questions about plans to help developing countries access the H1N1 vaccine, the safety of fast-tracked vaccines and the WHO's recommendations for who should receive the H1N1 vaccine first (9/09).
The Associated Press/Seattle Times also reports on why it is difficult for scientists to predict whether the H1N1 vaccine can be administered in a single dose or require two doses to offer protection against the virus (9/2). Nature News features a series of short articles, written by researchers from around the world, highlighting the public health and scientific challenges presented by H1N1 (9/2).
Chinese Government Approves Mass Production Of Single-Dose H1N1 Vaccine
In related news, on Thursday, the Chinese government gave the Chinese drug manufacturer Sinovac the go-ahead to begin the mass production of its H1N1 vaccine, Al Jazeera reports. "The vaccine is the first to be approved by the Chinese regulator and is set to be followed by at least one other vaccine this week, made by Hualan Biological Engineering Incorporated. Another four vaccines are being reviewed," the news service writes (9/3).
"Sinovac says it has the capacity to produce up to 30 million doses of swine flu vaccine in a year, while Hualan said it can make 160 million doses," the AP reports. The article also includes information about quality concerns that could arise if China were to export vaccines. The WHO "says it is encouraged after reviewing the test details from one of the two Chinese vaccines. However, experts said more results are needed from other vaccine makers to determine if one dose would be potent enough," the news service writes (Wong/Schmid, 9/2).
Novartis Reports Pilot Trial Shows Signs Single-Dose H1N1 Effective
The "Swiss drugmaker Novartis said Thursday one of its swine flu vaccines may work with just one dose, rather than two as previously expected, a finding that could potentially boost global supplies," the AP/Washington Post reports. The WHO "would not comment specifically on Novartis' vaccine since it had not yet seen the data. The agency said a number of companies were working on one-dose formulations which could theoretically increase the world's swine flu vaccine supplies," the news service writes (Cheng, 9/3).
Novartis' announcement came after the results of a "pilot trial" involving 100 volunteers showed its H1N1 vaccine caused "a strong immune response after just one dose," the news service writes, adding that "[o]ther studies with more than 6,000 adults and children are continuing," Reuters reports (Cage/Hornby, 9/3).
President Obama Requests $2.7B In Emergency H1N1 Funding
President Obama on Tuesday requested an additional $2.7 billion "in emergency H1N1 flu funding to buy vaccines, antiviral drugs and to make other preparations for an immunization campaign in the fall," Roll Call reports (Dennis, 9/2). "The money is on top of $1.8 billion the administration earmarked in July for tackling the virus" and is part of funds that have already been appropriated, Reuters writes(9/3).
This information was reprinted from globalhealth.kff.org with kind permission from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Global Health Policy Report, search the archives and sign up for email delivery at globalhealth.kff.org.
Sep 3, 2009
Karnataka reports three more swine flu deaths
Three more swine flu deaths were reported from Karnataka, taking the toll due to the H1N1 virus to 31 in the state, health officials said Thursday.
Test reports of three more dead people in the statehave confirmed that they were suffering from swineflu, a health official said here.
The death toll due to H1N1 virus in the state now stands at 31.
The latest fatalities are a 16-year-old boy Ranjit R. from Malathahalli in Bangalore who died in Sagar Hospital in Jayanagar, a 45-year-old man who died in a private hospital in Belgaum and a 36-year-old woman who died in a private hospital in Sirsi in Uttara Kannada district.
"The test results of all the three arrived Wednesday evening and were found positive for H1N1," Principal Secretary (Health) I.R. Perumal told IANS.
"We know people are anxious as death toll due toswine flu in the state continues to rise. But government is taking all measures to control the pandemic," added Perumal.
Expressing concern about the continuous rise in death toll in the state due to swine flu, Bangalore-based school teacher Malavika Sharma said: "Everyday someone is dying in Bangalore. We are concerned."
Echoing Malavika, software-professional Rajat Rai said: "Government needs to devise a mechanism to put an end to number of deaths due to H1N1."
Meanwhile, 32 more people tested positive for swineflu Wednesday, taking the number of confirmed cases in the state to 517.
While 22 of them are from Bangalore, three each are from Belgaum and Bijapur, two from Dharwad and one each from Karwar and Davangere.
Test reports of three more dead people in the statehave confirmed that they were suffering from swineflu, a health official said here.
The death toll due to H1N1 virus in the state now stands at 31.
The latest fatalities are a 16-year-old boy Ranjit R. from Malathahalli in Bangalore who died in Sagar Hospital in Jayanagar, a 45-year-old man who died in a private hospital in Belgaum and a 36-year-old woman who died in a private hospital in Sirsi in Uttara Kannada district.
"The test results of all the three arrived Wednesday evening and were found positive for H1N1," Principal Secretary (Health) I.R. Perumal told IANS.
"We know people are anxious as death toll due toswine flu in the state continues to rise. But government is taking all measures to control the pandemic," added Perumal.
Expressing concern about the continuous rise in death toll in the state due to swine flu, Bangalore-based school teacher Malavika Sharma said: "Everyday someone is dying in Bangalore. We are concerned."
Echoing Malavika, software-professional Rajat Rai said: "Government needs to devise a mechanism to put an end to number of deaths due to H1N1."
Meanwhile, 32 more people tested positive for swineflu Wednesday, taking the number of confirmed cases in the state to 517.
While 22 of them are from Bangalore, three each are from Belgaum and Bijapur, two from Dharwad and one each from Karwar and Davangere.
Swine Flu? Yep there is an app for that Pinpoint outbreaks near you so you can run in the other direction
An application has been launched for worried iPhone users worried that an outbreak of Swine Flu is just around the corner - literately.
The application, called "Outbreaks Near Me," enables users to track and report outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as H1N1 (swine flu), on the ground in real time.
At the core of the app is HealthMap, say the app's makers, an online resource that collects, filters, maps and disseminates information about emerging infectious diseases, and provides a new, contextualized view of a user's specific location. It will pinpoint outbreaks that have been reported in the vicinity of the user and offering the opportunity to search for additional outbreak information by location or disease.
The new application also features an option for users to submit an outbreak report.
The app is free.
image by The Pug Father
The application, called "Outbreaks Near Me," enables users to track and report outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as H1N1 (swine flu), on the ground in real time.
At the core of the app is HealthMap, say the app's makers, an online resource that collects, filters, maps and disseminates information about emerging infectious diseases, and provides a new, contextualized view of a user's specific location. It will pinpoint outbreaks that have been reported in the vicinity of the user and offering the opportunity to search for additional outbreak information by location or disease.
The new application also features an option for users to submit an outbreak report.
The app is free.
image by The Pug Father
Peru to vaccinate seven mn against swine flu
Some seven million people will be vaccinated against swine flu in Peru, Health Minister Oscar Ugarte has said.
The health ministry is in the process of acquiring the vaccine and plans to have it available in November, Ugarte told the official Andina news agency.
“The World Health Organization and the pharmaceutical companies are still setting the rules of the game, but we have appropriated funds for buying the vaccine anyway and it will go to groups in the population at risk on a priority basis,” the health minister said.
Peru is spending some 300 million soles ($102 million) on the AH1N1 flu vaccine, Ugarte said.
Children and the aged and “those who have some other complication that could make their condition worse” will be given priority in the vaccination programme, the health minister said.
A total of 98 people have died from swine flu in Peru, with 18 new deaths registered since last week’s report, Ugarte said, adding that the latest victims belonged to high-risk groups.
Health officials also confirmed 353 new cases of the disease, bringing to 6,961 the number of people infected with the Influenza A (H1N1) virus in the Andean nation, the health minister said.
Only 353 people, however, are currently being treated for the disease, with 487 others released from medical facilities in the past eight days, health ministry figures show.
The number of new influenza cases is dropping across much of Peru, Ugarte said.
“We are in a period of real decline. The epidemic has not ended yet. We should not let down our guard. New cases of AH1N1 could still appear, so we are recommending that preventative health measures continue to be taken,” the health minister said.
President Alan Garcia and the other members of the Peruvian delegation that travelled to last week’s Union of South American Nations, or Unasur, summit in Bariloche, Argentina, did not get swine flu, Ugarte said.
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe was diagnosed with swine flu after returning home from the summit.
Swine flu 'scanner' now at Ambaji fair
AHMEDABAD: Fears of contracting the H1N1 virus at the popular full moon fair at Ambaji in north Gujarat might be put to rest after two Swine Flu (SIFSS), designed by an Ahmedabad-based IT company, were set up at the entry points.
Since Saturday nearly 1.5 lakh people have been scanned and of these, daily 10-15 showed a fever, but have not been quarantined, since they didn’t have swine flu symptoms.
The system, developed by Ragesh Shah and his team at Online Infocomm, was first tried in Singapore and Malaysia airports during bird flu outbreak, and will prove to be a boon for the Navratri festival which sees thousands at a venue. The SFSS records temperature and also monitors the person’s pulse and oxygen saturation, all crucial indicators for screening of swine flu. The scanners are put up at Danta and Chikla points to Ambaji.
“It just took a minute. The doctors said I don’t have fever or any other symptoms of swine flu. I did not know about this disease,” said Lalji Ambaram, 45, a resident of Kadi who walked to Danta from his home town. Attached to a PC, the scanner remotely scans people using infra-red rays. “We have currently upgraded it to scan a group of 10 people in a second. We are putting in more research to scan a group of 25 people which would be useful to screen people in India where religious gatherings are huge, running into lakhs,” Shah said.
The system is being tested by the joint collaboration of Online Infocomm, district collectorate and state health department. “Over 20 lakh people will reach Ambaji in the next few days. We have put up many signboards warning about swine flu. The scanning device is coming handy as we are able to isolate people with high fever and give them medication at the PHC,” said Banaskantha district collector RJ Patel.
Since Saturday nearly 1.5 lakh people have been scanned and of these, daily 10-15 showed a fever, but have not been quarantined, since they didn’t have swine flu symptoms.
The system, developed by Ragesh Shah and his team at Online Infocomm, was first tried in Singapore and Malaysia airports during bird flu outbreak, and will prove to be a boon for the Navratri festival which sees thousands at a venue. The SFSS records temperature and also monitors the person’s pulse and oxygen saturation, all crucial indicators for screening of swine flu. The scanners are put up at Danta and Chikla points to Ambaji.
“It just took a minute. The doctors said I don’t have fever or any other symptoms of swine flu. I did not know about this disease,” said Lalji Ambaram, 45, a resident of Kadi who walked to Danta from his home town. Attached to a PC, the scanner remotely scans people using infra-red rays. “We have currently upgraded it to scan a group of 10 people in a second. We are putting in more research to scan a group of 25 people which would be useful to screen people in India where religious gatherings are huge, running into lakhs,” Shah said.
The system is being tested by the joint collaboration of Online Infocomm, district collectorate and state health department. “Over 20 lakh people will reach Ambaji in the next few days. We have put up many signboards warning about swine flu. The scanning device is coming handy as we are able to isolate people with high fever and give them medication at the PHC,” said Banaskantha district collector RJ Patel.
YSR: A doctor with a finger on the public pulse
HYDERABAD: A doctor by training, Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy, or YSR as he was popularly known, was known for his strong administrative
skills and whose second stint as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh this year broke a 53-year-old jinx for the Congress party.
This May, he became the first Congress chief minister since the state was formed in 1956 to complete a full five-year term and retain power in elections. The only other chief minister who achieved the fate was NT Rama Rao of Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
One of YSR's main achievements was subduing the ultra-left Naxalite insurgency in the state that had one time gripped 21 of its 23 districts. In the process, the People's War Group (PWG), once the dominant Maoist group in India, was crushed beyond recognition.
When he took over as chief minister for the first time on May 14, 2004 from N Chandrababu Naidu of TDP, it was a dream came true for YSR. The leader from the badlands of Rayalaseema had come up the hard way in his public life spanning three decades and emerged as one of the strongest leaders the Congress has produced in the state.
He has always been a winner. Elected to the state assembly for the fifth time, YSR is also a four-time Lok Sabha member and holds the record of never losing an election.
More than once he proved why he was more popular among masses with his fingers on the public pulse.
Popular as 'people's leader' among his followers, YSR tasted success despite facing a hostile poll campaign from both the TDP-led four party Grand Alliance and the Praja Rajyam Party of actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi.
YSR also emerged as one of the few leaders in the country to retain power beating the anti-incumbency factor. What has made his performance more creditable is the fact that he made no big promises and instead highlighted his performance versus the "poor credibility record" of his main rival N Chandrababu Naidu of TDP.
Banking on his performance and the numerous welfare schemes his government launched during the last five years, YSR retained power despite a three-cornered contest. The man who ran the Congress campaign on his shoulders emerged victorious in the face of hectic electioneering by top stars of the tinsel world in favour of TDP and Praja Rajyam.
Born to a Christian middle class family at Pulivendula, a small town in Kadapa district, on July 8, 1949, YSR made a modest beginning. Eldest of the five sons of YS Raja Reddy, a dynamic local leader in his heydays, he evinced interests in politics while studying at MR Medical College, Gulbarga, Karnataka.
After completing his MBBS, YSR served as medical officer at the Jammalamadugu Mission Hospital briefly. In 1973, he established a 70-bed charitable hospital.
He entered active politics in 1978 and was elected to the state assembly from Pulivendula. He served as state minister from 1980 to 1983 and retained the assembly seat in 1983 even when NTR swept to power with a historic victory.
Sensing a potential leader in him, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi appointed YSR president of the state unit of Congress when he was only 34.
In 1989, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Kadapa and held the seat till 1999, when he shifted again to state politics. From 1998 to 2000, he again served as president of the state Congress.
Though the party lost the 1999 state elections, YSR emerged as the strongest leader of the party and became the leader of opposition.
The year 2003 was a turning point in his political career as he undertook a 64-day padyatra, or walkathon, across the state. Covering 1,500 km under the scorching sun, he received petitions from people about their problems, mainly relating to agriculture and unemployment.
It was this campaign and a strong anti-incumbency wave against Chandrababu Naidu's government which catapulted YSR to power.
His experiences during the padyatra helped him shape his policies after assuming office as he gave free electricity to farmers, waived their loans, introduced several welfare schemes like pension for the aged, widows and handicapped, housing for poor, Rs2-a-kg rice, Rajiv Arogyasri or community health insurance scheme and a massive programme to build irrigation projects.
Thanks to these initiatives, the Congress won 156 of Andhra Pradesh's 294 seats and bagged 33 of its 42 Lok Sabha seats this time.
In a message on Independence Day on Aug 15, Reddy said: "The state has witnessed tremendous growth in the past five years when compared to the growth that took place since independence. Our people are a happier lot and are embracing a bright future without any fears."
This May, he became the first Congress chief minister since the state was formed in 1956 to complete a full five-year term and retain power in elections. The only other chief minister who achieved the fate was NT Rama Rao of Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
One of YSR's main achievements was subduing the ultra-left Naxalite insurgency in the state that had one time gripped 21 of its 23 districts. In the process, the People's War Group (PWG), once the dominant Maoist group in India, was crushed beyond recognition.
When he took over as chief minister for the first time on May 14, 2004 from N Chandrababu Naidu of TDP, it was a dream came true for YSR. The leader from the badlands of Rayalaseema had come up the hard way in his public life spanning three decades and emerged as one of the strongest leaders the Congress has produced in the state.
He has always been a winner. Elected to the state assembly for the fifth time, YSR is also a four-time Lok Sabha member and holds the record of never losing an election.
More than once he proved why he was more popular among masses with his fingers on the public pulse.
Popular as 'people's leader' among his followers, YSR tasted success despite facing a hostile poll campaign from both the TDP-led four party Grand Alliance and the Praja Rajyam Party of actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi.
YSR also emerged as one of the few leaders in the country to retain power beating the anti-incumbency factor. What has made his performance more creditable is the fact that he made no big promises and instead highlighted his performance versus the "poor credibility record" of his main rival N Chandrababu Naidu of TDP.
Banking on his performance and the numerous welfare schemes his government launched during the last five years, YSR retained power despite a three-cornered contest. The man who ran the Congress campaign on his shoulders emerged victorious in the face of hectic electioneering by top stars of the tinsel world in favour of TDP and Praja Rajyam.
Born to a Christian middle class family at Pulivendula, a small town in Kadapa district, on July 8, 1949, YSR made a modest beginning. Eldest of the five sons of YS Raja Reddy, a dynamic local leader in his heydays, he evinced interests in politics while studying at MR Medical College, Gulbarga, Karnataka.
After completing his MBBS, YSR served as medical officer at the Jammalamadugu Mission Hospital briefly. In 1973, he established a 70-bed charitable hospital.
He entered active politics in 1978 and was elected to the state assembly from Pulivendula. He served as state minister from 1980 to 1983 and retained the assembly seat in 1983 even when NTR swept to power with a historic victory.
Sensing a potential leader in him, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi appointed YSR president of the state unit of Congress when he was only 34.
In 1989, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Kadapa and held the seat till 1999, when he shifted again to state politics. From 1998 to 2000, he again served as president of the state Congress.
Though the party lost the 1999 state elections, YSR emerged as the strongest leader of the party and became the leader of opposition.
The year 2003 was a turning point in his political career as he undertook a 64-day padyatra, or walkathon, across the state. Covering 1,500 km under the scorching sun, he received petitions from people about their problems, mainly relating to agriculture and unemployment.
It was this campaign and a strong anti-incumbency wave against Chandrababu Naidu's government which catapulted YSR to power.
His experiences during the padyatra helped him shape his policies after assuming office as he gave free electricity to farmers, waived their loans, introduced several welfare schemes like pension for the aged, widows and handicapped, housing for poor, Rs2-a-kg rice, Rajiv Arogyasri or community health insurance scheme and a massive programme to build irrigation projects.
Thanks to these initiatives, the Congress won 156 of Andhra Pradesh's 294 seats and bagged 33 of its 42 Lok Sabha seats this time.
In a message on Independence Day on Aug 15, Reddy said: "The state has witnessed tremendous growth in the past five years when compared to the growth that took place since independence. Our people are a happier lot and are embracing a bright future without any fears."
India's swine flu toll rises to 106
NEW DELHI: Five more people died of swine flu in India Wednesday, taking the tolldue to the influenza A (H1N1) virus to 106, health authorities said here
Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra reported two deaths each, while one person died in Karnataka.
In Maharashtra, which has topped the chart for maximum swine flu deaths and cases, one death was reported from Pune, declared an epidemic city, while the second death was in Thane.
While two deaths in Andhra Pradesh were from Hyderabad, in Karnataka, one person succumbed to the disease in Mysore.
As many as 97 people were tested positive for H1N1, taking the total to 4,198.
"Till date, samples from 22,847 people have been tested for influenza A (H1N1) in various government laboratories across the country and 4,198 of them have been found positive," the health ministry said in a statement.
Karnataka reported the maximum number of fresh cases Wednesday. With 31 confirmed cases, the total number of positive cases in the state has gone up to 494.
It was followed by Tamil Nadu, where 22 people were detected with the flu.
Delhi also continues to report fresh cases. On Wednesday, 10 people tested positive, taking the total number of people affected with the virus to 675 - the second highest in the country.
For the first time since the outbreak, Maharashtra recorded a substantially lower number of cases as eight people tested positive, taking the total number of people affected in the state to 1,695 - the highest in the country.
The other states that reported fresh cases were Gujarat (9), Kerala (6), West Bengal(5), Uttarakhand (3), Haryana (2) and Uttar Pradesh (1).
In Maharashtra, which has topped the chart for maximum swine flu deaths and cases, one death was reported from Pune, declared an epidemic city, while the second death was in Thane.
While two deaths in Andhra Pradesh were from Hyderabad, in Karnataka, one person succumbed to the disease in Mysore.
As many as 97 people were tested positive for H1N1, taking the total to 4,198.
"Till date, samples from 22,847 people have been tested for influenza A (H1N1) in various government laboratories across the country and 4,198 of them have been found positive," the health ministry said in a statement.
Karnataka reported the maximum number of fresh cases Wednesday. With 31 confirmed cases, the total number of positive cases in the state has gone up to 494.
It was followed by Tamil Nadu, where 22 people were detected with the flu.
Delhi also continues to report fresh cases. On Wednesday, 10 people tested positive, taking the total number of people affected with the virus to 675 - the second highest in the country.
For the first time since the outbreak, Maharashtra recorded a substantially lower number of cases as eight people tested positive, taking the total number of people affected in the state to 1,695 - the highest in the country.
The other states that reported fresh cases were Gujarat (9), Kerala (6), West Bengal(5), Uttarakhand (3), Haryana (2) and Uttar Pradesh (1).
Another swine flu patient admitted to SMS
JAIPUR. A man confirmed of swine flu and undergoing treatment at a private hospital was admitted to the intensive care unit of SMS Hospital on
Wednesday. The patient's condition is stable and he has no other medical complications, said doctors.
"The patient was undergoing treatment at a private hospital. However, after he was diagnosed positive for swine flu, he has been shifted to SMS Hospital. His condition is out of danger," said a senior official at the state health department.
The man is a resident of Shyam Nagar and was earlier admitted to SMS Hospital on August 30 on suspicion of swine flu. However, he complained of some other illness and went to a private hospital. He returned to the hospital after he was confirmed of swine flu in the reports received from National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) on Tuesday.
"As the patient is H1N1 positive, he has been put in in the isolated ward of intensive care unit. However, though treatment is being held for meningitis, he is also being treated for the disease on primary basis," said Dr Narpat Singh Shekhawat, superintendent, SMS Hospital.
Meanwhile a German citizen approached the government hospital in Kota on suspicion of swine flu on Wednesday. The suspected patient had arrived from Germany a few days back to work on assignment at a manufacturing site in Kota and have developed flu like symptoms. Samples collected from him have been sent to NICD, New Delhi. Since his condition is healthy, he has not been admitted to the isolation ward but was asked to remain in isolation till the arrival of the report.
So far, 174 suspected cases of swine flu have been reported in the state, of which 114 have been tested negative while 21 were confirmed positive. Reports of the rest are yet to arrive. Among the positive patients, there has been one casualty, while one remains admitted to the hospital. Nineteen patients have successfully recovered.
"The patient was undergoing treatment at a private hospital. However, after he was diagnosed positive for swine flu, he has been shifted to SMS Hospital. His condition is out of danger," said a senior official at the state health department.
The man is a resident of Shyam Nagar and was earlier admitted to SMS Hospital on August 30 on suspicion of swine flu. However, he complained of some other illness and went to a private hospital. He returned to the hospital after he was confirmed of swine flu in the reports received from National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) on Tuesday.
"As the patient is H1N1 positive, he has been put in in the isolated ward of intensive care unit. However, though treatment is being held for meningitis, he is also being treated for the disease on primary basis," said Dr Narpat Singh Shekhawat, superintendent, SMS Hospital.
Meanwhile a German citizen approached the government hospital in Kota on suspicion of swine flu on Wednesday. The suspected patient had arrived from Germany a few days back to work on assignment at a manufacturing site in Kota and have developed flu like symptoms. Samples collected from him have been sent to NICD, New Delhi. Since his condition is healthy, he has not been admitted to the isolation ward but was asked to remain in isolation till the arrival of the report.
So far, 174 suspected cases of swine flu have been reported in the state, of which 114 have been tested negative while 21 were confirmed positive. Reports of the rest are yet to arrive. Among the positive patients, there has been one casualty, while one remains admitted to the hospital. Nineteen patients have successfully recovered.
Swine flu virus may not mix with other viruses: Study
NEW DELHI: The H1N1 swine flu virus out-competes all other strains of influenza viruses by reproducing on an average, twice as much within an
infected body. This, scientists say, reduces the possibility that this superior H1N1 virus would interact and mix with other flu viruses to form a more virulent superbug.
In a first study to examine how the pandemic virus interacts with other flu viruses, American scientists made three different flu viruses compete against the H1N1 inside ferrets.
Scientists from the University of Maryland then found that the H1N1 was far more infectious and prevailed inside the body while the other viruses faced stiff resistance.
The H1N1 virus also successfully established infections deeper in the ferrets' respiratory system, including the lungs, proving its much touted virulence. This is exactly what has happened to all those who have died of H1N1 infection till now. In comparison, other flu strains like the H1 and H3 seasonal viruses remained in the nasal passages.
"The results suggest that the 2009 H1N1 influenza may out-compete seasonal flu virus strains and may be more communicable as well. H1N1 causes more severe disease in animal studies, but it shows no signs of mixing with either of the two seasonal flu viruses to form a new so-called reassortant virus," said Dr Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
These findings were published in an online scientific journal `PLOS Currents' on Wednesday, designed to fast-track research and quickly share results with other investigators on the H1N1 virus.
Virologist Daniel Perez, the lead researcher said, "The H1N1 pandemic virus has a clear biological advantage over the two main seasonal flu strains and all the makings of a virus fully adapted to humans. I'm not surprised to find that the pandemic virus is more infectious, simply because it is new, so hosts haven't had a chance to build immunity yet. Meanwhile, the older strains encounter resistance from hosts' immunity to them."
On June 11, WHO declared a new H1N1 influenza pandemic -- the first in the last 41 years. This pandemic strain is as transmissible as seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 influenza A viruses. Major concerns facing this pandemic have been whether the new virus will replace, co-circulate and/or reassort with seasonal H1N1 and/or H3N2 human strains.
"Using the ferret model, we investigated which of these three possibilities were most likely. Our studies showed that the current pandemic virus is more transmissible than, and has a biological advantage over, prototypical seasonal H1 or H3 strains," the scientists said.
Perez and his team used samples of the H1N1 pandemic variety from April's initial outbreak of swine flu.
Some of the animals who were infected with both the new virus and one of the more familiar seasonal viruses (H3N2) developed not only respiratory symptoms but intestinal illness as well.
"It is reassuring that this virus does not seem to be in search of additional genes to become more powerful," Perez said.
The WHO predicts a third of the world's population will eventually be infected with swine flu.
In a first study to examine how the pandemic virus interacts with other flu viruses, American scientists made three different flu viruses compete against the H1N1 inside ferrets.
Scientists from the University of Maryland then found that the H1N1 was far more infectious and prevailed inside the body while the other viruses faced stiff resistance.
The H1N1 virus also successfully established infections deeper in the ferrets' respiratory system, including the lungs, proving its much touted virulence. This is exactly what has happened to all those who have died of H1N1 infection till now. In comparison, other flu strains like the H1 and H3 seasonal viruses remained in the nasal passages.
"The results suggest that the 2009 H1N1 influenza may out-compete seasonal flu virus strains and may be more communicable as well. H1N1 causes more severe disease in animal studies, but it shows no signs of mixing with either of the two seasonal flu viruses to form a new so-called reassortant virus," said Dr Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
These findings were published in an online scientific journal `PLOS Currents' on Wednesday, designed to fast-track research and quickly share results with other investigators on the H1N1 virus.
Virologist Daniel Perez, the lead researcher said, "The H1N1 pandemic virus has a clear biological advantage over the two main seasonal flu strains and all the makings of a virus fully adapted to humans. I'm not surprised to find that the pandemic virus is more infectious, simply because it is new, so hosts haven't had a chance to build immunity yet. Meanwhile, the older strains encounter resistance from hosts' immunity to them."
On June 11, WHO declared a new H1N1 influenza pandemic -- the first in the last 41 years. This pandemic strain is as transmissible as seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 influenza A viruses. Major concerns facing this pandemic have been whether the new virus will replace, co-circulate and/or reassort with seasonal H1N1 and/or H3N2 human strains.
"Using the ferret model, we investigated which of these three possibilities were most likely. Our studies showed that the current pandemic virus is more transmissible than, and has a biological advantage over, prototypical seasonal H1 or H3 strains," the scientists said.
Perez and his team used samples of the H1N1 pandemic variety from April's initial outbreak of swine flu.
Some of the animals who were infected with both the new virus and one of the more familiar seasonal viruses (H3N2) developed not only respiratory symptoms but intestinal illness as well.
"It is reassuring that this virus does not seem to be in search of additional genes to become more powerful," Perez said.
The WHO predicts a third of the world's population will eventually be infected with swine flu.
VITAMIN C (ASCORBIC ACID)
Other Names:
Antiscorbutic Vitamin, Ascorbate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Calcium Ascorbate, Cevitamic Acid, Iso-Ascorbic Acid, L-Ascorbic Acid, Magnesium Ascorbate, Selenium Ascorbate, Sodium Ascorbate.
Vitamin C is a vitamin. Good sources of vitamin C are fresh fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits. It can also be made in a laboratory.
How does it work?
Vitamin C is required for the proper development and function of many parts of the body. It also plays an important role in maintaining proper immune function.
Antiscorbutic Vitamin, Ascorbate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Calcium Ascorbate, Cevitamic Acid, Iso-Ascorbic Acid, L-Ascorbic Acid, Magnesium Ascorbate, Selenium Ascorbate, Sodium Ascorbate.
Vitamin C is a vitamin. Good sources of vitamin C are fresh fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits. It can also be made in a laboratory.
How does it work?
Vitamin C is required for the proper development and function of many parts of the body. It also plays an important role in maintaining proper immune function.
General Information about Flu
Flu terms defined — Seasonal flu, H1N1 flu, avian flu, and pandemic flu are not the same.
Topics on this Page
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Got a question? Ask the Flu experts.
What's Happening Now?
In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with this H1N1 virus were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. All U.S. states have since reported cases of H1N1 flu infection in humans. As part of the federal government response to the H1N1 virus, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a nationwide public health emergency declaration on April 26, 2009.(Press Release) On July 23, 2009, Secretary Sebelius signed a renewal of the determination that a public health emergency exists.
On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization
(WHO) signaled that a global pandemic of novel influenza A (H1N1) was underway by raising the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6. This action was a reflection of the spread of the new H1N1 virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus. At the time, more than 70 countries had reported cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) infection and there were ongoing community level outbreaks of novel H1N1 in multiple parts of the world.
Since the WHO declaration of a pandemic, the new H1N1 virus has continued to spread, with the number of countries reporting cases of novel H1N1 nearly doubling. The Southern Hemisphere’s regular influenza season has begun and countries there are reporting that the new H1N1 virus is spreading and causing illness along with regular seasonal influenza viruses. In the United States, significant novel H1N1 illness has continued into the summer, with localized and in some cases intense outbreaks occurring. The United States continues to report the largest number of novel H1N1 cases of any country worldwide, however, most people who have become ill have recovered without requiring medical treatment.
Human Infection with H1N1 Influenza Viruses
H1N1 flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with H1N1 flu have occurred. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs (e.g. children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry).
Human-to-human transmission of H1N1 flu can also occur. This is thought to happen in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
In the past, CDC received reports of approximately one human H1N1 influenza virus infection every one to two years in the U.S., but from December 2005 through February 2009, 12 cases of human infection with H1N1 influenza were reported. For the information on the number of H1N1 flu cases that have occurred since then, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) H1N1 Web site.
H1N1 influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You cannot get H1N1 influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the H1N1 flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.
Symptoms
The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with H1N1 flu have also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Diagnosis
To diagnose H1N1 influenza infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be contagious). However, some persons, especially children, may be infectious for 10 days or longer. Confirmation on an H1N1 virus requires sending the specimen to CDC for laboratory testing.
Vaccination and Treatment for H1N1 Virus in Humans
There currently is no commercially available vaccine to protect humans against this H1N1 virus. The H1N1 flu virus strains causing the current outbreak are very different from human H1N1 viruses and, therefore, vaccines for this past human seasonal flu would not provide protection from these H1N1 flu viruses.
More information about vaccines
Antiviral Medication
If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious influenza complications. In treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started as soon after getting sick as possible, and might not work if started more than 48 hours after illness starts.
Influenza antiviral drugs also can be used to prevent influenza when they are given to a person who is not ill but who has been or may be near a person with H1N1 influenza. When used to prevent the flu, antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90% effective. When used for prevention, the number of days that they should be used will vary depending on a person's particular situation.
There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the U.S. for the treatment of influenza. At this time, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu ®) or zanamivir (brand name Relenza ®) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with H1N1 influenza viruses. The other two antivirals, amantadine and rimantadine, are ineffective for treating the most recent H1N1 flu viruses in humans.
More information on Swine Flu and Antiviral Drugs
Home Care of Sick Individuals
The CDC has issued guidance on how to take care of sick persons in your home.
How You can Prepare
There are a number of things that you can do to prepare yourself and those around you for a flu pandemic. It is important to think about the challenges that you might face, particularly if a pandemic is severe.
Go through a Planning Checklist to be sure that you plan for the impact of a flu pandemic on you, your family and your business. For more information specific to individuals, families, and your workplace, and for information directed toward schools, health care providers, community organizations and governments, see Plan & Prepare.
There are also everyday actions people can take to stay healthy, such as frequent hand washing, covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and avoiding close contact with sick people.
How are We Preparing?
The United States has been working closely with other countries and the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen systems to detect outbreaks of influenza that might cause a pandemic. See Global Activities.
The effects of a pandemic can be lessened if preparations are made ahead of time. Planning and preparation information and checklists are being prepared for various sectors of society, including information for individuals and families. See Plan & Prepare.
HHS and other federal agencies are providing funding, advice, and other support to your state to assist with pandemic planning and preparation. Information on state/federal planning and cooperation, including links to state pandemic plans, is available on this site. See State & Local Planning.
The federal government provides up-to-date information and guidance to the public through the public media and this Web site should an influenza pandemic threaten.
The massive mortality due to the influenza epidemic in October of 1918 in Kansas. This is representative of what happened in every state in the nation.
What would be the Impact of a Pandemic?
A pandemic may come and go in waves, each of which can last for six to eight weeks.
An especially severe influenza pandemic could lead to high levels of illness, death, social disruption, and economic loss. Everyday life would be disrupted because so many people in so many places become seriously ill at the same time. Impacts can range from school and business closings to the interruption of basic services such as public transportation and food delivery.
Pandemics Death | |
|---|---|
1918-1919 | |
U.S.... | 675,000+ |
Worldwide... | 50,000,000+ |
This as per the CDC. | |
1957-1958 | |
U.S.... | 70,000+ |
Worldwide... | 1-2,000,000 |
1968-1969 | |
U.S.... | 34,000+ |
Worldwide... | 700,000+ |
A substantial percentage of the world's population will require some form of medical care. Health care facilities can be overwhelmed, creating a shortage of hospital staff, beds, ventilators and other supplies. Surge capacity at non-traditional sites such as schools may need to be created to cope with demand.
The need for vaccine is likely to outstrip supply and the supply of antiviral drugs is also likely to be inadequate early in a pandemic. Difficult decisions will need to be made regarding who gets antiviral drugs and vaccines.
Death rates are determined by four factors: the number of people who become infected, the virulence of the virus, the underlying characteristics and vulnerability of affected populations and the availability and effectiveness of preventive measures.
Assessing the Severity of an Influenza Pandemic (World Health Organization) (May 11, 2009)
Learn what factors influence the overall severity of a pandemic. Includes discussion of H1N1 flu (swine flu).
Once the swine flu is ready, who will get it?
CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that swine flu vaccine should first go to:
- Pregnant women
- Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
- All children and young adults from 6 months through 24 years of age, and
- Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza
That will take up about 159 million doses of swine flu vaccine. If supplies of swine flu vaccine are limited, priority should go to:
- Pregnant women
- Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
- Children 6 months through 4 years of age, and
- Children 5 through 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions
Next, as swine flu vaccine improves to the point that all priority groups have gotten vaccinated, everyone from the ages of 25 through 64 years will get vaccinated too. Lastly, people 65 or older, who have the least risk from the swine flu will be offered the swine flu vaccine.
Swine Flu Vaccine Trials
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, will soon start swine flu clinical trials to make sure the new swine flu vaccines are safe and effective. They are to be conducted at eight university research hospitals and medical organizations across the United States, including Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, and Emory University in Atlanta.
The first clinical trials will test whether one or two doses are needed and will test both 15mcg and 30mcg doses of vaccine. Although the trials will start in adults, if the vaccines are safe, they will also be tested in children.
1976 Swine Flu Vaccine
Although it is true that we don't currently have a swine flu vaccine, there once was a swine flu vaccine that was made to target the swine flu H1N1 strain that was found at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Because of fears that this swine flu strain was similar to the flu strain that caused the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, a vaccination program immunized more than 40 million people in the United States between October 1976 to December 1976.
The immunization program was stopped early because the swine flu pandemic didn't occur, and the swine flu vaccine was thought to cause many side effects, including Guillain-Barre syndrome.
How many cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome were there? About 40, or 1 per million people vaccinated. Even that was considered too high though in light of the fact that there didn't seem to be any cases of swine flu that season.
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