Vaccine scientist says H1N1 cure months away
Friday, August 14, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Mumbai schools to be closed for 7 days
All educational institutions and public places in financial capital Mumbai will be closed for a week from thursday to arrest the spread of the H1N1 virus .
Malls and multiplexs shall be shutdown for 3 days .
The government has ordered the closure of all schools, colleges and other educational institutions in the city from tomorrow till Aug 20. Similarly, malls, theatres and multiplexes shall be closed for three days from tomorrow as a precaution," a state government official said. Many private schools in the state have already closed down for two days -- Wednesday and Thursday. Thereafter, Friday, Saturday and Sunday are already official holidays. However, there was confusion over the fate of other business and commercial establishments and whether they would continue to function as usual in the city.
Although schoolkids comprise just 15% of the total number of positive cases (99) in Mumbai, neither parents nor schools seem to be willing to heed the central government’s guidelines that prohibit indiscriminate closure of schools given the fact that H1N1 is known to severely affect kids and the elderly. In Vadodara, a seven-year-old schoolgirl died of swine flu on Tuesday
Sensing an opportunity, the MNS went around forcibly closing schools in central Mumbai on Tuesday morning. The Dadar police detained three MNS activists in this connection. By Tuesday evening, the College Principals Association, asked all non-government colleges to remain shut till Sunday, saying there was a lot of pressure on them from students and parents for this. Late on Tuesday night, state health minister Rajendra Shingane said several ruling party MLAs too had demanded closure of schools and that he would take up the issue with the CM on Wednesday. In Thane, civic authorities on Tuesday decided to shut the 132 primary municipal schools for one week. Elsewhere in the city and extended suburbs, the panic reflected in the number of people wearing masks in local trains and buses. Around 4,000 people turned up for screening at the centres in 13 designated public hospital as opposed to 2,000 on Monday. In another development, 19 private and 2 government hospitals showed their willingness to screen and treat the H1N1 patients. However, these hospitals will be allowed to start the service for this epidemic only after a team of health and civic officials give them a green signal. This means that Mumbai’s wait for private hospitals to treat swine flu cases will be stretched for another seven days.
Malls and multiplexs shall be shutdown for 3 days .
The government has ordered the closure of all schools, colleges and other educational institutions in the city from tomorrow till Aug 20. Similarly, malls, theatres and multiplexes shall be closed for three days from tomorrow as a precaution," a state government official said. Many private schools in the state have already closed down for two days -- Wednesday and Thursday. Thereafter, Friday, Saturday and Sunday are already official holidays. However, there was confusion over the fate of other business and commercial establishments and whether they would continue to function as usual in the city.
Although schoolkids comprise just 15% of the total number of positive cases (99) in Mumbai, neither parents nor schools seem to be willing to heed the central government’s guidelines that prohibit indiscriminate closure of schools given the fact that H1N1 is known to severely affect kids and the elderly. In Vadodara, a seven-year-old schoolgirl died of swine flu on Tuesday
Sensing an opportunity, the MNS went around forcibly closing schools in central Mumbai on Tuesday morning. The Dadar police detained three MNS activists in this connection. By Tuesday evening, the College Principals Association, asked all non-government colleges to remain shut till Sunday, saying there was a lot of pressure on them from students and parents for this. Late on Tuesday night, state health minister Rajendra Shingane said several ruling party MLAs too had demanded closure of schools and that he would take up the issue with the CM on Wednesday. In Thane, civic authorities on Tuesday decided to shut the 132 primary municipal schools for one week. Elsewhere in the city and extended suburbs, the panic reflected in the number of people wearing masks in local trains and buses. Around 4,000 people turned up for screening at the centres in 13 designated public hospital as opposed to 2,000 on Monday. In another development, 19 private and 2 government hospitals showed their willingness to screen and treat the H1N1 patients. However, these hospitals will be allowed to start the service for this epidemic only after a team of health and civic officials give them a green signal. This means that Mumbai’s wait for private hospitals to treat swine flu cases will be stretched for another seven days.
SWINE FLU Traces back to 1918
Swine flu penetrates deeper into the lungs and can inflict more damage than ordinary seasonal flu, scientists have found.
The discovery could explain why the virus is able to cause severe illness in people with no underlying health problems.
Experts also believe swine flu is closely related to strains responsible for the 1918 pandemic which killed up to 40 million people worldwide.
Evidence suggests that people born after 1920 have little natural resistance to the virus.
US and Japanese researchers tested the ability of swine flu strains obtained from infected patients to cause disease in mice, ferrets, and macaque monkeys.
They found that swine-origin influenza viruses (S-OIVs) were about five times more harmful than seasonal versions of the H1N1 flu strain.
Their effect on the lungs was reminiscent of H5N1 bird flu, which is almost always fatal when it infects humans. But in the case of swine flu, most victims recover.
The viruses were also found to infect pigs without causing disease symptoms. This could be why there were no reports of flu outbreaks in pigs before humans started to get ill
A report on the research appeared online today in the journal Nature.
The scientists, led by Dr Yoshihiro Kawaoka from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the US, wrote: "Most human infections with swine-origin H1N1 influenza viruses (S-OIVs) seem to be mild; however, a substantial number of hospitalised individuals do not have underlying health issues, attesting to the pathogenic potential of S-OIVs..
"Our findings indicate that S-OIVs are more pathogenic in mammalian models than seasonal H1N1 influenza viruses."
The good news from the research was that Tamiflu and other antiviral drugs were effective against swine flu viruses.
However the scientists warned that sustained person-to-person transmission might lead to the emergence of more dangerous, drug resistant strains.
Commenting on the research, Professor Ian Jones, from the University of Reading, said: "This complete analysis of the current H1N1 is what we've been waiting for. It shows that the new virus is about five times more pathogenic than seasonal H1N1 but that, nonetheless, the major outcome to infection is recovery. For the few cases of severe infection the data will help in clinical management of hospitalised patients."
Professor Wendy Barclay, chair in influenza virology at Imperial college London, said: "By comparison with a seasonal human H1N1 virus, it is shown that the sw (swine) origin H1N1 infect cells deeper into the respiratory tract. It must be borne in mind that typical circulating human strains of H1N1 have been associated with rather mild illness in recent years, and that the sw origin H1N1 may be behaving in these animal models more like the type of H3N2 viruses that caused a pandemic in 1968.
The discovery could explain why the virus is able to cause severe illness in people with no underlying health problems.
Experts also believe swine flu is closely related to strains responsible for the 1918 pandemic which killed up to 40 million people worldwide.
Evidence suggests that people born after 1920 have little natural resistance to the virus.
US and Japanese researchers tested the ability of swine flu strains obtained from infected patients to cause disease in mice, ferrets, and macaque monkeys.
They found that swine-origin influenza viruses (S-OIVs) were about five times more harmful than seasonal versions of the H1N1 flu strain.
Their effect on the lungs was reminiscent of H5N1 bird flu, which is almost always fatal when it infects humans. But in the case of swine flu, most victims recover.
The viruses were also found to infect pigs without causing disease symptoms. This could be why there were no reports of flu outbreaks in pigs before humans started to get ill
A report on the research appeared online today in the journal Nature.
The scientists, led by Dr Yoshihiro Kawaoka from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the US, wrote: "Most human infections with swine-origin H1N1 influenza viruses (S-OIVs) seem to be mild; however, a substantial number of hospitalised individuals do not have underlying health issues, attesting to the pathogenic potential of S-OIVs..
"Our findings indicate that S-OIVs are more pathogenic in mammalian models than seasonal H1N1 influenza viruses."
The good news from the research was that Tamiflu and other antiviral drugs were effective against swine flu viruses.
However the scientists warned that sustained person-to-person transmission might lead to the emergence of more dangerous, drug resistant strains.
Commenting on the research, Professor Ian Jones, from the University of Reading, said: "This complete analysis of the current H1N1 is what we've been waiting for. It shows that the new virus is about five times more pathogenic than seasonal H1N1 but that, nonetheless, the major outcome to infection is recovery. For the few cases of severe infection the data will help in clinical management of hospitalised patients."
Professor Wendy Barclay, chair in influenza virology at Imperial college London, said: "By comparison with a seasonal human H1N1 virus, it is shown that the sw (swine) origin H1N1 infect cells deeper into the respiratory tract. It must be borne in mind that typical circulating human strains of H1N1 have been associated with rather mild illness in recent years, and that the sw origin H1N1 may be behaving in these animal models more like the type of H3N2 viruses that caused a pandemic in 1968.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
2 more deaths in Maharastra
A out of seven deaths in caused by the the infection in maharastra five are from pune , while one is from Mumbai , and one from thane .
Death Toll mounts to 11
Four More persons -one each in pune , mumai , vadodhara, Thiruvanthapuram .
Kerala recorded its first fatality
Virus spreads to jammu and meghalaya .
Kerala recorded its first fatality
Virus spreads to jammu and meghalaya .
SWINE FLU can hurt Economy
Panic-stricken IT firms ask staff to cut travel
A recent study says that the rate at which swine flu is spreading across the world, chances are that 30 per cent of the population might get infected. In India, that would mean more than 30 crore people being affected!
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation has raised its pandemic alert to the highest level of six, formally declaring that the widely spreading A/H1N1 influenza has developed into a global pandemic.
India could be affected on many other counts too:
Markets: Indian markets have yet to press the panic button yet over swine flu, but there might be some impact like there was at the time of the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak in Asia. Some investors are already drawing parallels between swine flu and SARS.
High treatment cost: Healthcare costs are likely to soar if the epidemic spreads further in India.
Demand to be hit: With people keeping away from crowded areas (like shopping malls, retailers, theatres, restaurants), demand for various goods, especially 'non-essential' goods, is likely to drop. With consumption levels declining, the economy will be badly affected.
Absenteeism: As more people get infected, there is a strong likelihood of absenteeism rising at workplaces, leading to loss of man-hours and slippage in productivity.
Impact on Travel and tourism
Many travel and tourism companies are experiencing a loss of business as people postpone their non-essential travel plans. Many tours to infected nations have been cancelled. Although no particular advisories have been sent out by other nations against travel to India, if the epidemic spreads, then tour operators believe that the tourism sector will be badly hurt.
Death Roll rises to 10
The swine flu death toll in the country has risen to 10 with the death of a seven-year-old girl in Vadodara
8 cities in US line up experimental tests
Participants will be given different combinations of two swine flu vaccines made by drug makers Sanofi Pasteur and CSL Limited and a seasonal flu vaccine. Typically it takes a year to do this, said Frey, an infectious diseases expert.
Monday, August 10, 2009
First H1N1 Death in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu recorded first swine flu death in south india on monday ,
Sanjay Bala krishnan
Sanjay Bala krishnan
Prime Minister Steps in
Prime Ministert Steps in as 2 more die of SWINE FLU ,
PMO will closely monitor the flue crisis ,Dr Singh directed health ministry to coordinate with states and to setup a panel of experts.
PMO will closely monitor the flue crisis ,Dr Singh directed health ministry to coordinate with states and to setup a panel of experts.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms are
1. Fever
2. Cough
3.Sore Throat
4.Body Aches
5.Chills
6.Fatigue
Some people have reported vomiting associated with H1N1
1. Fever
2. Cough
3.Sore Throat
4.Body Aches
5.Chills
6.Fatigue
Some people have reported vomiting associated with H1N1
Prevention Tips
Currently there is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu ,
The following tips will help you prevent from H1N1 .
Wash your hands properly with soap before and after eating food.
wash your hands before and after sneezing
when you cough or sneeze cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or sleeve
Or use a tissue however be sure to throw away the tissue after issue
Try to avoid close contact with sick people
Sleep well
Drink plenty of fluids
The following tips will help you prevent from H1N1 .
Wash your hands properly with soap before and after eating food.
wash your hands before and after sneezing
when you cough or sneeze cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or sleeve
Or use a tissue however be sure to throw away the tissue after issue
Try to avoid close contact with sick people
Sleep well
Drink plenty of fluids
Currently there is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu ,
The following tips will help you prevent from H1N1 .
Wash your hands properly with soap before and after eating food.
wash your hands before and after sneezing
when you cough or sneeze cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or sleeve
Or use a tissue however be sure to throw away the tissue after issue
Try to avoid close contact with sick people
Sleep well
Drink plenty of fluids
The following tips will help you prevent from H1N1 .
Wash your hands properly with soap before and after eating food.
wash your hands before and after sneezing
when you cough or sneeze cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or sleeve
Or use a tissue however be sure to throw away the tissue after issue
Try to avoid close contact with sick people
Sleep well
Drink plenty of fluids
Sunday, August 9, 2009
WHO sees swine flu vaccination from next month
GENEVA (Reuters) - The first vaccines to combat H1N1 swine flu should be approved and ready for use in some countries from September, the World Health Organization said on Thursday.
Marie-Paule Kieny, WHO director of the Initiative for Vaccine Research, said manufacturers had initially reported poor yields in making vaccine, leading to worries about supplies, but this was now improving.
"We are on track in development," Kieny told reporters.
First results from clinical trials are expected early next month and these tests will show whether one or two doses are needed to provide immunity -- another big swing factor in determining how many people can be vaccinated.
Once initial clinical trial results are in, regulators will be able to approve the vaccines from next month, Kieny added.
The H1N1 flu outbreak, declared a pandemic on June 11, has spread around the world and could eventually affect 2 billion people, according to WHO estimates.
Fears the strain could become resistant to the anti-viral drug Tamiflu have underscored the need to get vaccines to market quickly. The H1N1 vaccines would be given separately from regular seasonal flu shots.
Leading flu vaccine makers include Sanofi-Aventis, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Baxter, CSL and Solvay.
WHO Director-General Margaret Chan has said the H1N1 virus is stable and there were no signs of it mixing with other more dangerous types of influenza such as the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain.
At present, patients with mild symptoms generally do not need any medicines to recover, and Chan has stressed hospital visits are not necessary unless those infected with flu have certain warning signs.
These include long-lasting high fever in adults and a lack of alertness in children. Pregnant women and people with health problems including diabetes are also vulnerable to more severe effects from the new flu strain. (Reporting by Jonathan Lynn and Laura MacInnis; writing by Ben Hirschler)Reuters Health
Marie-Paule Kieny, WHO director of the Initiative for Vaccine Research, said manufacturers had initially reported poor yields in making vaccine, leading to worries about supplies, but this was now improving.
"We are on track in development," Kieny told reporters.
First results from clinical trials are expected early next month and these tests will show whether one or two doses are needed to provide immunity -- another big swing factor in determining how many people can be vaccinated.
Once initial clinical trial results are in, regulators will be able to approve the vaccines from next month, Kieny added.
The H1N1 flu outbreak, declared a pandemic on June 11, has spread around the world and could eventually affect 2 billion people, according to WHO estimates.
Fears the strain could become resistant to the anti-viral drug Tamiflu have underscored the need to get vaccines to market quickly. The H1N1 vaccines would be given separately from regular seasonal flu shots.
Leading flu vaccine makers include Sanofi-Aventis, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Baxter, CSL and Solvay.
WHO Director-General Margaret Chan has said the H1N1 virus is stable and there were no signs of it mixing with other more dangerous types of influenza such as the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain.
At present, patients with mild symptoms generally do not need any medicines to recover, and Chan has stressed hospital visits are not necessary unless those infected with flu have certain warning signs.
These include long-lasting high fever in adults and a lack of alertness in children. Pregnant women and people with health problems including diabetes are also vulnerable to more severe effects from the new flu strain. (Reporting by Jonathan Lynn and Laura MacInnis; writing by Ben Hirschler)Reuters Health
All about SWINE FLU
Swine influenza (also called H1N1 flu, swine flu, hog flu, and pig flu) is an infection by any one of several types of swine influenza virus. Swine influenza virus (SIV) is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs
As of 2009, the known SIV strains include influenza C and the subtypes of influenza A known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3.
Swine virus is common throughout pig populations worldwide.
Transmission of the virus from pigs to humans is not common and does not always lead to human influenza, often resulting only in the production of antibodies in the blood. If transmission does cause human influenza, it is called zoonotic swine flu. People with regular exposure to pigs are at increased risk of swine flu infection. The meat of an infected animal poses no risk of infection when properly cooked.
There are antiviral medicines you can take to prevent or treat swine flu. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. You can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by
Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Trying to avoid close contact with sick people.
Staying home from work or school if you are sick.
As of 2009, the known SIV strains include influenza C and the subtypes of influenza A known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3.
Swine virus is common throughout pig populations worldwide.
Transmission of the virus from pigs to humans is not common and does not always lead to human influenza, often resulting only in the production of antibodies in the blood. If transmission does cause human influenza, it is called zoonotic swine flu. People with regular exposure to pigs are at increased risk of swine flu infection. The meat of an infected animal poses no risk of infection when properly cooked.
There are antiviral medicines you can take to prevent or treat swine flu. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. You can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by
Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Trying to avoid close contact with sick people.
Staying home from work or school if you are sick.
SWINE FLU H1N1
India , Mumbai women is second to die of H1N1
Dr Sanjay of KEM hospital states that we know that she is tested positive for the H1N1 virus but eventually succumbed to ARDS,which in its final stages can be terminal event.
Dr Sanjay of KEM hospital states that we know that she is tested positive for the H1N1 virus but eventually succumbed to ARDS,which in its final stages can be terminal event.
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