'Rapidly fatal' swine flu kills in different ways: study

WASHINGTON — People who die of swine flu contract a "rapidly fatal" form of the disease and tend to die of lung injury, although it strikes different people in different ways, an autopsy study showed Thursday.

In the first study of its kind, researchers in Brazil examined 21 patients aged one to 68 who died in Sao Paulo with confirmed (A)H1N1 infections in July and August.

All 21 patients "presented a progressive and rapidly fatal form of the disease," the study, which will be published in the January 1 issue of the American Thoracic Society's "American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine", found.

All were found to have died of severe acute lung injury, but with three distinct patterns of damage to the lungs, the study said, indicating to the researchers that swine flu "killed in distinct ways".

"All patients have a picture of acute lung injury," said the study's lead author, Thais Mauad, an associate professor of the Department of Pathology at Sao Paulo University.

But some of the patients had only acute lung injury while in others it was associated with necrotizing bronchiolitis -- severe inflammation of the small airway passages in the lungs -- and in others there was "a hemorrhagic pattern," Mauad said.

Patients with necrotizing bronchiolitis were more likely to also have a bacterial co-infection, while patients with heart disease and cancer were more likely to have a hemorrhagic condition in their lungs.

"It is important to bear in mind that patients with underlying medical conditions must be adequately monitored, since they are at greater risk of developing a severe H1N1 infection," said Mauad.

Sixteen of the patients had chronic underlying health conditions, such as heart disease or cancer, the study found.

The researchers also found evidence of an "aberrant immune response" in the lungs of some of the patients, which "suggests that an overly vigorous host inflammatory response triggered by the viral infection may spill over to and damage lung tissue, causing acute lung injury and fatal respiratory failure," said John Heffner, a former president of the American Thoracic Society.

P.S. Boost your immune system by eating Vitamin C and Vitamin D rich foods and fruits.

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A "window of opportunity" for preventing another wave of Swine Flu

With activity of the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus declining across the country and the availability of the vaccine against it growing, health authorities have "a window of opportunity" for preventing or minimizing another wave of infections in the coming months, said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at a news conference this morning.

In planning for the short-term future, CDC officials conducted an informal poll of about a dozen internationally recognized flu experts, asking them if they thought there would be another wave of infection this winter. "About half said yes, half said no, and one said 'Flip a coin,' " Frieden said. "We don't know what the future will hold."

Figures released Monday showed that influenza activity had declined for the fourth consecutive week, with only 32 states now reporting widespread activity, down from 48 states a month ago. "Flu is going down, but it is far from gone," Frieden said. "The flu season lasts until May. Only time will tell what the flu season will bring."

Frieden said nearly 70 million doses of swine flu vaccine are now available, an increase of 9 million since Wednesday. "We are seeing that more people are getting vaccinated and protected and, as that happens, it becomes harder for the virus to spread," he said. But he also cautioned that, as more people become immune, that puts increasing pressure on the virus to mutate to a new form.

Frieden spoke briefly about the mutated strains of the virus that have been detected in some patients recently in Norway and China. There has been speculation that the mutant form may be somewhat more virulent because it is able to penetrate farther into the lungs. But Frieden noted that the virus has been observed sporadically during the pandemic and many scientists believe that it is a mutation that evolves in an infected patient, allowing the virus to burrow farther into the lungs. He noted that physicians have seen patients with the mutant strain deep in the lungs and a different strain higher up, suggesting that the mutant strain was created in situ. In any case, he added, there is no evidence that the mutant strain is spreading and "it is not likely to become the dominant strain."

P.S. Boost your immunity by eating Vitamin C and Vitamin D rich foods and fruits.

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Swine flu facts, signs and reminders

H1N1 is not any worse than the seasonal flu it's just who is being more greatly affected that is different that includes children.

So we have some reminders for parents when it comes to what to look for and when to call the doctor.

The symptoms of all types of flu include: fever, coughing, sore throat, headache, chills and fatigue. With the H1N1 virus these symptoms could be more severe. They may also include vomiting and diarrhea.

But even though most cases of the virus are mild we do know children are at a greater risk.

So far, 95 children have died from H1N1 since the spring. That's more than the number of kids who die from the seasonal flu each year.

Because of that parents should be on the lookout and call your doctor if your child does not seem to be getting better or could be getting worse. Virtua E.R. Doctor F.J. Campbell says those signs include: a fever that lasts more than a couple of days or any difficulty breathing.

"If you really see them really taking much deeper breaths and more rapid breaths that's the time to really pay attention and make that phone call and let your doctor make the decision if it's serious or not."

And he says for parents of kids with respiratory problems such as asthma they should be in contact with their child's doctor if they get sick. Kids with underlying problems are at a greater risk for complications. It's also recommended all children get the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it's available.

One more tip for parents if your child is sick with a fever then seems to get better but then a few days later they have a fever again that's another sign to call your doctor.


P.S. Boost your immunity by eating Vitamin C and Vitamin D rich foods and fruits.




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Obama Declares Swine Flu a National Emergency

President Barack Obama has declared the H1N1 swine flu a national emergency.

His proclamation, signed Friday night and released by the White House Saturday morning, will allow hospitals and doctors' offices to get legal waivers of federal rules so they can handle large numbers of sick people as the outbreak spreads.

"The H1N1 is moving rapidly, as expected. By the time regions or health-care systems recognize they are becoming overburdened, they need to implement disaster plans quickly," White House spokesman Reid Cherlin said Saturday, according to the Washington Post.

The waivers, which will be issued by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, still require individual requests by the hospitals, Cherlin noted.

The goal, according to the Associated Press, is to remove bureaucratic roadblocks and make it easier for sick people to seek treatment and for medical personnel to provide it immediately. That could mean fewer hurdles involving Medicare, Medicaid or health privacy regulations, the AP added.

The H1N1 swine flu is now widespread in 46 states, and there have been 1,000 laboratory-confirmed deaths since April, according to the latest estimates released Friday by U.S. health officials.

Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told a news conference Friday, "We have already had millions of cases of pandemic influenza in the United States, and the numbers continue to increase."

At the same time, he said, production delays continue to hamper distribution of the H1N1 swine flu vaccine.

The vaccine is growing more slowly in egg-based cultures than manufacturers had anticipated, resulting in fewer available doses at this time, Frieden explained.

As of Friday, there were 16.1 million doses on hand nationwide, up from 14.1 on Wednesday, Frieden said. And there will be far fewer than the 40 million doses originally planned for the end of October, he added.

"Vaccine availability is increasing steadily, but far too slowly," Frieden said. "It's frustrating to all of us. We are nowhere near where we thought we would be by now. We are not near where the vaccine manufacturers predicted we would be."

The vaccine that is available comes in both nasal mist and injectable forms. The first doses were only the nasal spray, called FluMist, designed for healthy people 2 to 49 years of age. But now, more than half the doses are injectable, he said.

While children continue to be particularly vulnerable to the disease, Freiden said, "we are seeing it increasingly affect young adults as well as children. We are still not seeing significant numbers of cases among the elderly, and that's characteristic of this virus."

That's also a marked difference from run-of-the-mill seasonal flu, which typically poses a much bigger threat to the elderly.

There is encouraging news, Frieden said. The genetic makeup of the H1N1 virus hasn't changed, meaning the swine flu vaccine and the antiviral drug Tamiflu are a good match.

Frieden said the H1N1 flu would probably occur in waves, but "we can't predict how high, how far or long the wave will go, or when the next will come."

"We are now in the second wave of pandemic influenza and whether this will continue through the fall into the winter, whether it will go away and come back in traditional flu season, only time will tell," he said.


P.S. Boost your resistance against swine flu by eating lots of Vitamin C and Vitamin D rich foods and fruits.



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Swine flu nasal spray or shot?

We now know the first batch of the much anticipated swine flu vaccine has been shipped from the manufacturer and is on its way to undisclosed distribution centers around the country, including here in Central Florida. And according to the Orange County Health Department who gets its information from the State Health Department, the first batch is coming in the form of a nasal spray.

The next batch will be shipped next week, and is expected to come in the form of the shot. The mist, of course, is really geared toward children and adults who just don't like needles. But results of a new study just released comparing the seasonal flu shot with the flu mist show the shot is twice as effective. However, there have been no studies done comparing the swine flu mist vs. the shot.

In fact, health officials say that may not be the case with the swine flu, that the shot and the spray may be equally effective. Unfortunately for now, we'll have to wait to find out. The Orange County Health Department says both the mist and the shot will be available here in Central Florida by mid-October, but supplies will be limited.

"It's going to arrive initially in small amounts. Then we'll get more. People getting it first will be those at risk" "But with the FluMist, one little caveat, it has to go to healthy people, not the ones with underlying conditions and those at risk," said Orange County Health Department spokesman Dain Weister

The Health Department tells us anyone between the ages of 2 and 49 without any underlying health problems can get the nasal spray.

P.S. boost your immune system by heavy intake of vitamin C foods and supplements.

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Palace to DOH: Monitor A (H1N1) second wave

MANILA - President Arroyo on Friday ordered the Department of Health to step up its monitoring of the spread of Influenza A (H1N1) cases in the country amid fears that a second wave of the virus could affect nine million Filipinos.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the President has instructed the DOH to improve its coordination with the World Health Organization as to real-time exchange of information and data on the A (H1N1) virus.

"The President also ordered hastening of the capacitation of the laboratories of government hospitals for more testing in case of epidemics. She also provisioned that government hospitals to be better prepared to manage complicated cases that may be exacerbated by the virus," Remonde told reporters.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III earlier said a second wave of A (H1N1) infections in the Philippines could affect one-tenth of the population or about nine million Filipinos, but stressed there are no indications that the virus would worsen.

“So if our population is about 90 million, a second wave of A(H1N1) could affect as many as nine million Filipinos,” Duque told the Philippine Star during a cluster meeting of mayors from Mindanao under the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP).

But Duque said he recently got assurance from a WHO official that there were no indications that the A(H1N1) virus has mutated into a more virulent strain.

Duque noted that dengue fever and even ordinary flu were more fatal than A(H1N1) in the Philippines.

DOH records show 28 people infected with A(H1N1) have died in the country as of August 28. Nearly 5,000 have been infected though more than 96 percent of the cases have fully recovered.


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DOH: Second wave of H1N1 more virulent

MANILA - The Department of Health on Friday warned that a more virulent strain of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus could hit the country even as experts search for a vaccine to defeat the virus.

Dr. Eric Tayag, chief of the DOH Epidemiology Center, said A(H1N1) virulence's could be seen in how fast it spread globaly. The disease, which was first detected in Mexico, is the first pandemic of the 21st century and in 41 years.

"There will be a second wave of cases. These will come from Europe and the United States. Since it's flu season, we have to take steps to ensure that it doesn't spread [in the country]," Tayag told ABS-CBN.

The DOH official said a vaccine is still in the testing stage and could be released in January.

He said the DOH continues to make the rounds of hospital nationwide to ensure their preparedness for a possible second wave of A(H1N1) infections.

DOH records show 28 people infected with A(H1N1) have died in the country. Nearly 5,000 have been infected though more than 96 percent of the cases have fully recovered.

Globally, a total of 2,185 people have died from A(H1N1), with some tropical countries reporting "moderate strains" on their healthcare systems amid surges in infections.


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Swine Flu - What You Need to Know

"Information is the best prevention".

This pandemic is still a very serious threat to the people. Medical companies are racing against time to combat this dreaded disease which already claimed thousands.

As the government scrambles to provide vaccine for Swine Flu and contain the spread of the disease, perhaps the best tool available for you is the right information.

What is Swine Flu and how is it different from varieties of influenza we've seen before?

H1N1, or "Swine Flu" contains genetic material from swine, avian and human flu viruses. H1N1 viruses often circulate harmlessly, but since it's a new type of virus, humans don't normally have immunity to it. There are predictions worldwide about the spread of Swine Flu, but nobody is sure how far the disease will spread.

What are the symptoms?

These include:

* Fever
* Cough
* Sore throat
* Runny nose
* Body aches
* Chills
* Fatigue

Some cases also involve diarrhea and vomiting.

These symptoms are relatively common in most types of influenza. Your doctor can give you a Swine Flu test, though the results are not always definitive.

A fever is defined as having a body temperature of 100 degrees or greater.

Swine flu can also cause neurological problems in children, as do other types of flu. The disease is fatal in rare cases.

Who's at the highest risk?

Most U.S. cases have involved young adults and older children. A large number have involved those with morbid obesity.

Experts still caution that those at the highest risk from Swine Flu are young children, the elderly, those with immune disorders and other chronic illnesses.

How can I tell of co-workers, family members or others have Swine Flu?

It's virtually impossible to tell, as Swine Flu symptoms are similar to those of other types of flu. Still, experts advise you to stay six feet from those who appear sick. It's not necessary to wear a face mask, but it can help prevent you from spreading your flu virus to others.

How can I avoid infection

The CDC says hand washing is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of infection. Also, staying away from those who exhibit symptoms is also effective. A personal distance of six feet is recommended.

All household surfaces should be kept clean. Experts say the flu virus (H1N1 included) can stay alive on doorknobs, books, counters, sinks and desks for up to 8 hours.

What vaccines are available?

Vaccines are being prepared in large numbers. Millions of doses will be available in October with more being distributed each month thereafter. The CDC says children ages 6 months to 19 should get a flu shot each year.

What medications are effective?

Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) are thought to be the most effective medications to combat H1N1. Doctors advise taking these drugs as soon as possible after symptoms are exhibited. The CDC adds that those who have been to areas with widespread infection should talk to their doctors about taking one of these antiviral medicines.

Health officials don't advise stockpiling Tamiflu and Relenza, though there have been reports in recent years about public health workers doing just that. Still, the government recommends leaving available medicines for those truly in need.

How do I prepare my family for a possible major outbreak?

The government web site Flu.gov advises that you keep a two week supply of food and water in the house. You should also make sure you have a large supply of any prescription drugs on hand. Make sure your children know to always wash their hands and stay away from others who are sick. Parents should cover coughs and sneezes with tissues and model that behavior for the children.

Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home. Parents should make plans for child care in the event they themselves become sick.

What if a family member becomes sick?

Call your doctor. If you, your spouse or the kids are coughing and sneezing it could just be a cold. But if there's a fever, headache and other flu symptoms, that's an indication that it could be Swine Flu or some other strain of season influenza.

Also, anyone who's sick should stay home and avoid public areas.

What about travel? Is it safe?

Experts advise caution when traveling to Mexico since there have been large numbers of people infected with Swine Flu there. But you should check with your airline, and websites for the CDC and WHO before traveling since new advisories are constantly posted.

Why have so many people died from Swine Flu in Mexico but not in the U.S.?

Nobody is excactly sure, but it's possible that Americans generally get better, faster medical care. But some experts worry that the number of U.S. deaths could increase as the disease spreads.

Should we avoid pork?

That's not necessary. Swine Flu or H1N1 virus is spread between individuals or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. Pork has nothing to do with it.


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A(H1N1) vaccine to be made available to Filipinos in October

The vaccine against the A(H1N1) virus will finally be made available to Filipinos in October, the local distributor has said.

An information officer of distributor Vaxcen told GMANews.TV on Monday that they have yet to receive a go ahead from their head office to release the name of the pharmaceutical company that would produce the vaccine.

What is sure is that the vaccine will be made available through the company’s vaccine centers starting October, said the Vaxcen officer who refused to be named, citing company policy.

“We assure you it’s from a reputable company," said the officer.

National Epidemiology Center head Dr. Eric Tayag said in a separate interview that they have already received reports regarding such announcements from Vaxcen.

“We’re looking into it, we still have to check and verify these orders. The problem is that we still have no guidelines or policies regarding the distribution of the vaccines," said Tayag.

A previous announcement made by the Department of Health said that health care workers would be the first recipients of some 100,000 A(H1N1) vaccines ordered by the Philippine government from the World Health Organization (WHO). [See: DOH: Health workers to get first batch of A(H1N1) vaccines]

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III also said that the WHO will “draw up" a formula of how to allocate the vaccines to each country.

But Vaxcen said that it is now accepting reservations for the vaccine for P750. The worth of the vaccine is P1,500. It added that interested buyers may call their centers in Quezon City at 421-2493 or in Pasay City at 556-0414.

Tayag said it is possible that the vaccine manufacturers are taking orders through Vaxcen.

“Kung matutuloy yan, chances are hiwalay sila sa guidelines (If their vaccine distribution goes through, then they must be exempted from the guidelines," he said.

As of early July, more than 2,688 cases of A(H1N1) had been recorded in the country with a 95 percent rate of recovery. Since July 9, the DOH has stopped daily updates on the cases of A(H1N1) in the country and instead focused its resources on mitigating the spread of the disease.

In its July 27 update, WHO recorded 134,503 confirmed cases worldwide with 816 deaths. Of these figures, 87,965 or 65 percent of the infections and 707 deaths (86 percent) were recorded in the Americas.


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RP’s swine flu death toll rises to 6

Philippine health officials say three more people have died of A(H1N1)- or swine flu-related illnesses, bring the country's death toll to six.
(Read More.....)

P.S. it's about time to boost our immune system. (click here)

WHO: global death toll from swine flu now over 700

The worldwide death toll from swine flu has doubled in the past month, reaching over 700 since the start of the outbreak last spring, the World Health Organization said Tuesday.

Here in the Philippines, swine Flu related deaths is at 3 while 2,668 cases being recorded but five percent still being treated. Read More.

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Swine flu pandemic now 'unstoppable' -- WHO official

This is a very serious threat. this pandemic is on a global scale. no one is immune to it. read more....

P.S. check out my blog for some helpful tips in prevention of this threat.

43-year-old teacher is 4th A(H1N1)-related death in RP

The dreaded Swine Flu A(H1N1)has claimed another life here in the Philippines. We must be aware and vigilant on this disease. follow the tips recommended by the D.O.H. .....READ MORE!!!

P.S. pls visit my blog and know tips in prevention of the disease.

superoyee

DOH: 2 more flu patients die

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday reported two more deaths from Influenza A(H1N1), bringing to three the total number of Filipinos who have died from the virus.

Dr. Yolanda Oliveros, director of the DOH’s National Center for Disease Prevention and Control, said the fatalities were a 74-year-old man and a 19-year-old man who had asthma. The two patients died last week.

Oliveros told The STAR that the older man had underlying illnesses like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, emphyzema, hypertension, cardio-vascular disease and tuberculosis.

“He was multiple high-risk... That is why in our mitigation strategy, we primarily focus on the severe cases and those with underlying conditions,” she added.

The country’s first death from A(H1N1) was a 49-year-old mother who was working at the House of Representatives.

Based on autopsy, the old man died from “congestive heart failure secondary to acute myocardial infraction aggravated by severe pneumonia either bacterial, viral or both.”

It turned out that the septuagenarian also had tuberculosis, enlarged liver, kidney and spleen, tumor in the uterus and tyromegaly or goiter.

Records of DOH’s Hotline for H1N1 showed that as of last week, there were 2,668 confirmed cases but 2,543 of these have already recovered.

On the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO), the DOH had shifted its anti-A (H1N1) program from containment to mitigation after establishing that the virus is “mild in nature.”

And while the virus is easily spread through air droplets or respiratory discharges, most infected patients have recovered even before they started taking medication.

But Oliveros warned that while A(H1N1) is mild, the public should not let their guard down.

She reiterated the DOH’s call for the strict observance of personal hygiene, particularly the covering of mouth when sneezing and coughing and constant washing of the hands, as the virus can survive on wet or moist surfaces for up to six hours.

Under the mitigation strategy, the DOH had done away with contact tracing and the mandatory 10-day quarantine.

Interim guidelines of the DOH showed that anti-viral treatment with Oseltamivir is “only for confirmed cases with severe progressive illness or concurrent medical condition that compromise their immune system.”

“Those with stable clinical manifestations or those identified when they were in the recovery state of the illnesses... are for home care,” the guidelines stated.

Laboratory diagnosis or throat swab sampling is done as part of the investigation of first suspected cases in a specific area or community and of a person with influenza-like illnesses (ILI) who are at risk of developing complications because of existing medical conditions.

The guidelines showed that swab testing could also be done randomly in clusters “with ILI manifesting with unusual symptoms or severity.”

OFW from Tarlac

Meanwhile, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong yesterday reported that a 37-year-old female Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Tarlac is currently confined at the United Christian Hospital in Kwun Tong, Kowloon, in what Hong Kong health authorities described as a “serious case of human swine influenza.”

The Consulate urged Filipinos working in or intending to travel to Hong Kong to exercise the highest vigilance against the A(H1N1) flu.

The Consulate said in a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that the Filipina, who arrived in Hong Kong on June 28, was reported to have flu-like symptoms on June 29 and was admitted to the hospital on July 7, initially diagnosed with “severe pneumonia”.

On July 11, the Consulate was informed by the attending doctor that a “molecular” test had confirmed her to be an A(H1N1) case.

The Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) of the Department of Health (DOH), which runs the DOH 24-hour A(H1N1) hotline, was immediately contacted by the Consulate to brief them about the case and provide appropriate medical bulletin to the patient’s family and other close contacts in the Philippines.

The Consulate continues to be in constant touch with the patient’s family members and friends in Hong Kong and advised those who came in contact with the OFW to consult a doctor as a precautionary measure.

The Consulate has also talked to the patient’s husband in the Philippines and assured him of the government’s support.

He was also informed that he and other family members and relatives in the Philippines should immediately consult a doctor to check if they were infected.
With Pia Lee-Brago

By Sheila Crisostomo

Boost your Immune System

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By superoyee

Tips for preventing A(H1N1) infection and treating flu patients

By
GMANEWS.tv
Published: June 22, 2009Posted in: Top Stories
Tips for preventing A(H1N1) infection and treating flu patients



June 22, 2009 | 02:10 PM

TO PREVENT INFECTION

DO…

* Wash your hands with soap and water
* Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers
* Avoid crowded places
* Eat nutritious food and drink plenty of water
* Sleep eight hours a day
* Avoid contact with sick people

DON’T…

* Shake hands or hug people
* Spit in public
* Take medicine without consulting a physician

IF YOU GET SICK, DO …

* Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
* Stay at home and limit contact with others as much as possible during the time that you are most likely to spread the virus (usually one day before developing symptoms up to seven days after you get sick)
* Get plenty of sleep and rest
* Take plenty of liquids
* Seek medical advice
* Keep yourself in a room which is separate from the common areas of the house
* Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and wear a loose-fitting surgical mask if you need to leave the house
* Wear a surgical mask if you need to get close to other persons
* Use a separate bathroom, if possible; it should be cleaned daily with household disinfectant

Sources:

Philippine Department of Health

World Health Organization

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Compiled by ANNIE RUTH C. SABANGAN,
GMANews.TV


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