Influenza Monitor, May 27, 2010 When writing about influenza, it can be difficult to report on cutting-edge research. One has to carefully apply terms like “breakthrough.” One also has to avoid terms like “miracle cure.” A universal flu vaccine, that can provide extended protection across a variety of recombitant influenza viruses represents the pinnacle for [...]
Written on May 29, 2010 | Posted in
Influenza News,
Research
Influenza Monitor, May 26, 2010 The most significant failure in the global public health response to pandemic H1N1 was the lack of sufficient vaccine supplies in time for the second wave of H1N1. According to reporting from the World Health Organization (WHO) H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Task Force, global influenza vaccine production continues to fall well [...]
Written on May 28, 2010 | Posted in
Influenza News,
Research
Influenza Monitor, May 25, 2010 With the passage of time, H1N1 has been quiet in the USA. No states have reported widespread or regional flu activity for five consecutive weeks. Doctor visits for Influenza-like Illness (ILI) are below baseline across all ten CDC regions. On the international front, H1N1 has receded across much of the [...]
Written on May 25, 2010 | Posted in
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Research
Influenza Monitor, March 25, 2010 CDC is reporting ELEVATED influenza-like illness (ILI) activity in Region Four, which includes: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. “Region 4 led the nation at the beginning of the fall wave, which largely followed school openings.” Region 4 also had a higher number of case [...]
Written on March 25, 2010 | Posted in
Influenza News
Background on Chile Earthquake USGS: Magnitude 8.8 – OFFSHORE MAULE, CHILE AMEMBASSY Santiago: Statement on February 27 Earthquake in Chile NOAA: Tsunami Warnings and Advisories PAHO: EOC Situation Report #3 – Damage and power shortages force suspension of H1N1 vaccinations
Written on February 27, 2010 | Posted in
Influenza News
Influenza Monitor, January 24, 2010 Despite substantial development efforts that go into antiviral drugs and vaccines for influenza, viruses are able to develop resistance due to their high mutation rates. In a recent issue of Nature, a team of German moleclar biologists make the case that by targeting host rather than viral factors, it may [...]
Written on January 24, 2010 | Posted in
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Research
Background on Haiti Earthquake USGS National Eathquake Information Center: Magnitude 7.0 – HAITI REGION DOS: Travel Alert – HAITI WHO: Public health risk assessment and interventions: Haiti Earthquake January 2010 (PDF) USAID: Response to Haiti Earthquake DOD: OPERATION UNIFIED RESPONSE How You Can Help American Red Cross International Committee of the Red Cross [...]
Written on January 13, 2010 | Posted in
Influenza News