Newsletter 8 Januari 2010

New Issue
Quarantine at ports found ineffective against new flu
The number of people infected with new flu who passed undetected through airport quarantine between April last year, when the new strain of influenza began spreading, and May was about 14 times higher than the number of infected people stopped at the airports, according to a study carried out by Tokyo University.
The research results confirm anew that to prepare for an outbreak of new infectious diseases, such as bird flu, it is essential to take comprehensive countermeasures, such as having medical institutions prepare to treat large numbers of patients and closing schools, in addition to quarantine, from the early stage of proliferation of such a disease.
Source: The Yomiuri Shimbun
Read more: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20100108TDY02305.htm

Research
When should we intervene to control the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic?
H Sato ()1,2, H Nakada3,2, R Yamaguchi4,2, S Imoto4,2, S Miyano4, M Kami3
We simulated the early phase of the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic and assessed the effectiveness of public health interventions in Japan. We show that the detection rate of border quarantine was low and the timing of the intervention was the most important factor involved in the control of the pandemic, with the maximum reduction in daily cases obtained after interventions started on day 6 or 11. Early interventions were not always effective.
Source: Eurosurveillance
Read more: http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=19455

Comment
Teaming Up with Olympians to Fight H1N1
Next month, the 2010 Olympic Winter Games will begin in Canada. The world’s top athletes will gather in Vancouver, along with spectators from across the globe. These Games inspire all Americans to be physically active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
One immediate step that you can take to protect your health is to get your H1N1 flu vaccination. Olympians, Paralympians and hopefuls training for Vancouver are doing just that. Today, athletes, coaches, and staff who are Vancouver bound are getting vaccinated against the H1N1 flu at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the 2010 U.S. Cross Country Championships in Anchorage, Alaska. We urge all Americans to do the same and get their H1N1 vaccine.
Source: The White House Blog
Read more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/01/05/teaming-with-olympians-fight-h1n1

Risk Communication
To Reduce H1N1 Risk, Fly First Class
The perks of flying first class may include a reduced risk of acquiring H1N1 infection, according to a computer simulation of airborne transmission patterns within a large jet airliner.
Source: Medpage Today
Read more: http://www.medpagetoday.com/InfectiousDisease/URItheFlu/17853

Photo
AP Photo
L.A. Checker Cab driver Bhupinder Singh receives an innoculation as others wait, right rear, during a program to provide free H1N1 flu vaccinations to taxicab drivers, at a holding lot at Los Angeles International Airport Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010. The program is sponsored by Los Angeles' nine franchised taxicab companies. "This is for the drivers' protection and for the protection of the public," said Michael Calin, general manager of Bell Cab (not shown).
Source: Daylife
Read more: http://www.daylife.com/photo/06n4cEXfLbfTN?q=h1n1

Quote
"With the high number of patients awaiting H1N1 vaccination, health agencies simply cannot afford to allocate staff to clinic appointment scheduling".
SOURCE: Freshnews.com
Read more: http://www.freshnews.com/news/264306/emedischedulecom-provides-online-clinic-scheduling-delaware-general-health-district

News Flash
Cilacap, Central Java ::: Bird flu attacks backyard chickens
Bird Flu Information Corner
At least 50 backyard chickens belong to locals in Desa Karangmangu, Kecamatan Kroya found suddenly dead. Head of Agriculture and Livestock Service of Kabupaten Cilacap, Gunawan, confirmed those chickens had died of bird flu or avian influenza (AI) virus.
Read more: http://birdflucorner.wordpress.com/2010/01/07/cilacap-central-java-bird-flu-attacks-backyard-chickens/
Which animal species are most likely to get flu?
The Economist
THE scientific value of zoos is sometimes called into question, but Mark Schrenzel and Bruce Rideout, two experts on wildlife diseases who work at San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research, have just shown the value of having a wide range of animals to hand for study.
Read more: http://www.economist.com/sciencetechnology/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15211393
No U.S. decision on H1N1 vaccine orders: official
Reuters
The United States has not made a decision on whether to cancel or sell any of its orders for the H1N1 vaccine, unlike some countries in Europe, a federal health official said on Thursday.
Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6064WQ20100107?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FhealthNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Health+News%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
CDC hopes to prevent repeat of 1958 flu mortality surge
CIDRAP
Warning against complacency about H1N1 influenza, Dr. Anne Schuchat of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said she doesn't want to see a repeat of what happened in 1957-58, when a perception that the pandemic was over was followed by a winter surge of flu- and pneumonia-related deaths.
Read more: http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/swineflu/news/jan0710cdc.html

Disclaimer: Newsletter ini hanya merupakan kumpulan dari artikel/liputan/tulisan yang diambil dari berbagai sumber mengenai situasi terkini pandemi influenza di seluruh dunia termasuk Indonesia. Namun demikian isi/ilustrasi/foto tidak mewakili kepentingan atau kebijakan KOMNAS FBPI secara langsung.

Newsletter 7 Januari 2010

New Issue
Doctor warns of higher mortality risk from steroid therapy
A risk posed by steroid therapy that crippled hundreds of patients of the 2003 SARS outbreak in China seems to have emerged in the current treatment regime for the H1N1 pandemic flu.
Overuse of the steroid glucocorticoid to treat critically-ill H1N1 patients has, in many cases, worsened their condition, even leading to deaths after weakening their immunity, warned Li Ning, president of Beijing Youan Hospital, one of the two government-designated hospitals to treat severe H1N1 cases.
Source: Xinhua
Read more: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2010-01/07/content_12767959.htm

Research
Anti N1 Cross-Protecting Antibodies Against H5N1 Detected in H1N1 Infected People.
Frobert E, Bouscambert-Duchamp M, Escuret V, Mundweiler S, Barthélémy M, Morfin F, Valette M, Gerdil C, Lina B, Ferraris O.
Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre de Biologie et de Pathologie Est, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 59 boulevard Pinel, 69677, Bron Cedex, France.
The A(H5N1) influenza virus pandemic may be the result of avian H5N1 adapting to humans, leading to massive human to human transmission in a context of a lack of pre-existing immunity. As A(H1N1) and A(H5N1) share the same neuraminidase subtype, anti-N1 antibodies subsequent to H1N1 infections or vaccinations may confer some protection against A(H5N1). We analysed, by microneutralization assay, the A/Vietnam/1194/04 (H5N1) anti-N1 cross-protection acquired either during A/NewCaledonia/20/99 (H1N1) infection or vaccination. In cases with ocumented H1N1 infection, H5N1 cross-protection could be observed only in patients born between 1930 and 1950. No such protection was detected in the sera of vaccinated individuals. Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information , U.S. National Library of Medicine
Read more: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20033691

Comment
Scientists predict rise in illnesses passed from animals to humans, like swine flu, bird flu and HIV
By Rosemary Black
If swine flu hasn’t given you enough health worries this winter, here’s some more dark news from the disease front: Scientists believe that a host of new illnesses passed from animals to humans are waiting around the corner, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Blame climate change and environmental disruption, experts say, and get ready for a boost in outbreaks because of global warming and changes in the way we farm and use the land.
Source: NYDailyNews.com
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2010/01/06/2010-01-06_scientists_predict_rise_in_illnesses_passed_from_animals_to_humans_like_swine_fl.html#ixzz0bt9s7ISG

Risk Communication
N.J. providing H1N1 swine flu updates via Facebook, Twitter
Department of Health and Senior Services will offer videos, audio clips, posters, flyers, press releases and updates on the influenza
In an effort to reach more New Jerseyans through the increased usage of social media networks, the state Department of Health and Senior Services has created a Facebook page to share the latest information regarding swine flu and vaccine.
Individuals who have Facebook accounts can become a fan of the DHSS' H1N1 Resource page by searching the title on Facebook.
The department has also created a Twitter page, which is available at www.twitter.com/FluNJ.
Individuals who would like to access either Twitter or Facebook can also do so directly from the department's website at www.nj.gov/health.
Source: newjerseynewsroom.com
Read more: http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/healthquest/nj-providing-h1n1-swine-flu-updates-via-facebook-twitter

Photo

Reuters Pictures
Panama's First Lady Marta Linares de Martinelli (C) receives the H1N1 vaccine in Panama City January 6, 2010. The Ministry of Health began a massive vaccination campaign against the H1N1 flu virus throughout the country with the first purchase of 300,000 doses of the vaccine, according to the health department press office.
Source: Daylife
Read more: http://www.daylife.com/photo/0cmr8Yh5DXfXx?q=h1n1

Quote
"Random use of steroids in all severe SARS or H1N1 patients is definitely wrong"
Source: Xinhua
Read more: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2010-01/07/content_12767959.htm

News Flash
WHO-led H1N1 vaccine redistribution may be scaled back as countries reassess need
Google News
Softening demand for H1N1 vaccine may be spreading to a World Health Organization-led effort to provide developing countries with some pandemic vaccine, a WHO official said Tuesday.
Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5i2FZ88W88hY8W1zgTT-wrBXzq0cQ

RA Treatment Blunts Response to Seasonal Flu Vaccine
Medpage Today
The rheumatoid arthritis treatment rituximab (Rituxan), which depletes B cells, appears to hamper the humoral response to flu vaccine, Dutch researchers found.
Read more: http://www.medpagetoday.com/InfectiousDisease/URItheFlu/17824

Flu information for People with Diabetes and Caregivers of People with Diabetes
CDC Swine Flu Updates
People with diabetes are more likely to get flu-related complications like pneumonia and even be hospitalized or die from the flu than other people. Influenza may also interfere with blood glucose management. This fact sheet contains important information for diabetics.
Read more: http://www2c.cdc.gov/podcasts/download.asp?af=h&f=631665

Public health officials share school-based vaccination strategies
CIDRAP
School-based immunization campaigns have helped federal officials reach one of their top priority groups to receive the pandemic H1N1 vaccine, and lessons learned from the experiences may help other districts, not only this season but also during future flu seasons, experts said today at a US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) live webinar.
Read more: http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/swineflu/news/jan0610schools.html

Canada lends Mexico five million swine flu vaccine doses
AFP
OTTAWA — Canada will provide Mexico with five million doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine to meet its immediate pandemic vaccine needs, Health Minister Leona ...
Read more: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fhostednews%2Fafp%2Farticle%2FALeqM5hbgPCJ_d5MgwF8ECYb4eOJOyx9bA&usg=AFQjCNHV6evHaqMzmaD5JAm-KmzfN2uZ4g

A/H1N1 flu cases decrease in China
Xinhua
6 (Xinhua) -- A/H1N1 flu cases in the Chinese mainland decreased last week, said the Ministry of Health on Wednesday. According to the ministry's weekly ...
Read more: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.xinhuanet.com%2Fenglish%2F2010-01%2F06%2Fcontent_12766535.htm&usg=AFQjCNFdjfX0O3JW_4Z0wmDz1iZ9RuE9Dg

Disclaimer: Newsletter ini hanya merupakan kumpulan dari artikel/liputan/tulisan yang diambil dari berbagai sumber mengenai situasi terkini pandemi influenza di seluruh dunia termasuk Indonesia. Namun demikian isi/ilustrasi/foto tidak mewakili kepentingan atau kebijakan KOMNAS FBPI secara langsung

Newsletter 6 Jaunuari 2010

New Issue
Fall flu wave tested pediatric hospitals with tough choices
... Pediatric hospitals throughout the United States have been at ground zero during both waves of the pandemic. The patients they care for are among the groups at highest risk for complications from the pandemic virus—young people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, neuromuscular disorders, and forms of cancer.
Source: CIDRAP

Research
Health Care Worker Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs Regarding Mandatory Influenza Vaccination
Results: Many employees (70%) thought influenza vaccination should be mandatory for health care workers who did not have a medical contraindication. Nearly everyone, 363 of 391 (94%), who favored mandatory immunization had been immunized themselves. Of those who opposed mandatory immunization, 45 of 81 (55.6%) had been immunized (P < .001). Individuals who supported mandatory policies were more likely to believe that the vaccine is safe for both children and adults. There was no significant difference between the percentages of promandate and antimandate employees who believed influenza was dangerous for the patients where they work (66.5% and 62%, respectively, P = .07). Only 29% of antimandate employees believed they were at high risk of contracting influenza, compared with 51% of promandate employees (P < .001). Conclusions: Approval of mandatory influenza vaccine policies was high; however, attitudes about the dangers of influenza for patients were not associated with acceptance of mandatory vaccination policies for health care workers. Educational efforts targeting health care workers' fears and misconceptions about influenza vaccines might help to decrease the reservoir of unimmunized health care workers. [...] Source: Archpedi Comment Parting Shots: Now There’s Too Much H1N1 Flu Vaccine
A bunch of European countries ordered too much swine flu vaccine, so after months of waiting around for the flu shots to show up, they now find themselves canceling orders.
Source: Wall Street Journal Blog

Risk Communication
Blame it on Swine Flu - Hand Sanitizers Rival Pens as Most Popular Promo Product
The Advertising Specialty Institute announced that hand sanitizers now rival pens as one of the most popular logoed items that companies are giving away to clients and employees.
Indeed, searches of the key words “hand sanitizers” by promotional products distributors via the Advertising Specialty Institute’s promotional products database jumped 439% for the period between October 2009 and October 2008. Only searches for pens - which for years have been the best-selling logoed product in the promotional products industry - were higher that period. In addition, searches for sanitizer products of all kinds jumped by triple digits this year.
Source: Yahoo News - Advertising Specialty Institute

Photo

Figures in a Nativity scene, depicting the birth of Jesus Christ, wear face masks in a shop in the H1N1-hit city of Naples, Italy on November 5, 2009. Italy has reported 26 victims of the H1N1 influenza virus have died, and 41,000 people have been vaccinated in the country by the start of November. (REUTERS/Stefano Renna/Agnfoto)
Source: Boston

Quote
"The flu will be with us for a few more months." WHO spokeswoman Fadela Chaib.
WHO chief gets H1N1 flu vaccination
Source: Reuters

News Flash
Most Healthcare Workers Support Compulsory Influenza Vaccinations
Medscape
Most healthcare workers (HCWs) approve of mandatory influenza vaccines for hospital employees, and their numbers could be further boosted by giving opponents more information, according to a study released yesterday in the January 2010 issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.
NEW: Fact Sheet: Safety of Thimerosal in Vaccines Against 2009 H1N1 Flu
from CDC Swine Flu Updates
CDC is aware that pregnant women, parents of young children, and others may have questions about the safety of thimerosal in vaccines against 2009 H1N1 flu. The following fact sheet provides some information to help in making decisions.
IOM issues report on impacts of pandemic
Cidrap
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recently published a report on the US and international impacts of the H1N1 pandemic, based on a workshop that was held in mid September and involved a committee of about 25 experts.
Flu Season: Factory Farming Could Cause A Catastrophic Pandemic
Huffington Post
I was intrigued (and disturbed) by a book I just read online -- www.BirdFluBook.org -- by Michael Greger, M.D. about the potential of a deadly flu pandemic, the likes of which we have never seen.
Detroit elementary students get free pizza for turning in H1N1 forms
Detroit News
Happy's Pizza is to provide a pizza party for students at Wilkins Elementary School on Wednesday as a reward for returning completed H1N1 vaccination forms.

Disclaimer: Newsletter ini hanya merupakan kumpulan dari artikel/liputan/tulisan yang diambil dari berbagai sumber mengenai situasi terkini pandemi influenza di seluruh dunia termasuk Indonesia. Namun demikian isi/ilustrasi/foto tidak mewakili kepentingan atau kebijakan KOMNAS FBPI secara langsung