Influenza :: WHO data confirms low level of resistance to Tamiflu
New data published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed a low frequency of resistance to Tamiflu (oseltamivir) over three influenza seasons (2003-2006).
Influenza
Influenza :: Why predicting the next influenza pandemic is difficult and how scientists can best prepare
In planning for a future influenza pandemic, most experts agree that two things are known for certain?there will be another pandemic someday, and nobody can predict when. In a commentary in the May 9, 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, scientists at the National Institutes of Health discuss why predicting the next pandemic is so difficult and outline steps that can be taken to better understand the behavior of the virus.
Influenza :: Novartis commitment to pandemic preparedness
Novartis is working closely with government and regulatory officials worldwide to support pandemic preparedness efforts. Novartis has engaged in discussions with several governments concerning pandemic influenza vaccine supply and has received contracts to provide H5N1 vaccines for stockpiling.
Influenza :: Focetria, the Novartis pandemic influenza vaccine
Focetria, a new human vaccine designed for use following the declaration of an influenza pandemic, has received European U nion approval in all 27 member states as well as Iceland and Norway.
Influenza :: GSK supports WHO efforts to strengthen global pandemic preparedness plans
GlaxoSmithKline [GSK: NYSE] commended the commitment of the World Health Organization (WHO) to progress plans for ensuring that the world?s most vulnerable people are protected in the event of a pandemic. Key elements of that commitment include progress being made towards the development of an H5N1 vaccine global stockpile by the WHO, and efforts to establish an additional mechanism to ensure broader access to pandemic influenza vaccine for developing world countries.
Flu :: U.S. control strategies may make flu epidemics worse
Regular as clockwork, the flu arrives every year. And, according to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population on average will come down with it. About 36,000 people will die.
Influenza :: Guidance for use of facemasks & respirators in public during an influenza pandemic
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today released interim advice to the public about the use of facemasks and respirators in certain public (non-occupational) settings during an influenza pandemic. There is very little research about the value of masks to protect people in public settings. These interim recommendations are based on the best judgment of public health experts who relied in part on information about the protective value of masks in healthcare facilities.
Infection :: Infection takes high toll in young children
Dr Deborah Lehmann, who leads infectious diseases research at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, said the findings show that infection is an increasing concern in affluent countries.
Smallpox :: US preparing for smallpox outbreak, testing vaccines to protect people
In the event of a smallpox outbreak in the United States, how long would it take for a vaccine to start protecting Americans by stimulating an immune response? A new national study led by Saint Louis University School of Medicine will attempt to answer this question.
Avian Flu :: Researchers create interactive map with Google technology to track avian flu spread
An interactive “supermap” that portrays the mutations and spread of the avian flu around the globe over time should help researchers and policy makers better understand the virus and anticipate further outbreaks, according to a new study involving University of Colorado at Boulder and Ohio State University researchers.