blackwashvideo asked:

MIA Bird Flu

Central to the problem of dealing with bird flu is diagnosis. A number of upper respiratory infections have similar symptoms—at least at the onset of the illness, including the common cold, seasonal influenza, and bird flu. Seasonal flu and bird flu have almost identical symptoms—including fever, cough, malaise (feeling unwell), nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This is, needless to say, a gigantic problem in accurately diagnosing bird flu—which is critical to beginning appropriate treatment as well as initiating infection control procedures and public health measures.

Currently, accurate testing for bird flu and other vial infections that can cause similar symptoms is difficult and requires specialized testing. This testing is time consuming and only available in specialized reference laboratories, which are few and far between. Fortunately, this may change in the near future.

According to Richard Janeczko, Ph.D., executive vice-president and chief scientific officer, Tm Bioscience, located In Toronto, Canada, is feverishly working to complete the final stage of development of an amazing test—not only for bird flu, but for more than 15 other viral infections (including severe acute respiratory syndrome or SARS), many of which can mimic the symptoms of bird flu (personal communication). (Tm Bioscience is a DNA-based diagnostics company developing a suite of genetic tests. Tm Bioscience’s product pipeline includes tests for genetic disorders, drug metabolism, and infectious diseases. Additional information about Tm Bioscience can be found at http://www.tmbioscience.com.)

The test, called the Multiplexed Respiratory Test, discriminates influenza A from influenza B and identifies the H5-subtype of influenza A (bird flu is “H5N1”) from all other H subtypes. In addition, it can identify almost all the other common—and some uncommon—viruses that cause influenza-like illnesses. This is extremely important in managing patients, communities and economic issues. Other tests have lower clinical sensitivities and specificities which can lead to both false positives and false negatives.
By incorrectly identifying an outbreak as due to H5N1, patients could be treated with anti-virals unnecessarily (thus raising the chances of selecting for drug-resistant strains), unneeded vaccination programs in asymptomatic individuals could be initiated, and damage to local and national economies—through such measures as culling of commercial poultry operations—could occur. Conversely a false-negative test result could lead to catastrophic outcomes, including a pandemic.

The assay utilizes swab specimens taken from the nose and takes less than 5 hours to perform. It was developed for use as a diagnostic tool and for infection control in hospitals. The assay has been slated for expedited review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and TM Bioscience is hoping to have an FDA-cleared test available by the end of January 2006. If this assay delivers what it claims, it will have huge applicability on a global basis and save many lives.

Bradford Frank, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A.
The Frank Group
P.O. Box 138
Lakewood, NY 14750
[http://www.AvoidBirdFlu.com]/>

By: Bradford Frank

About the Author:

The Plague
by Albert Camus, EbookEden.com
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Health officials’ warning this month of a potentially harsh flu season should be a red flag to avid aerobic-bunnies and gym-jocks alike. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warn that the flu is transmitted when flu virus in the air is inhaled after an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Transmission also occurs when a person touches a surface that has flu virus on it and then touches his or her nose or mouth. Those familiar with the typical health club milieu, then, can easily liken a workout in the gym to sitting in a veritable Petry dish…

Heavy-breathing members on closely-placed cardiovascular machines and in crowded group fitness classes, hundreds of kinds of shared equipment from dumbbells and weight plates to public restrooms and the corner water fountain provide countless opportunities for contact with the flu virus. So, short of ditching our fitness goals until mid-Spring, it would do us well to learn more about the flu, it’s prevention, and what we can do about it.

What is the flu?

The flu, or influenza, is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. It attacks the respiratory tract in humans (nose, throat, and lungs). The flu is different from a cold; it usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:

Fever Headache Tiredness (can be extreme) Dry cough Sore Throat Nasal congestion Body aches

About 10% to 20% of U.S. residents will get the flu each year. Among these persons infected, an average of 36,000 will die, and 114,000 will be hospitalized. Although the CDC claims it is not possible to accurately predict the severity of the flu season, this year’s early incidence of Type A flu strain is historically associated with a more severe flu season, including higher numbers of related hospitalizations and deaths. To make the outlook more grim, an epidemiological assessment by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) already reports “widespread” influenza activity in over 10 U.S. states.

Who is at risk?

Although anyone can get the flu, including individuals who are healthy, there are various groups who are at higher risk for complications. These high risk groups include:

persons aged > 50 years; residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities that house persons of any age who have long-term illnesses; adults and children > 6 months of age who have chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma; adults and children > 6 months of age who need regular medical care or had to be in a hospital because of metabolic diseases (like diabetes), chronic kidney disease, or weakened immune system (including immune system problems caused by medicine or by infection with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV/AIDS]); children and teenagers (aged 6 months to 18 years) who are on long-term aspirin therapy and therefore could develop Reye Syndrome after the flu; and women who will be more than 3 months pregnant during the flu season.

How to Prevent Getting the Flu

Health officials are encouraging people, particularly those in high-risk groups to obtain a flu shot. The CDC states that an annual flu shot is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get the flu.

The best time to get a flu shot is from October through November, although you can still benefit from getting the vaccine after November, even if the flu is present in your community. Be aware that it takes about two weeks after the vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body to provide protection.

Obtaining the vaccine does not guarantee a flu-free season, however. Influenza viruses are constantly changing, and vaccine effectiveness depends on the match between vaccine strains and circulating viruses and the age and health status of the person getting the shot. Although the strain in this year’s flu vaccine is different from the circulating strain, the CDC states that studies indicate that the vaccine should provide some cross-protection against the circulating A strain.

Some people resist getting the flu shot because of the belief that they will get severe side effects, or even the flu itself, from the vaccine. The viruses in the vaccine are inactivated, so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Certain side effects are possible, such as soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, fever (low grade), and aches.

Chances that the shot will cause serious harm, or death, is very small and allergic reactions to the vaccine, though possible, are rare, states the CDC. Most people who get the vaccine have no serious problems with it. However, the following groups should not get a flu shot before talking with their doctor:

People with an allergy to hens’ eggs. People who have had a severe reaction to a flu shot in the past. People who have developed Guillian-Barre Syndrome in the 6 weeks following a flu shot.

Since obtaining vaccination doesn’t necessarily guarantee immunity against the flu, it is wise to add common sense to our prevention efforts while we are busy pumping iron at the health club. Old fashioned hand-hygiene can go a long way in helping to prevent flu transmission. Although you don’t want to spend your entire workout running to the restroom to wash your hands after every set, it’s certainly advisable to make sure your hands are clean before and after the workout. Refrain from touching your nose and mouth during the workout to avoid obtaining the virus. Use of hand-antiseptics which include alcohol can also help to prevent transmission of the flu virus.

What to do if you get the flu

So what if you obtain a flu shot, practice stellar hand-hygiene and manage to contract the flu anyway? Since it is impossible to tell if you have the flu based on symptoms alone, visit your doctor. Tests can be performed in the first few days of the illness to determine the diagnosis. Since influenza is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t work to cure it. You need to rest, drink plenty of fluids, avoid using alcohol and tobacco, and possibly take medication to relieve symptoms.

The CDC warns never to give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever, without speaking to your doctor. Doing so can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.

By all accounts, we may be in store for a particularly harsh flu season this year. Take precaution to reduce the likelihood of getting the flu, particularly if you are an avid gym-goer. Preventative measures may not only help to avoid the flu, but also interrupting hard earned progress on your fitness goals.

For more information about the flu, it’s transmission, prevention and treatment, check out the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/flu/

By:

About the Author:

The Plague
by Albert Camus, EbookEden.com
Amazon Price:
Customer Review: Set in the Algerian town of Oran, 'The Plague' is superficially an account of an infectious outbreak within the city and of the subsequent response of the townspeople as they each accept the reality of the plague in their own way. The setting and c...

Flu: The Story Of The Great Influenza Pandemic of 1918 and the Search for the...
by Gina Kolata
Amazon Price: $10.20
Customer Review: Any book that deals with the most deadly epidemic in the known history of mankind (the 1918 flu killed more people even than the Black Death of medieval times) has got to be interesting. And this one is, although it might not be for everybody.

The Complete Homeopathy Handbook: Safe and Effective Ways to Treat Fevers, Co...
by Miranda Castro
Amazon Price: $12.89
Customer Review: This book was a disappointment. It was not what I expected. Not user friendly. Too technical and complicated for me. I felt I should know something more than I do to be able to utilize this book.

Introduction:

H1N1 flu, also called swine flu, is a respiratory disease of pigs that has now spread to humans.

“Swine” refers to animals such as pigs, hogs, and boars.

“Flu” is an abbreviation of influenza.

“H1N1″ is the name of the virus that has spread to humans

People do not normally get swine flu viruses, but human infections can and do happen. Beginning in late march 2009, cases of humans infected with the H1N1flu virus have been reported in the USA and internationally.

This health education program explains What the H1N1 FLU IS.

It discusses its symptoms, when to seek medical help, and its treatment options. It also provides important prevention tips.

ABOUT VIRUS:

Viruses are very small living particles. This section reviews information about viruses that will help you understand the H1N1 flu virus.

H1N1 Flu Infections:

Influenza viruses happen naturally among pigs, hogs, and boars. Swine influenza is very contagious among swine. It can make some domesticated pigs very sick.

It is unusual for humans to catch swine flu viruses, but occasional cases happen, Usually in people who have contact with infected pigs. Swine flu viruses have also been reported to spread from person to person in the past, but previous episodes of

Transmissions were very limited.

The recent infections are caused by a new strain of swine flu virus Known as Type A,, Subtype H1N1. That is why this flu is called influenza A H1N1, or simply H1N1 flu . This new strain seems to be progressing rapidly and humans have not yet had a chance to develop antibodies or protection against it.

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person when infected people cough or sneeze. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

You cannot get the H1N1 flu from eating cooked pork. Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. Children, especially younger children, might be contagious for longer periods.

Symptoms:

The most common symptoms of H1N1 influenza in humans are similar to typical human flu and include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Chills
- Fatigue

Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu.

People who have chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, congestive heart failure, etc. many notice a worsening of their medical conditions.

Emergency Signs:

If you have severe symptoms, your doctor can test if flu symptoms are caused by H1N1 flu.

This section discusses when you or your child should seek medical help. You should watch for flu-like signs. These signs are fever; body aches runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Signs of the flue are often mild and do not require medical evaluation in the clinic. When the symptoms are mild, it is important to keep yourself hydrated, get plenty of rest, and practice good hand hygiene. You should seek medical care if your or your child develops any of the “emergency warnings signs”. Some of the “emergency warning signs” that require urgent medical attention are listed next.

In children, some emergency warning signs include:

-Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
-Not drinking enough fluids
- High or prolonged fever.

You should also seek immediate medical attention if you notice changes in your child’s mental status, such as:

- Not waking up
- Not interacting
- Extreme irritability and no wanting to be held

In adults, some emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

-Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
-Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
-Sudden dizziness
-Near-fainting or fainting
-Confusion
-Server or persistent vomiting
-High or prolonged fever.

If you or your child have flu-like symptoms that get better but then come back with a fever and a worse cough, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

When you arrive, tell the receptionist or nurse about your symptoms. You may be asked to wear a mask and sit in a separate area to protect others from getting sick.

Treatment:

Which treatment is appropriate for you is based on the severity of your illness and your doctor may consult with an infectious disease specialist to determine the best treatment.

Antiviral drug approved for human influenza viruses should work in treating H1N1 influenza infection in humans. However, there are no known medications that treat H1N1 influenza infection specifically.

Antiviral drugs are prescriptions medications that can help the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. These include pills, liquids, or inhalers.

Antiviral medications are currently recommended only for those patients with moderate or severe illness for H1N1 flu. Most people get better without antiviral medicines.

Antiviral medications must be taken within 48 hours after symptoms appear. They may diminish your symptoms, but they may not make your symptoms go away entirely.

Other flu treatments that should work for H1N1 flu include rest, medications to bring down a high fever, and drinking plenty of water.

If complications happen and you become very sick, hospitalization may be needed.

Hospitalized patients may be given oxygen or use a respirator.

Children or teenagers with the flu should get plenty of rest and drink lots of liquids. The medicines that they take to relieve their symptoms should not contain aspirin. Never give aspirin to children or Teenagers who have fu-like symptoms, especially a fever, without first speaking to your healthcare provider. Giving aspirin to children and teenagers who have influenza can cause rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
For More Details visit: www.net4www.com

By: Sarat Chandra

About the Author:

The Plague
by Albert Camus, EbookEden.com
Amazon Price:
Customer Review: Set in the Algerian town of Oran, 'The Plague' is superficially an account of an infectious outbreak within the city and of the subsequent response of the townspeople as they each accept the reality of the plague in their own way. The setting and c...

Flu: The Story Of The Great Influenza Pandemic of 1918 and the Search for the...
by Gina Kolata
Amazon Price: $10.20
Customer Review: Any book that deals with the most deadly epidemic in the known history of mankind (the 1918 flu killed more people even than the Black Death of medieval times) has got to be interesting. And this one is, although it might not be for everybody.

The Complete Homeopathy Handbook: Safe and Effective Ways to Treat Fevers, Co...
by Miranda Castro
Amazon Price: $12.89
Customer Review: This book was a disappointment. It was not what I expected. Not user friendly. Too technical and complicated for me. I felt I should know something more than I do to be able to utilize this book.

Velma T asked:


If I work at a in patient (meaning that people live there) residential treatment center for people recovering from drugs and alcohol and the swine flu goes to a level 6, will I be allowed to stay home from work? And if so, would the residents of the center be allowed to go home to their families or would they have to quarantine here at the center. Thank you in advance for your answers

Calculator asked:


I need to design an experiment to determine if the flu symptoms in a population are due to a virus or bacteria. The procedure should not include overly complex tasks. The simpler the experiment, the better. All suggesions are appreciated.

Nisey asked:


So yes I know how the hell did I catch a cold and flu in summer, right? Well my house does not have A.C so I use ally put a little fan facing me when I get ready to sleep every night. So know I got this cold and flu. I just down an entire bottle of Dayquil. I **** taking meds, so I am looking for home remedies. Please help me I am reall sick, not to mention my allergies are kicking in so bad.

asked:


I got swine a day ago and have a really high temp. I have all the symptoms of swine, and I might want a couple of remedies or a good medicine that gets rid of high fever.

spricket24 asked:

For unknown reasons, the “Swine Flu” H1N1 has been more severe in Mexico than it has been anywhere else in the world. I have friends and family in Mexico City right now and to them and everyone else that has been affected by this virus I wish you a speedy recovery and/or keep you safe from infection. Mexico needs big ((((((((((HUGS)))))))))) I was in the clinic/urgent care on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. One of those days I had to wear a mask and I got asked all kinds of questions about going out of the country and if I’ve had contact with anyone who has recently been to Mexico. It was truly weird since I was at the hospital for back pain around my kidneys. I’m much better now so no worries. I made this video because it was pretty weird having to be asked all those questions about flu symptoms and Mexico. By the time I got to see the actual doctor he laughed and made me take the face mask off. He also informed me that there have not been any Swine Flu cases in our area nor have there been any seasonal Flu cases in the last week or so but that they were now being regulated to ask everyone who comes into urgent care with a temp. if they have been out of the country. Obviously I had an over anxious nurse checking me in! I did volunteer for the full rectal exam. I mean, we can’t be too careful right? AHAHA! Just kidding! But seriously, if you need one you should really get one because a healthy colon makes for a happy pooper! We should put that on a T-shirt and make our …

Mwaniki asked:


They says every year Flu viruses are differnt so we need differnt updated Flu shots too,But that allways makes me wonder how do they make Flu shots in well advance before actual Flu season starts and it’s able to prevent people from getting Flu?Anyone know?