Influenza

New Influenza Treatment Found to be Effective at Inhibiting SARS Virus

HONG KONG -- PRB Pharmaceuticals (PRB) today announced that Hong Kong influenza sufferers will be the first in the world to receive Vira-38° -- a non-toxic, broad- spectrum antiviral treatment designed to provide a multi-pronged attack against influenza -- when it launches ...More
December 3, 2003
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions
U.S. is Poorly Prepared for Influenza Pandemic, St. Jude Experts Warn

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The United States is not adequately prepared to respond to a worldwide outbreak of influenza, which many experts say could be imminent. This finding, reported in the Nov. 28 issue of the journal Science, is authored by researchers at St. Jude Children's ...More
December 2, 2003
Posted in News
APIC Offers Flu-Prevention Tips

WASHINGTON, D. C. -- Concerned about this year's early arrival of the flu virus, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), a preeminent organization representing some 10,000 infection control professionals, has issued some tips for ...More
November 25, 2003
Posted in News
Early Evidence Suggests Current Flu Season Could be Severe; Health Officials Say It's Not Too Late to Get a Flu Shot

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson once again encourages Americans, particularly those at high risk of serious complications from influenza, to get their flu shot as soon as possible. "Each year in the United States 36,000 people ...More
November 17, 2003
Posted in News
Survey Highlights Influenza as a Major Disruption to Households in the U.S.

NEW YORK -- A national telephone survey of 595 parents conducted by RoperASW on behalf of Wyeth and MedImmune Vaccines, Inc. to assess perceptions about influenza finds that 8 out of 10 parents with children younger than 18 years of age living at home consider the flu to be ...More
November 17, 2003
Posted in News
Infection Control Today - 11/2003: Strategies for Flu Vaccination Compliance Among Staff

Strategies for Flu Vaccination Compliance Among Staff By Paul Webber Approximately 19 percent of any North American population has experienced the flu or know someone who has and will forever get vaccinated to avoid that experience. Telling them about the necessity for the ...More
November 1, 2003
Posted in Articles
FDA and CDC Issue Statement Concerning Rumors About Recalled Lot of Influenza Vaccine

WASHINGTON, D.C. and ATLANTA -- Rumors have been circulating that report a "contaminated" lot of flu vaccine has been recalled by the FDA. This is false, the FDA states, as no contamination of any flu vaccine has been identified anywhere in the U.S. and the FDA ...More
October 27, 2003
Posted in News
Upcoming Cough, Cold And Flu Season Could be Worst in Four Years; Experts Urge Consumers to Take Precautionary Steps

NEW YORK -- This year's cough, cold and flu season could be the worst in four years, with more than 250 million Americans expected to suffer from upper respiratory ailments, according to medical experts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that ...More
October 24, 2003
Posted in News
Sleep Loss May Increase the Risk of Catching the Flu

NEW YORK -- Every American is at risk for the flu this year, and success in avoiding the viral disease may depend in part on how much they sleep. Research suggests that sleep loss may put you at a higher risk of infection. (1) Additionally, experts advise getting a good ...More
October 24, 2003
Posted in News
Walgreens Flu Shot Program Begins Oct. 13

DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Walgreens will begin its annual nationwide in-store flu and pneumonia vaccination program on Oct. 13. No appointment is necessary for vaccinations. For details on when vaccines will be available at a specific store, call 1-800-FLU-9950 or look for ...More
October 6, 2003
Posted in News