Outbreak Detection

Researchers Turn to Unique Resource for Clues to Norovirus Evolution

A search through decades-old frozen infant stool samples has yielded rich dividends for scientists from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. The team customized a laboratory technique to screen ...More
October 1, 2009
Posted in News
Protect Children First with H1N1 Flu Vaccine, Says Pediatric Disease Expert

The optimal way to control swine flu, the new H1N1 virus that emerged as a global threat in 2009, is to vaccinate children with the planned H1N1 flu shot, says the co-director of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Division of Pediatric Infectious ...More
September 30, 2009
Posted in News
Most Would Refuse Emergency-Use H1N1 Vaccine

A majority of Americans would not take an H1N1 flu vaccine or drug additive authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to a University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health and University of Georgia study. The study, available ...More
September 29, 2009
Posted in News
Understanding Flu Treatment Options

While Americans wait for the H1N1 influenza vaccine, it’s important to know and understand the options for treatment for those who have been diagnosed and are ill. Daniel A. Hussar, the Remington Professor of Pharmacy at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy at the ...More
September 28, 2009
Posted in News
WHO Addresses Antiviral Use and the Risk of Drug Resistance

Growing international experience in the treatment of pandemic H1N1 virus infections underscores the importance of early treatment with the antiviral drugs, oseltamivir or zanamivir. Early treatment is especially important for patients who are at increased risk of developing ...More
September 28, 2009
Posted in News
Understanding the Flu Vaccine

David P. Calfee, MD, infection control officer at Mount Sinai Medical Center, recently discussed the flu vaccine:Q: What is the seasonal flu shot?A: The seasonal flu shot is given annually and protects against three common viruses, one influenza A (H3N2) virus, one regular ...More
September 25, 2009
Posted in News
Alcavis HD Offers Flu Kit

Alcavis HDC, a leader in infection control, now offers a convenient kit to reduce the risks of spreading the H1N1 influenza and influenza A viruses in healthcare facilities. The Personnel Protection Flu Kit is a portable, latex-free package of critical-use items, ...More
September 25, 2009
Posted in News, PPE & Standard Precautions
H1N1 Flu: Are Parents Underestimating Risk to Kids?

With schools back in session, H1N1 flu has become more active across the United States—especially among children. A new vaccine against H1N1 flu—strongly recommended for kids—has been tested and is expected to be available in October. But will parents get ...More
September 24, 2009
Posted in News
Are You Ready for the Next Influenza Outbreak?

Conflicting reports in the media have healthcare professionals wondering exactly what this year’s influenza season will bring – a pandemic of novel H1N1 flu or a mild seasonal outbreak. In late August, the media seized upon a presidential advisory panel report ...More
September 24, 2009
Posted in Articles, PPE & Standard Precautions
Putting a Pandemic in Perspective

A USA Today headline reads, “Flu could kill 90,000 Americans this year.” Obviously, sophisticated computer models have been used to make projections of morbidity and mortality related to the two flu viruses expected to circulate this season. Some say it is a ...More
September 24, 2009
Posted in Articles