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Swine flu monitoring needed for farm workers, study says
February 12, 2008A University of Alberta study recommends that workers on pig farms be monitored as part of influenza pandemic preparedness, after a child on a communal farm in Canada was diagnosed with swine flu in 2006.
Though the seven-month-old boy made a full recovery, health researchers were concerned because of evidence that the virus spread to other members of the multi-family community, who, fortunately, all demonstrated mild or no apparent illness. It has been known for a long time that avian and swine strains of flu can spread to humans, with avian strains appearing to be more dangerous than swine strains; as of late 2007, the avian flu had killed 194 people in 321 cases reported worldwide.
Of the 90 people on the farm tested by the University of Alberta and a team of other researchers with provincial and federal health agencies, 54 were tested for positivity to the flu strain, thought to be of swine origin. Besides the baby boy, four of seven other household members and four of 46 other people living on the farm tested positive. The strain of flu was also detected in one of 10 young pigs on the farm. The child apparently had no direct contact with the swine.
"The concern is that swine viral strains could adapt into a form that results in efficient human-to-human transmission," said Dr. Joan L. Robinson, a professor at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, a pediatrician at the Stollery Children's Hospital, and lead author of the study, which was published recently in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. Swine flu in humans is "under-recognized in Canada, but it has the capacity to become a problem," she added. "Early recognition that swine strains are becoming more virulent might expedite both implementation of ideal infection control precautions for symptomatic cases and vaccine development."
Rather than workers on livestock farms being responsible for recognizing their own flu symptoms, there should be a public health program in place that leads to specific measures if an unexpected number or severity of cases of flu-like illness occur in swine workers. No health program targeting swine workers currently exists, Robinson notes.
University of Alberta
"The concern is that swine viral strains could adapt into a form that results in efficient human-to-human transmission," said Dr. Joan L. Robinson, a professor at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, a pediatrician at the Stollery Children's Hospital, and lead author of the study, which was published recently in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. Swine flu in humans is "under-recognized in Canada, but it has the capacity to become a problem," she added. "Early recognition that swine strains are becoming more virulent might expedite both implementation of ideal infection control precautions for symptomatic cases and vaccine development."
Rather than workers on livestock farms being responsible for recognizing their own flu symptoms, there should be a public health program in place that leads to specific measures if an unexpected number or severity of cases of flu-like illness occur in swine workers. No health program targeting swine workers currently exists, Robinson notes.
University of Alberta
Swine Flu Current Events and Swine Flu News RSSPoll: Many parents, high-priority adults who tried to get H1N1 vaccine unable to get it
A new national poll from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) researchers found that a majority of adults who tried to get the H1N1 vaccine for themselves or their children have been unable to do so.
Sneezing in times of a flu pandemic
The swine flu (H1N1) pandemic has received extensive media coverage this year. The World Health Organization, in addition to providing frequent updates about cases of infection and death tolls, recommends hyper vigilance in daily hygiene such as frequent hand washing or sneezing into the crook of our arms.
Pandemic flu vaccine campaigns may be undermined by coincidental medical events
The effectiveness of pandemic flu vaccination campaigns - like that now underway for H1N1 - could be undermined by the public incorrectly associating coincidental and unrelated health events with the vaccines.
TGen seeks emergency FDA approval of new swine flu test
The Phoenix-based non-profit Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) announced today that, along with a business collaborator, it will submit a request to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency use of a new test to diagnose the 2009 H1N1 swine flu virus.
Swine flu vaccine must be free and safe for high uptake
Almost half of adults surveyed in Summer 2009 in Hong Kong (45%) say they would take up free swine flu vaccination.
Triple-Combo Drug Shows Promise Against Antiviral-Resistant Swine Flu, UAB Researcher Says
An experimental drug cocktail that includes three prescriptions now widely available offers the best hope in developing a single agent to treat drug-resistant H1N1 swine flu, says a virology researcher in the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases.
Will genomics help prevent the next pandemic?
This week, the Public Library of Science, an open-access publisher, presents the "Genomics of Emerging Infectious Disease," a collection of essays, perspectives, and reviews that explores how genomics-with all its associated tools and techniques-can provide insights into our understanding of emerging infectious disease.
Important new novel 2009 H1N1 flu advisory for cardiopulmonary transplantation
Each year 3-5 million people have severe cases and 250-500,000 die from complications of seasonal influenza world-wide. This year, the novel 2009 H1N1 (nH1N1) influenza, previously called swine flu, has reached pandemic status.
Major swine flu outbreak at US Air Force Academy, unique opportunity to study virus behavior
With the 2009 influenza season upon us, characterization of the epidemiology and duration of shedding for the nH1N1 virus is critical. Investigators from the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine Epidemiology Consult Service capitalized on a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights about the natural behavior of the nH1N1 virus, including shedding patterns, during a recent large-scale swine flu outbreak at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA).
Earlier flu viruses provided some immunity to current H1N1 influenza, study shows
University of California, Davis, researchers studying the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, formerly referred to as "swine flu," have identified a group of immunologically important sites on the virus that are also present in seasonal flu viruses that have been circulating for years.
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H1N1 and Swine Influenza (Flu) Protection Kit w/ N95 Masks - Meets CDC Guidelines for H1N1 and Swine Flu by JIB EDP Protect against all Influenza's (Flu) Help protect yourself and your family with this Flu Defense Kit. The masks contained in the kit are N95 rated and meet guidelines set forth by the CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services for influenza (flu) protection. In addition to this kit, you MUST: Stay informed. - Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. - Take everyday actions to stay healthy. -Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. - Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. - Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. - Stay home... |
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GIANT Microbes Plush Doll Swine Flu (Influenza A virus H1N1) by Giant Microbes This little piggy had swine flu, this little piggy had none. Giant Microbes are stuffed 'animals' that look like tiny microbesonly a million times actual size! Each 5-to-7 inch doll is accompanied by an image of the real microbe it represents, as well as information about the microbe. They make great learning tools for parents and educators, as well as amusing gifts for anyone with a sense of humor! |
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Swine Flu: What You Need to Know (2009) by A. M. Dumar (Author) The Swine Flu: What You Need to Know is the first book covering the 2009 outbreak of the Swine Flu. It contains an easy-to-understand history and pandemics in general and the Swine Flu in particular, as well as information on signs, symptions, diagnosis, and treatment. Special sections cover how to protect children and what supplies should be kept in your house, in case the pandemic shuts down work and shopping. |
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N95 Health Mask Gerson 20 Masks by Gerson The Gerson® 1730 N95 Particulate Respirator is a unique product. First developed for use in industrial settings with its special filtering material proven to protect in non-oil areas. Along with its smooth inner lining ensures worker comfort in high heat and humidity. But the Gerson 1730 also meets CDC Guidelines for fluid resistance and TB exposure control. This is one unique product that serves two purposes. Respiratory protection for your doctors, nurses, healthcare providers and for your maintenance personnel. |
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Surgical Molded Face Duramask 1890 - 50ct Box (White Mask) by DuraMask INDICATIONS:Molded Face Masks:Molded face masks are manufactured of soft, cool, comfortable materials.Fiberglass free .Fluid resistant.Flared soft edges to fit all facial contours .Adjustable aluminum nose piece .Dual head straps for tight facial seal .La |
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Swine Flu "Infected" T-Shirt (Mens Large, White) by Bewild Swine Flu "Infected" T-Shirt. This is the shirt that is GUARANTEED to keep people away from you! With all the media hype over Swine Flu millions of people are running scared in fear of an epidemic. Now you too can be a "carrier" with this awesome Swine Flu "Infected" T-Shirt. It has a mad little piggy on it and it assures you will be left alone in public, and if people have a sense of humor they are sure to crack a smile. This shirt is perfect to wear to school and work. You are sure to be as happy as a pig in shit in this awesome graphic tee! | |
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Kimberly-Clark- N95 Surgical Partical Filter Mask, 50ct (Swine Flu Prevention) by Kimberly Clark |
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