Low Supply and High Demand Create Long Lines For H1N1 Vaccinations
Unless you've been living in a cave somewhere, you probably know how busy the H1N1 vaccination clinics have been. The stories of waiting times of about 5 hours have been spreading across the internet, radio, and television. Part of this has to do with the large number of people going to get their shots, but another part is due to the supply being much, much lower than originally anticipated.
Drug manufacturers had told United States officials that 120 million doses would be available come October 1st. We are now into the first week of November and only 26.6 million doses have been shipped. Someone, somewhere, screwed up, big time.
When you estimate 120 million available doses, try to have at least somewhere close to that number. 110 million, 100 million, even 90 million, but 26.6 million? I think someone might need to go back to school an re-take a math course, maybe two. Either way I find this staggering difference in promised products and delivered products to be very unacceptable.
So, I have to urge everyone to really think if they need the shot right away. Maybe think about all the people that have a higher risk of dieing from the flu. They should be reeving the first vaccinations, but instead they are forced to wait in lines for hours, and even then they don't always get the vaccine. So all I am asking is that you really make sure that if you're going to get the H1N1 vaccine be one of those 'high risk' people.
Misuse of Aspirin May Be Linked To 1918 Pandemic Deaths
Could some deaths in the 1918 Spanish Influenza pandemic been prevented? Well an article published in the journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases (CID), believes that the rather high doses of aspirin given in an attempt to treat patients may have only raised the number of deaths from the 1918 influenza.
The author of the article, Karen Starko debates that "The high case fatality rate especially among young adults…is incompletely understood. Although late deaths showed bacterial pneumonia, early deaths exhibited extremely 'wet,' sometimes hemorrhagic lungs."
Starko then talks about how the high doses of aspirin were a contributing factor. She describes how doctors in 1918 were unaware that certain doses (8g-31g of aspirin a day) are actually related to hyperventilation and pulmonary edema in some people.
In fact, Starko cites the US Surgeon General's recommendation that aspirin should be taken. This was just before a spike in the number of deaths in 1918. She goes on to suggest that if the advice was followed, many of the deaths could have been a result of aspirin.
President Obama has declared H1N1, or more commonly known as Swine Flu, a national emergency. The reason the President has declared a national emergency isn't because the number of cases are increasing (even though they are). It isn't because the Swine Flu has transformed into a super virus in an attempt to destroy humanity as we know it (thankfully, this hasn't happened yet). No President Obama has declared a national emergency to help hospitals manage Swine Flu cases more effectively BEFORE there's a major problem with overcrowding. Now I'm not sure if it's just me or not, but I certainly like the idea of a President that makes his best attempt to take care of a situation before it becomes a serious problem.
Many public health officials are breathing in a sigh of relief. Although the problem hasn't escalated to extremes it does allow the hospitals to better manage and treat patients with the Swine Flu. This will hopefully prevent overcrowding problems further into flu season.
However, we have to do our part too. Our responsibility is to try our best to prevent the spread of the Swine Flu virus. Wash your hands frequently, cough and sneeze into a tissue if you can. Get plenty of rest, and eat a healthy diet. Exercise. Do whatever you can to help the situation.
By now the initial scare of H1N1 is over, for the most part. Many are still worrying about the potential of another onslaught of the flu, but not to the same level as before. A vaccine has been made, but now people are skeptical of the vaccine. Should they get it or wait?
Many that are choosing to avoid the vaccine are skeptical of a few things. They are unsure of whether or not the vaccine really works and with so little time in development, what are the possible side effects. Also, do we really even need a vaccine, especially considering that swine flu kills less people than regular swine flu.
However, those that are receiving the vaccine are taking the "better safe than sorry" philosophy. Even though swine flu didn't end up killing millions, many people are scared to shake hands in fears of getting the flu. And just because swine flu doesn't have a death count like seasonal flu doesn't mean that it is completely harmless. Swine flu is potentially fatal and those worried about becoming another added to the death toll are putting their faith into science and going with the vaccine.
Whether you decide to get the vaccine or not be prepared for the consequences of either action. Go look up the options and make up your own choice.
Activists gathered at Peace Arch park on Sunday to protest the American policy of banning entry to persons who are HIV positive. The rally was led by a Canadian man from Surrey, British Columbia, named Martin Rooney.
The ban was implemented in the 1980's and is still, in 2009, in place. Now maybe in the 80's when that bad blood epidemic was occurring the ban might have made some sort of sense. I'm not saying it made a lot of sense, but with the amount of panic it is understandable, but now, in this day and age, it is unacceptable.
Why should anyone be discriminated against? Why should being a Canadian with HIV be different than an American with HIV? Medicines today have made living with HIV much more manageable. Also, HIV is less contagious than many things, Swine Flu for example. If you're so worried about getting HIV then make sure you test the person you're with before doing any sexual activities.
People with HIV should be allowed to live like everyone else, not some sort of second class citizen. Why can't someone go down across the border to shop for the day, maybe spend some time at a recreational property, relax. Just because they're in America doesn't mean they're going to go around trying to get everyone infected. It isn't like HIV positive people are hurting the American economy, they're actually helping it.
This shouldn't even have to be "taken into consideration," this is ethically wrong. I would expect something like this in Nazi Germany in the 30-40's, not present day America, so called "Land of the free." Stop discriminating or stop calling yourself the land of the free, you can't have both.
In the recent months, we as a collective people have watched the Swine Influenza spread from Mexico to the rest of the world. In doing so, the virus has created quite the commotion. Though not very deadly, at least not yet, the virus has achieved pandemic status, the highest level given by the World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, the panic and worry that this could evolve into something deadly has caused us to try and develop a vaccine to help stop this virus. While we sit and wait, putting our faith into the world leaders and scientists infection numbers continue to skyrocket and the death toll keeps growing.
When the virus first took to the world stage in Mexico, many were worried because of the high death rate in Mexican cases of Swine Flu. However, as the virus began to spread and people found out that Swine Flu wasn't as deadly as first imagined, people got... "inventive," I guess you could say. People began holding "Swine Flu Parties," where people would gather and attempt to catch the virus. The belief in this is that if they caught the Swine Flu now, then they may be able to fight a second, more deadly strain of the virus. I guess they were thinking about the old saying, "whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger." Well, what if you don't make it through the sickness? People forgot that maybe it isn't AS deadly as first thought, but it still can kill you. Lets not forget about Mexico.
Fast-forward to present day. Most of the world, especially the developed countries, are infected. More and more infections are coming up everywhere. Although the United States was hit hardest by the flu, many other countries are now witnessing the effects of H1N1, England (the city of London more specifically) in particular.
Hopefully, a vaccine is developed before a second deadlier outbreak occurs. Forgive me, I should say a vaccine that WORKS. I recently played a game on the computer that requires you to develop a disease that will wipe out the human race, and for some reason humanity has never been able to develop a vaccine that worked the first time. That and for some reason Madagascar is extremely hard to infect. Either way, lets hope we have better results than mentioned computer game.
Many people across the United States have attempted to organize "Swine flu parties," in which people gather in order to contract the virus. The belief behind self-infecting oneself is that if a person gets the virus now, which has in the United States appeared to be milder than the cases in neighbor country, Mexico, then you may become less likely to contract a more deadly second wave of the virus.
As some patients inquire about the notion of Swine Flu Parties, CanDrugStore recommends that people avoid them. Many health officials are saying that at this time attending "Swine flu parties" to purposely catch the virus is a "big mistake." Richard Besser, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has gone on to say that, "[Swine Influenza] is a new, emerging infection, and we're learning more about it each day," he adds to this by saying that, "It's a big mistake putting individuals and children at risk, and the CDC does not recommend that people follow that course."
The idea for this originates from a combination of chickenpox parties and the belief that in 1918, people infected in the first wave of the influenza were less likely to become infected in the later waves; however, there is little evidence to support this.
Most health officials recommend following preventative measures that included, washing your hands, getting adequate sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising, and avoiding sick people or those that may be sick.
However, if you are to develop symptoms, go see a doctor. If test results come back positive for the Swine flu, the CDC recommends Oseltamivir, known better by brand name Tamiflu. Many online pharmacies such as, CanDrugStore.com, sell Tamiflu, which has been high in demand since the outbreak of Swine Flu. Tamiflu is recommended for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses, and is safe in most people ages 1 and older.
For more information on how to protect yourself from the flu, take a look at '7 Ways to Prevent the Flu' on YouTube.
Canada has some of the strictest pharmaceutical standards in the world. In addition to patients saving up to 70% with CIPA-certified international pharmacies, they can also feel confident knowing that they are receiving medications that are 100% safe.
(Confirmed cases of Swine Influenza as of, May 11, 2009)
CanDrugstore.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, CanDrugstore.com is ranked as one of the best Canadian pharmacies online by PharmacyChecker.com.
For more information on how to order your drugs from Canada safely and securely call 1-866-444-6376 or visit http://www.candrugstore.com/- a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 2002.Read more: "CanDrugStore" - http://www.candrugstore.com/blog/#ixzz0EaSkHrOA&A
Checkout this video which shows 7 ways to protect yourself from getting the Flu. These are great tips for the typical flu, but they may also help to prevent catching the Swine Flu. Take a look now so that you can stay healthy.
CanDrugstore.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, CanDrugstore.com is ranked as one of the best Canadian pharmacies online by PharmacyChecker.com.
For more information on how to order your drugs from Canada safely and securely call 1-866-444-6376 or visit http://www.candrugstore.com/- a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 2002.
With the outbreak of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu), many people have grown increasingly worried about catching the virus, which has been confirmed in 279 people and resulting in 1 death. The virus has caused an incredulous spike in hand sanitizer sales. Businesses are running out of many brands of hand sanitizers and many producers of the product are trying to keep up with the demand.
With so many people relying on hand sanitizers, one has to ask why? Well, for starters they are portable and very convenient to use fitting in most bags and purses. They help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria that could lead to infections or illness, such as the flu. Furthermore, most hand sanitizers include certain ingredients that help to prevent skin dryness and irritation cause by the alcohol in the product.
However, some people still are not clear or are unaware of the limitations of hand sanitizers. Whenever you go to buy hand sanitizer always look at the concentration of alcohol to make sure it is somewhere between 60-95 percent. Any lower than 60 and the product will not be effective enough to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Hand sanitizers are not soap and water, they are meant to be used with soap and water or only if soap and water cannot be found. Dirt and any other kinds of grime are not washed away by hand sanitizer and need to be wiped away.
There are, however, other preventative measures you can take to avoid catching or transferring the flu.
1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
3. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
4. If you get the flu, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Though hand sanitizers are a good idea to have with you and use regularly, try not to rely on them and always wash your hands with soap and water whenever you can.
The Swine Influenza has now officially claimed its first victim from the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has posted in the 11:00AM ET update on April 29, 2009, that there has been the first confirmed death caused by Swine flu in the United States. Of the 91 laboratory confirmed cases, a 23-month-old child from Texas has become the first unfortunate victim.
Officials are surprised however, of how mild most of the cases have been outside of Mexico. With over 159 people dead from the effects of the Swine Flu in Mexico, many wonder why U.S citizens have experienced much more mild symptoms. As of now, many confirmed cases in the United States and elsewhere have not required hospitalization from the effects caused by Swine Flu. However, authorities are preparing for what now seems like an inevitable pandemic, with the CDC raising the flu threat level to 5, only a single level below a full-scale pandemic.
With the inevitability, or so it seems of a global pandemic, U.S vaccine producers have had to switch into a higher gear. The plan for now seems to be that vaccine producers hope to develop and manufacture a large enough supply of Swine flu vaccine for every American citizen by September.
What Is The Significance Of Swine Flu Reaching Threat Level 5?
For those who do not understand the significance of the threat level of the Swine flu being raised to level 5 allow me to give an explanation. There are a total of 6 levels for the virus to reach pandemic level. With the Swine flu at level 5 it needs only to reach level 6 to become a full-scale pandemic. Level 5 is also considered the start of the Emergency Response level, with training increasing implementation. For an example of what a pandemic could me we only have to look back to 1918-1919, when the most severe influenza of the 20th century emerged and killed an estimated 40-50 million people globally.
Many people traveling to or from Mexico have become increasingly worried as the Swine Flu outbreak intensifies, with the World Health Organization (WHO) raising the influenza pandemic alert level to 4 on April 27, 2009. In a statement made by WHO director-general Dr. Margaret Chan described the increase to the level of alertness as being "based primarily on epidemiological data demonstrating human-to-human transmission and the ability of the virus to cause community-level outbreaks." Additionally the director-general consider that, given the widespread presence of the virus, "containment of the outbreak is not feasible."
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. Swine flu can be spread much like a regular seasonal flu such as, the coughing or sneezing of an infected person.
Symptoms of Swine flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. These symptoms are very similar to those of the regular seasonal flu however, Swine flu may cause potentially fatal cases of pneumonia and respiratory failure so please consult your doctor immediately.
Swine Flu Prevention
The Centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) recommends the use of oseltamivir and zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. Oseltamivir, or by its brand name Tamiflu is approved to both treat and prevent influenza A and B virus infection in people one year of age and older.
Additional ways to prevent the transmission of Swine Flu
Remember to always wash your hands, and wash them properly. First get your hands wet with clean running water and apply soap. If possible try to use warm water. Make sure to scrub all surfaces of your hand. Keep rubbing your hands for an additionally 20 seconds. Rinse your hands and dry your hands using paper towel or an air dryer. If you are able try to use the paper towel to turn off the tap.
For more information on how to order your drugs from Canada safely and securely call 1-866-444-6376 or visit http://www.candrugstore.com/- a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 2002.Read more: "Canadian Pharmacy - Online Pharmacy for Affordable Canada Drugs" - http://www.candrugstore.com/blog/#ixzz0E0yNcyOA&A
The FDA, due to the current state of their regulations, has taken the position that virtually all shipments of prescription drugs imported from a Canadian pharmacy by a U.S. consumer will violate the law.
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With the outbreak of the H1N1 virus (
