H1N1 FLU BREAKING NEWS: Activity up at some colleges, New Zealand shots start, Ig deficiency may predict flu severity, Czech official has flu, concern over flu at Olympics

H1N1 2009 Pandemic Influenza

Feb 3, 2010

 

Flu activity up slightly at some US colleges
Flu activity was up a bit at colleges last week, though the levels haven't changed significantly over the past 6 weeks, consistent with the decreasing national trend, the American College Health Association (ACHA) said today in its latest update. The attack rate was 2.6 per 10,000 students, about 15% higher than the previous week. No new deaths or hospitalizations were reported. Overall vaccine uptake remained at 9%, but rates were as high as 40% in some states.
http://www.acha.org/ILI_Project/ILI_Surveillance.cfm
ACHA report for the week ending Jan 29

New Zealand begins H1N1 vaccination
New Zealand, which saw some of the earliest deaths from H1N1 influenza during its 2009 winter flu season, has received its first doses of H1N1 vaccine and is scheduling a national shot campaign. The first recipients of the 1 million doses will be health workers, pregnant women, young children, and the chronically ill. The Southern Hemisphere country is concerned that the virus may return from the Northern Hemisphere and trigger an earlier than usual flu season.
http://tvnz.co.nz/health-news/health-workers-line-up-vaccine-3347994
Feb 3 ONE News report

Immunoglobulin deficiency may predict flu outcome
Australian researchers say they have identified an immune-system protein that may play a key role in determining the severity of H1N1 flu infection. Among patients hospitalized with H1N1 flu, there was a correlation between severity of symptoms and deficiency in immunoglobulin G2, which supports early response to infection. The authors say that may explain the seriousness of H1N1 flu in pregnant women, because pregnancy mutes immune responses, and may point to a predictive test or treatment.
Feb 1 Clinical Infectious Diseases abstract
http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/650462

Czech Republic health chief contracts flu
Michael Vit, chief health officer of the Czech Republic, told media in that country that he is home sick with a flu infection that is presumed to be H1N1 influenza, according to Reuters. Vit oversaw flu vaccinations for key members of the government but missed his own because of an overseas trip, the news service said. Vit’s ministry led recently abandoned plans for mandatory vaccination of the Czech armed forces.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LDE61124E.htm
Feb 2 Reuters report

CDC warns about flu at Vancouver Olympics
With the 2010 Olympic Winter Games set to begin in Vancouver, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a set of travel tips it calls "Stop, wash and go." The agency recommends that attendees receive H1N1 flu vaccine before leaving, delay their departures if they feel unwell, cover coughs and sneezes, and wash their hands frequently. It also suggests taking a travel health kit containing hand sanitizer, tissues, and pain and fever medications.
http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2010/r100202.htm
Feb 2 CDC travel advice

This week's top reads

  1. FDA significantly limits COVID-19 vaccine recommendations

    Critics said today’s announcement is more evidence of the current administration’s willingness to undermine public trust in vaccines.

    Stephanie Soucheray
    FDA building

  2. HHS expected to discontinue COVID vaccine recommendations for some groups

    When CDC advisers widened their recommendation in 2023, most members were swayed by data, including those for long COVID, showing that no group is at low risk for the virus.

    Lisa Schnirring

  3. WHO advisers say current strains OK for COVID vaccine production

    Current vaccine strains show high neutralization against the latest variants, but the LP.8.1 antigen may provide similar or moderately higher cross-reactive antibody response.

    Lisa Schnirring
    senior vaccination

  4. US measles outbreak grows to 1,024 cases

    Texas remains the country's hot spot, with 718 cases. 

    Chris Dall
    Doctor treating child with measles

  5. Moderna pulls licensing submission for combo flu-COVID vaccine

    Moderna's combination vaccine was intended for adults 50 and older. 

    Stephanie Soucheray

  6. FDA vaccine advisers recommend sticking with JN.1 strain for next COVID vaccines

    The group weighed considerations about newer variants and raised concerns that a strain recommendation might interface with the FDA's new proposed COVID vaccine framework.

    Lisa Schnirring
    woman vaccinated

  7. Mpox activity escalates in Sierra Leone

    Responding to the surge is a major focus, partly to prevent the spread to other West African countries. 

    Lisa Schnirring
    mpox virus

  8. 'A national scandal': US excess deaths rose even after pandemic, far outpacing peer countries

    The United States has been in a "protracted health crisis" for decades, the researchers say.

    Mary Van Beusekom
    Grave markers with flowers

  9. Viewpoint: Making key COVID vaccine decisions without input, transparency is a public disservice

    Newly announced rules that limit the use of COVID vaccines suggest that federal officials are opposed to open discussion and transparency.

    Vaccine Integrity Project Staff and Advisers
    COVID vaccine vial and syringe

  10. Family likely infected with histoplasmosis in bat-colonized cave

    They reported seeing bats and coming into contact with bat droppings while crawling through tight spaces during the 2-hour tour.

    Mary Van Beusekom
    Bats in cave

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