Dec 21, 2009
Survey shows firms' steps to cope with H1N1
In a survey of 1,000 global firms, Mercer, an international human resources company, found that most companies have contingency plans and about two-thirds have communicated them to employees. Many have taken basic steps such as educating workers on flu prevention. Also, most companies aren't modifying sick leave policies, while some are relaxing policies for those at risk for complications, implementing paid time off donation programs, and adding sick days.
https://www.imercer.com/uploads/common/swf/SurveyResults/H1N1/h1n1surveyresults.html
Mercer employer H1N1 survey
New flu drug called promising
An antiviral drug called T-705 may be more potent and safer for treating H5N1 avian influenza than existing antivirals, according to a report being published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. When tested in mice, the compound worked better than oseltamivir, senior author Yoshihiro Kawaoka said in a University of Wisconsin news release. The drug has also been found effective against pandemic H1N1, and it is about to enter phase 3 clinical trials in Japan.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/uow-cft121709.php
University of Wisconsin release
Study: H1N1 immunizations cost effective
Canadian researchers found Ontario's pandemic H1N1 vaccination campaign likely to be highly cost effective, consistent with seasonal flu vaccination, according to a report in Public Library of Science (PLoS) Currents. The $118 million campaign, reaching 30% of the population, could reduce cases by 50%, prevent 35 deaths, and cut treatment cost by half they said. They concluded that the program provides good value during times of scarce resources.
http://knol.google.com/k/is-a-mass-immunization-program-for-pandemic-h1n1-2009-good-value-for-money?collectionId=28qm4w0q65e4w.1&position=2#
Dec 18 <i>PLoS Currents</i> report
News editors: Pandemic fifth-biggest 2009 story
US news editors and directors polled by the Associated Press (AP) picked the H1N1 pandemic as fifth on a list of 2009's top 10 stories. Today's story says, "Swine flu struck tens of millions of people worldwide, worrying governments as supplies of vaccine failed to meet demand." The stories that were ranked ahead of the flu, in descending order, were the economy, President Obama's inauguration, healthcare reform efforts, and the auto industry's troubles.
