Feb 1, 2010
Household cleaners effective against H1N1
A PLoS One study today showed that common household cleaners like 1% bleach, 10% malt vinegar, and an all-purpose cleaner rapidly and completely inactivated a strain of seasonal H1N1 influenza. Also, antiviral and antibacterial wipes reduced virus infectivity. The authors conclude that, for pandemic H1N1, "The public does not need to source specialized cleaning products, but can rapidly disinfect potentially contaminated surfaces with agents readily available in most homes."
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0008987
Feb 1 PLoS One study
Some more likely to heed pandemic messages
People most likely to take protective measures during a pandemic are more likely to be older, female, well-educated, and non-white, according to a review in the British Journal of Health Psychology. In examining 26 papers that varied by quality, researchers found that those responding to messages were likely to believe they were susceptible, that the disease was severe, and that measures were effective. Increased anxiety and trust in authorities were also linked to adoption.
http://miranda.ingentaselect.co.uk/fstemp/31e3cee22e7915aaa83543d9f0c77861.pdf
Feb Br J Health Psychol report
Study cites good vaccine uptake in homeless
In a PLoS Currents study, French researchers reported being able to vaccinate almost half of the occupants of a homeless shelter against pandemic flu. After giving 3 days' notice of the vaccine effort, health personnel administered H1N1 flu shots to 117 of the shelter's 249 residents (47%). That compares with vaccine uptake of 6% in the country's general population and 37% in its healthcare workers. Also, 96% of the homeless people vaccinated knew of the shot's benefits.
http://knol.google.com/k/h1n1-2009-pandemic-flu-vaccination-campaign-the-homeless-lesson?collectionId=28qm4w0q65e4w.1&position=2#
PLoS Currents study
Taiwan takes vaccine to airports, homes
To boost pandemic vaccination rates, health officials in Taiwan have unveiled two new tactics, immunization at airports and in homes, the Hong Kong Standard reported today. Four airports will offer the vaccines to citizens entering Taiwan. Home-based vaccinations are available to groups of at least 10 people in communities, companies, or institutions who make a reservation with the local health department. Vaccine safety concerns have slowed vaccine uptake, though 24% have received it.
http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=4&art_id=93877&sid=26904204&con_type=1&d_str=20100201&fc=1
Feb 1 Standard story
