H1N1 NEWS SCAN: Detecting flu, triage system, vaccine updates

H1N1 2009 Pandemic Influenza

May 17, 2010

DFA inaccurate for very ill H1N1 patients
Direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA) for detecting pandemic H1N1 flu is unreliable in intensive care unit patients, according to a study presented today at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) conference in New Orleans. "Our findings suggest that in patients with severe H1N1 influenza, in whom rapid and precise diagnosis would be most important, DFA unfortunately does not perform well," said lead author Chanu Rhee, MD, who added that the test is reliable in noncritical patients.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-05/ats-dui051010.php
May 17 ATS press release

Clinical flu symptoms help guide triage
A triage system that scored emergency room patients for influenza-like illness (ILI) complemented clinical judgment in deciding antiviral treatment, according to a new study. Patients in a Guadalajara, Mexico, hospital last year received scores for various ILI signs, symptoms, or lab results (eg, "2" for cough, fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing, or underlying condition). An ILI score of 7 or greater indicated a possible need for antiviral drugs, and 16 or higher for hospitalization.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0010658
May 14 PLoS ONE study

China vaccinates 100 million
The Chinese pandemic H1N1 vaccination campaign has reached more than 100 million people, China's health minister said, according to the Indo-Asian News Service (IANS). Health minister Chen Zhu said, "We have achieved progress in the fight against A(H1N1) influenza." In addition, "China has more than 20 million doses of A(H1N1) vaccine in store, and pharmaceutical manufacturers are always ready for production," Chen said.
http://www.topnews.in/health/100-mn-chinese-vaccinated-swine-flu-27367
May 14 IANS report

South Korea offers free vaccine to World Cup fans
South Korea will offer free H1N1 vaccine to tourists traveling to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament, which begins next month, according to China's Xinhua news service. Those interested in the shots should visit state-run clinics throughout the country, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. The first World Cup match is set for Jun 11.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/health/2010-05/13/c_13292826.htm
May 13 Xinhua story

This week's top reads

  1. Trump administration shuts down federal advisory committee on infection prevention

    Critics say the move will put patients at risk at a time when threats from emerging pathogens and antimicrobial resistance are on the rise.

    Chris Dall
    Surgeons washing hands

  2. Spike in avian flu cases in cats triggers worry about human spillover

    The virus has evolved to be able to jump between species, from birds to cats, cows and cats, and cats and humans, the authors say.

    Mary Van Beusekom
    Cat with bird in its mouth

  3. US measles total passes 900 as CDC responds to alternative treatment push

    The CDC today addressed what's known about treatments pushed by Kennedy, urging caution about vitamin A use and citing individual decision-making by heath providers for others.

    Lisa Schnirring
    measles teen

  4. Sierra Leone battles mpox surge

    Sierra Leone is averaging 100 new cases a day, fueled by the clade 2b virus.

    Lisa Schnirring
    mpox purple orange

  5. CDC review of two more US H5N1 viruses similar to earlier assessments

    The two newer viruses scored slightly lower on some elements, but slightly higher on others, with a moderate overall risk similar to other H5N1 viruses.

    Lisa Schnirring
    H5N1 virus particles

  6. VA study: Pfizer COVID booster 68% effective against hospitalization

    Yet uptake of the vaccine was extremely low—less than 4% through November 2024.

    Stephanie Soucheray

  7. Shingles vaccine recipients see lower cardiac event risk over time

    Protection, especially for men, was strongest 2 to 3 years following vaccination.

    Stephanie Soucheray

  8. Viewpoint: Proposed system for vaccine approval, safety monitoring begs crucial questions

    Background information on vaccine safety monitoring and standards for approving new vaccines can help Americans better follow the discussion and watch for key developments.

    Vaccine Integrity Project Staff and Advisers
    vaccine vial syringe

  9. New executive order targets certain pathogen research; states sue HHS over restructuring

    The suit from 19 states and the District of Columbia contends that major restructuring has cut life-saving programs and put extra burden on states to pay for health crises.

    Lisa Schnirring
    white house flag

  10. Scientists estimate higher rate of new-onset diabetes after COVID than in general population

    Of 4.4 million COVID-19 patients, 1.4% had new-onset diabetes, with 0.8% being type 2 and 0.02% type 1.

    Mary Van Beusekom

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