Flu and Cold

Scientists from the Imperial College of London have discovered why an avian flu pandemic never happened. According to their findings, the virus would have to undergo a double mutation that would need to also occur at the same time for the avian flu virus become widespread in humans.

According to a new survey called the National Pharmacist O.T.C. (Observation on the Treatment of Colds), sponsored by Matrixx Initiatives, Inc (who make Zicam products), consumers are not getting treatment for colds and flus early enough. When the first signs and symptoms of a cold or flu begin, pharmacists recommend an oral zinc preparation in order to lessen the time of the virus life.

Health care employees are required by OSHA guidelines to wear N95 respirators to protect from H1N1 flu. Three groups of infectious disease experts have written a letter to President Obama, urging new guidelines. There is no scientific evidence that N95 respirators offer additional protection from the virus over standard surgical masks. Additional concerns of the scientific groups include short supply of the N95 respirators that may not be available to health workers when caring for patients with TB, as the supply is dwindling.

A background study led by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, published in the Lancet, suggests that deaths that occur during vaccine campaigns, like the current H1N1 vaccination program, can be misinterpreted by the public. The results could undermine vaccination efforts. The authors say adverse medical events and deaths occur, with and without vaccines. It is important to exercise caution when interpreting unrelated health events that during vaccine campaigns.