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S.ravi
Advanced Member
India
4205 Posts |
 Posted - 09/02/2009 : 06:45:32
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Swine virus more lethal than seasonal flu
AFP2 September 2009, 12:00am IST
People who die after getting swine flu are up to 100 times more likely, compared to seasonal flu, to have been killed by the virus itself rather Swine Flu (Getty Images) than secondary causes, a top French researcher said Monday.
The findings -- published on a research-sharing platform, PLoS Currents: Influenza, vetted by flu experts -- could help health officials manage critical care resources if infection rates climb in the Northern Hemisphere's autumn and winter.
It could also provide important clues as to the new swine flu's potential virulence, said author Antoine Flahault, a leading epidemiologist and director of France's School for Advanced Studies in Public Health.
"The direct lethality due to viral pneumonia probably gives the best estimate of an influenza strain's virulence, since it may vary from strain to strain and is not due to a country's level of health development," he said.
With regular seasonal flu, which claims up to 500,000 lives each year worldwide, most deaths are attributed either to secondary bacterial infections such as pneumonia, or pre-existing chronic conditions that boost vulnerability.
Only about one-in-a-million infections result in death due to a rare condition known as acute respiratory disease syndrome (ARDS).
"ARDS is frighteningly lethal -- it is like drowning," Flahault told AFP by phone. The condition requires intensive-care treatment for an average of thee weeks. "Statistically, only one in two patients survive."
The risk factors for ADRS are poorly understood, though recent studies in the United States suggest that, among people infected with swine flu, pregnant women and the very obese are particularly at risk.
Both seasonal influenza and the new A(H1N1) virus that has swept the globe since May appear to have roughly the same mortality rate of one-to-five per 1,000 infections, though figures for the swine flu remain very sketchy.
Experts also caution that the pandemic flu could become more lethal as it continues to mutate.
But preliminary analysis of infection and mortality statistics from the French territory of New Caledonia and the Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius suggest that the new A(H1N1) virus directly caused an ARDS fatality for every 10,000 cases, Flahault told AFP.
In New Caledonia, local health authorities have reported 30,000 infections and two deaths attributed directly to the pandemic virus.
Flahault said that some 70,000 persons have been infected in Mauritius, with seven reported deaths from ARDS, five of them confirmed.
"These surveillance data allow for a first estimate of direct lethality due to H1N1 of one-per-10,000 infections, about 100 times more than regular seasonal flu," he said.
Flahault cautioned that these are only "preliminary and rough estimates," and acknowledged that his findings -- based on a limited number of cases on two isolated islands -- may not extend to much larger, continental countries.
"But we have a terrible lack of data," he said.
"It may be useful to deliver such estimates ... as early as possible so health authorities can check availability of intensive care units and artificial ventilation devices in case of a wave of similar virulence this autumn in the northern hemisphere," he said. |
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S.ravi
Advanced Member
India
4205 Posts |
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S.ravi
Advanced Member
India
4205 Posts |
Posted - 09/04/2009 : 21:41:55
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* 50 swine flu cases test positive in Delhi
Meanwhile, the condition of a 35-year-old man admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital here yesterday is critical.
"His condition is critical and he is on dialysis and ventilator," N K Chaturvedi, Medical Superintendent, Ram Maohar Lohia hospital said.
Delhi Health Minister Kiran Walia said 772 H1N1 cases have been admitted to various government hospitals till date, of which 681 have been treated and discharged and 91 are undergoing treatment.
She said of the 91 positive cases, 21 are admitted to various hospitals and the rest have been advised home quarantine. |
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S.ravi
Advanced Member
India
4205 Posts |
Posted - 09/05/2009 : 03:35:44
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1. Till date, samples from 23997 persons have been tested for Influenza A H1N1 in various Government Laboratories across the country and 4488 (18.7 %) of them have been found positive. Of the total samples tested, 1006 (4.1 %) came from Entry Screening.
2. Out of the 124 cases reported during the day, 4 are imported and the rest are indigenous. Of the total Lab confirmed cases 562 (12.5 %) are imported and the rest indigenous.
3. Three deaths are reported during the day from Karnataka 2 (Bangalore1; Belgaum 1) and Gujarat 1 (Ahmedabad1). One death reported on 31 August from Karnataka has now been confirmed by the laboratory.
4. On 3rd September 2009, 35168 passengers have been screened at the Airports 83 counters manned by 225 doctors and 172 paramedics. Total passengers screened till date is 5498049.
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S.ravi
Advanced Member
India
4205 Posts |
Posted - 09/05/2009 : 13:21:21
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Swine flu mars Teachers Day celebrations in Lucknow
IANS 5 September 2009, 04:57pm IST
LUCKNOW: Schools and colleges here wore a deserted look on Teachers Day on Saturday, following the district administration's order to suspend group gatherings in educational institutions to prevent the spread of swine flu.
A large number of schools preferred to remain closed while those open did not witness the varied cultural events and entertainment programmes organised by students for their teachers on the occasion every other year.
"It was a dull affair for our college. For the last several days, our students were carrying out rehearsals to present cultural programmes for us. We feel extremely sorry, as we did not permit them to stage the programmes in the wake of the order issued by the district administration," vice-principal of St. Joseph Convent A.K. Rastogi said.
Echoing similar views, Lucknow Public School (LPS) teacher V.K. Singh said: "With a heavy heart we had to say no to students. They were to present a number of dance and music programmes to entertain us."
Like teachers, students too seemed sad for not being able to participate in the cultural events. "This occasion comes once in a year... It's very special to us as we get a chance to show our affection towards them. Moreover, the cultural events organised on the occasion provide the much-needed mental relief for students and teachers from the monotonous routine," said Upasana Singh, a student of St. Anthony's College.
The Lucknow district administration Sep 2 had issued the order to suspend morning assemblies, sports activities and other mass gatherings in all schools to prevent the spread of swine flu.
While issuing the order, the district authorities had warned that schools flouting the directions would invite strict action.
"We will be very strict and ensure that school authorities comply with the order which would categorically mention that FIRs would be registered against those schools that fail to follow the directive," additional district magistrate (ADM) J.P. Singh had said.
According to officials, till now 168 cases of swine flu have been reported from Uttar Pradesh.
"Till now nearly 100 swine flu cases have been reported from Lucknow alone," chief medical officer A.K. Shukla said.
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S.ravi
Advanced Member
India
4205 Posts |
Posted - 09/06/2009 : 19:32:20
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1. Till date, samples from 24943 persons have been tested for Influenza A H1N1 in various Government and private Laboratories across the country and 4738-* (18.9 %) of them have been found positive. Of the total samples tested, 1030 (4.1 %) came from Entry Screening.
2. Out of the 93 cases reported during the day, two are imported cases and the rest are indigenous. Of the total Lab confirmed cases, 565 (11.9 %) are imported and the rest indigenous.
* Uttar Pradesh has reported a cumulative of 65 Lab confirmed cases for the period of 31st August 2009 to
5th Sept.2009.
3. Thirteen deaths are reported during the day, seven from Karnataka, two from Andhra Pradesh, three from Maharashtra and one from Gujarat.
4. On 5th September 2009, 35868 passengers have been screened at the Airports 83 counters manned by 225 doctors and 172 paramedics. Total passengers screened till date is 5568502.
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S.ravi
Advanced Member
India
4205 Posts |
Posted - 09/07/2009 : 20:10:18
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1. Till date, samples from 25419 persons have been tested for Influenza A H1N1 in various Government and private Laboratories across the country and 4885 (19.2 %) of them have been found positive. Of the total samples tested, 1035 (2.1 %) came from Entry Screening.
2. Out of the 101 cases reported during the day, all are indigenous. Of the total Lab confirmed cases, 565 (11.5%) are imported and the rest indigenous.
3. Three deaths are reported during the day, one from Karnataka, two from Goa.
4. On 6th September 2009, 36981 passengers have been screened at the Airports 83 counters manned by 225 doctors and 172 paramedics. Total passengers screened till date is 5605483.
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S.ravi
Advanced Member
India
4205 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2009 : 09:26:05
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Till date, samples from 26037 persons have been tested for Influenza A H1N1 in various Government and private Laboratories across the country and 5221 (20 %) of them have been found positive. Of the total samples tested, 1042 (0.4 %) came from Entry Screening.
2. Out of the 245 cases reported during the day, one is an imported case and the rest all are indigenous. Of the total Lab confirmed cases, 566 (10.8%) are imported and the rest indigenous.
3. Four deaths are reported during the day, one from Delhi, and three from Maharashtra.
4. There is one suspected death from Gujarat for which the lab report is awaited.
5. On 7th September 2009, 32627 passengers have been screened at the Airports 83 counters manned by 225 doctors and 172 paramedics. Total passengers screened till date is 5638110.
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S.ravi
Advanced Member
India
4205 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2009 : 09:52:21
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Results from the first swine-flu vaccine trials taking place in Britain have revealed a strong immune response after administering just one dose.
The pilot study, run by the University of Leicester and Leicester Hospitals, was trialled with 100 healthy volunteers, aged between 18 and 50.
Dr Iain Stephenson, who led the trial at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, said: “The clinical trial of Novartis MF59—adjuvanted cell-based A (H1N1) vaccine indicates that the ’swine flu’ vaccine elicits a strong immune response and is well-tolerated.
“Results showed that the serum antibody responses were highest among subjects who received two doses of vaccine, however a single vaccine dose also induced responses associated with protection against influenza.
“The findings showed that it is possible to induce protective antibody against A(H1N1) infection within two weeks of administration of a single low—dose adjuvanted vaccine“.
The trial evaluated the tolerability and immunogenicity of the vaccine, and tested different schedules of vaccination, in terms of time between vaccinations.
The vaccine schedule was one or two doses of 7.5 microgram MF-59 adjuvanted surface-antigen A/California/2009 vaccine derived from cell-culture.
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S.ravi
Advanced Member
India
4205 Posts |
Posted - 09/10/2009 : 03:19:53
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plant that offers swine flu cure!
ANI10 September 2009, 01:02pm IST
Chinese scientists have found that the roots of a plant have powerful natural substances that can kill the H1N1
A plant that offers swine flu cure!
A plant that offers swine flu cure! (TOI Photo)
virus.
Researchers Fang-Rong Chang and Yang-Chang Wu identified chemicals in the extracts of the "Dung of the Devil" plant, which were more effective against the H1N1 virus than the antiviral drug currently available for the flu.
The report will be published in the Sept. 25 issue of ACS' Journal of Natural Products.
The plant biologically called ferula assa-foetida, is found in Iran, Afghanistan and mainland China.
The authors say: "Overall, the present study has determined that sesquiterpene coumarins from F. assa-foetida may serve as promising lead components for new drug development against influenza A (H1N1) viral infection."
The plant was also used as a remedy during the1918 Spanish flu that took a toll of nearly 100 million lives.
However, the antiviral capacity of the plant was not fully confirmed until now.
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S.ravi
Advanced Member
India
4205 Posts |
Posted - 09/10/2009 : 19:27:44
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Till date, samples from 27070 persons have been tested for Influenza A H1N1 in various Government and private Laboratories across the country and 5611 (20 %) of them have been found positive.
2. Out of the 176 cases reported during the day, one is an imported case and the rest are indigenous.
3. Nine deaths are reported during the day, five from Maharashtra (Ahmednagar 2, Satara 1, Solapur 1, Raigad 1) , and four from Karnataka (Bijapur 1, Bangalore 1, Bagalkot 1, Davangere 1).
4. On 9th September 2009, 32527 passengers have been screened at the Airports 83 counters manned by 225 doctors and 172 paramedics. Total passengers screened till date is 5700041.
5. Delhi reported a suspected case of death today, the laboratory result of which is awaited.
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S.ravi
Advanced Member
India
4205 Posts |
Posted - 09/12/2009 : 02:42:33
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Till date, samples from 27633 persons have been tested for Influenza A H1N1 in various Government and private Laboratories across the country and 5796 (20.9 %) of them have been found positive.
2. Out of the 187cases reported during the day, one is an imported case and the rest are indigenous.
3. One death has been reported during the day, which is from Faridabad, Haryana.
4. On 10th September 2009, 38683 passengers have been screened at the Airports 83 counters manned by 225 doctors and 172 paramedics. Total passengers screened till date is 5738724.
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DS/RS/Hb
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S.ravi
Advanced Member
India
4205 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2009 : 03:20:20
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Preliminary analyses of early data from two vaccine trials in the U.S. show the vaccines to be safe and a single dose produces robust immune response within 8 to 10 days after vaccination
The safety of 2009 influenza A(H1N1) vaccines that are undergoing clinical trials in different countries has got a shot in the arm. Fear about the safety of the vaccines, which are being tested on a fast-track mode, was expressed by some doctors in a few countries.
Much like the findings of the two vaccines that are being tested in the U.K. and Australia, preliminary analyses of early data from two vaccine trials in the U.S. showed the vaccines to be safe and immune responses produced to be good.
The preliminary results of the U.K. and Australia trials were published on September 10 in the New England Journal of Medicine journal.
The Director of The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. has gone on record saying that the vaccines are safe and produced robust immune response in healthy adults in the 18-64 age group.
Another significant outcome seen in the two trails conducted by NIAID is that a single dose of 15 micrograms was able to produce robust immune responses 8 to 10 days after vaccination. More than 2,800 people are participating in the two ongoing trials.
The Sanofi Pasteur vaccine was able to produce a robust immune response in 96 per cent of adults aged 18 to 64 and in 56 per cent of adults aged 65 and older.
In the case of the CSL Limited vaccine, a robust immune response was measured in 80 per cent of adults aged 18 to 64 and in 60 per cent of adults aged 65 and older.
For adults aged 65 and over, the immune response to 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine was somewhat less robust, as is the case with seasonal influenza vaccines.
According to an NIAID release, information from their studies will help inform the development of recommendations for immunization schedules, including the optimal dosage and number of doses for different age groups.
Keywords: Vaccine safety, influenza A(H1N1), influenza A(H1N1) vaccines, clinical trials, New England Journal of Medicine, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIAID, Sanofi Pasteur vaccine, CSL
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S.ravi
Advanced Member
India
4205 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2009 : 11:02:35
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The Indian vaccine against the pandemic strain of swine flu would be commercially available by March next with the authorities planning to fast-track the clinical trials in humans in accordance with international protocols.
Vishwa Mohan Katoch, Director-General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) told The Hindu from New Delhi on Tuesday that it was proposed to combine the first and second phases for safety and immuno-genicity.
He said the three Indian companies, Bharat Biotech, Panacea Biotec and Serum Institute of India, which were taken "on board" to produce the vaccine would be completing animal trials by December. Following this the first and second phases in human trials would be combined in a fast-track mode to make the vaccine available by March next as otherwise it would be ready only by the end of next year if a normal schedule were to be followed.
He said the entire exercise of finalising the fast-track protocol would be completed in next two to three weeks after the issue is examined by the committee for drugs and vaccines and another special committee on A(H1N1) Influenza virus.
Dr. Katoch, however, said the question whether to administer one or two doses would be decided after the completion of human trials.
He said Novartis and Glaxo Smith Kline too have expressed interest to conduct short trials in India and the protocols for the same would be finalised soon. "We are talking to them".
Replying to a question, he denied that the virus had become more virulent and said the patients, whose flu-like symptoms persist even after 48 hours, were responding to Tamiflu and there was a case in which even a 72-year-old person had recovered. There was a need to create awareness about this among people and even medical fraternity.
Meanwhile, Krishna Ella, Chariman and Managing Director Bharat Biotech, which will produce the WHO strain of the vaccine along with the other two firms, said his company would be ready with the vaccine for animal trials by this month end. Urging ICMR to allow the first and second phases of human trials to be conducted in a fast track mode, he said it was planned to produce five to six million doses in the next three to four months. The production would be scaled up depending on the requirement. |
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S.ravi
Advanced Member
India
4205 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2009 : 11:19:14
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n 14th September 2009, 37761 passengers have been screened at the Airports 83 counters manned by 225 doctors and 172 paramedics. Total passengers screened till date is 5888729.
2. Till date, samples from 30118 persons have been tested for Influenza A H1N1 in Government Laboratories and a few private Laboratories across the country and 6588 (21.8 %) of them have been found positive.
3. Out of the 229 cases reported during the day, all are indigenous.
4. Eight deaths are reported during the day, 5 from Maharashtra (3 Pune, 1 Mumbai, 1 Nagpur), 2 from Delhi and one from Gujarat (Surat).
5. The 2 deaths reported each from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh yesterday are now confirmed with laboratory reports. |
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'Swine flu more dangerous than bird flu'
