March 6th, 2010
We’re getting some good news about the H1N1 situation, not only here in the U.S., but also around the world. You can tell that by where it’s placed in the newspapers: behind the entertainment tax proposal and American Idol cast-offs and ahead of The Oscars.
The World Health Organization said that H1N1 continues to circulate in temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere. However, it’s at a low level and is continuing to decline in most areas. While Mexico and Peru have seen a slight increase in respiratory disease, activity is very low in North America (http://www.who.int/csr/don/2010_03_05/en/index.html).
Meanwhile, a closer look at the U.S. situation reveals the following (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/?date=030510):
* The nation’s pandemic flu activity was steady last week (6th week in a row);
*Doctor’s visits for flu-like illnesses are below baseline;
* Pneumonia and flu deaths are up a bit but below the epidemic levels;
* One pediatric flu death was reported, in an influenza B case from last season;
* No states reported widespread activity;
* Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina had regional activity.
Meanwhile, CDC has come out with a report this past Thursday indicating that nearly 5 months after the pandemic H1N1 vaccine got off the ground, it still appears to have a safety profile similar to that of seasonal flu vaccines (http://vaers.hhs.gov/resources/2010H1N1Summary_Mar04.pdf).
For those of you who are visual learners:




Posted in
Uncategorized|
No Comments »
February 24th, 2010
Just for the moment, I want you to put aside thoughts of healthcare reform, Tiger Woods, and the Olympics. I want you to look out beyond the horizon and concentrate on what may be happening with H1N1. I say “may”, because no one knows for sure. However, I see several events of which you need to be aware:
1) WHO experts want to keep the pandemic situation at the present level and not downgrade it;
2) There’s been a bump upward in the number of ILI illness in our colleges;
3) Some EDs in the US are seeing another spike in patient census because of ILI illnesses.
Link: http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/swineflu/news/feb2410pandemic.html
Feb 24, 2010 (CIDRAP News) – “The World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) emergency committee of experts yesterday recommended holding at the current pandemic alert level based on evidence of new community spread of the virus in West Africa and the possibility of a second wave of illnesses as the Southern Hemisphere enters its winter months.
Keiji Fukuda, MD, special adviser to the WHO director-general on pandemic flu, told reporters at a press briefing today that the emergency committee, set up under International Health Regulations (IHR), met in a 2-hour teleconference yesterday and discussed whether to move from pandemic alert phase 6 (pandemic phase) to a post-peak phase…..”


So, right now, enjoy life, be alert, be prepared, maintain the hygienic necessities, get your vaccination, and watch the skies…..
Posted in
Uncategorized|
No Comments »
February 22nd, 2010
Here are the latest graphs coming from CDC:
* Visits to doctors for influenza-like illness (ILI) nationally increased slightly this week over last week, but are still low for this time of year. The national increase in ILI was driven by elevated ILI in regions 4, 7, and 9. Region 4 is comprised of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Region 7 is comprised of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, and region 9 is comprised of Arizona, California, Hawaii and Nevada.

* No states reported widespread influenza activity. Three states reported regional influenza activity. They are: Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.

* Another two flu-related pediatric deaths were reported this week: both deaths were associated with laboratory-confirmed 2009 H1N1. Since April 2009, CDC has received reports of 326 laboratory-confirmed pediatric deaths: 277 due to 2009 H1N1, 47 pediatric deaths that were laboratory confirmed as influenza, but the flu virus subtype was not determined, and two pediatric deaths that were associated with seasonal influenza viruses.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/weeklyarchives2009-2010/images/IPD06_small.gif
* The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) based on the 122 Cities Report increased slightly over the previous week but remains lower than expected for this time of year.

* Visits to doctors for influenza-like illness (ILI) nationally increased slightly this week over last week, but are still low for this time of year. The national increase in ILI was driven by elevated ILI in regions 4, 7, and 9. Region 4 is comprised of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Region 7 is comprised of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, and region 9 is comprised of Arizona, California, Hawaii and Nevada.

Posted in
Uncategorized|
No Comments »
February 8th, 2010
This from our colleague, Ben Batey, R,N.,who is organizing flu clinics here at UT:
“Even though the media isn’t making as big a deal of H1N1 as it did originally, it doesn’t mean that it just disappeared. It is still as important as ever to be prepared and get vaccinated.
The top ten reasons to still get vaccinated for H1N1:
1. To protect yourself from the H1N1 virus.
2. To prevent your family from getting the H1N1 virus from you.
3. H1N1 vaccine is now readily available and this means not having to wait in long lines.
4. The CDC estimates that between 39 million and 80 million cases of 2009 H1N1 have occurred between April and December 12, 2009.
5. The CDC states that though flu activity caused by either 2009 H1N1 or seasonal flu viruses may rise and fall, it is expected to continue for several more months.
6. The CDC recommends influenza vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu.
7. H1N1 virus is very unpredictable. Unlike seasonal flu, which peaks in January and February, H1N1 influenza will probably come in waves.
8. Millions of Americans have already been safely vaccinated.
9. Getting vaccinated is free. It is much easier and cheaper to get vaccinated then to get sick and miss a week of work or school.
10. Weekly flu clinics at the UT Main Campus Medical Center make it easy to fit getting vaccinated into your schedule.
For more information on H1N1 and seasonal flu, please go to: http://www.utoledo.edu/fluprep/index.html ”


University of Toledo Main Campus Flu Clinics
The University of Toledo still has a large supply of H1N1 and Seasonal Flu vaccine. Vaccine clinics are open to all UT students, faculty, staff, and their adult family members age 18 and older. The all day clinics will take place at the UT Main Campus Medical Center (Enter the clinic through the South door nearest the railroad tracks) from 9am to 5pm on the following dates: Monday 2/1/10, Tuesday 2/9/10, Wednesday 2/17/10, Thursday 2/25/10, Monday 3/1/10, Tuesday 3/9/10, Wednesday 3/17/10, Thursday 3/25/10, Monday 3/29/10, Tuesday 4/6/10, Wednesday 4/14/10, Thursday 4/22/10, and Monday 4/26/10.
If receiving the H1N1 vaccination, please fill out the pre-registration form at https://h1n1vaccine.odh.ohio.gov/ and bring it with you to the flu clinic. Further information is located at http://www.utoledo.edu/fluprep/ .
Posted in
Uncategorized|
1 Comment »
January 12th, 2010
Now with the NFL playoffs and American Idol beginning to occupy our brains, H1N1 seems to be fading into the background. Yet….
The following is an open letter published on the CDC website from 37 well-respected organizations asking the American public to consider getting the H1N1 vaccine.
Link: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/open_letter_h1n1_vaccine.htm
January 11, 2010 3:00 PM ET
Open Letter to the American People:
Since the 2009 H1N1 flu virus hit our shores, scientists, manufacturers, health providers, and federal, state, and local health officials have worked together to protect the health of the American people. Over 110 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine are now available, with more coming every day. Now is the time to protect yourself and those around you by getting vaccinated against the H1N1 flu.
The traditional flu season is just beginning and typically lasts until May. History tells us to prepare for another serious wave of illness. With H1N1 flu declining in many areas, we have a window of opportunity to help prevent the flu from spreading further and causing even more illness, hospitalization, and death.
The H1N1 flu vaccine is safe, effective, and the best way to protect yourself and your family from the H1N1 flu.
The H1N1 vaccine is made the same way seasonal flu vaccines are made every year. Extensive testing and monitoring have shown that the vaccine is not only safe, but also an excellent match for the H1N1 flu virus. And remember that when you get vaccinated, you don’t just help yourself; you help your community by preventing the spread of the flu virus.
We especially encourage people with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, children, young adults, caretakers of infants, and health care workers to get vaccinated against H1N1. Unlike the seasonal flu, H1N1 has hit children, young people, and adults under age 65 exceptionally hard. That is why we encourage you to get the H1N1 vaccine as soon as possible.
Fighting the flu is a shared responsibility. We ask you to join us in this fight to protect yourself and your community by getting the H1N1 flu vaccine.
Sincerely,
 |
Nancy H. Nielsen, M.D., PhD
Immediate Past President
American Medical Association |
 |
Rebecca Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR
President
American Nurses Association |
 |
Judith S. Palfrey, MD, FAAP
President
American Academy of Pediatrics |
 |
Gerald F. Joseph, Jr., MD, FACOG
President
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists |
 |
Welford C. Roberts, PhD, RS, REHS, DAAS
President
National Environmental Health Association |
|
Susan Wysocki, WHNP-BC, FAANP
President & CEO
National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health |
 |
Geraldine “Polly” Bednash, PhD, RN, FAAN
CEO & Executive Director
American Association of Colleges of Nursing |
 |
Mark E. Rupp, MD
President
Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America |
 |
Larry A. Wickless, DO
President
American Osteopathic Association |
 |
Tom Van Coverden
President & CEO
National Association of Community Health Centers |
 |
Sharon A. R. Stanley, PhD, RN, RS
Chief Nurse
American Red Cross |
|
Steve H. Hanson, MPA, PAC, AAPA
President
American Academy of Physician Assistants |
|
Elena Rios, MD, MSPH
President & CEO
National Hispanic Medical Association |
 |
Angela Gardner, MD, ACEP
President
American College of Emergency Physicans |
|
Michael A. Barry, CAE
Executive Director
American College of Preventive Medicine |
 |
Richard J. Whitley, MD, FIDSA
President
Infectious Diseases Society of America |
|
Jane L. Delgado, PhD, MS
President & CEO
National Alliance for Hispanic Health |
 |
Harold A. Schaitberger
General President
International Association of Fire Fighters |
 |
Lori Heim, MD
President
American Academy of Family Physicians |
 |
Denise Graham
Executive Vice President
Association for Professional in Infection Control & Epidemiology |
|
Mitchel C. Rothlolz, RPh, MBA
Chief of Staff
American Pharmacists Association |
 |
Michelle Beauchesne, DNSc, RN, CPNP, FNAP, FAANP
President
National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners |
 |
James C. Turner, MD, FACHA
President
American College Health Association |
 |
Joseph W. Stubbs, MD, FACP
President
American College of Physicians |
 |
Clare Coleman
President & CEO
National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association |
 |
Sandi Delack, RN, BSN, MEd
President
Amy Garcia, RN, MSN
Executive Director
National Association of School Nurses |
 |
Michael R. Fraser, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
Affairs Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs |
|
Lawrence A. McAndrews, FACHE
President & CEO
National Association of Childrens Hospitals and Related Institutions |
 |
Bruce T. Roberts, R.Ph
Executive Vice President and CEO
National Community Pharmacists Association |
 |
Rich Umbdenstock
President and CEO
American Hospital Association |
 |
Charles N. Kahn III
President and CEO
Federation of American Hospitals |
|
Dr. Geoffrey Rutledge
Chief Medical Officer
Epocrates |
 |
Robert C. Griggs, MD, FAAN
President
AAN |
 |
Reginald Ware
CEO
BlackDoctor.org |
|
Paul E. Jarris, MD, MBA
Executive Director
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) |
 |
Robert M. Pestronk
Executive Director
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) |
|
Sandra Domeraki-Prickitt
Executive President
Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP) |
|
|
HHS does not endorse private products, services, or enterprises.
Link: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/open_letter_h1n1_vaccine.htm
January 11, 2010 3:00 PM ET
Open Letter to the American People:
Since the 2009 H1N1 flu virus hit our shores, scientists, manufacturers, health providers, and federal, state, and local health officials have worked together to protect the health of the American people. Over 110 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine are now available, with more coming every day. Now is the time to protect yourself and those around you by getting vaccinated against the H1N1 flu.
The traditional flu season is just beginning and typically lasts until May. History tells us to prepare for another serious wave of illness. With H1N1 flu declining in many areas, we have a window of opportunity to help prevent the flu from spreading further and causing even more illness, hospitalization, and death.
The H1N1 flu vaccine is safe, effective, and the best way to protect yourself and your family from the H1N1 flu.
The H1N1 vaccine is made the same way seasonal flu vaccines are made every year. Extensive testing and monitoring have shown that the vaccine is not only safe, but also an excellent match for the H1N1 flu virus. And remember that when you get vaccinated, you don’t just help yourself; you help your community by preventing the spread of the flu virus.
We especially encourage people with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, children, young adults, caretakers of infants, and health care workers to get vaccinated against H1N1. Unlike the seasonal flu, H1N1 has hit children, young people, and adults under age 65 exceptionally hard. That is why we encourage you to get the H1N1 vaccine as soon as possible.
Fighting the flu is a shared responsibility. We ask you to join us in this fight to protect yourself and your community by getting the H1N1 flu vaccine.
Sincerely,
 |
Nancy H. Nielsen, M.D., PhD
Immediate Past President
American Medical Association |
 |
Rebecca Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR
President
American Nurses Association |
 |
Judith S. Palfrey, MD, FAAP
President
American Academy of Pediatrics |
 |
Gerald F. Joseph, Jr., MD, FACOG
President
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists |
 |
Welford C. Roberts, PhD, RS, REHS, DAAS
President
National Environmental Health Association |
|
Susan Wysocki, WHNP-BC, FAANP
President & CEO
National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health |
 |
Geraldine “Polly” Bednash, PhD, RN, FAAN
CEO & Executive Director
American Association of Colleges of Nursing |
 |
Mark E. Rupp, MD
President
Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America |
 |
Larry A. Wickless, DO
President
American Osteopathic Association |
 |
Tom Van Coverden
President & CEO
National Association of Community Health Centers |
 |
Sharon A. R. Stanley, PhD, RN, RS
Chief Nurse
American Red Cross |
|
Steve H. Hanson, MPA, PAC, AAPA
President
American Academy of Physician Assistants |
|
Elena Rios, MD, MSPH
President & CEO
National Hispanic Medical Association |
 |
Angela Gardner, MD, ACEP
President
American College of Emergency Physicans |
|
Michael A. Barry, CAE
Executive Director
American College of Preventive Medicine |
 |
Richard J. Whitley, MD, FIDSA
President
Infectious Diseases Society of America |
|
Jane L. Delgado, PhD, MS
President & CEO
National Alliance for Hispanic Health |
 |
Harold A. Schaitberger
General President
International Association of Fire Fighters |
 |
Lori Heim, MD
President
American Academy of Family Physicians |
 |
Denise Graham
Executive Vice President
Association for Professional in Infection Control & Epidemiology |
|
Mitchel C. Rothlolz, RPh, MBA
Chief of Staff
American Pharmacists Association |
 |
Michelle Beauchesne, DNSc, RN, CPNP, FNAP, FAANP
President
National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners |
 |
James C. Turner, MD, FACHA
President
American College Health Association |
 |
Joseph W. Stubbs, MD, FACP
President
American College of Physicians |
 |
Clare Coleman
President & CEO
National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association |
 |
Sandi Delack, RN, BSN, MEd
President
Amy Garcia, RN, MSN
Executive Director
National Association of School Nurses |
 |
Michael R. Fraser, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
Affairs Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs |
|
Lawrence A. McAndrews, FACHE
President & CEO
National Association of Childrens Hospitals and Related Institutions |
 |
Bruce T. Roberts, R.Ph
Executive Vice President and CEO
National Community Pharmacists Association |
 |
Rich Umbdenstock
President and CEO
American Hospital Association |
 |
Charles N. Kahn III
President and CEO
Federation of American Hospitals |
|
Dr. Geoffrey Rutledge
Chief Medical Officer
Epocrates |
 |
Robert C. Griggs, MD, FAAN
President
AAN |
 |
Reginald Ware
CEO
BlackDoctor.org |
|
Paul E. Jarris, MD, MBA
Executive Director
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) |
 |
Robert M. Pestronk
Executive Director
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) |
|
Sandra Domeraki-Prickitt
Executive President
Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP) |
|
|
HHS does not endorse private products, services, or enterprises.
Posted in
Uncategorized|
No Comments »
December 31st, 2009
As we come to the end of 2009, we have to feel good that H1N1 did not approach our worst fears about a pandemic. For the past several weeks the trend continues to head in a direction that is less than ominous. However, as you can see from the graphs, there is a slight increase in outpatient visits for flu-like illnesses. Also, deaths due to pneumonia and flu climbed back above the epidemic threshold. As for H1N1 and kids: There were four flu-related deaths. That’s down from nine the previous week. Whether these trends will continue in 2010 remains to be seen. The following are the latest CDC graphs and maps to illustrate these somewhat mixed findings (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/?date=123109).




Let’s all hope that 2010 mirrors the best of 2009. Meanwhile, the vaccination centers remain open. Hint…hint.
Posted in
Uncategorized|
No Comments »
December 17th, 2009
Our deepest condolences are extended to the family and friends of the adolescent in Henry County who succumbed to H1N1 last week. We keep reassuring the general public that this particular flu virus is generally benign for the vast majority, but we need to remember that for others, it continues to be a source of sadness and heartbreak, especially during this holiday season.
“No man is an island…” and as we mourn the loss of a treasured member of our community, we need to redouble our efforts to continue to keep this pandemic at a low simmer. This includes reinforcing personal hygiene measures, social distancing when appropriate, and receiving the H1N1 vaccine (http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/361/25/2424?query=TOC & http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/361/25/2405?query=TOC & http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/361/25/2414?query=TOC). As you know, the vaccination sites are open to all and are available at UT and venues throughout the region. According to officials, 95 million doses are available and 10 million doses are coming out every week.
Meanwhile, there has been a recall of a number of lots of the Sanofi-H1N1 pediatric vaccine because of diminished potency. I’ve checked with our UTMC Department of Pharmacy, with Toledo/Lucas County Board of Health and that is not an issue for us. The lots in question have not been and are not, currently, part of our vaccination caches. In any case, while the potency of this particular batch may not have the desired amount of immunological potency, the CDC, so far, feels that the antigenic levels are high enough that re-immunization is not indicated for the little tykes, bless their little souls.

Finally, I think there’s going to be some pulling of hair and gnashing of teeth in high-brow medical circles and at Roche Pharmaceuticals. It has to do with a recent issue of the British Medical Journal. There is this group, the Cochrane Collaboration, that has been trying to come to some conclusion about whether there is sound scientific data justifying the use of the anti-viral, oseltamivir (Tamiflu), to prevent or limit the complications associated with the influenza virus. Right now, it’s “…a complex interplay between politics, public health planning, availability of trial data, publishing, and drug regulation…” (http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/339/dec08_3/b5387).
The Cochrane group threw out data they could not independently verify and based their conclusions on four published studies that met their high-grade criteria. “…Paucity of good data has undermined previous findings for oseltamivir’s prevention of complications from influenza. Independent randomized trials to resolve these uncertainties are needed,” they concluded.
Obviously, this will require further investigation and scientific oversight. Hopefully, petty politics and financial bottom lines will not further muddy medical science and diminish public confidence. How naïve is that?
However, I feel you, at least, need to know about this controversy and make up your own minds or raise your own questions. Here are some of the links, including Roche’s response, to assist you:
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/339/dec08_3/b5374
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/339/dec07_2/b5106
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/339/dec08_3/b5364
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/339/dec08_3/b5351
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/339/dec10_2/b5405
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/339/dec07_2/b5164
Here is also the latest information concerning flu on America’s campuses (click to see larger):

Keep safe.
Posted in
Uncategorized|
1 Comment »
December 14th, 2009
You must have heard by now that the H1N1 immunizations will now be open to everyone regardless of age and as long as you have no contraindications.

Here is the edited announcement from the Ohio Director of Health, Dr. Alvin Jackson:
| ODH H1N1 Vaccine Update – 12/11/09 |
| “A Director’s Order signed by the Director of Health on December 10, 2009 states that, effective Monday, December 14, 2009, while approved providers should continue to give high risk individuals priority consideration, unless medically contraindicated, all individuals wishing to be vaccinated are now eligible to be vaccinated… |
| |
| Patients can still pre-register for vaccination on H1N1 Vaccine web application at |
| https://h1n1vaccine.odh.ohio.gov/. |
| |
| Nearly a million Ohioans have now pre-registered on this site. Pre-registration of patients can streamline the registration process for patients at mass immunization clinics and can speed the process of data entry of doses administered for all participating providers. It is not mandatory that patients pre-register and the Ohio Department of Health understands that some Ohioans may not readily have access to internet service. The Ohio Department of Health discourages imposing barriers, such as mandating the pre-registration process, which may prevent the vaccination of some Ohioans. |
| |
| H1N1 influenza monovalent vaccine supply has been increasing and distribution has now been expanded to include all registered providers, beginning with shipments that will be received the week of December 14. …” |
| |
|
With this latest information, here is a notice from Doctor Michael Valigosky, UT’s H1N1 Incident Commander and overall Nice Guy: “….the H1N1 vaccine will be offered to all staff, students and faculty at the Main Campus Medical Center (Main Campus) and University Health Services (Dowling Hall 2410) (Health Science Campus) over the holiday season. We still want to encourage them to pre-register at the site listed.With exams and all the students going home for break we are unable to schedule any special vaccine clinics until after the students return in January. We do, however, want to post that the Health Department is running a clinic on the Scott Park Campus from 10am to 4pm on the main concourse December 20th. “
Meanwhile, if these dates and times don’t work for you, you can always check in with the Toledo/Lucas County Department of Health. Here is their most recent scheduled venues: http://oh-lucascounty.civicplus.com/documents/Health/Community%20Response%20&%20Preparedness/Vaccination%20sites%20updated%2012-10-09%20930%20am.PDF
|
Posted in
Uncategorized|
No Comments »
December 8th, 2009
So where are we with H1N1? Not too bad if one takes the global view. Census in the emergency departments around the region has lessened, the vaccine distribution has improved, and now we are getting to the point where the H1N1 vaccine will be available to everyone. I mean…everyone. Stay tuned. It’s going to happen this month. Come one, come all. That was only a matter of time as the vaccine production improved and the transportation channels got greased.
Meanwhile, there has been new research regarding autopsies on H1N1 patients in NY (http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2009/FluAutopsy.htm). The researchers discovered that the virus damages the entire respiratory tract like the 1918 and the 1957 flu viruses. “… A microscopic examination of tissues throughout the airways revealed that the virus caused damage primarily to the upper airway—the trachea and bronchial tubes—but tissue damage in the lower airway, including deep in the lungs, was present as well. Evidence of secondary bacterial infection was seen in more than half of the victims….”
The majority of the cases studied were in the young (between 25 and 49 years of age). That’s what makes this virus more nefarious than seasonal flu. It targets the young. Granted, most of these cases had chronic medical conditions, but complacency is not an option. While we travel for the holidays, we could be entering into a Twilight Zone of people on trains. planes, and supermarkets with communicable diseases, including H1N1.
We need to take the proper precautions that we have been extolling ad nauseam. One way can be the H1N1 vaccine. While there are skeptics out there (myself included), studies have indicated that the incidence of side effects and complications are no different than with seasonal flu vaccines. Believe me, I look at that very carefully.
Meanwhile…
Link: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/updates/us/

So, while you’re thinking that the worst is behind us, keep in mind that H1N1 can’t read.
Posted in
Uncategorized|
No Comments »
December 2nd, 2009
There’s been a major drop of flu activity on college campuses (See chart below). This might reflect the overall drop in H1N1 activity across most of the country, but one can’t ignore the fact that these data were collected over Thanksgiving break. Anyway, new cases were down 69% from the previous week. For Ohio, the drop was -83%.
There was one more student death bringing the total to three. The attack rate for the week ending Nov 27 was 4.1 cases per 10,000 students. Click chart to see larger version.

Posted in
Uncategorized|
No Comments »
|
About Dr. Paul Rega  Paul Rega is a board-certified physician in Emergency Medicine and is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health & Disease Prevention and the Department of Emergency Medicine. A passion in Disaster Medicine has resulted, over the years, in multiple deployments, research and education both nationally and internationally. This has branched out into developing strategies associated with counter-terrorism and pandemics. Currently, Paul is assisting with H1N1 preparedness and response within UT and into the region.
|