Health care providers play a critical role in H1N1 vaccinations

Patients and parents expect health care providers to have information about new vaccines. So, when a new H1N1 vaccine became available in October 2009, the question was: Would health care providers recommend it?

Results from the latest C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health indicate health care providers play a critical role in influencing parents and patients to vaccinate their children and themselves against H1N1 flu.

The poll found that 29 percent of children and 16 percent of adults have received H1N1 vaccine, as of January 2010. Vaccination levels were more than two to three times as high when parents thought their children's providers strongly recommended the vaccine (66 percent) and when adults perceived strong recommendations from their own providers (57 percent).

"For H1N1 vaccination among kids and adults, it looks like the advice of health care providers is tremendously important," says Matthew Davis, M.D., director of the poll and associate professor of pediatrics and internal medicine in the Child Health Evaluation and Research Unit at the U-M Medical School. "Our study indicates that the impact of provider recommendations on H1N1 vaccination goes in both directions," says Davis.

For patients and parents whose health care providers strongly favored H1N1 vaccination, immunization rates were much higher than average. But if providers were less positive about the vaccine or even neutral—neither for nor against it—then H1N1 vaccination was much less likely, Davis says.

Among parents who had communicated with providers about H1N1 vaccine, only 38 percent reported that providers strongly recommended H1N1 vaccine for their children; 35 percent of parents perceived that the providers were neutral.

Among adults who had spoken with providers about H1N1 vaccine, 22 percent reported that providers strongly recommended the vaccine, while 55 percent perceived that their providers were neutral.

Swine Flu - Learn the Essential Facts About It

There won`t be a single person unaware of the term `swine flu` by now. With the way it is spreading across the world, everyone is wary of catching the disease and falling prey to its ill-effects. Although there is hardly anything that we can do to keep the disease at bay, it is pertinent to learn a few important things about it. Swine flu is caused by pigs. But no, keeping pigs in the backyard will not give rise to the dreaded disease and neither if you fondle it or kiss it. There is a chance of you getting infected if the pig has the virus, but generally it takes much more than that to get the dreaded disease.

Our fascinating immune system:

There must have plenty of times that we have been infected with the normal human flu. It is not very dangerous except for very young infants and old people, already leading a debilitating life. Thankfully enough, nature has entrusted us with such an immune system which immediately recognizes an alien in the body and rises to the occasion to incapacitate it. But this leads to a mutation of the virus which returns to try its luck again. This time, our immune system faces a little more difficulty in driving it away. This is the reason why better vaccines must be developed each time to fight the enhanced form of the virus.

How does swine flu affect us?

When there is a mutation in the external proteins of the normal human flu virus, our immune system puts forth its defense mechanism to fight the virus. During this time, we suffer from the effects of the virus, like having fever and running nose and perhaps some respiratory problems. If it so happens that the body is unable to meet the challenge thrown by the virus, we succumb to the virus and have to breathe our last. In case of swine flu, our body is not able to recognize the symptoms of the virus which makes it increasingly difficult to fight against it. The virus has now crossed the bridge and attacked the human race from the pigs.

Are you susceptible to the virus?

It has been found that people who have had no interaction with pigs are most susceptible to swine flu. Their immune system has no record of such a virus and is least equipped to fight it. When the virus affects a significant part of the population of a place, it will surely turn out to be pandemic. It is difficult to pronounce the exact effects of the swine flu virus in the global perspective. How virulent the virus is will determine the degree to which it will affect the humans. Several other factors are also responsible for the outbreak of swine flu as a pandemic.

The spread of the disease:

In the past, swine flu would not have spread and become pandemic throughout the world. It would have affected an entire locality or city. But with people traveling great distances across the seas and oceans, the flu is not one to stay behind. By the time a person learns that he is infected, he may be thousands of miles away from his city.

Necessary precautions:

So what should be done to avoid this dreaded disease? Firstly, now that we know that there is a particular season when the pigs are affected by this flu, we should put the pigs in quarantine and prepare specially designed suits for people who handle them. Basic hygiene is a must with clean hands and clean environment. And further, traveling to places where swine flu is rampant should be avoided for some time until the particular period of getting the virus is gone. You can also take the help of different agencies who will help you to guard against swine flu. So educate yourself and help design a better life for yourself.

About Roberto Sedycias
You can have access to articles about health in portuguese language from page Health Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil

Swine Flu: Natural Cure and Home Remedies for Swine Flu

by Paramjit Singh

Swine flu has been creating a terror effects all round the globe and has been declared epidemic in most part of the world.

This is caused by influenza A (H1N1) virus. Swine Flu is H1N1, or pig influenza - an acute respiratory infection, usually affects pigs, but the ability to pounce and man. Presumably, the disease appeared after the animal is picked up one of several varieties of the virus - a new strain, scientists have found traces of the North American pig flu or swine flu, the North American avian influenza, and swine and human virus commonly found in Asia and Europe. The first cases of human infection by virus reported on 18 March in Mexico.

What are Swine Flu symptoms?
• High temperature
• Cough
• Shortness of breath, Feel Trouble in breathing

The most significant symptoms of a swine flu infection are the fever with chills, body ache and fatigue, a cough and sore throat, nausea, and diarrhea.

Ayurveda: It has the best form of herbal remedies for swine flu. Ayurvedic medicines are pure natural substances made of herbs and it’s very effective in the prevention of swine flu. Ayurvedic medicines used as a remedy to reduce swine flu symptoms contain herbs like neem (Indian lilac), elderberry, ginger and pepper extracts. Once the symptoms have reduced, herbs such as triphala, Divya Giloy Sat or Guduchi or Tinospora or Amrita etc used to eliminate all the symptoms completely. Swine Flu Herbal Medicine boosts the immune system against the H1N1 virus. Divya Giloy Sat or Guduchi or Tinospora or Amrita is an important ayurvedic medicine used to treat all kinds of flu symptoms and it is natural swine flu prevention medicine. It works by treating infections and increasing the body's resistance against organisms.

Herbal Remedy and Supplements
Strong dietary and vitamin supplements like vitamin C, vitamin D, etc. and certain probity’s can be useful in the treatment and prevention of swine flu. The Herbal remedies strengthen the immune system, to fight against the viruses and organisms causing swine flu.

Swine Flu Home Remedies and several natural ways to treat these swine symptoms that can be effective in relieving swine flu symptoms, along with the natural remedies for swine flu:

- A mixture of 1 tbsp of honey with 1/2 tbsp cinnamon powder can be consumed. This relieves swine flu symptoms like cold, nasal congestion and sore throat.
- Steam inhalation with basil leaves added to the water, it helpful in relieving swine flu symptoms & relieving lung congestion.
- Chewing fresh garlic cloves: Another effective home remedy as garlic, Good antiviral.
- Consuming lemon tea: Relieve symptoms like cough, headaches, etc.
Swine flu can be treated effectively using the above mentioned herbs and remedies, and is a healthier option compared to the treatment with allopathic medicines and antiviral.

Swine flu prevention naturally is the best remedy to stop the rapid spread of swine flu.
-Regularly ventilated area, do wet cleaning, wash your hands frequently.
- Strengthen your immune system, more often outdoors, move more.
- Before going out into the street or in public places cover nose - it has antiviral activity against influenza.
- Try to avoid communication with ill people. If this is unavoidable, wear respirators or gauze dressing.
- After working with raw meat, Wash your hands carefully. Do not eat raw or half-meat. Porcine influenza virus, like any virus is destroyed at a temperature of 65 degrees. Disinfectants kill him instantly.
- If you did not spring a flu shot, you can raise the immunity of special preparations. Usual onion and garlic increase the protective forces of organism.

If you have found a host of influenza symptoms (fever, muscle pain, coughing, sneezing, weakness, dizziness, nausea), be sure to contact the clinic. They clarify the diagnosis and treatment will designate.

How to protect yourself from it?
The best means of prevention - it is your common sense and hygiene. Washing hands regularly and cover mouth and nose, while venturing out, it is an important to swine flu prevention. Along with the treatment for swine flu, consume as much as liquids, taking adequate rest and sleep. If sick, do not need go to work or school - better to rest at home, do not aggravate their condition and do not infect others.

If you keep these common sense measures in mindScience Articles, you should be well on your way to equipping your body to deal with your swine flu.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Swine Flu Herbal Medicine is 100% pure natural remedies for swine flu. Use Home Remedies for Swine Flu to uprooted this virus and its symptoms completely.

Swine Flu and Bird Flu - What If They Join Forces?

by Mark Farrell

H1N1 and H5N1 may co-mingle. Mutations are not the only concern. Scientists are worried about the possibility that the swine flu virus might co-mingle with the highly deadly bird flu A(H5N1) virus.

Looking at the Southern Hemisphere Important clues about the likelihood of a lethal swine flu pandemic in the fall may come from the Southern Hemisphere, where the influenza season is just about to begin. Scientists and healthcare officials are actively monitoring the virus behavior in those countries, with particular attention to Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala and El Salvador. This would enable them to determine whether the swine flu out breaks actually becoming more severe. The hope is to use such information to develop more effective pandemic plans.

Pandemic Preparedness may help reduce mortality One thing thats for sure: Putting in place systems that will quickly detect any sign of increasing severity or an upsurge in cases following the first wave is a priority, says McCaw. Pandemic planning, including antiviral distribution strategies and vaccination preparation efforts, need to work on the assumption that a second wave may occur. And that it may be more severe than the first.

Of particular relevance, in this regard, are the findings of a 2006 re-analysis of the Spanish pandemic influenza of 1918, led by professor John Oxford, of the Centre for Infectious Diseases, Bart's and the London, Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK.

Oxfords team found that, contrary to common belief, most of the people infected with the swine flu A(H1N1) virus during the 1918 Spanish flu survived. This, despite the fact that vaccines and antiviral medications were not available at that time. If this tells us anything, its that judicious and careful planning... could help reduce mortality in a new pandemic to figure significantly less than 1918, says Oxford.

There is every reason as we face the first pandemic of the 21st century that we can be optimistic, turn again to history and return to Churchill for inspiration give us the tool and we will finish the job.

Major differences between then and now Avaccine to protect us in the event of a deadlier swine flu outbreak in the fall is being prepared in countries across the globe. As mentioned above, together with the availability of antiviral medications, this is one major difference between now and the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-19. However, there is no guarantee that the vaccine will be ready in time, or even effective, because the virus may change in the meantime. And, almost certainly, there will not be enough of it for everyone.

There is also the likelihood that, by fall, the swine flu A(H1N1) virus might become resistant to antiviral medications, hampering any effort of treatment when most needed, as millions of people will likely be infected.

Probably not better off than in 1918 What is the most likely scenario for the world in the eventuality of a second, more severe, wave of swine flu? Experts say this may be more similar than expected to what experienced during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. Of particular concern is hospitals' supposedly inability to cope with increasingly large numbers of patients, at a time in which a severe shortage of healthcare professionals, due to sickness, and lack of adequate medical supplies and medications are highly likely. Fear may play a role, as well.

During the Spanish flu, fear of contagious kept caregivers from performing their duties, says Dr. Monica Schoch-Spana, of the Center for Civilian Bio defense Strategies at the Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore. Hospitals were crippled by influenza's hold on urban population shortage of linens, mattresses, bedpans, and gowns arose in some instances.

Despite 80 years of medical advances and expansive growth in the health care industry, there remains great uncertainty about our capacity to respond to an infectious disease emergency, says Schoch-Spana. In many respects, we may be at a disadvantage today compared with 1918. Then, most people were cared for by family members. Patients did not rely heavily on paid health professionals, nor did they expect today's sophisticated standards of care.

Intentional exposure to the A(H1N1) virus should be avoided Lastly, health officials warn that getting swine flu, now, does not necessarily give immunity to further, more severe infections. One reason for this is that the virus may not be the same in a few months, as a result of mutations.

Another, and most important, reason is that too little is known about how the swine flu A(H1N1)virus reacts in any one individual. It may cause severe disease and death. Consequently, intentionally mixing with people who have swine flu in the hope of being infected should be avoided.

About the Author
Mark Farrell part of the Manchester Web Design Company Web Vitality http://www.webvitality.co.uk writing on behalf of Mowbray Publishing http://www.thedeadlyflu.com

Swine Flu Facts And Symptoms Of Swine Flu

by by Celine Yong

Swine Flu Facts

Swine flu is caused by type A influenza virus affecting pigs. It spreads to humans when humans come into contact with infected pigs, which shed the virus in their saliva, nasal secretions and faeces.

The usual strains of Influenza A virus seldom infect across species. But when a human strain and a pig (swine) strain infects an animal at the same time, the eight distinct genetic segments that make up the flu genetic code can exchange with each other in a process called reassortment.

The swine flu virus currently seen appears to come from a reassortment of genetic material from a pig strain, a bird strain and a human strain. It is now capable of human-to-human transmission, much in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people. The swine flu virus currently responds well to Tamiflu although health experts fear that this virus may continue to mutate and eventually render Tamiflu ineffective before the vaccine is ready.

One cannot be infected by eating pork. Cooking pork and all other meats to an internal temperature of at least 70 degrees Celsius will ensure that we are not ingesting live bacteria and viruses.

The Symptoms Of Swine Flu

The symptoms are generally mild, much like those of regular human seasonal influenza. They include

# high fever (usually above 38 degrees Celsius)
# sore throat
# runny nose
# body aches
# possibly breathlessness a few days later
# fatigue
# vomitting
# diarrhea
# chills

However, the risks of being taken severely ill or even dying from swine flu increases dramatically in patients who already have underlying or pre-existing health conditions. Doctors have identified the following groups of people to be most vulnerable to the virus:
# Pregnant women, particularly those in the second and third trimesters
# Children younger than five, particularly those younger than two years of age
# Diabetics
# Immuno-compromised people whose immune systems are depressed from disease or from using drugs such as those used in chemotherapy
# People with chronic heart and / or lung disease
# Obese people
# People who are suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
# People who have metabolic problems (people who are obese or suffering from diabetes mellitus, among others)
# People who are 65 years or older

See a doctor immediately if you are unwell, and refrain from close contact (2 metres or less) with other people. For more details and updates on swine flu, visit http://howtobefitandhealthy.com/category/swine-flu-information

About the Author
Celine Yong hails from sunny Singapore. She is passionate about health and fitness. Visit her health and fitness blog for free today at http://howtobefitandhealthy.com At her blog, you will be able to read and benefit from the tips she has compiled from numerous health and fitness experts from both East and West.

Where Are The Greatest Risk Area For Bird Flu?

by Sarah K. Jenkins

With Bird Flu in the news, people are wondering where it may be safe to avoid this deadly virus. While the answer to this question may be very simple now, in a few weeks or months, it may be a different story.

The first outbreak of the deadly strain of bird flu in humans was in Hong Kong in 1997. A major outbreak then occurred in January of 2004 in Vietnam and Thailand that resulted in the virus popping up in most of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Recently, a low pathogenic form of H5N1, the dangerous form of bird flu, surfaced in Canada. From this, it may be assumed that southern parts of North America, South America, and other countries distanced from Asia are safe. However, with the track record of this virus, that may not be the case.

Without a doubt, the area of greatest risk for Bird Flu currently is Vietnam, where the largest number of infections and death has occurred. Any area in Asia with a large poultry population, from farming or agriculture, is at risk, as consuming infected meat has been a primary cause of becoming infected. On the same note, many countries in Asia, Europe, and recently the Middle East, should be concerned with the possibility of ingested infected poultry. As migratory birds may also carry the disease, it may be extend over widespread areas as well as from agricultural sources.

Likewise, considering the rapid spread of bird flu, the case in Canada should be of concern for residents of North America as well; in less than two years, Asia and Europe were consumed with the disease. Although the case in Canada was a low pathogenic form of H5N1, meaning it is less dangerous, the fact that it made its way to the continent should not be taken lightly and the possibility of the virus spreading south is a very serious threat.

As long as bird flu is being transmitted from poultry to humans, and not from human to human contact, the areas of concern will surround large poultry populations, from wild or agricultural birds. However, if the strain mutates and is passed from human to human, the risk area will grow rapidly and be concentrated in places with high or dense populations. Likewise, areas of particular concern will be those with limited medical care. Areas with advanced medicine that may be able to produce a vaccine may not be as devastated by the mutated strain of the virus.

About Sarah K. Jenkins
Sarah is an acclaimed writer on medical matters, and has written extensively on the subjects of Attention Deficit Disorder, Bird Flu and Crohn’s Disease. For more of her articles, go to http://www.imedicalvillage.com now.Click here now and re

Bird Flu Impact

by Velicu George

With autumn very likely to represent another opportunity for the bird flu virus to find new hosts in new territories, as a consequence of the movement of large flocks of migratory birds across great distances, some experts warn the flu pandemic that is so feared and predicted for some while now could be just around the corner. But how severe could such an outcome be? Estimates range from thousands to millions of victims. In any case, it might not be a disease to end civilization as we know it, but it is quite likely to cause important social disturbances. So how does this disease influence current world affairs and how will it take its toll on our lives in an unfortunate future?

Current effects of the much talked about virus are obvious in areas where the virus has been detected in birds or even humans. Asian countries in particular have been facing the disease for a few years now. Most have at least some prevention measures implemented and there are programs to monitor and test birds populations for the virus. Some have chosen to vaccinate poultry with anti viral drugs and where there is an outbreak, rapid culling of all the birds in the area is standard procedure. In countries relying heavily on poultry consumption, the culling of millions of birds has forced the population to choose other products as a substitute.

Poultry farm owners and all other types of companies involved in the process of raising, processing and distributing poultry products have suffered great losses and are likely to go to great lengths to merely keep their businesses alive. The financial issue is manifested at a national level as well. Countries depending on their poultry exports are forced to see their products rejected from the international market, as many others ban such imports fearing a possible spread of the disease. Tourism is also affected. Although not as noticeably as the food industry, periodic changes into the travelers' preferences can be noticed. Previously favoured destinations in Asia now struggle to attract tourists, as many people are rightfully reluctant to visit regions where the bird flu virus has ravishing effects. Some governments have even warned their people and recommended those destinations to be avoided.

However, the greatest disruptions can be expected in the future, in the event of a local or world wide epidemic. With predictions of millions of people succumbing to the disease, it is easy to foresee all areas being affected. For businesses in particular, it would be interesting to consider the effects such a widespread health conditions could have. Some new reports estimate that up to half of the staff of any business could fall ill or be absent from work. Employers are being warned to take precautions and be prepared for such an event. Although terrorism is a more common concern for anyone today, a bird flu pandemic could cause even greater disruption. It is expected that employees will miss work either to care for others, or prevent an infection, or because they will have been infected themselves. It will therefore be difficult to find cover for the absent staff and the costs of any service is likely to rise considerably.

Furthermore, public transport could be disrupted itself and prevent staff getting to work. It is advisable to research the possibility of some of them working from home. This could prevent a further spread of the virus, while also offering a solution for those only suffering minor symptoms. Supply chains will also be impaired and stocks of different provisions should be taken into consideration. Travel will become very difficult and might not be recommended, as to avoid further spreads. The simplest way any employer can do to prepare for this is a plain information bulletin for their staff to keep them informed on the situation, or even considering all these factors and preparing suitable equipment for them to continue their work from home. It would be wrong to wait and see to what extent the virus will strike, as preparations at that time could prove too little too late.

About Velicu George
George Velicu is the senior editor at Bird flu center and the man responsible for making the website one of the most comprehensive sources for avian influenza information on the internet.He is also the one keeping a daily record of bird flu's developments