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Flu News & Information
Looking for the lates news on the flu? You will find it here. Click on an article below to read more.

“Experts Urge Expanding Influenza Vaccination Season To Increase Immunization Rates, Protect More Americans”
Health care professionals should increase influenza immunization rates by implementing key, practice-proven interventions and offering vaccine at every opportunity throughout the entire influenza season, conclude leading influenza experts in a July 2008 supplement to The American Journal of Medicine.

“RI ranks tops in flu vaccinations”
Rhode Island had the highest rate in the nation for influenza vaccination among adults 65 years and older in 2007.

“Study: Quick responses to influenza outbreaks reduces illness and death”
Influenza outbreaks were shorter and resulted in fewer cases and fewer deaths at long-term care facilities that started residents on preventive antiviral medications within five days of the first case, compared to those that started later, according to a new study in the July 1 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, currently available online.

“Hawaii to screen international travelers for flu-like illnesses”
The Hawaii Department of Health announced Wednesday that the state will implement a voluntary checkpoint screening process for international visitors to detect flu-like illness at Honolulu International Airport.

“Hawaii, Schools Honored For Flu Shot Program”
Hawaii students, teachers and school administrators were honored on Wednesday for the recent statewide flu shot program.

“Multidisciplinary Research Tracks Influenza's Every Movement”
It's the case of the missing flu virus. When the flu isn't making people sick, it seems to just vanish. Yet, every year, everywhere on Earth, it reappears in the appropriate season and starts its attack. So where does it go when it disappears? Does it hibernate, lying dormant in a few people and preparing for its next onslaught? Does it bounce around from the Northern hemisphere to the Southern hemisphere and back, following the seasons?

“Flu Vaccine Makers to Set New Doses Record for Next Season”
Flu vaccine manufacturers expect to make a record number of doses for next flu season despite concerns that demand may drop because this year's vaccine was largely ineffective.

“Doctors miss chances to give flu vaccines ”
Doctors are missing plenty of opportunities to vaccinate people against influenza every year, flu shot maker Sanofi-Pasteur said on Monday.

“Young Children Hospitalized For Flu Associated With Higher Costs And Higher Risk Illness”
The high costs of hospitalizing young children for influenza creates a significant economic burden in the United States, underscoring the importance of preventive flu shots for children and the people with whom they have regular contact, according to research led by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and presented May 4 at the Pediatric Academic Society annual meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii.

“Combination of flu, MRSA killing children”
Health officials in the United States say that a combination of influenza and a resistant bacterial infection has killed at least 22 children.

“ND flu count up to 3,730”
Bismarck, N.D. (AP) The state Health Department reports 3,730 confirmed Flu cases in North Dakota this week.

“Maps Point the Way to Fighting the Flu Virus”
An international team of researchers has crafted software that illustrates interactions between immune systems and the flu strains trying to breach their defenses--on a global scale

“Current Flu Season Worst in 4 Years ”
The current U.S. flu season has been the worst in four years, due, in part, to a vaccine that was not a good match for certain circulating strains of flu virus, U.S. health officials said Thursday.

“Asia is world's cradle for new strains of flu”
Scientists have pinpointed the cradle-to-grave path that flu takes as it sweeps the globe every year - starting with the birth of new strains in Asia and ending when the virus burns out in South America.

“Flu cases rose this season in North Dakota”
The most recent data from the North Dakota Department of Health confirms influenza cases have reached the second highest number since 2005, totaling 3,549 cases.

“Daily News: Flu Shot Age Increased”
Experts have advised the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to expand the recommended ages for annual influenza vaccination to all children from 6 months to 18 years as soon as possible, but no later than the 2009¬–2010 influenza season.

“Flu Forces School Shutdown ”
50 Students, Teachers Sick At Lowell School

“Labs prepare for flu threat”
The state's influenza testing capabilities have been increased to prepare for a potentially severe influenza season or pandemic, health officials report. Even though Hawaii's 2007-08 flu season has been mild to moderate, health officials are taking nothing for granted.

“Flu outbreak cancels surgeries at St. Joe's”
For the first time, St. Joseph's Hospital has been forced to cancel some surgeries due to an influenza outbreak.

“Worst of Southwestern Michigan's flu season may be over”
Southwestern Michigan has seen the worst of a "high normal" influenza season, according to Kalamazoo County's chief medical officer.

“Clearing the air”
People who are allergic to eggs, egg products or to any component of the vaccine shouldn’t get the vaccine as the influenza strains in the vaccine are incubated in eggs.

“Not feeling well? Just stay home”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 200,000 Americans are hospitalized for influenza infections each year.

“Influenza activity levels remain high”
The Iowa Department of Public Health said influenza activity in Iowa remains at a peak level for the sixth consecutive week. In addition, reports of influenza outbreaks among the elderly have risen steadily over the past three weeks.

“Two in Minnesota die from flu-like illness”
The Minnesota Health Department is currently investigating the deaths of two people in the same family who both suffered an influenza-like illness, according to the Associated Press.

“Flu cases might be waning”
Fewer flu cases were confirmed in South Dakota last week, but there were more hospitalizations and another death.

“Four-year-old Amherst boy dies of Influenza”
(Clarence, NY, March 15, 2008) - - Erie County health officials are addressing the influenza death of a 4-year-old Amherst boy. News 4's George Richert reports officials are working to ensure there's no panic following this rare tragedy.

“KOTA Territory continues to catch influenza virus”
Several months into cold and flu season, South Dakotans continue to catch the influenza virus, with four more cases resulting in death, just this past week.

“Second Minnesota child dies from flu ”
Another child in Minnesota has died from complications of influenza, the second this winter.

“Flu Continues to Pack a Punch Statewide ”
Influenza remains widespread throughout Maine, with “flu–like illness” now accounting for 9 percent of deaths in Maine’s three largest communities.

“Why Does Flu Spread In Winter?”
A team of researchers thinks it knows why the flu virus spreads more easily in winter than in warmer times.

“It's not just you: Flu has been worse this year ”
Some Chicago area hospitals have had to turn ambulances away from their emergency rooms, in part because of an influx of flu patients in recent weeks.

“Health officials: Two Idaho residents die of flu”
Officials with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare say the first two influenza-related deaths of the season have been reported.

“Flu activity on the rise across Maine”
Influenza has been spreading across Maine, and health officials say three deaths have been associated with the illness.

“State reports first pediatric influenza death ”
A five-year-old Socorro County boy has died of complications from the flu.

“U.S. study shows why winter is "flu season"”
Influenza viruses coat themselves in fatty material that hardens and protects them in colder temperatures -- a finding that could explain why winter is the flu season, U.S. researchers reported on Sunday.

“Second flu death reported in South Dakota”
A second flu-related death has been reported in South Dakota, and the state Health Department says influenza is widespread.

“State Officials Say Influenza Is 'Epidemic'”
State health officials said Tuesday that Oklahoma is in an influenza epidemic, and they fear not only more cases of the flu but also deaths because of the illness.

“Flu shots recommended for all children ”
The panel voted Wednesday to expand annual flu shots to virtually all children except infants younger than 6 months and those with serious egg allergies.

“Six cases of type A influenza reported in Stone County”
As of mid-February, the Stone County Health Department had nine cases of influenza-like illnesses and six confirmed cases of Type A Influenza reported, and is urging residents to take precautions to prevent the further spread.

“For kids, flu is nothing to sniff at, experts warn”
There is only one message Richard Kanowitz wants to convey to the world at large: Influenza is deadly and is never to be confused with seasonal sniffles or a bout with the common cold.

“State urges parents to get kids flu shots”
State health officials and the city of Milwaukee Health Department have confirmed the first pediatric influenza death within Milwaukee County, and the state, for the current influenza season (October through April).

“Flu continues to remain widespread in Oklahoma”
An influenza outbreak that doctors say is the worst in years is sending children to hospitals and resulting in the cancellation of classes by some Oklahoma school districts.

“Newborn dies of the flu in Milwaukee”
It was the city's first pediatric flu death since it began tracking them during the 2004-'05 flu season.

“Across the Region, College Students Are Felled by Bug”
Universities across the Washington region are coping with an outbreak of influenza and gastrointestinal viruses that is driving a record number of students to campus health centers.

“Flu Grips Virginia ”
Virginia is in bed with the flu and health officials say the outbreaks won't end anytime soon, so it's not too late to get a flu shot.

“3 Houston-Area Children Die From Flu”
Influenza is causing problems in schools and business across the area and there's still three months left in flu season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu cases have been widespread across the south, including Texas.

“Parents urged to have children vaccinated for influenza after 2 deaths ”
It's a story that hits home for all parents. A local 7-month-old infant has died from influenza. Health officials say it's a tragic case that also serves a reminder of how important it is for children to get their flu shot.

“New Hospital Standards Needed For Pediatric Flu Vaccines”
A new study finds that many children hospitalized for influenza have had a recent, previous hospitalization that would have provided an easy, convenient opportunity to receive a hospital-based influenza vaccination.

“Flu virus strains having impact on area medical facilities ”
Patients filing into Midland Memorial Hospital's emergency room with flu or flu-like symptoms this week likely will encounter a bit of a wait as the volume of patients has increased steadily with strains of the flu spreading through Midland.

“It's back: Influenza season in flu swing”
It's official — the flu season is on.

“Many Kids Unprotected Against Flu, Poll Finds”
Flu season is here. Are you, your children and your grandchildren vaccinated?

“Flu Risky For Pregnant Women ”
If you're pregnant, getting a flu shot this season should top your "to do" list. That's because influenza, or the "flu," can result in serious complications for pregnant women, including increasing your risk of hospitalization.

“Get a flu shot”
Every year, health officials tell us to get our flu shots. But this year, there's a powerful reminder from someone else.

“Live Well: Flu Season Still In Full Swing”
Doctors warn that the worst of the flu season is still to come. From air sanitizers to anti-viral Kleenex, people are trying everything to stay flu-free, and it's not too late to get your flu shot.

“Extending flu shot season not simple”
Many physicians endorse the concept of continuing to offer immunizations into the new year, but making it a reality is challenging.

“FDA Clears First Test Designed to Detect and Identify 12 Respiratory Viruses from Single Sample”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today cleared for marketing a test that simultaneously detects and identifies 12 specific respiratory viruses.

“Mandatory Flu Shots For New Jersey Preschoolers”
December 10, 2007 Medical News Today- The Public Health Council, New Jersey, voted 5-2 today in favor of making flu shots compulsory for preschoolers. The Public Health Council is an advisory board, and final approval needs to come from the state's Health Commissioner. The Council's recommendations are usually implemented.

“Experts urge clinicians to extend flu-shot season”
Dec 6, 2007 (CIDRAP News) – Experts from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Influenza Vaccine Summit (NIVS) in a teleconference today urged clinicians to consider extending their seasonal flu vaccination efforts through March and shared strategies for immunizing more patients during office visits.

“Study Shows Why the Flu Likes Winter ”
Researchers in New York believe they have solved one of the great mysteries of the flu: Why does the infection spread primarily in the winter months?

“Take Care Health Clinics Ready Flu Shots For National Influenza Vaccination Week From Nov. 26 To Dec. 2”
Take Care Health Systems, one of the largest managers of convenient care clinics and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Walgreens (NYSE, NASDAQ: WAG), today announced its 102 clinics nationwide are fully stocked with flu shots in anticipation of The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Influenza Vaccination Week from Nov. 26 to Dec. 2.

“Childhood Influenza Immunization Coalition Encourages Vaccination Throughout the Influenza Season”
BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- To raise awareness of the need to vaccinate more infants, children and adolescents against influenza, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in conjunction with Families Fighting Flu, declared today, November 27, as the first ever "Children's Flu Vaccination Day." The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases' (NFID) Childhood Influenza Immunization Coalition commends this effort to emphasize the importance of annual influenza vaccination to protect children and their contacts from this serious and potentially deadly virus.

“'Tis The Season, And This Time Flu Vaccine Plentiful ”
Millions Receiving Shots As CDC Lifts Restrictions

“Flu shots encouraged by health professionals”
By ALISON YOUNG The Atlanta Journal-Constitution -The fever, cough, stuffy nose, achy exhaustion of the flu: That's what thousands of Georgians are trying to avoid as they're rolling up sleeves and getting their annual vaccinations. It's a shot that can be life-saving: 200,000 Americans are hospitalized and 36,000 will die in a typical year due to influenza. And unlike some years past, there's plenty of flu vaccine available this fall — not only in doctors' offices and health departments, but at many local pharmacies.

“State, Federal Officials Remind Health Care Workers, Other At Risk Individuals To Get Annual Flu Shot”
Pennsylvania Department of Health 11-16-2007-Fewer than half of health care workers get an annual flu shot, prompting a reminder from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the federal Centers for Disease Control of the need for at-risk individuals to be vaccinated against influenza.

“Nation's Influenza Vaccine Supplies Continue To Increase; CDC Advises Broadening Of Vaccination Efforts,US”
Medical News Today 11-12-2007 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the nation's influenza vaccine manufacturers report that more than 103 million doses of influenza (flu) vaccine have been distributed as of November 2 - an amount that represents more doses than had ever previously been distributed at this date.

“Beat the bug..Common myths about the flu are set straight”
COSHOCTON 11-11-2007 - There are several common myths about influenza - commonly known as the flu. One myth is the flu is merely a nuisance when in fact the flu is a major cause of illness and death in the United States. Averages of 114,000 persons are hospitalized for flu-related complications and about 36,000 die on average per year.

“How to avoid getting the flu this season...start with a flu shot”
Journal and Courier 11-11-2007 -A record number of influenza vaccines are available this year -- more than 130 million doses -- and area doctors are reporting a robust turnout. The vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone, but especially young children, older adults and people with chronic medical conditions.

“Health officials: Ignore myths and get flu shot”
Sunday, November 04, 2007 BY TOM VOGT, Columbian staff writer - Health officials are offering their annual flu vaccine reminder so you can protect yourself against influenza. But there is another element to the message: You are not the only person you'll be helping.

“Cancer Patients Not Getting Live-saving Flu And Pneumonia Shots”
ScienceDaily (Oct. 29, 2007) — Although flu and pneumonia can be lethal for cancer patients, more than one quarter of patients undergoing radiation therapy are not complying with national guidelines to be vaccinated against these potentially life-threatening yet preventable illnesses, according to a new study.

“Drive up, idle, and get a shot Motorists offered flu vaccinations”
By James Vaznis, Globe Staff | October 28, 2007 In a new twist on drive-through convenience, patients at Caritas Norwood Hospital next week can get a flu shot while idling in their cars, much like they would pick up a coffee or a burger at a fast-food window. State officials say it may be the first such offering in the state

“Flu vaccines urged after season's first illnesses”
Palm Beach Post October 21,2007 - Flu season is here and, right on time, South Florida is reporting its first few cases. A Boca Raton hospital has confirmed one person sick with the flu. Two people in Miami-Dade County also had the virus. A handful of patients and caregivers at Palm Beach County nursing homes came down with symptoms that could be flu, county health department spokesman Tim O'Connor said.

“Childhood Influenza Immunization Coalition Issues New Report to Help Improve Low Childhood Influenza Immunization Rates”
BETHESDA, MD., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ New Coalition Web Site Launched to Provide Educational Resources to Health Care Professionals, Parents and Media About Serious Nature of Influenza, Importance of Annual Immunization

“Flu season appears early this year”
The Salt Lake Tribune 10/13/2007- Residents are urged to get vaccinations before the upcoming holidays, and the accompanying extra travel plans By Sheila R. McCann The Salt Lake Tribune

“Want to avoid the flu? Here's your best shot”
By DOROTHY SCHNEIDER dschneider@journalandcourier.com October 8, 2007 Even though it's been hard to tell from the recent weather, fall has arrived -- which means flu shot season has, too. Flu vaccine clinics are being held around the region in the coming weeks, and health professionals recommend the preventative measure for nearly everyone.

“For the sake of patients, doctors need flu shots”
Boston Globe- 10-08-2007 Hospitals from Boston to Seattle are bribing workers with granola bars, throwing immunization parties, and, in one case, forcing unvaccinated staff members to wear face masks in the hopes of persuading more medical personnel to get an annual flu shot. Nearly 60 percent of US doctors, nurses, orderlies, and other healthcare workers do not get vaccinated against the flu, putting themselves and their patients at risk, and potentially leaving hospitals and nursing homes shorthanded during the busiest time of the year.

“FDA Approves Nasal Influenza Vaccine for Use in Younger Children ”
WEBWIRE – Monday, September 24, 2007 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved expanding the population for use of the nasal influenza vaccine FluMist to include children between the ages of 2 and 5.

“Influenza summers far from home”
Sept 17,2007 The Scientist.com- Flu strains migrate widely during summer off-season and evolve by swapping genes with other far-off strains

“Understanding the Differences Between a Cold and the Flu”
September 12, 2007 Fox News--Cold and flu has become as inseparable a pair as bacon and eggs or ham and cheese. Even the local pharmacy reinforces the image of the two going hand-in-hand with its “cold and flu” aisle.

“Flu Vaccinations Begin on September 29 Maxim Health Systems to Provide 24,000 Flu Shot Clinics Nationwide”
COLUMBIA, Md., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Maxim Health Systems today announced it will launch its annual influenza vaccination program starting on September 29, 2007. Maxim will provide flu shots nationwide through more than 24,000 public clinics this year. The company's Web site, www.FindAFluShot.com, helps users find a convenient location for vaccination clinics by simply typing in a local zip code on the site to obtain times and locations for clinics.

“Annual flu shot cuts need for doctors' visits, hospitalization among children”
September 4, 2007 EurekAlert! Children under the age of 5 who receive an annual flu shot have a greatly reduced risk of needing to see their doctor or be admitted to the hospital because of flu-related illness. A new study in the September issue of Pediatrics that analyzes how many outpatient visits or hospitalizations might be prevented by childhood influenza immunization finds that vaccinating only half U.S. children could eliminate as many as 650,000 doctor’s office visits and 2,250 hospitalizations in a year.

“ Experts Issue Comprehensive Report on Need to Improve Low Influenza Vaccination Rates Among People with Diabetes”
The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) today issued a new report stressing the need for increased influenza vaccination rates among Americans with diabetes. The report was issued in response to alarmingly low influenza vaccination rates among persons with diabetes, despite recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and others.

“MedImmune Licenses Reverse Genetics Technology to Novartis ”
MedImmune, Inc. announced today that it has licensed its proprietary reverse genetics intellectual property to Novartis to support the development and construction of new vaccine strains to produce inactivated human seasonal, pre-pandemic and pandemic influenza vaccines. Reverse genetics is a method by which viruses such as influenza can be generated from segments of DNA. For prospective pandemic influenza vaccines, reverse genetics can be a useful technology because the process does not require manufacturers to work directly with potentially highly infectious pandemic strains, such as H5N1, rather only segments of the virus's genome.

“Novartis to increase US supply of Flurvirin influenza vaccine”
Novartis AG (NOT.FSE) Tuesday announced that it would increase the US supply of the Flurvirin influenza vaccines by 30% in the current 2007/2008 influenza season.

“Gov't Awards $132M to Sanofi and MedImmune for Flu Vaccine Preparedness ”
The federal government on Thursday awarded $132.5 million in contracts to MedImmune and Sanofi Pasteur in order to ramp up their capacity to produce flu vaccines.

“The World Health Organization’s stand on influenza vaccines. ”
Vaccination is the principal measure for preventing influenza and reducing the impact of epidemics. Various types of influenza vaccines have been available and used for more than 60 years. They are safe and effective in preventing both mild and severe outcomes of influenza.

“FluMist seen effective for young kids: FDA staff ”
A newer version of MedImmune Inc.'s FluMist appears effective for children younger than 5 years old, although safety data on the influenza vaccine is still under review, U.S. Food and Drug Administration staff said in a document released on Monday.

“Influenza Vaccine: The Basics”
The most effective way of preventing the flu is with an influenza vaccination. Every fall you should be immunized against strains that have developed since the previous outbreak. If you are vaccinated against one or more strains, you may still come down with flu, but your symptoms are likely to be milder than they would have been had you not had an influenza vaccination.

“Record 132M flu shots planned for fall ”
Flu vaccine manufacturers expect to have a record 132 million doses ready for the 2007-2008 flu season, and there could be even more available if a fifth company joins their ranks, officials said Thursday.

“Scientists plan for new influenza season”
U.S. scientists, vaccine manufacturers and health providers are beginning to plan strategies for the 2007-08 influenza season.

“Flu vaccine grown inside insect cells shows promise”
An influenza vaccine has been produced inside the cells of an insect and appears safe indicating that an alternative to the traditional egg based method could be used to develop vaccines.

“10 million doses of flu shot to be wasted ”
Millions of doses of flu vaccine will expire at midnight June 30, unsold during this year’s mild flu season and written off as trash. Still perfectly good, and possibly useful for a few more years, the vaccine will wind up being destroyed.

“Not enough asthmatic kids get flu shot”
Only 29 percent of U.S. children with asthma get the flu vaccine even though it is recommended to protect against serious influenza complications common with asthma, federal health officials said on Thursday.

“Child Flu Deaths Have Schools Worried”
Midway through the month when influenza typically peaks, health officials were monitoring four hospitalized Nebraska children, while three North Carolina schools remained closed over widespread symptoms of the illness.

“Flu outbreak closes N.C. school system”
SWAN QUARTER, N.C. - Three schools closed until Monday because of an outbreak of flu-like symptoms that has spread across the state over the past two weeks.

“U.S. experts check into severe child flu cases ”
An unusually high number of children have suffered severe illnesses from influenza in Alabama this year, which has some experts worried, a pediatrician said on Thursday.

“Require flu shots for health workers, group says”
U.S. doctors, nurses and other health care workers should be required to get the influenza vaccine annually to help prevent spread of the illness to their patients, the top U.S. professional group of infectious diseases experts said Thursday.

“Two flu shots needed to protect young children ”
Infants and toddlers given two doses of the influenza vaccine are less likely to contract flu, pneumonia and influenza-like illnesses, but one dose does not appear to have any effect, according to findings published in the Journal of Pediatrics.

“Rapid Flu Testing Is Associated with Decreased Antibiotic Use in Hospitalized Adults”
Rapid influenza testing is associated with reductions in the use of antibiotics in hospitalized adults, The study was posted online today because of its importance to public health.

“Getting flu shots to students could have huge impact”
Vaccinating school-aged children against the influenza virus could be the answer to protecting entire communities against flu outbreaks, according to a study in which 2,717 healthy students from four states -- including 811 children from three elementary schools in Killeen -- were given nasal-spray flu vaccine in school.

“New Details On How The Immune System Recognizes Influenza”
Drawing upon a massive database established with funds from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), scientists have completed the most comprehensive analysis to date of published influenza A virus epitopes--the critical sites on the virus that are recognized by the immune system.

“Sanofi pasteur Influenza Vaccine Production Tops 170 Million Doses in 2006”
Sanofi pasteur confirmed its leadership as one of the world's largest manufacturers of seasonal influenza vaccine, supplying a very significant portion of the estimated global production of about 350 million doses(1).

“After Shortage, Vaccine for Flu Goes Unused ”
Still need a flu shot? Matthew Stefanak has so many left over he is giving them away by the carload.

“Flu Shot Effective Against Drifted Influenza, Nasal Spray Vaccine Less So”
During a year in which the circulating strains of influenza showed genetic differences from the strains in vaccines, the traditional killed-virus flu shot was found to be effective in preventing influenza in healthy adults. The live attenuated-virus nasal spray vaccine also prevented illnesses but was less effective.

“Flu shot doesn't need perfect virus match, study says ”
The annual influenza vaccine can protect against illness even if it isn't perfectly attuned to the flu strain going around, researchers said in a finding that may have implications for protecting people against bird flu.

“Novartis, Sanofi Seek Universal Influenza Vaccine ”
Novartis AG and Sanofi-Aventis SA are among drugmakers searching for new weapons against influenza viruses that evade protection from existing vaccines.

“CDC Awards $11.4 Million to Develop New Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Avian Influenza”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today announced $11.4 million in new contracts to four companies working to develop new diagnostic tests that doctors and field epidemiologists could eventually use to quickly and accurately test patients for avian influenza H5N1 and other emerging influenza viruses, as well as more common influenza viruses.

“Sanofi pasteur Completes Shipment of 50 Million Doses of Influenza Vaccine”
Sanofi pasteur, the vaccines business of the sanofi-aventis Group, announced that it has completed shipping 50 million doses of influenza vaccine (Fluzone®, Influenza Virus Vaccine) to the U.S. market, fulfilling its original production plans for the 2006-2007 season.

“HHS Launches National Influenza Vaccination Week”
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt, along with other Federal health officials, today kicked off National Influenza Vaccination Week by urging Americans who have not gotten flu vaccinations yet to get them before flu season peaks. National Influenza Vaccination Week runs from November 27 through December 3.

“77 Million Doses of Vaccine Supply Delivered, with Record Numbers Expected by End of Year ”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today announced the designation of the week after Thanksgiving as National Influenza Vaccination Week.

“Most children not getting two doses of flu vaccine”
During the 2003-2004 flu season, only 12 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 8 in the United States received both doses of the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine, or TIV, that are recommended for adequate protection, according to findings from the Vaccine Safety Datalink study.

“MedImmune files NDA for cell culture flu vaccine”
MedImmune, Inc. has filed an investigational new drug application (IND) with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin human clinical testing of a cell culture-based seasonal influenza vaccine using its proprietary live, attenuated, needle-free influenza vaccine technology.

“Two flu jabs best first time around for older kids ”
For children 5 to 8 years old who have never received influenza vaccine, two doses of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine are more effective than one dose, according to a new report.

“There's still time for a flu shot”
Flu season may be closing in, but it's not too late to avert the misery by getting a flu shot.

“New findings to alter flu vaccine research”
Researchers are reporting results of a study that substantially alters the existing understanding of how the influenza virus evolves and that could have important implications for monitoring changes to the virus and predicting which strains should be used for flu vaccine.

“Flu Vaccine Appears Safe For Young Children”
Use of the influenza vaccine in children 6 to 23 months is not associated with an increased risk for a medical visit for any serious conditions, according to a study in the October 25 issue of JAMA.

“Sanofi Pasteur Remains on Track to Deliver 50 Million Doses of Influenza Vaccine to U.S. Market for 2006-2007 Season ”
Sanofi pasteur, the vaccines business of the sanofi-aventis Group , is on track to deliver its entire projected supply of 50 million doses by the end of November.

“Feds OK additional seasonal flu vaccine ”
A fifth seasonal flu vaccine gained federal approval Thursday, further boosting the record levels of doses available for the upcoming influenza season.

“Flu myths deter some from getting shot”
Common misconceptions about influenza and the flu vaccine may be preventing people from getting vaccinated, a new survey has found.

“Real influenza is not like a cold ”
Is it flu or just a cold? How do you tell? Doctors say if it's flu — real influenza, not just what everyone calls "the flu" — you'll know it.

“Tamiflu prevents pneumonia in kids, study finds ”
Children with flu who are given Tamiflu, Roche AG's influenza pill, are 53 percent less likely to develop pneumonia than untreated children, the company reported on Friday.

“A flu shot could save your life”
If you have a history of heart disease, as more than 12 million U.S. adults do, roll up your sleeve and bare your arm, urges a new advisory from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology.

“FDA Rules May Speed Flu-Shot Modernizing”
For a half-century, flu vaccine has been brewed in chicken eggs. The government issued new guidelines Thursday that promise to spur a more modern recipe: using vats of cells instead.

“More than 100 Million Doses of Influenza Vaccine Expected To Be Available This Year ”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced today that influenza (flu) vaccine manufacturers are expecting to produce and distribute more than 100 million doses of influenza vaccines in the United States between now and early January, 2007.

“Novartis releases Fluvirin® influenza virus vaccine to US distributors”
Fluvirin vaccine release signals the first availability of injectable flu vaccine in the United States this year

“IDSA, SHEA Urge White House to Emphasize Vaccines as a Strategy for Controlling Pandemic Flu”
A strengthened effort to develop pandemic vaccines should be the primary focus of the U.S. government's national strategy for pandemic influenza, according to two leading professional societies representing infectious disease and infection control experts.

“FDA Approves Influenza Vaccines to be Manufactured for Upcoming Flu Season”
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today that it has approved this year's seasonal influenza (flu) vaccines that include the new strains of virus judged likely to cause flu in the Northern Hemisphere in 2006-2007.

“MedImmune gets US FDA nod to use reverse genetics technology for FluMist vaccine production”
MedImmune, Inc. announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the company's supplemental biologics license application (sBLA) to use reverse genetics technology to construct new vaccine strains to produce seasonal influenza vaccines, including FluMist (Influenza Virus Vaccine Live, Intranasal) and the next-generation, refrigerator-stable formulation, CAIV-T (cold adapted intranasal vaccine -- trivalent).

“Child Study Finds Failures to Detect Flu ”
Doctors fail to diagnose the flu in a vast majority of young children suffering from it, depriving them of medicines that could shorten their illness and keep them from spreading it to others, a study suggests.

“Experimental flu vaccine bypasses needles ”
An experimental flu vaccine that blasts tiny particles into the skin instead of using a needle appears to be safe in people.

“Flu vaccine safe in healthy infants ”
The trivalent influenza vaccine can be safely given to healthy children 6 to 24 months of age, doctors report in the journal Pediatrics.

“Study backs high-dose flu vaccines for elderly”
Elderly people, whose immune responses typically weaken with age, can be safely protected against common influenza with doses of vaccine that are up to four times stronger than usual, researchers said Monday.

“Flu Vaccine Supply Expected To Soar”
If all goes well this year, the nation's supply of annual flu vaccine should be the largest on record, so health authorities say they'll urge that more Americans - especially young children and health care workers - get flu shots next fall.

“Nasal flu vaccine beats shots for young children”
A new vaccine called CAIV-T that is squirted into the nose offers greater protection against influenza infection in children than does the current FDA-approved injectable vaccine, according to study findings presented this week at the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting in San Francisco.

“Flu season peaks later than usual”
This year's flu season is peaking at a time it's usually coming to an end, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“2006-07 Influenza Vaccine Composition”

“Ready or Not, Bird Flu Is Coming to America”
In a remarkable speech over the weekend, Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt recommended that Americans start storing canned tuna and powdered milk under their beds as the prospect of a deadly bird flu outbreak approaches the United States.

“FDA to speed new flu vaccines to market”
Guidelines could shave up to 2 years off drug development

“CDC’s Advisory Committee Recommends Expanded Influenza Vaccinations for Children”
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in its meeting in Atlanta today, voted to recommend an expansion of routine influenza vaccination for children.

“U.N. Health Agency Confirms Avian Influenza in Birds in Nigeria”
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed February 8 that domestic birds on a large commercial farm in northern Nigeria are infected with the highly pathogenic avian influenza.

“US Urges Hospitals to Vaccinate Workers for Flu”
Hospitals and nursing homes should offer free flu vaccines to all their workers and make employees sign a form if they refuse to be immunized, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Thursday.

“U.S. Demand For Influenza Vaccine Unprecedented”
Recognizing Sanofi Pasteur Inc. as a reliable supplier of influenza vaccine, immunization providers contacted the company in record numbers yesterday requesting Fluzone(R), Influenza Virus Vaccine for the 2006-2007 season.

“U.S. Urges Halt in Prescriptions Of Two Common Flu Treatments”
U.S. health officials have urged doctors to stop prescribing two of four antiviral drugs used to treat influenza because the dominant strain circulating this winter has rapidly become overwhelmingly resistant to them.

“Roche in discussions with WHO about more Tamiflu donations ”
Roche is in talks with the World Health Organization about donating more Tamiflu to help set up a stockpile of the drug in Asia.

“HHS Announces $100 Million to Accelerate State and Local Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Efforts”
As part of President Bush's plan to mobilize the nation to prepare for an influenza pandemic, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced $100 million in funding for state and local preparedness.

“WHO Tries to Allay Fears Over Bird Flu ”
The World Health Organization on Wednesday tried to allay fears of a massive bird flu outbreak in Turkey, telling people not to panic but urging them to avoid contact with sick or dead poultry.

“Another Bird Flu Case Found in Turkey”
Preliminary tests Tuesday showed another person in Turkey has tested positive for a deadly strain of bird flu, raising the number in the country to 15, a Health Ministry official said.

“Roche steps up Tamiflu distribution in U.S. ”
Seasonal demand for antiviral drug will be met, drugmaker says

“U.S. Says It's Making Progress on Bird Flu ”
The U.S. is making fast progress in preparations for a bird flu pandemic, including measures to close down schools and quarantine the sick, but vaccine supplies remain inadequate, health officials said Sunday.

“ERs are packed as a flu outbreak hits Arizona ”
A flu outbreak is making its way around Arizona and hospitals say their emergency waiting rooms are packed.

“Doctors and Retailers Skirmish Over Scarce Flu Vaccines ”
Officially, there is no widespread shortage of flu vaccine this year, only distribution and delivery problems, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Flu season arrives in U.S. ”
The annual flu has arrived in the United States.

“Chasing The Flu”
If this year of tsunamis, earthquakes and hurricanes has taught us anything, it’s that worst case scenarios do sometimes happen. Now with winter upon us, the latest thing to worry about is the avian flu -- a particularly deadly bird virus that is ravaging the poultry industry in Asia, and has, on rare occasions, infected humans, killing half of its victims.

“New Emphasis on Corporate Flu Planning ”
If a super-flu sweeps the globe, who will haul away the garbage? Keep the factories running, making cars and computers and tissues? Stock and sell groceries? Keep electricity flowing?

“Demand fuels shortages of flu vaccine in Europe”
Raised awareness about bird flu in Asia and fears of a human influenza pandemic have prompted big demand for seasonal flu vaccine in some European countries, leading to shortages.

“U.S. Unprepared for Super-Flu Pandemic”
"H5N1 is a bird problem, and it's not in the United States at this time," she said. "Even if it does enter through a migratory bird at some point, which won't be surprising, we have a wonderful system of surveillance."

“FDA investigators say Tamiflu is safe”
The antiflu drug Tamiflu is safe, federal health advisers said Friday, after finding no direct link between the drug and the deaths of 12 Japanese children who had taken it.

“China Confirms Its First 3 Cases of Bird Flu Infecting People ”
The Chinese government announced late Wednesday that it had confirmed the country's first three cases of bird flu in people, an admission that marked a potentially far-reaching change in how China handles the emergence of new diseases.

“U.S. to Test Boosting Bird-Flu Vaccine ”
Scientists will begin testing in January whether they can stretch the nation's limited supply of an experimental bird-flu vaccine by pairing it with an immune-system booster.

“Hazard in Hunt for New Flu: Looking for Bugs in All the Wrong Places ”
Science moves in mysterious ways, and sometimes what seems like the end of the story is really just the beginning.

“Experts Warn of Financial Bird Flu Cost ”
A flu pandemic lasting a year could cost the global economy up to $800 billion, the World Bank said on Monday, as China asked for international help to double check whether bird flu had killed a 12-year-old girl.

“Roche to Increase Production of Tamiflu ”
Swiss drugmaker Roche Holding AG said Monday it will increase production of Tamiflu to make 300 million treatments of the antiviral drug annually by 2007 in order to meet government orders amid fears of a flu pandemic.

“Bush Announcing Strategy to Battle Flu ”
The Bush administration, battered by criticism over its hurricane response, is getting the nation prepared for a possible travel ban and other restrictions in the event of a worldwide flu outbreak.

“Hoarding Prompts Halt in Flu Drug Shipping ”
Roche has temporarily halted shipments of the anti-influenza drug Tamiflu in the United States, saying it wants to prevent hoarding and ensure adequate supplies to treat conventional flu cases this winter.

“Adequate Supply of Flu Vaccine Is Predicted ”
Top federal health officials acknowledged Monday that there were some spot shortages of flu vaccine this year but said that overall supplies should be adequate.

“"Don't Panic Over Bird Flu" ”
People should not panic about a possible influenza pandemic, despite the steady spread of a deadly strain of avian flu among humans, leading health officials and politicians said on Tuesday.

“Australia Considers National Vaccination Campaign Against Bird Flu”
Australia's Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott says the Government will consider vaccinating everyone in Australia against bird flu if a candidate vaccine looks promising, and if there are no serious side effects.

“Avian influenza – situation in Indonesia – update 33”
The Ministry of Health in Indonesia has confirmed another human case of H5N1 avian influenza.

“WHO Backs Away from 150 Million Flu Deaths”
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday that 2-7.4 million deaths was a reasonable working forecast for a global influenza pandemic - distancing itself from a top U.N. official's figure of up to 150 million.

“Health and Human Services Buys Vaccine and Antivirals in Preparation for a Potential Influenza Pandemic”
Heath and Human Service's Secretary, Mike Leavitt, today announced the purchase of vaccine and antiviral medications that could be used in the event of a potential influenza pandemic.

“Flu Shots Urged for Katrina Evacuees, Elderly”
Hurricane evacuees living in crowded shelters and people at high risk of influenza complications should get priority for flu vaccines over the next six weeks, U.S. health officials said on Wednesday.

“CDC Indicates That the Flu Remains a Real Health Concern”
Thirty states still reported widespread influenza, and nearly a third of the country is still in the grips of strong regional flu activity.

“North Dakota: Flu cases top 3,000”
Health officials say the 3,026 positive cases of influenza is the highest in the 10 years officials have tracked the illness.

“Flu Cases Rise in U.S., Peak May Be Ahead - CDC”
The number of Americans suffering from influenza has jumped since January, suggesting the worst of the 2004-2005 flu season may be ahead.

“CDC Warns of Possible Bird Flu Epidemic”
World May Be on Brink Worldwide Epidemic From Bird Flu Virus That May Mutate, CDC Chief Says

“WHO Recommends Influenza Vaccine for Northern Hemisphere 2005-2006”
WHO makes recommendations for the vaccine to be used for the coming influenza season

“Arlington, Texas: Flu Outbreak Covers Campus”
A campus flu outbreak has swamped Student Health Services

“Vietnam Appeals for Help in Bird Flu Fight”
country is appealing for international aid to the United Nations

“A Case for Giving Children Flu Shots”
slash the number of deaths caused by influenza

“Bird Flu Spread By Humans In Thailand, Research Shows”
The girl and the mother died

“Michigan Health Officials Predict Rise”
State and local health officials in Oakland County Michigan are warning that influenza is upon Michigan.

“Bird Flu Alert Activated in Vietnam”
The alert level in Vietnam has been activated after reports of avian influenza

“Respiratory Infections Increase Heart Attack Risk ”
People who are ill with respiratory or urinary tract infections face a

“Japan Reports Country's First Human Bird Flu Case”
Japan reported its first human case of bird flu on

“Some States to Lift Flu Restrictions in January”
Experts have recommended that states with extra flu vaccine

“CDC Eases Restrictions on Flu Vaccine”
The CDC on Wednesday issued directive allowing states to expand

“Flu Vaccine Manufacturer Suspension Extended”
British regulators announced that the suspension of Chiron Corp.'s

“Asian Countries Respond to Virus Threat”
In order to prevent a widespread outbreak of the avian flu virus

“More Than 17 Million Flu Vaccine Doses Shipped in Six Weeks”
Over the last six weeks, 17.2 million influenza vaccine doses were shipped

“NIAID Launches Influenza Genome Sequencing Project”
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is teaming

“In Minnesota, Flu Vaccines Go Waiting”
Minnesota officials are stumped at the fact that many high-risk residents

“WHO Urges More Flu Vaccine Efforts Before Pandemic”
WHO is pressing drug makers to accelerate work on a vaccine against an influenza pandemic

“Experts Say It's Too Soon to Predict the Flu Season”
Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the CDC, reports that the flu season has gotten off to a slow start

“Stolen Flu Vaccine”
In Merced County, CA, about 900 doses of the flu vaccine were stolen

“Flu Fighter: Antiviral Medicines”
With few flu vaccine doses available this year, doctors are reminding high-risk

“NJ Imposes Fines for Not Following CDC Vaccination Guidelines”
New Jersey’s governor signed a bill on October 28th that gives

“New National Campaign Offers Americans Easy Ways to Prevent Infections”
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations is teaming up with

“More Doses on the Way and Additional Ways to Fight Flu”
Federal health officials have said that an additional 2.6 million doses of influenza

“Elderly Should Get Pneumococcal Vaccine”
The flu-shot shortage makes it more important for elderly

“Flu Season Threatens Productivity”
It is difficult to predict the impact of the flu

“Flu Shot Shortage”
Almost half of the nation's flu vaccine will not

“FluSTAR 2004-2005 Season”
The FluSTAR 2004-2005 season

“West Nile Virus Hitting West Hard”
West Nile Virus is making its presence known this year in the Southwest

“WHO Urges Action on Avian Influenza Outbreaks”
In the past 2 weeks, outbreaks of avian influenza have been confirmed

“West Nile Vaccine Progress”
Mosquito repellent and long sleeves are still the best measures of prevention

“Flu Shots Urged for Health Workers”
A new report from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases recommends several ways to increase

“Health Official Warns Against Forgetting About Flu for the Summer”
With summer approaching most people feel that they can forget about the flu. But health official Dr Jorge Magana

“Canadian Health Officials Look into Avian Influenza Strain”
British Columbia health officials may have found an influenza strain

“New York Man Had Avian Flu; Experts Puzzled”
Disease experts recently determined that a New York man had the H7N2 strain of influenza

“Flu Tough on Kids This Season”
At Texas Children’s Medical Center 722 children were treated for influenza between

“Flu Season in the Southern Hemisphere”
New Zealand health officials are urging people to receive influenza

“Antiviral Stockpile Urged”
Experts at discussions on sponsored by the WHO are urging the

“Final Word on Next Year’s Flu Vaccine”
On 3/17/2004 the FDA reached a decision on the components for next season’s influenza

“WHO to Host Meeting on Human Influenza Pandemic”
In an effort to prepare for a potential human influenza pandemic, the WHO is hosting

“New U.S Guidelines Stress Flu Shots for Babies ”
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends influenza immunization for healthy children

“Bad Habits Account for One-Third of American Deaths”
Poor eating habits, lack of exercise and smoking are the blame

“Influenza Claims 16 Lives in Nepal”
An influenza epidemic has claimed the lives of 16 people

“Bill May Extend Vaccination Practice to Pharmacists in Maryland”
Legislation pending approval by the Maryland General Assembly would allow pharmacists

“Animal Diseases Threaten Humans”
Scientists at the Fourth International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases in Atlanta

“New Flu Pandemic on Horizon?”
According to Dr. Kenji Fukuda of the CDC, a flu strain that makes the jump from birds to humans

“Long-Term Effort Needed to Prevent Avian Flu Spread”
The CDC is warning health officials worldwide they should prepare

“Experts Advise CDC on Flu Shots for All”
The experts are trying to decide if influenza vaccinations should

“Avian Influenza: Highly Pathogenic or Mild”
Avian influenza can be classified into two categories, low pathogenic or high pathogenic

“Flu Vaccine Selected for Next Season”
An FDA committee decided to add the flu strain that caused the most illness

“Vietnam Confirms 21st Case of Avian Influenza in Humans”
A fifteen year-old boy is the latest confirmed case of avian influenza in humans

“PA Strain of Bird Flu Different from DE and NJ Cases”
Tests have shown the avian flu in Pennsylvania is H2N2

“Flu Awareness May Have Slowed Season Down”
The CDC is reporting lower-than-average number of flu cases

“More Human Avian Flu Cases Likely”
The WHO has stated on it’s website that “It can be anticipated

“China Bans US Chicken”
China announced that is banning all US poultry

“Flu Season Retreats Quietly”
Although the 2003-2004 influenza season began early with a rush of infections

“China Denies Responsibility for Bird Flu”
Avian influenza or ‘bird flu’ has spread to 10 countries infecting mostly chickens and some

“Using Food Poisoning to Flight Flu”
Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that when they used

“Flu Continues to Decrease in the US”
The CDC has reported that Delaware is the only state left with

“China Denies Responsibility for Bird Flu”
Avian influenza or ‘bird flu’ has spread to 10 countries infecting mostly chickens and some

“Thailand Confirms 2 People with Bird Flu”
Outbreaks of avian influenza have hit six Asian nations, Cambodia

“Flu Activity Down but Related Deaths Up”
Last week there were only 5 states reporting widespread influenza activity

“Resurgence in Flu Possible”
Although flu seems to be on the way down, a spokesman for the CDC

“China Reports 4th Possible SARS Case”
Health officials in Hong Kong are making inquiries into a 4th possible

“Officials Say Flu May Be Peaking”
We are cautiously optimistic that, at least in some parts

“93 Children Have Died from Influenza this Season”
The CDC has reported that 93 children under the age of 18 have died

“Chicken Soup Takes on the Flu”
Some doctors and researchers say that chicken soup really does have an effect on colds

“Protecting Kids from Influenza”
Influenza is out there but there are things you can do to help protest your child.

“Influenza Deaths Hit Epidemic Level”
The flu is widespread in almost every state and the number of deaths due to influenza

“CDC: Flu Activity Now Widespread in 45 States”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the illness has hit hard in 10 more states since last

“Vaccines to Cover New Strain of Flu”
Australian health authorities are adding the Fujian flu strain to next year's flu vaccine

“Poll: Some Are Taking Flu Vaccines Lightly”
A recent Associated Press poll of 1,001 adults found that just 35 percent

“Upcoming Holidays May Help Spread Flu”
Gifts are not the only things that people will be bringing with them when the travel for the holidays.

“New Health Catchphrase: Respiratory Etiquette”
Respiratory etiquette is now practiced in hospitals to control the spread of influenza and other respiratory

“US Looks to Britain for Additional Vaccine Supply”
The US Health and Human Services Department has contracted to by 375,000 doses of influenza vaccine

“Focus Moves to Influenza Medications as Vaccine Supply Dwindles”
"If people do get ill or require a visit to the physician, or hospitalization, in particular, with a severe case of the flu,

“US Looking Overseas for Additional Flu Vaccine”
The U.S. government may yet be able to find more doses of the influenza vaccine by obtaining the shots from other countries where the vaccine is as safe as the U.S. version,

“CDC: Vaccine Offers Some Protection from Potent Flu Strain”
Although the current influenza vaccine available in the United States does not protect directly against the

“Schools Close Early for Thanksgiving”
Schools in southern Idaho closed 2 days before the Thanksgiving holiday.

“Influenza Claims Lives of Children in Colorado”
Health officials in Denver have reported that there are now four child deaths due to influenza

“Colorado Gets Slammed by Flu”
As of 11/182003 influenza cases had risen 300% over the previous week in Colorado.

“Flu Season Looking to be Worst in Decades”
The CDC reports that more than 10% of the specimens tested for influenza have been positive

“CDC Warns of Severe Flu Season”
The CDC warns that this influenza season will be a difficult one, an early start with a more severe strain

“Scotland Flu Spreads at Rapid Rates”
According to the clinical director of the Scottish Center for Infection and Environmental Health,

“‘Flu Chips’ to Bring Fast Testing Results ”
‘Flu chips’ are glass slides that will soon be providing doctors with fast, accurate testing results

“California’s Early Spike in Flu Cases Worry Doctors”
A high number of fall influenza cases in Northern California worries doctors

“Majority of Texans Avoided Flu Vaccine in 2002”
Over 70% of Texas residents did not get the influenza vaccination in 2002.

“Virulent Influenza Strain Kills Five Children in UK”
Britain's Health Protection Agency said Thursday that five children in the country have died

“Flu Kills More Americans than West Nile”
West Nile virus is still making headlines but you are far more likely to catch influenza than West Nile.

“Houston Hit Hard By Early Flu”
Emergency rooms in and around the Houston area are overflowing with patients with flu

“Meditation and the Flu”
A group of 25 meditators, taught to cultivate deep awareness of thoughts and feelings

“Norwalk Virus Responsible for Clearing Out School in Iowa”
Health officials in Iowa have confirmed cases of the Norwalk virus in Clinton county

“CDC: Flu Shots for Infants Recommended”
Last year the CDC encouraged vaccinations for children younger than

“Flu Arrives Early in Houston Experts Say”
As many as 15 cases of influenza have been reported already in Houston.

“Flu Vaccine for Healthcare: It’s Important to Give AND Receive”
The CDC is reminding those in the healthcare field that

“Influenza Season Starts with a September Outbreak in Dublin”
A school in Dublin, Ireland reported that students had symptoms of an influenza-like illness

“CDC: Flu Shots Will Not Limit SARS Alarms”
Although the CDC supports widespread influenza vaccination, they don’t think

“Australian Influenza Season Worries US Doctors”
US federal health officials are focusing attention on the influenza

“Making the Flu Shot More Effective”
Scientists are experimenting with cytokines added to the influenza vaccine

“New Avian Influenza Strain in Denmark Ducks”
A new strain of Avian Influenza, H5N7, has been identified in ducks in Denmark.

“Flu Shots: Helpful but Less Effective for Elderly”
The influenza vaccine is urged for people over 50 because they are most vulnerable

“Bioterrorism and Influenza Study”
Scientists at Stanford University have been awarded a grant to study how influenza might

“Melbourne, Australia Catches Worst Flu in Years”
The WHO says Melbourne is having the worst outbreak of influenza in five years

“Flu Hits Late but Hard in Australia”
Residents of Townsville, Australia thought they had made it through the peak of influenza season

“New SARS Case in Singapore”
An ethnic Chinese Singapore citizen has tested positive for SARS

“Adults with Asthma Not Getting Flu Shot”
Adults with asthma are considered a high risk group for developing complications

“CDC Report Inconclusive on Children's Deaths in Michigan ”
During the 2002-2003 influenza season, at least 4 children in Michigan died

“Treating Flu Sufferers Worth the Cost”
A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine concludes that treating people

“New Viruses to Appear Around the World”
Dr. Richard Lee of the University of Buffalo calls the spread of SARS a classic example

“CDC Says Everyone Can Receive Vaccine in October”
There is plenty of vaccine this year for everyone to get their dose.

“South Africa: Businesses Suffer from Cold and Flu”
Over the last four months influenza and colds have been taking their toll individuals and businesses.

“We’re Preparing for a Biologic Attack, Are We Prepared for a Flu Attack?”
Health officials are voicing their concern that many diseases such as influenza are dropping in importance.

“Influenza Responsible for Recent SARS Scare”
As WHO was lifting the last travel advisories for SARS, fears were renewed in Hong Kong when

“Positive Outlook May Help Fight Viruses”
According to a recent study, people who are energetic, happy and relaxed are less likely to catch

“West Nile Virus Beginning to Show Up”
In Maryland trapped mosquitoes are testing positive for West Nile Virus.

“Canada Needs to Prepare for Next Epidemic”
A report presented to the Canadian Federal Government says Canada needs an ethical

“Virginia Taking Precautions Against Avian Influenza”
Poultry brought into Virginia is being tested for avian influenza in order to prevent an outbreak

“Vaccination’s Next Step: Teens”
Toddlers already get up to 20 vaccinations.

“Taiwan Begins Anti-Flu Program to Help Combat SARS”
Taiwan is pushing influenza vaccines this year to prevent flu,

“New Zealand Hit Hard By Flu Season”
Hospitals in New Zealand are overflowing with patients complaining of influenza like illness

“Health Experts Worry About SARS Recurrence”
WHO warns that it will be difficult to detect a recurrence of SARS next winter because those infected

“Flu Vaccine Supply Status for 2003-2004 Season”
The CDC has stated that the 84.5-91 million vaccine doses produced

“Nasal Influenza Vaccine Approved”
The FDA approved the live vaccine on June 17.

“SARS Contained…For Now”
The Director General of WHO announced that SARS has “been stopped dead in its tracks.”

“Influenza in Nepal Sickens Hundreds”
A strain of influenza is responsible for sickening more than 700 people

“Zoonotic Diseases: Influenza, SARS, Monkey Pox”
Zoonotic Diseases: Influenza, SARS, Monkey Pox

“Southern Hemisphere Flu Season in Full Swing”
A police training college has 700 recruits down with influenza since 5/29/2003

“Newly Detected Virus May Cause Infections”
Yale University researchers have conducted a study that retested lab samples from 296 children with respiratory illness symptoms, collected between 2001 and 2002.

“SARS Surfaces in Ontario Once More”
Ontario health officials have quarantined more than 5000 people. There have been 29 new

“WHO Expert Fears Influenza More than SARS”
Dr. Klaus Stohr leader of WHO’s influenza program and head of the agency’s SARS investigation, says the influenza crisis poses a greater threat to world health than SARS

“Avoiding Confusion: Doctors Ask Patients to Get Influenza Vaccine”
With SARS still spreading and the southern hemisphere’s influenza season beginning, doctors hope that if people get their flu shots

“Lyme Disease Will Make a Comeback This Summer”
Residents in Connecticut are already turning in ticks to screening labs to be tested for Lyme Disease

“What is SARS?”
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS, is a condition in which affected individuals

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