Monday, January 28, 2013
In a few weeks, scientists plan to resume research on the deadly flu virus, which some fear could become more contagious to humans.
Research into the deadly bird flu virus that was halted in January 2011 will likely start up again within the next few weeks, according to a health report by The New York Times. Plans to resume experiments with the virus are in place now that countries have adopted new rules to ensure safety. Research was suspended after two labs in the Netherlands and the U.S. reported they had created easier-to-spread versions of bird flu — by genetically manipulating the virus, researchers created a strain that became airborne and spread between ferrets. According to WebMD, ferrets are commonly used in studies on human flu viruses, as almost all of the viruses spread easily among the animals. Concerns were that terrorists might use the research …
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Does a flu shot cause the flu? Do healthy people need a shot? Peachtree Corners readers here are the answers to some popular myths.
The flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family. However, misconceptions about vaccination persist. Here are seven common myths about flu and vaccination. Flu Myth #1 A Flu Shot Causes the Flu No, a flu shot cannot cause flu illness. The influenza viruses contained in a flu shot are inactivated (killed), which means they cannot cause infection. Flu vaccine manufacturers kill the viruses used in the vaccine during the process of making vaccine, and batches of flu vaccine are tested to make sure they are safe. In randomized, blinded studies, where some people get flu shots and others get salt-water shots, the only differences in symptoms was increased soreness in the arm and redness at the injection site among people …
Monday, January 7, 2013
Georgia is among 29 states and New York City now reporting high incidents of "influenza-like illness." Experts say everyone should get a flu vaccination.
Twenty-nine states, including Georgia, are now reporting high incidents of influenza-like illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The information is for the week ending Dec. 29. The flu season normally peaks in January and February, still experts say the recent reports are higher than normal. "Reports of influenza-like-illness (ILI) are nearing what have been peak levels during moderately severe seasons,” said Dr. Joe Bresee, Chief of the Epidemiology and Prevention Branch in the CDC’s Influenza Division, in a CDC press release. "Anyone who has not already been vaccinated should do so now." In addition, the CDC continues to recommend influenza vaccination and antiviral treatment when appropriate at this time. …
