*Key Flu Indicators*

Each week CDC analyzes information about influenza disease activity in the United
States and publishes findings of key flu indicators in a report called FluView [
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/ ]. During the week of December 27, 2009-January 2,
2010, most key indicators declined compared to the previous week. Below is a summary
of the most recent key indicators:

  * Visits to doctors [ http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm ] for influenza-like
illness (ILI) nationally decreased this week over last week. Visits to doctors for
ILI also are examined by region. ILI increased in 4 regions, but decreased in 6
regions of the country.
  * Overall hospitalization [ http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm#HS ] rates for
this season were unchanged from the previous week in all age groups.
  * The proportion of deaths  [ http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm#MS
]attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) based on the 122 Cities Report
decreased over the previous week and is back below the epidemic threshold. (The
epidemic threshold is the point at which the observed proportion of deaths
attributed to pneumonia or influenza is significantly higher than would be
expected at that time of the year in the absence of substantial influenza-related
mortality.) In addition, another four
 flu-related pediatric deaths [ http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/updates/us/#pedh1n1cases
] were reported this week: all four of these deaths were associated with laboratory
confirmed 2009 H1N1. Since April 2009, CDC has received reports of 293
laboratory-confirmed pediatric deaths: 248 due to 2009 H1N1, 43 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.
 (Laboratory-confirmed deaths are thought to represent an undercount [
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/estimates_2009_h1n1.htm#UnderCounting#UnderCounting ] of
the actual number. CDC has provided estimates about the number of 2009 H1N1 cases
and related hospitalizations and deaths [
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/estimates_2009_h1n1.htm ].
  * One state (Alabama) continues to report widespread influenza activity [
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/updates/us/ ]; a decline of three states from last
week.  Twelve states continue to report regional influenza activity. They are:
California, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey,
New Mexico, New York, Tennessee, and Virginia.
 

Drug firms cashed in on scare over swine flu, claims Euro health chief

The swine flu outbreak was a 'false pandemic' driven by drug companies that stood to make billions of pounds from a worldwide scare, a leading health expert has claimed.

Wolfgang Wodarg, head of health at the Council of Europe, accused the makers of flu drugs and vaccines of influencing the World Health Organisation's decision to declare a pandemic.

Starting Wednesday, December 16, the Kent County Health Department will make it even easier to get the H1N1 vaccine.

Appointments will run from 8:15 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4:30
p.m. and can be made online at stickittotheflu.com or by calling 2-1-1 or (616) 459-2255.  These clinics will be held at the Fuller, Wyoming, and North County clinics (see list below).  Vaccination will be offered on business days at KCHD through Thursday, December 31. There is no cost to be vaccinated at the Kent County Health Department. However, people with insurance are asked to bring their insurance card.

WOOD-TV.com has a broad range of articles to do with H1N1 influenza. Check it out here.

 

Kent County residents who are at high risk for complications from novel H1N1 influenza may reserve their spot at upcoming vaccination clinics at the Kent County Health Department (KCHD). Clinics dates and times are as follows:

          8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, November 14
          8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, November 21
Vaccines will be administered by reservation only at the following KCHD clinic locations:

Main Clinic - 700 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (Click here for map )

Sheldon Clinic - 121 Franklin St. SE Ste. 130, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 (Click here for map)

Many countries are pouring millions into orders for swine flu vaccine from pharmaceutical companies.
But one country is taking a different approach.

The Irish Independent reports that the some Canadian provinces have suspended the 'normal' seasonal flu shots for anyone under 65 in response to a recent study there. However, the vaccine suspensions do not apply for people over 65.

The study suggests that people vaccinated against seasonal flu are actually twice as likely to catch swine flu.

But plans vary across the provinces of Canada. Last month, British Columbia announced it is suspending seasonal flu shots for anyone under 65 years old, joining Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Nova Scotia in halting the immunizations.

 



Confused about what constitutes the flu and what doesn't? How do YOU know when to take yourself or your child or loved one in to the doctor and when to stay home and rest?

We found this chart helpful, and hope you do, too.

President Obama declares swine flu a national emergency

A presidential declaration was signed Friday evening and revealed Saturday, October 24.  Declaring a
national emergency means the government has broad powers to direct events and enforce restrictions.

Yahoo News reports, "Administration officials said the declaration was a pre-emptive move designed to make decisions easier when they need to be made. Officials said the move was not in response to any single development.

"Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius now has authority to bypass federal rules when opening alternative care sites, such as offsite hospital centers at schools or community centers if hospitals seek permission.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states on their main flu Web site
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/ that flu activity is increasing in the United States, with most states reporting "widespread influenza activity."

The CDC goes on to say, and I quote:

"So far, most flu is 2009 H1N1 flu (sometimes called "swine flu")."

But wait -- stop the presses.

About.com answers the question: Where Can I Find a Flu Shot?

When flu season comes around each year, millions of people are considered in the high risk category and should be getting flu shots. And most years, there are enough flu shots to go around so that anyone who wants one should be able to get one. If you are among the many people who either need or want a flu shot, you may be left wondering where to get one. Here are some options:

• Doctor's Office
• Health Departments  -- (616) 742-4FLU
• Pharmacies
• Many offices offer flu shots for employees
• Your local newspaper may list flu clinic locations
• Flu Clinic Locator from the American Lung Association

[In our continuing effort to get you the information you need to make wise decisions about your health, we continue to search for information all over the web that might help you make those tough decisions now, and be prepared for what comes in the future. Here are a few articles we think you should read. Some are longer, some are covering controversial topics, but YOU are in the driver's seat in making the decisions that affect your health - ed.]

State of Washington Health Department Suspends Mercury Restrictions for Swine Flu Vaccine

In preparation for swine-flu vaccinations next month, the state of Washington's Health Department has temporarily suspended a rule that limits the amount of a mercury preservative in vaccines given to pregnant women and children under the age of 3.

Thimerosal has been eliminated from most vaccines in the United States, and the compound may  be linked to autism. But it will be added to the bulk of swine-flu vaccines.