The year 2010 was declared as year of the lungs to recognize that hundreds of millions of people around the world suffer each year from treatable and preventable chronic respiratory diseases. This initiative acknowledges that lung health has long been neglected in public discourses, and understands the need to unify different health advocates behind one purpose of lung health, informed Dr Nils Billo, Chair of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS). Read more
Showing posts with label Swine Flu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Swine Flu. Show all posts
2010 is Year of the Lungs
The year 2010 was declared as year of the lungs to recognize that hundreds of millions of people around the world suffer each year from treatable and preventable chronic respiratory diseases. This initiative acknowledges that lung health has long been neglected in public discourses, and understands the need to unify different health advocates behind one purpose of lung health, informed Dr Nils Billo, Chair of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS). Read more
World now in early days of 2009 influenza pandemic
World now in early days of 2009 influenza pandemic
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared on 11 June 2009 that 'swine' flu (or influenza caused by H1N1 virus) is a pandemic.
"On the basis of available evidence, and these expert assessments of the evidence, the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met. I have therefore decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6" said Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the WHO in a press statement issued on 11 June 2009. "The world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic" further said Dr Chan.
"We are in the earliest days of the pandemic. The virus is spreading under a close and careful watch. No previous pandemic has been detected so early or watched so closely, in real-time, right at the very beginning. The world can now reap the benefits of investments, over the last five years, in pandemic preparedness. We have a head start. This places us in a strong position. But it also creates a demand for advice and reassurance in the midst of limited data and considerable scientific uncertainty" cautioned Dr Chan.
The virus is contagious, spreading easily from one person to another, and from one country to another. As of today, nearly 30,000 confirmed cases have been reported in 74 countries.
This is only part of the picture. With few exceptions, countries with large numbers of cases are those with good surveillance and testing procedures in place.
Spread in several countries can no longer be traced to clearly-defined chains of human-to-human transmission. Further spread is considered inevitable.
"Thanks to close monitoring, thorough investigations, and frank reporting from countries, we have some early snapshots depicting spread of the virus and the range of illness it can cause" said Dr Chan.
"We know, too, that this early, patchy picture can change very quickly. The virus writes the rules and this one, like all influenza viruses, can change the rules, without rhyme or reason, at any time.
Globally, we have good reason to believe that this pandemic, at least in its early days, will be of moderate severity. As we know from experience, severity can vary, depending on many factors, from one country to another" said Dr Chan.
On present evidence, the overwhelming majority of patients experience mild symptoms and make a rapid and full recovery, often in the absence of any form of medical treatment.
Worldwide, the number of deaths is small. "Each and every one of these deaths is tragic, and we have to brace ourselves to see more. However, we do not expect to see a sudden and dramatic jump in the number of severe or fatal infections" said Dr Chan.
The H1N1 virus preferentially infects younger people. In nearly all areas with large and sustained outbreaks, the majority of cases have occurred in people under the age of 25 years.
In some of these countries, around 2% of cases have developed severe illness, often with very rapid progression to life-threatening pneumonia.
Most cases of severe and fatal infections have been in adults between the ages of 30 and 50 years.
This pattern is significantly different from that seen during epidemics of seasonal influenza, when most deaths occur in frail elderly people.
Many, though not all, severe cases have occurred in people with underlying chronic conditions. "Based on limited, preliminary data, conditions most frequently seen include respiratory diseases, notably asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and obesity" said Dr Chan.
At the same time, it is important to note that around one third to half of the severe and fatal infections are occurring in previously healthy young and middle-aged people.
"Without question, pregnant women are at increased risk of complications. This heightened risk takes on added importance for a virus, like this one, that preferentially infects younger age groups" added Dr Chan.
"Finally, and perhaps of greatest concern, we do not know how this virus will behave under conditions typically found in the developing world. To date, the vast majority of cases have been detected and investigated in comparatively well-off countries" cautioned Dr Chan.
"Let me underscore two of many reasons for this concern. First, more than 99% of maternal deaths, which are a marker of poor quality care during pregnancy and childbirth, occurs in the developing world. Second, around 85% of the burden of chronic diseases is concentrated in low- and middle-income countries" said Dr Chan.
Although the pandemic appears to have moderate severity in comparatively well-off countries, it is prudent to anticipate a bleaker picture as the virus spreads to areas with limited resources, poor health care, and a high prevalence of underlying medical problems.
"A characteristic feature of pandemics is their rapid spread to all parts of the world. In the previous century, this spread has typically taken around 6 to 9 months, even during times when most international travel was by ship or rail" said Dr Chan.
Countries should prepare to see cases, or the further spread of cases, in the near future. Countries where outbreaks appear to have peaked should prepare for a second wave of infection, according to Dr Chan's statement to the press.
Guidance on specific protective and precautionary measures has been sent to ministries of health in all countries. Countries with no or only a few cases should remain vigilant.
Countries with widespread transmission should focus on the appropriate management of patients. The testing and investigation of patients should be limited, as such measures are resource intensive and can very quickly strain capacities.
"WHO has been in close dialogue with influenza vaccine manufacturers. I understand that production of vaccines for seasonal influenza will be completed soon, and that full capacity will be available to ensure the largest possible supply of pandemic vaccine in the months to come. Pending the availability of vaccines, several non-pharmaceutical interventions can confer some protection" said Dr Chan.
WHO continues to recommend no restrictions on travel and no border closures as per Dr Chan's statement.
Influenza pandemics, whether moderate or severe, are remarkable events because of the almost universal susceptibility of the world’s population to infection.
"We are all in this together, and we will all get through this, together" said Dr Chan.
- Bobby Ramakant
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared on 11 June 2009 that 'swine' flu (or influenza caused by H1N1 virus) is a pandemic.
"On the basis of available evidence, and these expert assessments of the evidence, the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met. I have therefore decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6" said Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the WHO in a press statement issued on 11 June 2009. "The world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic" further said Dr Chan.
"We are in the earliest days of the pandemic. The virus is spreading under a close and careful watch. No previous pandemic has been detected so early or watched so closely, in real-time, right at the very beginning. The world can now reap the benefits of investments, over the last five years, in pandemic preparedness. We have a head start. This places us in a strong position. But it also creates a demand for advice and reassurance in the midst of limited data and considerable scientific uncertainty" cautioned Dr Chan.
The virus is contagious, spreading easily from one person to another, and from one country to another. As of today, nearly 30,000 confirmed cases have been reported in 74 countries.
This is only part of the picture. With few exceptions, countries with large numbers of cases are those with good surveillance and testing procedures in place.
Spread in several countries can no longer be traced to clearly-defined chains of human-to-human transmission. Further spread is considered inevitable.
"Thanks to close monitoring, thorough investigations, and frank reporting from countries, we have some early snapshots depicting spread of the virus and the range of illness it can cause" said Dr Chan.
"We know, too, that this early, patchy picture can change very quickly. The virus writes the rules and this one, like all influenza viruses, can change the rules, without rhyme or reason, at any time.
Globally, we have good reason to believe that this pandemic, at least in its early days, will be of moderate severity. As we know from experience, severity can vary, depending on many factors, from one country to another" said Dr Chan.
On present evidence, the overwhelming majority of patients experience mild symptoms and make a rapid and full recovery, often in the absence of any form of medical treatment.
Worldwide, the number of deaths is small. "Each and every one of these deaths is tragic, and we have to brace ourselves to see more. However, we do not expect to see a sudden and dramatic jump in the number of severe or fatal infections" said Dr Chan.
The H1N1 virus preferentially infects younger people. In nearly all areas with large and sustained outbreaks, the majority of cases have occurred in people under the age of 25 years.
In some of these countries, around 2% of cases have developed severe illness, often with very rapid progression to life-threatening pneumonia.
Most cases of severe and fatal infections have been in adults between the ages of 30 and 50 years.
This pattern is significantly different from that seen during epidemics of seasonal influenza, when most deaths occur in frail elderly people.
Many, though not all, severe cases have occurred in people with underlying chronic conditions. "Based on limited, preliminary data, conditions most frequently seen include respiratory diseases, notably asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and obesity" said Dr Chan.
At the same time, it is important to note that around one third to half of the severe and fatal infections are occurring in previously healthy young and middle-aged people.
"Without question, pregnant women are at increased risk of complications. This heightened risk takes on added importance for a virus, like this one, that preferentially infects younger age groups" added Dr Chan.
"Finally, and perhaps of greatest concern, we do not know how this virus will behave under conditions typically found in the developing world. To date, the vast majority of cases have been detected and investigated in comparatively well-off countries" cautioned Dr Chan.
"Let me underscore two of many reasons for this concern. First, more than 99% of maternal deaths, which are a marker of poor quality care during pregnancy and childbirth, occurs in the developing world. Second, around 85% of the burden of chronic diseases is concentrated in low- and middle-income countries" said Dr Chan.
Although the pandemic appears to have moderate severity in comparatively well-off countries, it is prudent to anticipate a bleaker picture as the virus spreads to areas with limited resources, poor health care, and a high prevalence of underlying medical problems.
"A characteristic feature of pandemics is their rapid spread to all parts of the world. In the previous century, this spread has typically taken around 6 to 9 months, even during times when most international travel was by ship or rail" said Dr Chan.
Countries should prepare to see cases, or the further spread of cases, in the near future. Countries where outbreaks appear to have peaked should prepare for a second wave of infection, according to Dr Chan's statement to the press.
Guidance on specific protective and precautionary measures has been sent to ministries of health in all countries. Countries with no or only a few cases should remain vigilant.
Countries with widespread transmission should focus on the appropriate management of patients. The testing and investigation of patients should be limited, as such measures are resource intensive and can very quickly strain capacities.
"WHO has been in close dialogue with influenza vaccine manufacturers. I understand that production of vaccines for seasonal influenza will be completed soon, and that full capacity will be available to ensure the largest possible supply of pandemic vaccine in the months to come. Pending the availability of vaccines, several non-pharmaceutical interventions can confer some protection" said Dr Chan.
WHO continues to recommend no restrictions on travel and no border closures as per Dr Chan's statement.
Influenza pandemics, whether moderate or severe, are remarkable events because of the almost universal susceptibility of the world’s population to infection.
"We are all in this together, and we will all get through this, together" said Dr Chan.
- Bobby Ramakant
Press Does a Reality Check On Swine Flu
Press Does a Reality Check On Swine Flu
Anjali Singh
Lucknow: It was a much needed briefing and it sure caught the media's attention. But then owing to the hype and scare over swine flu the session that was organised for media person's at the Lucknow Press Club was one that was long over due not to mention a very welcome one as well.
While it is customary to reserve one hour every fortnight on the second and fourth Friday of every month for children issues to be discussed with the press, under the Media for Children Hour, this time the organisers of the event UNICEF and Media Nest decided they would make an exception.
So the H1N1 virus was discussed threadbare instead and how!
The main message Dr Abner Daniel, Health Specialist, UNICEF Lucknow had for the press who turned up for the presentation was-Do not panic, but be prepared.
"The H1N1 flu virus that has caused grave concern all over the world as a highly contagious disease, what makes it even more formidable is that there is no vaccine yet for the disease though work is going on to develop one," informed Dr Daniel.
Responding to queries Dr Daniel further stressed that there was no cause for alarm in India yet as not a single case of the virus has been reported. "Fortunately the hot and humid weather conditions of India are not friendly to this virus and that is why no cases have been reported in the country. The virus is just like cold causing virus so it needs a cold climate to survive. Nevertheless the best way of preventing the H1N1 virus from spreading is to be fully informed about it. There is very little known about it so far, therefore it is necessary to take adequate precautions just as it is done when we contract the common flu Special attention must be paid to hand hygiene etc."
So why is India panicking?
To which he answered "The government is taking adequate measures of checking anyone with the signs of cough and cold from entering the country and that is the right way of blocking the virus. The virus is in the fifth stage of a pandemic, so what is being done is required. But one thing must be clear that it does not spread from animal to human but human to human. The virus is made up of avian virus and swine virus which cannot be transmitted to humans. What is spreading now is doing so from human to human and not animal to human," explained Dr Abner.
He further added that the virus cannot spread by eating pork and he also cleared doubts when asked if every case of cold and fever must be checked and looked upon with upon with suspicion, "Though the symptoms do resemble that of common cold, until proper examination is done it cannot be ruled out. I feel it's in the interest of society that such precautions, no matter how inconvenient, must be taken.This is for the safety of the people themselves and they should not obstruct such work, but willingly surrender to such checks,” he advised.
But making it quite clear that while those in the age group of 18-40 are at risk of contracting the virus more as they travel around a lot, he also cautioned that since the virus attacks the immunity of the person, senior citizens and children are specially susceptible. "But in India we not panic as not a single case has yet been reported," he added.
According to Augustine Veliath, Communication Specialist and co-host of the media nest the interaction cum discussion on the swine flu was both vital and topical.
"As a new type of influenza virus that has spread in 24 countries and caused 42 deaths, with 2371 confirmed cases reported so far. It is thus important to know about this virus. I am Hopeful that it will truly add meaning to the phrase “prevention is better than cure.”
Kulsum Talha, General Secretary, Media Nest, described the situation as a ‘public health emergency,” and said that subject chosen for sensitizing journalists this fortnight is not only topical but of vital interest to the society.
Well no doubt about that!
Anjali Singh
- Special Correspondent, Citizen News Service (CNS)
- Director, Saaksham Foundation
Email: anjali@citizen-news.org, website: www.citizen-news.org
Anjali Singh
Lucknow: It was a much needed briefing and it sure caught the media's attention. But then owing to the hype and scare over swine flu the session that was organised for media person's at the Lucknow Press Club was one that was long over due not to mention a very welcome one as well.
While it is customary to reserve one hour every fortnight on the second and fourth Friday of every month for children issues to be discussed with the press, under the Media for Children Hour, this time the organisers of the event UNICEF and Media Nest decided they would make an exception.
So the H1N1 virus was discussed threadbare instead and how!
The main message Dr Abner Daniel, Health Specialist, UNICEF Lucknow had for the press who turned up for the presentation was-Do not panic, but be prepared.
"The H1N1 flu virus that has caused grave concern all over the world as a highly contagious disease, what makes it even more formidable is that there is no vaccine yet for the disease though work is going on to develop one," informed Dr Daniel.
Responding to queries Dr Daniel further stressed that there was no cause for alarm in India yet as not a single case of the virus has been reported. "Fortunately the hot and humid weather conditions of India are not friendly to this virus and that is why no cases have been reported in the country. The virus is just like cold causing virus so it needs a cold climate to survive. Nevertheless the best way of preventing the H1N1 virus from spreading is to be fully informed about it. There is very little known about it so far, therefore it is necessary to take adequate precautions just as it is done when we contract the common flu Special attention must be paid to hand hygiene etc."
So why is India panicking?
To which he answered "The government is taking adequate measures of checking anyone with the signs of cough and cold from entering the country and that is the right way of blocking the virus. The virus is in the fifth stage of a pandemic, so what is being done is required. But one thing must be clear that it does not spread from animal to human but human to human. The virus is made up of avian virus and swine virus which cannot be transmitted to humans. What is spreading now is doing so from human to human and not animal to human," explained Dr Abner.
He further added that the virus cannot spread by eating pork and he also cleared doubts when asked if every case of cold and fever must be checked and looked upon with upon with suspicion, "Though the symptoms do resemble that of common cold, until proper examination is done it cannot be ruled out. I feel it's in the interest of society that such precautions, no matter how inconvenient, must be taken.This is for the safety of the people themselves and they should not obstruct such work, but willingly surrender to such checks,” he advised.
But making it quite clear that while those in the age group of 18-40 are at risk of contracting the virus more as they travel around a lot, he also cautioned that since the virus attacks the immunity of the person, senior citizens and children are specially susceptible. "But in India we not panic as not a single case has yet been reported," he added.
According to Augustine Veliath, Communication Specialist and co-host of the media nest the interaction cum discussion on the swine flu was both vital and topical.
"As a new type of influenza virus that has spread in 24 countries and caused 42 deaths, with 2371 confirmed cases reported so far. It is thus important to know about this virus. I am Hopeful that it will truly add meaning to the phrase “prevention is better than cure.”
Kulsum Talha, General Secretary, Media Nest, described the situation as a ‘public health emergency,” and said that subject chosen for sensitizing journalists this fortnight is not only topical but of vital interest to the society.
Well no doubt about that!
Anjali Singh
- Special Correspondent, Citizen News Service (CNS)
- Director, Saaksham Foundation
Email: anjali@citizen-news.org, website: www.citizen-news.org
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)