Pandemic News and Research

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A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. During a pandemic, transmission can be anticipated in the workplace, not only from patient to workers in health care settings, but also among co-workers in general work settings. A pandemic would cause high levels of illness, death, social disruption, and economic loss. Everyday life would be disrupted because so many people in so many places become seriously ill at the same time. Impacts could range from school and business closings to the interruption of basic services such as public transportation and food delivery.

Research suggests that lack of sleep may be contributing to the obesity pandemic

The recent rise in obesity may be partly due to the reduced amount of time we spend asleep, according to new research from the University of Bristol, UK.

6 Dec 2004

Canadian experts gather to address emerging issues in immunization

More than 800 physicians, nurses, public health experts and researchers are gathering in Montreal this week for the sixth Canadian Immunization Conference, running Dec. 5-8, 2004. The conference is being hosted by the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society.

6 Dec 2004

Australian Government's decision to purchase sufficient influenza vaccine for the next three seasons is good health planning

Australian Medical Association Vice President, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, has said the Australian Government's decision to purchase sufficient influenza vaccine for the next three seasons is good health planning.

6 Dec 2004

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs)

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) have been the subject of a great deal of investigation in recent years. It has been established that HERVs cause some genetic diseases and there is strong circumstantial evidence for a link to some types of cancer and autoimmune diseases, but what else do we need to know about these unique organisms?

4 Dec 2004

Study gives U.S.a 'C' grade for reproductive health

In a comprehensive study released today by Population Action International (PAI) - an independent policy and research organization based in Washington, D.C. - the United States ranks 16th and receives a "C" on a list of 21 donor countries graded according to their financial and political support for international reproductive health and population programs.

2 Dec 2004

Joint collaboration to fight avian influenza

Recognizing the pandemic potential and the threat to public health posed by the Avian Influenza, Health Ministers and senior officials of thirteen countries from Southeast and East Asian countries have pledged to accelerate joint collaboration in fighting the disease.

29 Nov 2004

SARS outbreak unlikely according to World Health Organization

The regional head of the World Health Organization said today that it was possible the region would experience SARS cases this winter, but he doubted the situation would be serious. "I don't think a large outbreak is likely," said Dr Shigeru Omi, Regional Director of WHO's Western Pacific Regional Office.

29 Nov 2004

$10.4 million to provide support for HIV/AIDS research in Peru, Thailand, Cambodia and Russia

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson has announced four new grants totaling $10.4 million to provide support for HIV/AIDS research in Peru, Thailand, Cambodia and Russia, four nations that have been hard hit by the AIDS epidemic.

19 Nov 2004

Generic antipsychotic drugs can protect brain cells from progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

Generic antipsychotic drugs can protect brain cells from a virus that causes a fatal nervous system disorder, according to research conducted at Brown University and Case Western Reserve University.

18 Nov 2004

Infectious diseases physicians call for financial incentives for industry

In the midst of the current national shortage of influenza vaccine, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has renewed its call for Congress and the Administration to implement innovative public policy geared toward removing financial disincentives that have caused pharmaceutical companies to leave the vaccine market.

25 Oct 2004

New law will help stop litigation abuse against vaccines

U.S. Senator Larry Craig announced that legislation will be signed into law in a few days by President Bush which will help avert future flu vaccine shortages.

21 Oct 2004

SARS survivor to share his personal and professional experience of SARS

A Hong Kong SARS survivor who helped lead the territory's response to the disease from his hospital bed will be sharing his personal and professional experience of SARS at an international conference in Wellington next month.

13 Oct 2004

Influenza expert is beginning a three-year direct comparison of flu shots versus nasal spray flu vaccine

Flu shots have been around since World War II, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has long recommended shots as a way to prevent influenza in the elderly. The approval of a new nasal spray vaccine begs the question whether those looking to stave off the flu should stick with the tried and true injection or switch to the nasal spray.

13 Oct 2004

Pandemic News and Research

Further Reading

Research suggests that lack of sleep may be contributing to the obesity pandemic

Canadian experts gather to address emerging issues in immunization

Australian Government's decision to purchase sufficient influenza vaccine for the next three seasons is good health planning

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs)

Study gives U.S.a 'C' grade for reproductive health

Joint collaboration to fight avian influenza

SARS outbreak unlikely according to World Health Organization

$10.4 million to provide support for HIV/AIDS research in Peru, Thailand, Cambodia and Russia

Generic antipsychotic drugs can protect brain cells from progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

Infectious diseases physicians call for financial incentives for industry

New law will help stop litigation abuse against vaccines

SARS survivor to share his personal and professional experience of SARS

Influenza expert is beginning a three-year direct comparison of flu shots versus nasal spray flu vaccine

Influenza is a contagious disease caused by an RNA virus of the orthomyxoviridae family

Thailand's Ministry of Public Health has today confirmed a further case of human infection with H5N1 avian influenza

ID Biomedical awarded US$9.5 million to develop its cell culture-based influenza vaccine

Last year over 36,000 Americans died from exposure to the flu

Chiron CEO to appear before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging

China falls victim to deadly alliance of Formula One and British American Tobacco

Aventis Pasteur to manufacture and store 2 million doses of avian influenza H5N1 vaccine

Best practices - optimize qPCR processes for pathogen detection eBook

Decoding Cannabis: Differentiating Hemp and Marijuana

Deciphering the Microbiome with The Microsetta Initiative

Leveraging the power of automation to boost research

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