the Infectious diseases community of South Africa

LAIV and TIV vaccines appear to offer protection against A/H1N1 virus

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:23:00 +0200

Immunization with either live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV, also known as FluMist®), or trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV), appears to offer a protection (~ 45%) against the novel A/H1N1 virus, the cause of the present influenza pandemic. However, the benefit was largely attributed to the youngest age group. The finding emerges from an evaluation of medical encounters and seasonal influenza immunization of U.S. military service members.
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New rotavirus vaccine now available at all SA clinics

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:28:00 +0200

In South Africa approximately six children die a day from severe rotavirus gastroenteritis.¹, ² This devastating disease causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting, as well as mortality and morbidity in children under five.
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Japanese data suggests a protocol for schools to follow during H1N! pandemic

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:03:00 +0200

As flu season approaches in the northern hemisphere, parents around the country are starting to face school closures. However, flu is one of those illnesses that can strike any time of the year, and when it comes to H1Ni (swine flu), how should schools react?
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Study indicates possibility of a vaccine to prevent Group B Streptococcus infection

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:31:00 +0200

Scientists supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, have completed a Phase II clinical study that indicates a vaccine to prevent Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection is possible. GBS is the most common cause of sepsis and meningitis in newborns in the United States, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It can also cause severe illness in pregnant women, the elderly and adults with chronic illnesses. Colonization of the genital or gastrointestinal tract is a critical risk factor for infections due to GBS.
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130 million children to be immunised against pneumonia

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:24:00 +0200

GAVI plan offers 'historic opportunity' to immunize 130 million children and further reduce mortality.
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Wildlife Conservation Society to monitor diseases for preventing global pandemic

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:09:00 +0200

USAID develops initiative to monitor diseases that move between animals and people.
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New news on H1N1

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:56:00 +0200

Patients with severe cases of the H1N1 virus are at risk for developing severe complications.
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Impact of swine flu Australia, NZ revealed

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:29:00 +0200

A three-month study reveals the impact of swine flu on the health of the general public in Australia and New Zealand.
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New measles vaccination methods to reduce costs and improve safety

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:09:00 +0200

Worldwide, there are estimated to be 10 million cases of measles and 197 000 deaths from the disease each year. While vaccines exist to protect children against measles, the vaccines are often difficult to store, costly to transport and may be prone to contamination when shipped to developing countries. Research to be presented at the 2009 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Annual Meeting and Exposition will reveal new methods for delivering measles vaccines that could potentially reduce costs and improve safety.
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Contagious diseases more prevalent due to 'presenteeism'

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:25:00 +0200

While employers may celebrate a low absenteeism rate among their employees, there may be a more serious problem if sick employees are coming to work.
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