News Tagged ‘pandemic’

H1N1 pandemic is over but virus is not gone for good

h1n1 graphicThe H1N1 pandemic is over, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced this week. The strain of influenza killed about 18,500 worldwide since it emerged during the spring of 2009, and spurred a flurry of mass vaccination programs. The organization warns that the announcement doesn’t mean the H1N1 virus has gone away. Rather, it is expected to take on the behavior of a seasonal flu virus and circulate primarily during the winter months over the next several years. During the pandemic, the H1N1 virus spread into other seasons, dominating other seasonal influenza viruses.

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FDA approves new flu vaccines but warns of seizure risk in young kids

vaccine bottle, syringe cartoonVaccines for the 2010-2011 flu season in the United States have been approved by the (), but they also include a warning of fever and febrile seizures in young children.

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H1N1 vaccine coming at pivotal time

h1n1 vaccination“We are now in a position never before experienced in the history of influenza,” said Dr. Margaret Hamburg, Commissioner of Food and Drugs, in a letter to health care providers about the safety and availability of the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine. Just as a new and serious virus is spreading widely around the country, causing hospitalizations and deaths, a vaccine is becoming available to help prevent infection and protect the public.”

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