HPV VACCINE REDUCES RATES OF GENITAL DISEASES IN YOUNG WOMEN

February 16, 2010 — The quadrivalent vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16, and 18 (Gardasil, Merck & Co) results in statistically significant reductions of HPV-associated genital diseases, such as warts and cervical dysplasia, in young women who receive it, according to the final analysis of 2 randomized placebo-controlled efficacy trials.

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Source:
http://cme.medscape.com

Swine Flu and You

For the past week, the media has been overflowing with stories on the swine flu, now officially called H1N1 flu. Some are advising an abundance of caution, restricting unnecessary travel and staying away from large gatherings. Others stress the importance of maintaining a normal life, advising hand washing and sanitizing but encouraging life as usual.

The ever-shifting news and advice can make it tough for anyone to decide what to do. If you have phobias, however, it is easy to become overwhelmed and even paralyzed with fear and indecision.

H1N1 Swine Flu Is Now a Pandemic

The World Health Organization gathered for an emergency meeting today and decided to declare the H1N1 swine flu officially at the Phase 6 pandemic stage.

So Is it Time to Panic Now?

Absolutely not. The change in phase really doesn't mean a lot for the United States, which has been treating this new flu virus like a pandemic for a while now. It also doesn't have any bearing on how severe the virus is. The change in phase simply indicates that it is spreading in several countries around the world.

In all honesty, this has been happening for a few weeks and the alert level could have been raised then. But the WHO has waited for a number of reasons, but mostly because they didn't (and don't) want people to panic for no reason.

There is still no reason to restrict travel or shut down schools and businesses. The disease really has not been severe so far. When you hear that over 140 people have died from it so far, it may sound scary. But over 35,000 people die from the seasonal flu every year - just in the United States. You just have to keep it in perspective.

What Does This Pandemic Mean Then?

To those of us who are not sick, it means we should remain vigilant about using precautions such as hand washing to keep ourselves healthy. To those who do get sick, you should take care of yourself, stay home and try not to expose other people to your germs and seek medical attention if you feel your symptoms are getting severe.

We should all:

* Know the Symptoms of H1N1 Swine Flu
* Learn How to Prepare for the Flu Pandemic
* Learn What the Pandemic Phases Mean
* Focus on How to Prevent H1N1 Swine Flu

Declaring this an official pandemic allows other less developed countries greater access to medical supplies so they will be able to care for their citizens as the disease spreads. It may also speed up the development of the pandemic flu vaccines that are already in production.

Influenza Vaccine Facts

The influenza shot is an inactivated or killed vaccine and is usually changed each year to keep up with the most common strains of the influenza virus that are circulating and most likely to cause infections.

The influenza vaccine is available for children over the age of six months. To produce a good response, the first year that they get it, children under nine years of age need two doses of the vaccine given at least one month apart. Children over nine years and younger children who have previously had a flu shot only need a single injection each year.

Flu shot reactions or side effects are usually mild, and may include soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given, fever, and/or aches, and usually only last for 1-2 days. Children under 3 years should receive a 0.25ml dose of inactivated flu vaccine. Children over 3 years and adults should receive a dose of 0.5ml.

More serious side effects can rarely include a life-threatening allergic reaction.