Drug resistance is a growing concern worldwide, especially in the context of infectious diseases. Recent news headlines have drawn attention to issues such as the global threat posed by drug-resistant tuberculosis and the increasing number of cases of multidrug-resistant staph in the United States.
Among the news stories related to drug-resistance reported recently via APHA's Get Ready News Twitter are these headlines:
*South Africa study predicts major rise in XDR-TB
*Drug-resistant MRSA developing into medical crisis
* Number of MRSA cases in pets increasing
* Anti-TB program 'led to resistance' in South Africa
* Superbug putting schools to the test in U.S.
For links to dozens of news stories and resources on emerging infectious diseases, visit the Get Ready Twitter.
New information is posted each weekday, so check back often for updates.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
New flu vaccine means there will be plenty of shots this year
Good news! The Food and Drug Administration has approved another seasonal flu vaccine! Why is that good news? Because it means we will have plenty of flu vaccine to go around. In fact, the United States is expected to have a record supply of flu vaccine this year.
This is important because not too long ago, during the 2004 to 2005 flu season, there was a flu vaccine shortage in the United States. In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stopped saying that everyone should get a flu shot and started saying "wait, not you." People started to doubt whether getting a flu shot was all that important, even though it really is. Each year, 36,000 people die and 200,000 are hospitalized as a result of seasonal flu.
In recent years, public education campaigns have called for everyone to get vaccinated. It's just good common sense and good public health. Now, with a record supply of flu vaccine expected, we can say "everyone should get a flu shot!"
One reason that we have the new vaccine to choose from this season is thanks to a special process at FDA that lets the agency "fast track" a drug review when the medication is really needed. The new vaccine, called Afluria, met that definition, so it was "fast-tracked" through FDA, and subsequently, to doctor's offices, health departments and flu vaccination clinics around the country. The new vaccine is just one kind that's available, so ask your health care provider which one is best for you.
This is important because not too long ago, during the 2004 to 2005 flu season, there was a flu vaccine shortage in the United States. In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stopped saying that everyone should get a flu shot and started saying "wait, not you." People started to doubt whether getting a flu shot was all that important, even though it really is. Each year, 36,000 people die and 200,000 are hospitalized as a result of seasonal flu.
In recent years, public education campaigns have called for everyone to get vaccinated. It's just good common sense and good public health. Now, with a record supply of flu vaccine expected, we can say "everyone should get a flu shot!"
One reason that we have the new vaccine to choose from this season is thanks to a special process at FDA that lets the agency "fast track" a drug review when the medication is really needed. The new vaccine, called Afluria, met that definition, so it was "fast-tracked" through FDA, and subsequently, to doctor's offices, health departments and flu vaccination clinics around the country. The new vaccine is just one kind that's available, so ask your health care provider which one is best for you.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
This week in pandemic flu, emerging infectious disease: Pandemic flu preparations
With early cases of seasonal flu already popping up, much of the recent health news has been focused on flu and what can be done to prevent it. This week, several stories took it a step further and focused on preparations for a potential flu pandemic. Among the news stories related to pan flu reported this week via APHA's Get Ready News Twitter are these headlines:
*Kids overlooked in flu pandemic
*Millions at risk as flu pandemic conditions ripen in China, health official warns
*Experts advise companies: Plan for flu pandemic
*South Dakota capital city hires flu expert
*Scarce pandemic vaccine to be given in order
For links to dozens of news stories and resources on emerging infectious diseases, visit the Get Ready Twitter.
New information is posted each weekday, so check back often for updates.
*Kids overlooked in flu pandemic
*Millions at risk as flu pandemic conditions ripen in China, health official warns
*Experts advise companies: Plan for flu pandemic
*South Dakota capital city hires flu expert
*Scarce pandemic vaccine to be given in order
For links to dozens of news stories and resources on emerging infectious diseases, visit the Get Ready Twitter.
New information is posted each weekday, so check back often for updates.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Promising Practices to help you prepare for pandemic flu
With so much information out there about preparing for pandemic flu, how do you recognize strong advice? Well, a new tool is now available to help communities learn from one another when it comes to planning for a pandemic. And it includes great tips for individuals, too.
The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, along with the Pew Center on the States, created Promising Practices, an online database of more than 130 peer-reviewed practices to enhance public health preparedness. Many are geared toward people working in public health and related fields, but several are useful for personal and family preparedness planning. You can start today by asking these questions:
*How do I create a family preparedness plan?
*What food should I stockpile?
*What can I do to reduce the risk of catching a respiratory illness like influenza?
*How do I care for ill family members at home if it becomes necessary?
You can find answers to these questions and more on the Promising Practices site. Click on personal preparedness, home care or vulnerable populations to learn more.
One of the resources is a link to the Get Ready blog, which contains useful posts. Others include a video on family preparedness planning; a thorough, easy-to-read pandemic influenza guide; and a family preparedness booklet you can complete.
Preparing for an emergency can mean the difference between struggling to reclaim your life and forging ahead after a fire, a tornado or even a flu pandemic. This new resource can speed your journey along the path to preparedness.
Amy Becker, MPH, is the project coordinator for Promising Practices at the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. Promising Practices was conceived and funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts. Center staff collected and reviewed materials, with expert guidance from an advisory committee of public health and pandemic influenza experts nationwide.
The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, along with the Pew Center on the States, created Promising Practices, an online database of more than 130 peer-reviewed practices to enhance public health preparedness. Many are geared toward people working in public health and related fields, but several are useful for personal and family preparedness planning. You can start today by asking these questions:
*How do I create a family preparedness plan?
*What food should I stockpile?
*What can I do to reduce the risk of catching a respiratory illness like influenza?
*How do I care for ill family members at home if it becomes necessary?
You can find answers to these questions and more on the Promising Practices site. Click on personal preparedness, home care or vulnerable populations to learn more.
One of the resources is a link to the Get Ready blog, which contains useful posts. Others include a video on family preparedness planning; a thorough, easy-to-read pandemic influenza guide; and a family preparedness booklet you can complete.
Preparing for an emergency can mean the difference between struggling to reclaim your life and forging ahead after a fire, a tornado or even a flu pandemic. This new resource can speed your journey along the path to preparedness.
Amy Becker, MPH, is the project coordinator for Promising Practices at the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. Promising Practices was conceived and funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts. Center staff collected and reviewed materials, with expert guidance from an advisory committee of public health and pandemic influenza experts nationwide.
Where to Find Local Emergency Preparedness Info
Ok, so by now you probably know the importance of being prepared for a flu pandemic or other emergency. But do you know where to go to find information and resources in your state or hometown? Don't worry – we're here to help!
There are several good Web sites to point you in the right direction as you develop a preparedness plan for you and your family:
*Here on the Get Ready site, visit our resource section to find links to state-level resources and campaigns addressing pandemic flu.
*Ready America, a program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, offers a clickable map to find out whom to contact in your state for information on preparedness. On the site you'll also find information about Citizen Corps, a way to volunteer and get involved in preparing your community.
*Your state or local health department is also a great place to look for resources and information about preparedness. From the CDC site you can link directly to your state health department's website.
*Another good option is to visit the Red Cross Web site to find the contact information for your local Red Cross chapter.
*If you are interested in finding local disability-related emergency preparedness resources, check out the interactive map on the National Organization on Disability Web site.
These sites will connect you to the information you need to find out what kind of disasters could happen where you live and what resources are available in your community to help you prepare for any emergency.
There are several good Web sites to point you in the right direction as you develop a preparedness plan for you and your family:
*Here on the Get Ready site, visit our resource section to find links to state-level resources and campaigns addressing pandemic flu.
*Ready America, a program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, offers a clickable map to find out whom to contact in your state for information on preparedness. On the site you'll also find information about Citizen Corps, a way to volunteer and get involved in preparing your community.
*Your state or local health department is also a great place to look for resources and information about preparedness. From the CDC site you can link directly to your state health department's website.
*Another good option is to visit the Red Cross Web site to find the contact information for your local Red Cross chapter.
*If you are interested in finding local disability-related emergency preparedness resources, check out the interactive map on the National Organization on Disability Web site.
These sites will connect you to the information you need to find out what kind of disasters could happen where you live and what resources are available in your community to help you prepare for any emergency.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
This week in pandemic flu, emerging infectious disease: Flu season
With fall upon us and flu season just around the corner, there are lots of news stories about the availability of the flu shot and the role it can play in keeping us healthy. Among the news related to flu season reported this week via APHA's Get Ready News Twitter are these headlines:
*Scientists, flu renew annual combat
*Studies show flu shot helps
*Parents feel more urgency to vaccinate children from flu
*Diseases in kids linked to flu
*Pennsylvania investigates possible early seasonal flu cases
*North Carolina residents praise drive-thru flu clinic
For links to dozens of news stories and resources on emerging infectious diseases, visit the Get Ready Twitter.
New information is posted each weekday, so check back often for updates.
*Scientists, flu renew annual combat
*Studies show flu shot helps
*Parents feel more urgency to vaccinate children from flu
*Diseases in kids linked to flu
*Pennsylvania investigates possible early seasonal flu cases
*North Carolina residents praise drive-thru flu clinic
For links to dozens of news stories and resources on emerging infectious diseases, visit the Get Ready Twitter.
New information is posted each weekday, so check back often for updates.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Colorado reality competition spotlights preparedness
Colorado public health officials recently took advantage of America's fascination with reality television by producing and airing their own real-life competition.
In September, the Colorado Department of Health and Environment pitted nine state residents against one another in an online competition focused on preparedness. The competition, held Sept. 20–23 in Denver, was part of the state's "What If? Colorado" campaign, which encourages residents to become prepared.
During the competition, competitors lived and were filmed as they reacted to sudden emergencies such as a severe snowstorm or power outage as well as more long-term emergencies such as an influenza pandemic. Contestants learned how to survive for a night without power and participated in a demonstration illustrating how quickly an infectious virus can spread, among other exercises. One challenged featured teams racing to kiddy pools filled with Styrofoam packing materials to find color-coded clues, writing the clues on a readiness profile and compiling a family communication plan.
The reality competition was important, state officials said, because a majority of residents are not prepared for emergencies. A survey of almost 1,000 state residents found that 73 percent do not have an emergency preparedness kit.
Episodes of the reality competition are online now and can be viewed on the What If? Colorado Web site.
Photo courtesy What If? Colorado campaign
Friday, October 05, 2007
Perplexed about pandemic? The Get Ready Glossary can clear things up!
Confused about the difference between pandemic flu and seasonal flu? Wondering what exactly H5N1 is? If you think that reading about pandemic flu and other infectious diseases can seem like reading Greek, you are not alone! While news stories and preparedness guides are chock full of technical flu and disease terms, many of us are still unsure what they all mean.
Luckily, a new tool is available from APHA to help clear up the confusion. Let the Get Ready Glossary be your guide! The new glossary, on the Get Ready Web site , features a wealth of terms with both easy-to-understand and scientific and technical definitions. So the next you are flummoxed about the difference between endemic and epidemic, drop in on the Get Ready Glossary for a quick answer!
Have other terms for us to add to the glossary? Let us know by adding your comments to this blog entry.
Luckily, a new tool is available from APHA to help clear up the confusion. Let the Get Ready Glossary be your guide! The new glossary, on the Get Ready Web site , features a wealth of terms with both easy-to-understand and scientific and technical definitions. So the next you are flummoxed about the difference between endemic and epidemic, drop in on the Get Ready Glossary for a quick answer!
Have other terms for us to add to the glossary? Let us know by adding your comments to this blog entry.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
This week in pandemic flu, emerging infectious disease: Dengue a global concern
With climate change and warmer weather influencing the spread of infectious disease, mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue are becoming a growing concern around the globe. Among the dengue news reported this week via APHA's Get Ready News Twitter are these headlines:
* Dengue fever surges in Latin America
* WHO urges Asia-Pacific nations to step up dengue control
* Climate change spurring rise in dengue
* 71 dengue cases, 76 chikungunya cases, in Delhi, India
* Vietnam reports more dengue fever cases
* Pediatric Dengue Initiative and Inviragen partner to prevent dengue fever
For links to dozens of news stories and resources on emerging infectious diseases, visit the Get Ready Twitter .
New information is posted each weekday, so check back often for updates.
* Dengue fever surges in Latin America
* WHO urges Asia-Pacific nations to step up dengue control
* Climate change spurring rise in dengue
* 71 dengue cases, 76 chikungunya cases, in Delhi, India
* Vietnam reports more dengue fever cases
* Pediatric Dengue Initiative and Inviragen partner to prevent dengue fever
For links to dozens of news stories and resources on emerging infectious diseases, visit the Get Ready Twitter .
New information is posted each weekday, so check back often for updates.
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