Bonus article #2

The article “Biological catch-22 prevents induction of antibodies that block HIV” explains that the potentially life saving vaccine against AIDs may be blocked by the body. As soon as HIV-antibodies are created the immune system works to destroy them before they mature. This helps to further understand how HIV develops in the body. It has recently been theorized that, according to Duke University researchers, “the antibodies required to broadly neutralize HIV may not be produced in the first place because the immune system "sees" them as a potential threat -- due to their similarity to antibodies that promote autoimmune disease -- and destroys them.” This is a brilliant way for HIV to avoid the immune system; the antibodies needed to fight HIV are destroyed. Most of these rare B cells are deleted, but some survive and remain in a “turned off” stage. Thus, researchers are trying to discover how these cells may be able to be turned on continuing the search for preventative care. The CDC focuses on preventing infection through choices rather than via a vaccine, as one has not been sufficiently made. It is stated that abstinence, monogamous relationships with an uninfected partner, and refraining from sharing needles are the best way for individuals to stay safe, preventing HIV infections and the transmission of HIV.


Duke University Medical Center (2009, December 16). Biological catch-22 prevents induction of antibodies that block HIV. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 17, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2009/12/091215102105.htm
CDC National Prevention Information Network (2009, December 16). HIV/AIDS Prevention Today. Retrieved December 16, 2009, from http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts /hiv/prevent.asp

Bonus article #1

One article I choose to read was called “Most people should not automatically opt for a swine flu shot.” As a volunteer in the UC Davis Medical Center I was required to get the vaccine, thus I was interested in who should truly receive it. The article revealed that during emergency situations people panic, yet bacteria do not. It explained that the H1N1 bacteria communicate in complicated ways using chemical signals. When the bacteria face a threatening situation they sends signals out that can tell one another to become spores to protect themselves. The article continued to say that those that come into contact with many individuals, such as a traveling businessman or teacher. Those that are limited to exposure may not necessarily need to get the vaccine. Those that are undecided are told to weigh the risks, yet still be cautious. The CDC explains that “All countries should immunize their health-care workers as a first priority to protect the
essential health infrastructure” and continues to say that women that are pregnant, children, and those over 65 are high priority groups. It explains the necessity of preventing the pandemic from spreading further. Thus, it is up to the individual to weigh the risks, while also realizing the severity of H1N1.

American Friends of Tel Aviv University (2009, December 16). Most people should not automatically opt for a swine flu shot, expert suggests based on bacterial decision-making. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 16, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2009/12/091216104352.htm

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) July 29, 2009
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/acip/downloads/min-jul09.txt

Anthrax

Anthrax is a serious disease that is spread by inhaling spores of bacterium Bacillus anthacis. It is also know as a weapon for terrorism. In United States in 2001 anthrax was spread through the postal system. The envelopes which contained powder with anthrax caused 22 cases of anthrax infection. The early treatment with antibiotics can cure anthrax infection.There is three infection sites: cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and inhalation. Gastrointestinal and inhalation infections is more serious and can lead to death. In 2001, most of the people who got infected with anthrax ended in death. Today there is vaccine to prevent anthrax; however, it is not yet available to the public. In case of terrorism attack anthrax vaccine can be used to vaccinate people who were exposed.

http://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/anthrax/needtoknow.asp

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908125134.htm

Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a dangerous disease that if not treated properly can become fatal. It is a second pandemic disease to HIV that causes about two million deaths a year. Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Bacteria usually attack lungs; however, it can also spread to other parts of the body like kidneys, spine, and brain (CDC). Bacteria is spread through the air when infected person coughs or sneezes, much like flu virus. The inhaled bacteria may not become active right away, since immune system is able to fight bacteria to stop from multiplying. This stage of infection is called Latent Infection (CDC). However, if the bacteria becomes active in the body and starts to multiply, the immune system can do nothing to stop them from growing. In this stage person will start to feel sick and severe symptoms will appear. Early treatment is very important, otherwise disease might became fatal.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=new-tactics-in-fight

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=new-tactics-in-fighthttp://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/basics/default.htm

Health-related Microbiolody Disease 2

In 1918, the Spanish flu occured which was known to be the first H1H1. The Spanish flu killed thousands of people. During 2009, is H1N1 began to reappear again especially targeting young people. Soares believes that the older generation was not heavily affected now by the swine flu because a lot of them might have been around doing that out break. So they have an antibody in them that helps fight off the new virus (Soares). The CDC did some testing and found that the people that got a shot against H1N1 in the late 1970's had a strong response against to dys H1N1 that is out. Young people do not have the immune response to the H1N1 therefore, there are more cases in people under the age of 30. If a person feels like they are having flu like symptoms they should stay home and rest (CDC). Avoiding contact with others is very important except when needing to see a doctor. H1N1 can be treated with antiviral medicine such as Tamiflu (CDC). It seems that the flu of 1918 has prevented the older generation from H1N1.


Citation:

CDC:H1N1 Flu- What To If You Get Sick: 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm

Pandemic Payoff from 1918: A weaker H1N1 Flu Today http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=pandemic-payoff

Pathogenic bacteria presence in cigarettes and their effects on human health

Recent studies published in Environmental Health Perspective journal have shown that cigarettes contain a significant amount of bacteria that include strains that are know to be pathogenic to humans and are linked to respiratory infections. This study is unique in that it implicated cigarettes in playing a role in introducing potentially pathogenic microbes into the lungs. Smoking is known to harm nearly every organ of the human body and is a potential source of many diseases that affect both smokers and secondhand smokers as well. In addition, smoking is linked to almost a tenfold increase in the risk of dying from complications that were brought on by COPD, and is responsible for almost 90% of all deaths that were a result of COPD. It has been known that bacteria is present in tobacco leaves, but what makes this study intriguing is that few studies were actually performed to look at the bacterial communities that are associated with tobacco, instead, most studies were directed towards looking at the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. The study found that close to 700 bacterial strains were identified in well-known tobacco brands, and researchers found concluded that no one brand contained significantly different amounts of bacterial when compared to others. Such large presence of bacteria is attributed primarily to the fermentation process that tobacco undergoes, where bacteria is concentrated to an amount close to 1 million bacteria per cigarette. Moreover, the study team found fifteen different classes of potentially pathogenic organisms that varied from Acinetobacter to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Surprisingly, these pathogenic strains were found in almost 90% of all cigarette samples tested. Researchers concluded that smokers are inhaling living bacteria that can potentially lead to diseases such as COPD and inflammations associated with cancerous tumors.

http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/index.htm
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=cigarettes-smoking-bacteria-infection-pathogen

XMRV virus, a potential marker for CFS

The disease in which most people would relate to a sense of tiredness, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS, is a disease that is accompanied by an intense feeling of fatigue that is not improved by rest as one would think. Individuals with such disease are characterized by their diminished activity level, weakness, muscle pain and a host of other physical and psychological impairments. Scientists have not been able to pinpoint a specific cause of CFS. However, a recent study was able to link a retrovirus that might be involved with CFS and has the potential to assist scientists in diagnosis of the condition.

It is currently estimated that 17 million people are affected by CFS, but that number could fluctuate due in part to the diagnosis methods physicians follow to diagnose the condition. Some scientists believe that if a specific virus was to be used as an indicator for CFS could potentially improve diagnosis and eventually lead to a possible breakthrough in finding treatments for the disease. A recent discovery by Mikovits’s scientific team showed that a gammaretrovirus XMRV has been linked to strong cases of prostate cancer. Intriguingly enough, the virus is similar to that of CFS in the changes that take place with the antiviral enzyme RNase L. This discovery opened up a doorway into using the similar virus as a possible indicator of CFS in affected patients. After much analysis, it was found that two-thirds of all CFS patients were positive for the virus. The question of how the viruses are transferred in CFS outbreaks was found to be via blood. The problem of how the virus is precisely related to CFS still remains unknown, due in part by the complexity of CFS which is thought to be a result of many diseases. As a result, the Mikovits team is currently working on a reverse transcriptase inhibitors which complete the need for a drug target and a marker. The team is optimistic about finding a simpler diagnostic method that could help physicians in pinpointing CFS efficiently and accurately. Current estimates to have such methods available are in less than six months.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=chronic-fatigue-syndrome-retrovirus
http://www.cdc.gov/cfs

Health-related Microbiolody Disease

Human Immunodefiency Virus known as HIV is a very serious disease. HIV is passed through blood and excahnge of body fluids. HIV is the virus that leads to AIDS. HIV attacks the immune system which causes a person to have a weak immune system. However, it has been found that some carriers of the disease do not develope AIDS (Roehr). AIDS is when the disease is full blown. According to Roehr, this unusal case of some people not developing AIDS can lead to some very important discoveries of figuring out a way to treat HIV. At this point there is no cure of this disease. There are lot of people out there that does not know they have the disease (CDC). HIV does not usually have symptoms till later on when it begins to progress; the only way to find out is by getting tested (CDC). In 1996 the number of AIDS cases began to drop due to new drugs that can help to suppress the progress (CDC).




Citations

CDC: HIV/AIDS-Basic Information http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/basic/index.htm#symptoms

Reserachers Try to Solve the Mystery of HIV Carriers Who Don't Contract AIDS http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=hiv-aids-controllers

Lab 1 Observing Microorganisms

The purpose of this lab was to observe the difference between a eukarotic cells and a prokayotic cells . The way we were able to distinguish the difference between the prokaryotic organisms from the eukaryotic organisms was simple eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and have mostky membrane organelles.

The Role of Biomedical Research in Malaria Eradication

Bill and Melinda Gates are trying increase efforts in hopes of eliminating the parasite that causes malaria. Malaria is a disease caused by a parasitic protozoa (Plasmodium) that continues to kill 1 million individuals per year worldwide. Many attempts have been made to completely eradicate malaria before, however the parasite has managed to persist. Anthony Fauci, the director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases talked about what needed to be done in order for to succeed in this effort.

What has been learned from the past is that as Plasmodium is eliminated due to human intervention, the parasite or the mosquito that delivers it into our bloodstream are bound to change in order to circumvent the roadblocks that we have set. Currently scientists are working on a way to intefere with the parasite by preventing the mosquito from acting as its vector (method of delivery). However, in order to win the battle against Plasmodium, we have to be able to predict what changes can occur and work to fight against those as well. We need the modifications to the mosquito to be able to spread to nearly the entire mosquito population and continue through generations. In addition to this, we need to develop ways of diagnosing infection before symptoms arise as well as vaccines that can interfere with the progression of infection at its different stages. More information needs to be learned about the parasite itself and its life cycle for their efforts to be successful.

http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2009/MalariaEradication.htm

Of Mice and Peanuts

Earlier this year, a group of researchers in Chicago made a break through in the research and experimentation of creating an animal model that recreates the symptoms of human type 1 hypersensitivity, and analphylaxis. The teams goals are to help prevent and plan strategies that aid people in overcoming their allergic response to food allergies. roughly 4% of the U.S population currently has some sort of food allergy and for many this is a serious and life threatening ordeal. The teams model consisted of using a "mixture of peanut extract and a toxin from staphylococcus aureus called staphylococcal enterotoxin B". The mixture helped the team study the closest thing to a human reaction in mice. One thing that the team observed was the the test group of mice had a higher level of eosinophils and indicated that they had more cells that would stimulate an inflammation and cause many of the symptoms associated with the allergic response, i.e. swelling, redness, dilation of blood vessels, muscle contraction, and decrease in blood pressure, all of which can exacerbate the functions of breathing and take local anaphylaxis to the acute anaphylaxis causing death. Dr. Bryce's team is on the leading edge of research to help save countless lives and unnecessary suffering.

Co-Administration of H1N1 Influenza and seasonal Influenza Vaccine

There are still debates weither the H1N1 Influenza and seasonal Influenza Vaccine should be considered into one injectable version, since both vaccines have been well tolerated containing inactivated influenza viruses. Studies have shown that co-administration of the two vaccines does not impair or interact with the immune response to either one. According to an article from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), there was a clinical trial on approximately 400 healthy volunteered people aged 18 to 64 years and 400 healthy volunteered people 65 years of age and older who received 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine at the same time as seasonal influenza vaccine. As a result, among 25 volunteers aged 18 through 64 years, 76 percent showed a robust immune response to the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine. Also, among 25 volunteers aged 65 years or older, 80 percent developed a robust immune response to the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine. Overall, combining the vaccine wouldn’t be a bad idea for healthy adults, but we still have to take in consideration that the trial only tested healthy adults. The majority of people now in days usually have at least one health problem. What about for children? Would combining this vaccine be too much for a child’s immune sys. to handle, or can it cause an impair immune response in children? It wouldn’t be a bad idea to first over look any outcome before combining the vaccine.

http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2009/H1N1plusSeasonalVax.htm

NIAID MEDIA AVAILABILITY : Scientists Identify New Role for Lung Epithelial Cells in Sensing Allergens in the Air

Many antigens that foreign substances can cause an immune response are inhaled every day. Lungs have mechanisms that inhibit offensive immune responses to these antigens. However, this immune response can often be made allergic responses or asthma. Researchers have identified a new role for certain lung cells in the immune response to airborne allergens. Researchers found out Toll-like receptors (TSRs). TLRs are special sensors which dot the surface of epithelial cells that line the lungs. TLRs can catch the presence of antigens and produce activated signals of immune cells. The scientists have not identified whether TLRs were on immune cells or on non-immune cells. However, the researchers discovered that TLRs are on airway epithelial cells, and helped induce the initial immune response to antigens in the lungs. TLRs are not on immune cells. TLRs have an important function in the airway epithelial cells that decrease the development allergic disease. The new TLRs on non-immune cells in the lungs can contribute to the immune response to airborne antigens and can use treatments for allergic diseases.


http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2009/allergens_TLR4.htm.htm

Scientists Discover Key Factor in Controlling the Breakdown of Bone

Scientists have discovered a link between the chemoattractant sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and bone density. Osteoclasts are cells that resorb bone cells and S1P is thought to have chemotaxic influence on immature osteoclast migration from the lymph node to the bone. In osteoporosis, osteoclast activity outpaces bone building by osteoblast cells. Because osteoclasts develop from the same stem cells as white blood cells already known to be responsive to S1P, Dr. Ishii, a rheumatologist of Osaka University suspected that S1P may also have the same cytokinetic affect on osteoclasts. Bones in mice with functioning S1P receptors was denser than those mice without. Postmenopausal mice given FTY720, a synthetic S1P activator, also had denser bones than the control group. This study may give rise to new approaches to combat osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis since current methods mostly target mature osteoclast cells. This approach is a novel combination of immunology and orthopedic medicine.

http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2009/bone_S1P.htm

New Strategy Proposed for Designing Antibody-Based HIV Vaccine

Director of the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease of the National Institutes of Health, John R. Mascola, M.D., and his colleagues proposed new studies about antibodies producing vaccine against HIV. These studies show that people with HIV produce antibodies but, it does not protect them from the virus because these anti-HIV antibodies develop years after being infected with HIV. If a vaccine is given to a person before exposure to HIV, he or she can naturally produce anti-HIV antibodies that may prevent HIV. Dr. Mascola and colleagues recommended a research strategy to come up with a new vaccine that will produce an anti-HIV antibodies. They mentioned that we have to obtain many types of neutralizing anti-HIV antibodies and identify the part of the virus that will be susceptible to these antibodies. Scientist needs to understand the properties of neutralizing anti-HIV and non-neutralizing antibodies, such us how they evolve and the amount of antibodies required in a HIV vaccine to fight the viruses. They also need to be aware of what immune system condition will support the production of broadly neutralizing anti-HIV antibodies.

http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2009/antibody_hiv_vax.htm

Flu (Influenza) Can One Vaccine Protect Against All Strains?

If researchers could develop a long-lasting and very protective vaccine, we would not have to worry about getting a flu shot every year.
Vaccine against flu helps to activate our immune system by inserting proteins that found on the coat of the flu virus. But, unfortunately, flu virus doesn’t have the same coat every year; it changes each season. And, when the coat changes, it can no longer recognize the proteins that were taken from the coat of previous virus. That’s why we need to reestablish our immunity to the flu by getting new shot every year.
Scientists are working on finding proteins from the virus that are more permanent and don’t change so fast. This would help to develop vaccines that last longer. Some scientists already found stable proteins. Dr. Gerard found M2, and Dr. Van found NP. They are trying to make more of the version of such proteins by bioengineering. Also, they’re examining for how long the immunity provided by these vaccine would last, and what is the possibility for these proteins to mutate.

http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/Flu/Research/vaccineResearch/oneVaccine.htm

Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine

There are two types of vaccines: First type is the "flu shot" an inactivated vaccine, which is given to people older than 6 months. Second type is the "nasal spray flu vaccine" (sometimes called "LAIV" - live attenuated influenza vaccine) that is made with live, weakened flu viruses, which is approved for use in healthy people, 2-49 years of age and who are not pregnant. The seasonal flu vaccine will not provide protection against 2009 H1N1 flu. The single best way to protect against flu is to get vaccinated each year with a 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine. Anyone who want to to reduce their chances of getting seasonal flu, they should get vaccinated. Although, there are some people who should not get a flu vaccine (e.g. people who have severe allergy to chicken eggs, who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination, who develop Guillain Barre syndrome, children who are less than 6 months of age and people who have moderate-to-severe illness with fever). The effectiveness of a vaccine depends on the age and health status of a person. However, you may expect vaccine side effects that can be associated with the flu shot and LAIV. Some minor side effects that could occur from the flu shot are: fever, aches and soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given. The side effects from LAIV are: runny nose, headache, soar throat and cough. In children, additional side effects can include: wheezing, vomiting, muscle aches and fever.



http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/Flu/understandingFlu/seasonalVaccine.htm#

Dynasty: Influenza Virus in 1918 and Today

This article is about the influenza virus of 1918 and today. It bascially states that this virus has been around since then but has just mutated into other forms of the virus. The influenza virus of today is a descendent of the 1918 influenza virus. This article talks about the structure of the virus, it has eight genes, two of which code for the surface proteins. There also 16 H subtypes and 9 N subtypes which therefore allows the virus to make 144 different strains of this virus, but only 3 that they know of have been transmitted to humans. It also talks about how the virus is transferred from animal to human. They still dont have all the answers to how it transfers to humans, they are working on that. All we can do is stay cautious about our surroundings, dont touch our face after contact with someone sick, covering mouths when we cough, and last but not least wash your hands as often as you can.

http://www.niaid.nih.gov

H1N1 and Asthma

There has been quite a bit of hype surrounding the seriousness of H1N1 and underlying illnesses, with asthma amongst the most dangerous. People with asthma are at a much greater risk of developing serious secondary medical complications, such as pneumonia or even death, as a result of H1N1. There are several simple ways an asthmatic, or anyone for that matter, can stay healthy and prevent H1N1. By far, the best preventative measure is to get the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccinations. These vaccines help your body build an immune response that will be able to better fight against the viral illness. Hand washing, or using an alcohol based hand sanitizer is also a good way to prevent illness from spreading. These hand washing habits are especially important when you are preparing to eat or have been out in a public place because your eyes, nose and mouth are one of the easiest pathways for infection to get into the body. If an asthmatic person does become ill with H1N1, or a seasonal flu, it is important to get in contact with their physician as soon as possible to discuss an appropriate treatment plan. A good way to minimize the risk of serious complications is to act in a timely manner, and possibly starting an antiviral medication to stop the growth of more viruses in the body. Staying home and resting is also a good idea because your body needs to save energy to fight the illness and recover; furthermore, you are helping to prevent the spread of viral illness to others.

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/asthma/

http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/asthma.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/Features/AsthmaH1N1/

Obesity considered an underlying medical condition placing people at higher risk of H1N1-related complications?

Obesity has been known to create high risk factors in serious illnesses, but it is considered an underling medical condition when it comes to the risk factors in the H1N1 influenza. A total of 268 patients in hospitals with the H1N1 flu, during the early breakout, had their BMI's tested and calculated. About 15% of these patients were obese and 8% were considered morbid obese. There hasn't been much research done with how obesity can affect H1N1, but there are many other risk factors that put obese people under high risk factors when it comes down to the H1N1 flu. **This information came from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Novel H1N1 Flu: Background on the Situation

The World Health Organization signaled a global pandemic on June 11, 2009 due to the rapid spread of the new H1N1 virus. On that day 70 countries have reported cases of novel influenza A and it continues to spread. The H1N1 virus is of swine origin that first started in Mexico. The virus spreads through the respiratory system of humans that are infected. It causes flu-like symptoms that include nausea, chills, and a fever. The first H1N1 patient in the U.S. was tested in a lab at CDC on April 15, 2009. By June 19, 2009 all 50 states reported cases of H1N1 infection. It seems that overall influenza activity is decreasing but H1N1 is still spreading with fervor. The CDC is overseeing the situation and trying to stop the severity of the outbreak.

http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/Flu/H1N1/background.htm

Flu: Community Immunity (also known as “Herd Immunity”)

If many people in the community are immunized against certain disease, there's less chance of getting the particular disease even for those who aren't immunized. For example, let's say there's three different communities with same number of people who are sick and contagious. However, there are different number of people who are immunized and healthy. In the first community, rests of people are healthy, but not immunized. In the second community, few are immunized people but most are not immunized. In the third community, most people are immunized. Despite the fact that same number of people are sick and contagious in all three communities, spread of influenza is contained only in the third community. Influenza outbreak occured most vigorously in the first community, where no one was immunized. Third community was able to contain the disease because even those who didn’t get immunized were protected against the flu because they were protected by the community’s strong immunity as a whole. In the third community, there was little opportunity for those who weren’t immunized to be exposed to the disease outbreak because of this community immunity. Community immunity is also known as the “Herd Immunity”.

http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/Flu/understandingFlu/communityImmunity.htm

Asthma in Inner-City Children

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has recently renewed a contract to study asthma in inner-city children. This study is being done by the Inner-City Asthma Consortium. Their goal is to examine new possible treatments for asthma as well as why there is an increased incidence in children and adolescents that live within inner-city limits. There are an estimated 20 million Americans that have asthma but children are more affected than adults. Investigators will conduct trials which will evaluate the effectiveness of certain asthma therapies. These studies will be done with an emphasis on trying to discover which agents worsen asthma. Starting in 2005, 500 children are monitored until they are 7 years old to see if they develop asthma or asthma that worsens over time. The incidence and severity of asthma increased with certain triggers like cockroaches, rodents, and second-hand smoke. Reducing exposure to these agents reduced the risk of developing asthma. Treatment includes taking proper medication, giving patient education on the disease, and participating in regular check-ups. Asthma can be controlled following these guidelines plus reducing exposure to environmental factors.

Prevention is the best medicine - How to prevent the flu?

With regards to the flu, the best way to prevent the spread of the flu is through vaccination. However, there are also additional steps one should take to protect their health and the health of their loved ones. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by avoiding close contact with people who are ill or show flu-like symptoms, and this also applies to all sick individuals to keep themselves isolated to prevent the spread of the disease. In addition, one must remember to cover their their mouth and nose when coughing, doing so help prevent the flue virus from spreading. One must also keep their hands from their face as much as possible, since one of the common modes of transmission of the flu is through contact with flu contaminated hands. Some individuals might wonder whether or not homeopathic remedies should be used to help prevent the flu, however, it must be pointed out that there is no scientific evidence or studies that promote herbal or homeopathic remedies as being beneficial in protecting against the flu. Interestingly enough, studies have shown that the flu virus could survive on surfaces for 2 to 8 hours, thus, it is best to get in the habit of washing your hands often to lower the chance of contracting the flu virus. If done correctly, rubbing the hands with alcohol containing gels and wipes until dry is an effective method in destroying the flu virus that remains viable on surfaces. In addition, chemicals that contain chlorine, detergents, and other antiseptics work well in destroying the virus effectively.

http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/Flu/understandingFlu/Prevention.htm

How Flu Spreads

Person to person is the main way that influenza viruses can spread. Usually it spreads by respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This can happen when droplets from cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Influenza viruses may also be spread when person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose, or even someone else's mouth or nose before washing their hands. Also flu is catching. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after getting sick. Symptoms start 1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body. That means that you can pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Some persons can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those persons may still spread the virus to others. In addition, linens, eating tools, and dishes belonging to those who are sick should not be shared without washing thoroughly first and individuals should avoid any laundry before washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. And it is very important that eating tools are washed either in dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.

http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/flu/understandingflu/howfluspread.htm

The peculiar structure of Influenza reminds me of midieval weaponry

Have you ever seen a 1 Ball Triple Strike Mace? It is a weapon that was used in ancient times to symbolize power. When I think of influenza, this is what I picture. Much like the mace that holds a steel ball with spikes, the influenza structure is strikingly similar in that aspect.

This spherically-shaped enveloped virus is stealthy in nature as it searches for a place to adhere 80% of it’s spikes. These glycoprotein spikes are called hemagglutinin and allow the capability to
bind and begin clumping red blood cells. The Protein Data Bank claims that this ability is the reason why this virus is effective in harming its host. The other 20% of influenza spikes are called neuraminidase. These neuraminidase glycoprotein’s allow cleavage from host glycoprotein’s so that the virus can be released from the cell.

Again, I go back to my medieval weaponry. Both are similar in structure but are also similar in their nature to cause great bodily harm. The Center for Disease Control is unable to capture an exact number of influenza related deaths for a variety of reasons. However, there is evidence that suggests it is quite fatal to many as it can be the smoking gun to another illness, that when
combined, can be powerful and deadly. See the resemblance?

http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/cells/viruses/influenzavirus.html
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htm
http://www.historicalweapons.com/otherweapons.html
http://www.pdb.org/pdb/static.dop=education_discussion/molecule_of_the_month/pdb76_1.html

Antibiotic Resistance

I believe this new study which will look at drug resistant bacteria is very important
and greatly needed.
The rate of MRSA is rapidly increasing in this population with fewer
antibiotics being effective to treat patients. We now have a large rate of so-called superbugs.
Some Bacteria have mutated and become resistant to antibiotics such as pencillin.
Science then made a methecillin which the bacteria are also resistant to.
Some resistant bacteria are Staphlococcus aureus or Klebsiella pneumoniae and E-coli.
Before Physicians actually knew the long term effects of antibiotics, they were prescribed more often than they are now. Now these bacteria have mutated and developed a resistance to
some antibiotics.

HIV awareness day - May 18, 2009

This artical was short and to the point. On May 18th, every year and all around the world the red ribbon is worn by communities who come together in rememberance of those who have fallen victim to HIV. May 18th is HIV awareness day and a reminder of how serious and deadly this disease can be. Because of the continual rise and increased rate of HIV infected people, a committed effort is being made to create a safe vaccine. Until then we must continue to educate ourselves and others on the prevention of this disease. This information came from The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Updated Results: In Youngest Children, a Second Dose of

H1N1 vaccines have been tested in children volunteers to determine if an additional dose would be beneficial to its recipients. Preliminary results released in september were based on the volunteers recieving a single 15-microgram dose of the vaccine. Children 10 years and older had great results in regarding the immune response. The vaccine was tested again and the volunteer children were given an additional 15-microgram dose (recieved (2) 15-microgram doses). There was no increase in the immune response 10 days out with the 10 year olds and older but children 9 years old and younger showed significant increase in their immune response making it clear that a second dose is beneficial in preventing infection.

People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications

According to the CDC people who usually get the flu will have mild illness and will recover within two weeks. However some people can develop flu complications such as pneumonia, sinus and ear infections which will need medical care and can possibly result in death. There are a group of people who have chronic health problems who may be at high risk for developing flu related complications. Chronic health problems include asthma, neurological and neuro-developmental conditions, chronic lung disease, heart disease, blood disorders, endocrine disorders, kidney disorders, liver disorders, metabolic disorders, and immune-compromised individuals. Also, people who are at high risk for developing flu related complications can include children younger than 5, adults 65 and older and pregnant women. That is why it is important for individuals, especially those who are at high risk for developing flu related complications to take every precaution in preventing the flu.

Link: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/highrisk.htm