Defusing COVID-19: Lessons Learned from a Century of Pandemics
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Avian Influenza “Bird Flu”
AVIAN FLU CONCERNS ESCALATE WORLDWIDE Louise Shimmel Avian influenza (“bird flu” as it is sometimes called in the press) is making its way into the news almost daily and causing worry among global health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Avian influenzas are not new; they come in many types with widely varying levels of disease-causing capability. Definition: Influenza type A viruses, which include human and avian flu viruses, are categorized by H and N components, which denote specific types of proteins on their surface. The H component governs the ability of the virus to bind to and enter cells, which become virus-making factories. The N component governs the release of the newly made viruses from the animal host cell." [Reuters alertnet, 16 Nov 2005, edited.] There are 16 different HA subtypes and 9 different NA in type A influenza viruses. "There are only three known A subtypes of human flu viruses (H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2). When discussing “bird flu” we are talking about the influenza A subtypes chiefly found in birds. They do not usually infect humans, even though we know they can. [Fact Sheet, Avian Influenza, William T. Ferrier, DVM - prepared for falconers.] The virus making headlines is a specific subtype-H5N1-but there is more than one form of H5N1, specifically high- and low-pathogenic strains. The high-pathogenic form of H5N1 is the one in Asia that is causing global concern. There has been a low-pathogenic form of H5N1 found in migrating wild birds in Canada this fall, which is no cause for alarm. -
Pandemic Flu Planning for Schools
PandemicPandemicPandemic FluFluFlu PlanningPlanningPlanning forforfor SchoolsSchoolsSchools EdenEden Wells,Wells, MD,MD, MPHMPH Michigan Department of Community Health Influenza Strains •Type A – Infects animals and humans –Moderate to severe illness – Potential epidemics/pandemics • Type B – Infects humans only Source: CDC – Milder epidemics – Larger proportion of children affected •Type C –No epidemics –Rare in humans A’s and B’s, H’s and N’s • Classified by its RNA core – Type A or Type B influenza • Further classified by surface protein – Neuraminidase (N) – 9 subtypes known – Hemagluttin (H) – 16 subtypes known • Only Influenza A has pandemic potential Influenza Virus Structure Type of nuclear material Neuraminidase Hemagglutinin A/Moscow/21/99 (H3N2) Virus Geographic Strain Year of Virus type origin number isolation subtype Influenza Overview • Orthomyxoviridae, enveloped RNA virus •Strains –Type A –Type B –Type C Source: CDC • Further classified by surface protein –Neuraminidase (N) – 9 subtypes known – Hemagglutinin (H) – 16 subtypes known Influenza A: Antigenic Drift and Shift • Hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminadase (NA) structures can change •Drift: minor point mutations – associated with seasonal changes/epidemics – subtype remains the same •Shift:major genetic changes (reassortments) – making a new subtype – can cause pandemic Seasonal Influenza •October to April • People should get flu vaccine • Children and elderly most prone • ~36,000 deaths annually in U.S. Seasonal Effects Seasonal Influenza Surveillance Differentiating -
Influenza Vaccine Directive
FAQS: INFLUENZA VACCINE DIRECTIVE FLU VACCINE UPDATES: Flu shots are now required for all staff working in healthcare settings in Alameda County and Berkeley, as recently ordered in a joint mandate by public health officers for Alameda County. This new mandate notes that with the flu season overlapping the COVID-19 pandemic, the risk is higher for health systems to be overwhelmed by patients with critical respiratory illness. Although there is no vaccine yet for COVID-19, the flu shot remains a safe and effective way to minimize the impacts of flu season and thousands of related doctor and hospital visits. Under Alameda County’s new order, all workers in healthcare settings must receive a flu vaccine to help protect themselves, teammates, patients and the wider community. Within our organization, all employees who work in Alameda County and have direct patient contact, must receive a flu shot no later than December 3, 2020. The new mandate specifies that you may only decline a flu shot if you provide a signed certification from your primary care provider stating that you have a medical condition that makes it unsafe to receive the flu vaccine. Masking is not an acceptable alternative to receiving the flu shot. If you haven’t yet received your flu shot, and you work in an Epic Care location within Alameda County, you must receive a flu vaccine on or before December 3, 2020. Flu vaccines are available at your local pharmacy, your doctor’s office, or Epic Care (while supplies last). If you are unable to obtain a flu vaccine through Epic Care, and you instead receive it from a different pharmacy or doctor’s office, the out of pocket cost of the vaccine will be reimbursed to you with a valid receipt for payment. -
A Comparative Evaluation Between the Impact of Previous Outbreaks and COVID-19 on the Tourism Industry Has Been Made Based on Statistics and Previous Research Studies
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at: https://www.emerald.com/insight/2516-8142.htm Impact of A comparative evaluation between COVID-19 on the impact of previous outbreaks the tourism and COVID-19 on the industry tourism industry Gulcin Ozbay, Mehmet Sariisik and Veli Ceylan Received 11 November 2020 Revised 9 January 2021 Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, Accepted 10 January 2021 Sakarya, Turkey, and Muzaffer Çakmak Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, Istanbul_ Gelis¸im University, Istanbul, Turkey Abstract Purpose – The main purpose of this study is to make a comparative evaluation of the impacts of previous outbreaks and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the tourism industry. COVID-19 appears to have disrupted all memorizations about epidemics ever seen. Nobody has anticipated that the outbreak in late December will spread rapidly across the world, be fatal and turn the world economy upside down. Severe acute respiratory syndrome, Ebola, Middle East respiratory syndrome and others caused limited losses in a limited geography, thus similar behaviors were expected at first in COVID-19. But it was not so. Today, people continue to lose their lives and experience economic difficulties. One of the most important distressed industries is undoubtedly tourism. Design/methodology/approach – This study is a literature review. In this review, a comparative evaluation between the impact of previous outbreaks and COVID-19 on the tourism industry has been made based on statistics and previous research studies. Findings – The information and figures obtained show that COVID-19 and previous outbreaks have such significant differences that cannot be compared. -
The Next Influenza Pandemic: Lessons from Hong Kong, 1997
Perspectives The Next Influenza Pandemic: Lessons from Hong Kong, 1997 René Snacken,* Alan P. Kendal, Lars R. Haaheim, and John M. Wood§ *Scientific Institute of Public Health Louis Pasteur, Brussels, Belgium; The Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; §National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, United Kingdom The 1997 Hong Kong outbreak of an avian influenzalike virus, with 18 proven human cases, many severe or fatal, highlighted the challenges of novel influenza viruses. Lessons from this episode can improve international and national planning for influenza pandemics in seven areas: expanded international commitment to first responses to pandemic threats; surveillance for influenza in key densely populated areas with large live-animal markets; new, economical diagnostic tests not based on eggs; contingency procedures for diagnostic work with highly pathogenic viruses where biocontainment laboratories do not exist; ability of health facilities in developing nations to communicate electronically, nationally and internationally; licenses for new vaccine production methods; and improved equity in supply of pharmaceutical products, as well as availability of basic health services, during a global influenza crisis. The Hong Kong epidemic also underscores the need for national committees and country-specific pandemic plans. Influenza pandemics are typically character- Novel Influenza Viruses without ized by the rapid spread of a novel type of Pandemics influenza virus to all areas of the world, resulting In addition to true pandemics, false alarms in an unusually high number of illnesses and emergences of a novel strain with few cases and deaths for approximately 2 to 3 years. -
Novel H1N1 Influenza Updated Key Points June 11, 2009 • On
Novel H1N1 Influenza Updated Key Points June 11, 2009 • On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6. • Designation of this phase indicates that a global pandemic is underway. • There are now community level outbreaks ongoing in other parts of the world. • State and international borders don’t matter at this point. The bottom line is that this new virus is among us all. • While U.S. influenza surveillance systems indicate that overall flu activity is decreasing in the United States, novel H1N1 outbreaks are ongoing in different parts of the U.S., in some cases with intense activity. • In the United States, this virus has been spreading efficiently from person-to-person since April and, as we have been saying for some time, we do expect that we will see more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths from this virus. • Because there is already widespread novel H1N1 disease in the United States, the WHO Phase 6 declaration does not change what the United States is currently doing to keep people healthy and protected from the virus. • Thus there is no change to CDC’s recommendations for individuals and communities. • WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of epidemiological changes in other parts of the world and not a reflection of any change in the novel H1N1 virus or associated illness. • At this time, most of the people who have become ill with novel H1N1 in the United States have not become seriously ill and have recovered without hospitalization. -
Chapter 19 Influenza
Chapter 19: Influenza October 2020 19 Influenza Influenza The disease Influenza is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract. There are three types of influenza virus: A, B and C. Influenza A and influenza B are responsible for most clinical illness. Influenza is highly infectious with a usual incubation period of one to three days. The disease is characterised by the sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, myalgia and extreme fatigue. Other common symptoms include a dry cough, sore throat and stuffy nose. For otherwise healthy individuals, influenza is an unpleasant but usually self-limiting disease with recovery usually within two to seven days. The illness may be complicated by (and may present as) bronchitis, secondary bacterial pneumonia or, in children, otitis media. Influenza can be complicated more unusually by meningitis, encephalitis or meningoencephalitis. The risk of serious illness from influenza is higher amongst children under six months of age (Poehling et al., 2006; Ampofo et al., 2006; Coffin et al., 2007; Zhou et al, 2012), older people (Thompson et al., 2003 and 2004; Zhou et al, 2012) and those with underlying health conditions such as respiratory or cardiac disease, chronic neurological conditions, or immunosuppression and pregnant women (Neuzil et al., 1998; O’Brien et al., 2004; Nicoll et al., 2008 and Pebody et al., 2010). Influenza during pregnancy may also be associated with perinatal mortality, prematurity, smaller neonatal size and lower birth weight (Pierce et al., 2011; Mendez-Figueroa et al., 2011). Although primary influenza pneumonia is a rare complication that may occur at any age and carries a high case fatality rate (Barker and Mullooly, 1982), it was seen more frequently during the 2009 pandemic and the following influenza season. -
Flu Season Which Can Last As Late As May
What Everyone Should Know About Seasonal Flu and the Seasonal Flu Vaccine Seasonal flu is not just a really bad cold. The flu is a contagious illness that affects the nose, throat, lungs and other parts of the body. It can spread quickly from one person to another. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something - such as a surface or object - with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Every year in the U.S., on average: • 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu, • More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal flu complications and; • About 23,500 (and as high as about 48,000) people die from seasonal flu. The best way to prevent seasonal flu is by getting a flu shot or flu spray vaccination every year. When to get vaccinated against seasonal flu: Yearly flu vaccination should begin in September, or as soon as vaccine is available, and continue throughout the flu season which can last as late as May. This is because the timing and duration of flu seasons vary. While flu season can begin early as October, most of the time seasonal flu activity peaks in January, February or later. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm You can't get flu from getting a flu vaccine! The flu vaccine does not give you the flu. -
Antiviral Drugs for Influenza Prevention and Treatment
Antiviral Drugs for Influenza Prevention and Treatment Antiviral drugs are not a substitute for influenza (flu) vaccination. However, prescription antiviral medications play an important role in preventing and controlling the spread of influenza. These medications are a critical component of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Take 3” Actions to Fight the Flu. Take 3 urges everyone age 6 months and older to get vaccinated, follow good hand hygiene and cough/sneeze etiquette, and to take antiviral medications if they are prescribed.1 Influenza antiviral drugs are available to treat and prevent influenza: For Treatment: Antiviral drugs can reduce influenza symptoms, shorten the duration of illness, and prevent serious complications, like pneumonia, if taken within 48 hours of symptom onset.1,2 For Prevention: Antiviral drugs may also be prescribed to help prevent influenza in individuals who have been exposed to the virus. Antiviral drugs are about 70 to 90 percent effective when used as directed for prevention.3 For the 2014-15 flu season, CDC recommends use of either oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (Relenza®) for treatment and prevention of influenza.2 Oseltamivir and zanamivir are dosed and administered differently, and are recommended for patients based on age and risk factors. A healthcare professional is best equipped to make an appropriate flu diagnosis and determine if antiviral treatment is recommended. More information about antiviral treatments is available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/antivirals. Time Is of the Essence With antiviral therapy, timing is critical. A healthcare professional should be contacted at the first sign of influenza symptoms such as sudden onset of fever, aches, chills, and tiredness (for more information, see the fact sheet “Understanding Influenza”). -
Tarner-Influenza-Virus.Pdf
Running head: INFLUENZA VIRUS 1 Influenza Virus Jennifer Tarner Helena College University of Montana Rick Henry BIOB 272 INFLUENZA VIRUS 2 The influenza virus causes yearly seasonal epidemics and occasionally pandemics that are responsible for millions of hospitalizations and thousands of death each year. This virus has multiple strains and evolving subtypes, which make it difficult for researchers to target those specific strains that will cause the next annual flu season. Because of the rapid viral fluctuations, new flu vaccinations are made every year to prevent the spread and to hinder the infection from occurring. The influenza strains, however, are constantly evolving and transforming in order to invade their host, which is why it is so challenging to finding a cure and a totally effective vaccine. But the host immune defense mechanisms also have the ability to evolve or be aided with medicines that could potentially save lives. By targeting certain strains of the virus, this helps human host bodies to be able to evolve and adapt to the virus from the previously administered vaccine. This approach could be the next step of protection against the influenza virus. Influenza, usually referred to as the flu or grippe, is a highly infectious respiratory disease. This disease is caused by certain strains of the influenza virus. These strains are composed of influenza A strains which represent the H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes, and two influenza B strains which represent the Victoria and Yamagata lineages (Allen, 2018). In the northern and southern temperate parts of the world, the outbreaks of influenza occur mainly in the winter, while areas near the equator may have outbreaks at any time of the year. -
Widespread Influenza Activity in San Benito County and California HEALTH ADVISORY
MARTIN FENSTERSHEIB, M.D., MPH HEALTH OFFICER JAMES A. RYDINGSWORD SAN BENITO COUNTY AGENCY DIRECTOR HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES Healthy People in Healthy Communities Widespread Influenza Activity in San Benito County and California HEALTH ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Sam Perez, Public Information Officer 13January2017 Tel: 831-637-5367 Influenza activity is increasing nationwide, and it has been widespread in California since late December. San Benito County is also experiencing markedly elevated flu activity. The predominant strain of influenza circulating this season—nationally, statewide, and locally—is influenza A (H3N2). Flu seasons dominated by H3 strains have historically been associated with increased hospitalizations and deaths. To date, it appears that most of the circulating H3N2 viruses match the H3N2 component of this year’s influenza vaccine. No resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) has been detected this season. Clinicians are requested to: 1. Vaccinate • It is not too late to vaccinate! Continue to offer flu vaccine to all individuals over 6 months of age, including pregnant women, throughout the flu season. • Only injectable flu vaccines are recommended this flu season. • High priority groups for vaccination include children <5 years, adults ≥65 years, pregnant women with each pregnancy, residents of nursing homes/long-term care facilities, and individuals with certain chronic medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, heart disease, obesity, etc.) 2. Treat • Rapidly treat all hospitalized flu patients with a neuraminidase inhibitor (e.g. oseltamivir or zanamivir), as well as all flu patients at high risk for complications. Do not wait for test results. -
Cold and Flu Fact Sheet
Cold and Flu Fact Sheet The common cold, including chest colds, head colds, and the seasonal flu are caused by viruses that can put a damper on your holiday spirit. While Cold and Flu season can start as early as October and can last as late as May, activity peaks during Christmas time and will want to make you say Bah-Humbug! General Information Virology Clinical manifestations Cold - The common cold is a viral infection of the upper Cold - Symptoms of a common cold usually appear about respiratory tract. The most commonly implicated virus is a one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus. rhinovirus. Other commonly implicated viruses include Signs and symptoms typically include a runny/stuffy nose, human coronavirus, influenza viruses, and adenovirus. itchy/sore throat, cough, congestion, slight body aches and Frequently, more than one virus is present. The difficultly mild headache, sneezing, water eyes, and mild fatigue. with pathogens associated with the common cold is that some viruses are enveloped, meaning they are easy to kill Flu - Symptoms of seasonal influenza are very similar to (such as influenza) while others are non-enveloped, those of the common cold, except the flu can be meaning they are harder to kill (such as rhinovirus). This distinguished by a high fever and more severe symptoms emphasizes the importance of choosing disinfectant of the common cold. products with the ability to kill both enveloped and non- enveloped viruses. Pandemics and Outbreaks A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. It is determined Flu - Influenza (commonly known as the flu) are influenza by how the disease spreads, not by how many deaths it viruses which are enveloped, RNA viruses that make up causes.