Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Earlier this week, in two possible cases, samples were taken and sent to the UK for testing. Both these samples have tested negative for Swine Flu.
Dr Stephen Bridgman, Director of Public Health, said that in both cases the individuals involved had travelled in recent days, one from Mexico and the other from the United States.
Both were suffering flu-like illness but the tests were considered precautionary. He was pleased with the awareness shown by the patients and doctor involved.
Dr Bridgman said that GPs played a key role in assessing possible cases.
Clinical guidance advises people a fever 38C and over or a history of fever and flu-like illness (two or more of the following symptoms, cough, sore throat, runny nose, limb/joint aches or headache), and who have had an onset of symptoms within seven days of visiting areas (currently Mexico, California, New York or Texas) known to have incidents of probable human-to-human transmission of swine influenza A (H1N1) to contact a GP for assessment.
'Having flu-like symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person is suffering from the new type of flu,' said Dr Bridgman.
He added said that the clinical advice remained the same: Good hygiene practices are paramount. People returning from affected areas should remain vigilant about their own health and contact their GPs if they have any concerns.
'If a GP has a concern that someone may possibly have Swine Flu, they will liaise with Public Health. If considered necessary, tests will be carried out and samples sent to the UK.'
WHO Director General Margaret Chan has urged all countries to activate their pandemic plans, including heightened surveillance and infection-control measures.
Dr Bridgman said that the World Health Organisation's decision to raise the alert to level five was not a cause for panic.
'However, businesses are now advised to carefully consider their business continuity plans in the event that there is a community outbreak of Swine Flu in Guernsey.'
Guernsey's Pandemic Flu Planning Group, which includes clinical and emergency planning representatives, met today to discuss the island's response to the situation. Dr Bridgman said that the island was better prepared for a flu pandemic than it had ever been.
A meeting took place yesterday involving port authorities from Guernsey, Alderney and Sark. It was agreed that posters and advice leaflets should be put up at the ports with advice for passengers.
Travel advice from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office should be followed (www.fco.gov.uk)
Dr Bridgman also thanked the local media for its responsible attitude in the reporting of the Swine Flu outbreak and its help in communicating with our local population.
Dr Stephen Bridgman, Director of Public Health, said that in both cases the individuals involved had travelled in recent days, one from Mexico and the other from the United States.
Both were suffering flu-like illness but the tests were considered precautionary. He was pleased with the awareness shown by the patients and doctor involved.
Dr Bridgman said that GPs played a key role in assessing possible cases.
Clinical guidance advises people a fever 38C and over or a history of fever and flu-like illness (two or more of the following symptoms, cough, sore throat, runny nose, limb/joint aches or headache), and who have had an onset of symptoms within seven days of visiting areas (currently Mexico, California, New York or Texas) known to have incidents of probable human-to-human transmission of swine influenza A (H1N1) to contact a GP for assessment.
'Having flu-like symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person is suffering from the new type of flu,' said Dr Bridgman.
He added said that the clinical advice remained the same: Good hygiene practices are paramount. People returning from affected areas should remain vigilant about their own health and contact their GPs if they have any concerns.
'If a GP has a concern that someone may possibly have Swine Flu, they will liaise with Public Health. If considered necessary, tests will be carried out and samples sent to the UK.'
WHO Director General Margaret Chan has urged all countries to activate their pandemic plans, including heightened surveillance and infection-control measures.
Dr Bridgman said that the World Health Organisation's decision to raise the alert to level five was not a cause for panic.
'However, businesses are now advised to carefully consider their business continuity plans in the event that there is a community outbreak of Swine Flu in Guernsey.'
Guernsey's Pandemic Flu Planning Group, which includes clinical and emergency planning representatives, met today to discuss the island's response to the situation. Dr Bridgman said that the island was better prepared for a flu pandemic than it had ever been.
A meeting took place yesterday involving port authorities from Guernsey, Alderney and Sark. It was agreed that posters and advice leaflets should be put up at the ports with advice for passengers.
Travel advice from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office should be followed (www.fco.gov.uk)
Dr Bridgman also thanked the local media for its responsible attitude in the reporting of the Swine Flu outbreak and its help in communicating with our local population.
posted by Circleyou News @ 11:56 PM permanent link | 0 comments
Monday, August 10, 2009
A genomic "signature" in blood appears able to identify people who've been exposed to common upper respiratory viruses, such as the cold or flu, even before symptoms develop.
In a study involving 60 healthy volunteers who were infected with a live cold virus, respiratory syncytial virus or influenza a virus, the researchers identified changes in 30 genes that are activated as the body responds to infection.
The genomic signature is strong enough to reveal whether the infection is viral or bacterial and can identify who has a viral infection and who does not, according to the study.
The body's immune system responds quickly and in a specific way when exposed to a virus as opposed to bacteria, explained the study's lead author, Dr. Aimee Zaas, an infectious diseases specialist at Duke University in Durham, N.C.
"A detailed reading of that response, using gene expression data, reveals what type of pathogen the person is reacting to," Zaas explained in a news release from the university.
The study, in the August issue of Cell Host & Microbe, could lead to changes in the way doctors care for people who develop upper respiratory infections. Cold, flu and pneumonia symptoms are similar, and doctors can't confirm what a patient has without the results of laboratory tests, a process that can take days.
"Until results are in, treatment is a best guess. Knowing exactly which pathogen is involved is important because it affects the urgency of response and the type of treatment," senior author Dr. Geoffrey Ginsburg, director of Duke's Center for Genomic Medicine, said in the news release.
"This [new] approach could lead to more precise, informed and tailored therapy -- essentially, personalized care for infectious disease," he said. "That's better for the patient and better for public health in general."
In a study involving 60 healthy volunteers who were infected with a live cold virus, respiratory syncytial virus or influenza a virus, the researchers identified changes in 30 genes that are activated as the body responds to infection.
The genomic signature is strong enough to reveal whether the infection is viral or bacterial and can identify who has a viral infection and who does not, according to the study.
The body's immune system responds quickly and in a specific way when exposed to a virus as opposed to bacteria, explained the study's lead author, Dr. Aimee Zaas, an infectious diseases specialist at Duke University in Durham, N.C.
"A detailed reading of that response, using gene expression data, reveals what type of pathogen the person is reacting to," Zaas explained in a news release from the university.
The study, in the August issue of Cell Host & Microbe, could lead to changes in the way doctors care for people who develop upper respiratory infections. Cold, flu and pneumonia symptoms are similar, and doctors can't confirm what a patient has without the results of laboratory tests, a process that can take days.
"Until results are in, treatment is a best guess. Knowing exactly which pathogen is involved is important because it affects the urgency of response and the type of treatment," senior author Dr. Geoffrey Ginsburg, director of Duke's Center for Genomic Medicine, said in the news release.
"This [new] approach could lead to more precise, informed and tailored therapy -- essentially, personalized care for infectious disease," he said. "That's better for the patient and better for public health in general."
posted by Circleyou News @ 6:01 AM permanent link | | 0 comments
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