H1N1

Extreme obesity ups mortality risk for H1N1 patients-study

Extreme obesity has emerged as a key risk factor for developing complications and death from infections with pandemic H1N1 influenza, claims a new study.

Swine flu fear grips UK

The underlying fears about the global pandemic H1N1 that had created a stir last year seem to be turning into a grim reality in the UK.

Swine flu vaccine causing complications?

Federal health officials suspect that the 2009 pandemic swine flu H1N1 vaccine might have given rise to some significant complications.

H1N1 still active; CDC urges vaccination

If you are one of those who have not immunized themselves against H1N1 thinking that the flu season is over in the nation, and the virus no longer poses serious threat, you are wrong.

Concern over tree pollen at Winter Games

Ottawa -- A Canadian medical group expressed concern Tuesday for athletes and spectators about the flu-like symptoms they face from tree pollen during the Winter Games.

The Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology issued a release in Ottawa saying trees such as red alder, birch and oak will be at their peak pollination during the Olympics that start in and around Vancouver, British Columbia, next month.

Combined, some of the pollens can produce symptoms that mimic influenza, the society said. Following last year's international alarm over the H1N1 flu, those suffering from pollen allergies could mistake their symptoms and inundate hospitals, the society warned.

CDC releases statistics on H1N1 deaths, infections, and hospitalizations

Atlanta, GA, January 17 -- The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) on Friday released the latest statistics about swine flu fatalities, infection rates and inoculations covering the first eight months of the pandemic from April through mid-December.

Be wary of swine flu: CDC

Washington, January 8 -- The dreaded swine flu virus continues to wreak havoc. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the lethal influenza is still active and resulting in illness, hospitalizations and deaths.

May take a year more to surmount H1N1: WHO

Geneva, December 30 -- If the predictions of Margaret Chan, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), are anything to go by, the world will not see the end of the lethal swine flu virus anytime soon.

Seasonal flu vaccine protects against H1N1: Study

Washington, November 20:According to a new study, seasonal flu immunization not only lowers the risk of contracting the new pandemic H1N1 strain but also reduces the need for hospitalization if you do get it.

Need a flu shot? Google helps you find it

Los Angeles, November 13 -- Complimenting its popular mapping technology, Web search giant Google Inc. has launched "flu shot finder", a new Google Map service that helps users find different flu shots online.

38 million doses of H1N1 vaccine available: CDC

Atlanta, November 7 -- Officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday said that over 38 million doses of vaccine against the pandemic influenza are now available.

FDA issues rules for H1N1 diagnostic tests

Washington -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it has issued guidelines designed to help manufacturers develop diagnostic tests for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.

Although there are no FDA-approved or cleared tests that diagnose the viral infection, during the current pandemic manufacturers can submit a request for an Emergency Use Authorization. If granted, the EUA will allow the test to be used. The new FDA document outlines what information the FDA recommends that manufacturers include in an EUA request.

The FDA said its guidance document is part of ongoing efforts to provide public health authorities managing the pandemic with reliable and accessible diagnostic tests.