Swine Flu Contagious Even After You Feel Better

Andrew Schamess — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 01:19:05 +0000

Swine flu (H1N1 influenza) may be contagious for several days after the fever breaks, according to an abstract presented at the American Society for Microbiology today. Usually we tell people to go back to work when their temperature returns to normal. With H1N1, it may be necessary to stay home and take precautions for as long as you are coughing.

AP article here.

First Trials of Swine Flu Vaccine Out

Andrew Schamess — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:53:43 +0000

The New England Journal has the first two clinical trials of the H1N1 Influenza vaccine. The data are summarized in an editorial: NEJM — Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Policy — Considering the Early Evidence.

The standard vaccine seems to generate an adequate immune response in healthy adults after a single dose. It depends on the results of other trials, but maybe we’ll only need one dose of this vaccine. They were talking about two doses for everyone, which would pose a problem since supplies will be limited.

One dose should also be OK for older kids and pregnant women. No data yet on younger children and immunosuppressed persons (older and/or with chronic diseases).

No major adverse effects seen but the studies were not large enough to detect rare side effects.

Lenox Internal Medicine » Swine Flu

Swine Flu Contagious Even After You Feel Better

First Trials of Swine Flu Vaccine Out