H1n1 Pandemic Flu News for October 24, 2009

Public concern and potential panic is a looming threat for emergency planners. It is crucial for government to provide enough information to stem panic, while not releasing so much information that they induce panic. Government also needs to release educational information that motivates citizens to take necessary preparation steps. Today’s H1N1 news stories relate these concerns and release of public information.

• Obama Declares Swine Flu a National Emergency

Today President Barack Obama gave a speech about H1N1. President Barack Obama declared H1N1 a National Emergency. US News & World Report reports:

“The H1N1 is moving rapidly, as expected. By the time regions or health-care systems recognize they are becoming overburdened, they need to implement disaster plans quickly,” White House spokesman Reid Cherlin said Saturday, according to the Washington Post.” (Obama Declares Swine Flu a National Emergency, 2009)

The president’s declaration provides additional federal resources for hospitals and public health departments. US News & World Report reports, “His proclamation, signed Friday night and released by the White House Saturday morning, will allow hospitals and doctors‘ offices to get legal waivers of federal rules so they can handle large numbers of sick people as the outbreak spreads.” (Obama Declares Swine Flu a National Emergency, 2009)

• H1N1 Clinic Successful

Yesterday, I reported about an upcoming H1N1 clinic in the mid-Ohio area. Today’s reports state that the flu clinic was a dramatic success. WTAP.com reports, “Hundreds of pregnant women and small children can rest a little easier now, knowing they’re protected from the H1N1 virus.” (H1N1 Clinic Successful, 2009)

• Frustration looms as H1N1 vaccines run out

Just as one H1N1 flu clinic is successful another group of citizens’ concern grows over potential vaccine shortages. CNN Health reports:

“Yessica Maher of Los Angeles, California, feels let down. She had wanted to get the H1N1 vaccine for herself and her children, but that’s proving to be difficult.

Her doctor is out of the vaccine, and so is the pediatrician. Her two older sons were not eligible for the nasal spray version because of asthma, and she was told the shot would not become available until perhaps November. Her youngest son, 2, goes to a preschool where there was recently a diagnosis of H1N1.” (Frustration looms as H1N1 vaccines run out, 2009)

• Emergency use of antiviral IV medication for H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms approved by FDA

FDA made the decision to approve Peramivir for use with some H1N1 patients. This seems like it would not be a news story, however, Peramivir is still in the investigation stage. Examiner.com reports:

“On October 23rd, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an emergency use authorization (EUA) for use of the unapproved “investigational antiviral drug peramivir intravenous (IV) in certain adult and pediatric patients” with “confirmed or suspected” severe H1N1 swine flu symptoms when hospitalized.” (Emergency use of antiviral IV medication for H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms approved by FDA, 2009)

• Scientists aim to dispel fears on H1N1 flu vaccine

Just as H1N1 vaccine clinics are seeing some success, scientists are still working to belay H1N1 vaccine fears. Los Angeles Times reports:

“These are the retorts of researchers, scientists, federal health authorities and others familiar with how the swine flu vaccine is being made as they listen to the debate unfolding around kitchen tables and over the Internet.

“We’ve been baking this bread for 60 years, and we’re pretty good at it,” said Kenneth Alexander, an infectious disease expert at the University of Chicago, expressing the frustration that decades of experience in making flu vaccines hasn’t resulted in more public confidence.” (Scientists aim to dispel fears on H1N1 flu vaccine, 2009)

Today’s sampling of H1N1 news relates the still rising concern over H1N1. On one hand, government officials are taking steps to prepare for an increased threat. On the other hand, citizens hold multiple concerns over the H1N1 vaccine. While some citizens are concerned the vaccine was rushed into production, others are concerned that there will not be enough vaccine to go around. Either way, the H1N1 pandemic seems far from over. Continue tuning into our daily news reports for the latest H1N1 news.