Zoonoses - say what? You may have never heard this term, but, you have almost certainly heard of H1N1 or SARS or West Nile virus or Ebola virus. Zoonoses are microbiologic infections acquired from animals. Zoonoses can come in the form of bacteria, viruses or parasites. A "zoonosis" (the singular form of zoonoses) is any disease that is naturally transmissible from vertebrate animals to humans. It is estimated that over 60 % of all new human diseases are zoonotic and that over 70 % of these originate with wildlife and people having close contact with pets (especially exotic pets), wild animals or livestock or their food products. Studies over recent years have revealed a pattern of dangerous, even fatal, emerging new human diseases resulting from genetic mutations of known pathogens previously thought dead-ended in non-humans. The increased mobilization of both humans and pets, plus increased use of livestock and animal products have led to deep new concerns for the international health community. Not only the development of new diseases, but also, a recurrence of old diseases is being seen. Some of these diseases, once transmitted to humans, have the potential to create pandemics, like the one now occurring with the H1N1 "swine flu" virus. Besides causing a direct health hazard to humans, they can also affect the world's food supply by requiring the destruction or quarantine of millions of dollars in livestock. The huge international trade in animal products for food, plus the large scale movement of people through tourism, have increased the opportunity for these pathogens to mutate and cross transmit between species. SARS, Ebola virus, H1N1 and West Nile virus are a few that have crossed the species barrier recently and now infect humans, sometimes with devastating effects. The mutated pathogens can be transmitted via the food chain, contact with infected animals or can even be airborne or waterborne in some cases. The increased encroachment of humans into wild animal habitats, the exotic pet trade and the increase in the numbers of animals raised in close proximity are also contributing factors.
What is being done about it? One of the obstacles is detection and identification of the disease syndromes. Lack of documentation of clinical suspicion and the difficulty in recognizing the causes is delaying the identification of these new diseases. The detection and follow up study of the infection's epidemiology will require huge investments and improvements in research. Efforts are underway through GLEWS (Global Early Warning System) in a joint system aimed at coordinating the alert mechanisms of WHO (World Health Organization, FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) and others in the health community. Much more needs to be done and international cooperation is required. This is truly a World problem.
What can you do? Get immunized for H1N1 and if you own exotic pets or raise livestock be vigilant about their health.You can also keep apprised of developments by keeping up with alerts posted by the World Health Organization. If you now own or decide to purchase an exotic pet ask your veterinarian about health concerns. Purchase your pet from a licensed and reputable exotic pet dealer.
Showing posts with label flu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flu. Show all posts
Friday, January 15, 2010
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Why You Need to Take the H1N1 Vaccine
Vaccines are the only effective means you will have to protect yourself, your family and your co-workers from potential death from the H1N1 Swine Flu virus. When both the World Health Organization (WHO) and The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) put out a World-wide alert that this disease is serious and will infect hundreds of millions and potentially kill a million or more - common sense should tell us that we should probably pay attention. A recent news report indicated that of 700 pregnant women in the USA who contracted the swine flu from April 1- July 31, of this year - 100 were placed in intensive care and 27 of those died. This H1N1 virus has the potential to cause a million or more deaths and certainly will cause 100's of millions of illnesses, many very severe. If you have ever had a bad case of the flu, you know that it made you feel like you were going to die. There is only one good reason to avoid taking this vaccine - that is if you have a severe life threatening allergy to chicken eggs - otherwise, if you value your life and the lives of others around you, you should take the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine.
The highest risks groups for serious infections are:
1) Pregnant women - this group has a very high risk of complications for the mother and the fetus. The risks for having H1N1 are far greater for you and your baby than any risk from taking the vaccine. Ask your doctor about it.
2) Caregivers for children - if you work at a daycare center, are a babysitter or otherwise care for children, especially if any of the children are younger than 6 months of age, you are in a high risk group. Vaccinations will likely become mandatory by your employer.
3) Heath care workers - this group can easily be repeatedly exposed and can readily spread the swine flu to others. Health care workers will probably be required by their employers and possibly by law to receive this vaccine in order to continue working at their current job.
4) Age group 6 months old through 24 years old - this large group is likely to be repeatedly exposed in schools or daycare settings and this group has so far experienced the highest rate of serious infections and deaths.
5) Anyone in the age group 25-64 who has any health condition that is known to be associated with a high risk for complications from the flu, for example, this group includes anyone with asthma or other respiratory or immune system weaknesses - consult you doctor if you are unsure. Persons over 65 are not in the high risk category but should strongly consider the H1N1 vaccine, as well as a pneumonia vaccination. Many of the deaths from H1N1 were caused by pneumonia.
Is the H1N1 vaccine safe?
Yes, it is safe - it is much safer than allowing yourself to be vulnerable to H1N1. The vaccine is expected to have the same safety profile as the seasonal flu vaccine since it is made in the same manner and under the same controlled conditions by the same manufacturers that have been making the seasonal flu vaccines for decades. Also, so far, millions have already taken the H1N1 vaccine worldwide and no new safety risks have been recorded. The most common side effects are mild redness, soreness or swelling at the injection site and in some cases a low fever, aches or mild nausea that lasts 1 to 2 days.
How is the vaccine administered?
The H1N1 vaccine is administered in 2 ways - a nasal spray called LAIN or an injection. The nasal spray is not available for pregnant women.
If you are under age 25, are pregnant, work in a health care or caretaker capacity or have any underlying medical conditions, you should definitely take this swine flu (H1N1) vaccination as soon as it becomes available in your area. I am personally in none of these categories, but, I will definitely be taking this vaccination as soon as it is available to me. I have been following the development of this disease closely for over a year now and am more concerned about its potential danger than ever. I have talked to several people who have had it and they tell me it is not something to take lightly. There have been 16 deaths in my area already and one was a 19 year old girl in excellent health. Even though some cases are reportedly not any worse than the seasonal flu, the reports of many deaths in otherwise health individuals and the possibility that the virus strain may mutate to an even more serious strain suggests that a wise person will get the H1N1 vaccination ASAP. Get vaccinated, or at least ask your doctor what he thinks you should do, if not for your own health then for the health of those exposed to you.
The highest risks groups for serious infections are:
1) Pregnant women - this group has a very high risk of complications for the mother and the fetus. The risks for having H1N1 are far greater for you and your baby than any risk from taking the vaccine. Ask your doctor about it.
2) Caregivers for children - if you work at a daycare center, are a babysitter or otherwise care for children, especially if any of the children are younger than 6 months of age, you are in a high risk group. Vaccinations will likely become mandatory by your employer.
3) Heath care workers - this group can easily be repeatedly exposed and can readily spread the swine flu to others. Health care workers will probably be required by their employers and possibly by law to receive this vaccine in order to continue working at their current job.
4) Age group 6 months old through 24 years old - this large group is likely to be repeatedly exposed in schools or daycare settings and this group has so far experienced the highest rate of serious infections and deaths.
5) Anyone in the age group 25-64 who has any health condition that is known to be associated with a high risk for complications from the flu, for example, this group includes anyone with asthma or other respiratory or immune system weaknesses - consult you doctor if you are unsure. Persons over 65 are not in the high risk category but should strongly consider the H1N1 vaccine, as well as a pneumonia vaccination. Many of the deaths from H1N1 were caused by pneumonia.
Is the H1N1 vaccine safe?
Yes, it is safe - it is much safer than allowing yourself to be vulnerable to H1N1. The vaccine is expected to have the same safety profile as the seasonal flu vaccine since it is made in the same manner and under the same controlled conditions by the same manufacturers that have been making the seasonal flu vaccines for decades. Also, so far, millions have already taken the H1N1 vaccine worldwide and no new safety risks have been recorded. The most common side effects are mild redness, soreness or swelling at the injection site and in some cases a low fever, aches or mild nausea that lasts 1 to 2 days.
How is the vaccine administered?
The H1N1 vaccine is administered in 2 ways - a nasal spray called LAIN or an injection. The nasal spray is not available for pregnant women.
If you are under age 25, are pregnant, work in a health care or caretaker capacity or have any underlying medical conditions, you should definitely take this swine flu (H1N1) vaccination as soon as it becomes available in your area. I am personally in none of these categories, but, I will definitely be taking this vaccination as soon as it is available to me. I have been following the development of this disease closely for over a year now and am more concerned about its potential danger than ever. I have talked to several people who have had it and they tell me it is not something to take lightly. There have been 16 deaths in my area already and one was a 19 year old girl in excellent health. Even though some cases are reportedly not any worse than the seasonal flu, the reports of many deaths in otherwise health individuals and the possibility that the virus strain may mutate to an even more serious strain suggests that a wise person will get the H1N1 vaccination ASAP. Get vaccinated, or at least ask your doctor what he thinks you should do, if not for your own health then for the health of those exposed to you.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Flu Symptoms (8) - Do I have the Flu or Just a Cold?
I feel horrible! - do I have the flu or is it just a common cold? This question is usually the 1st one that comes to my mind when I get that lousy-all-over-feeling that lets me know I've caught a winter season bug. Some of the symptoms of the flu (influenza) are very similar to those common to the common cold, however, there are some flu symptoms that are not. Here are 8 symptoms that are common to the flu. These tips may help you determine whether you have the flu and a proper course of action if you do. If you suspect you have the flu and not just a common cold, see your doctor within 48 hours if possible. He may be able to prescribe medications that will help lessen the severity of your symptoms. After 48 hours the available antiviral medications are much less effective.
1.) Fever of 100.4 F (38C) or higher. Fever is rare if you only have a cold but fever over 100.4 F for 3-4 days is common in up to 80% of flu cases.
2.) Muscle aches that are widespread throughout the body. Muscle aches are not common with a cold and if they do occur are normally slight.
3.) Very tired or exhausted feeling. The degree of tiredness is usually much more pronounced with the flu than with a common cold.
4.) Headaches are common with the flu but fairly uncommon with a cold.
5.) Chills are common with the flu but are uncommon with a cold.
6.) Sore throats are common with both the flu and a cold.
7.) Stuffy or runny nose. These are common with both the flu and a cold but are more common with children who have the flu than with adults with the flu.
8.) Stomach problems such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are sometimes associated with the flu - a more common symptom with children - but uncommon with a cold.
If you have any of the symptoms commonly associated with the flu, you should see your doctor ASAP - remember , as stated above, if within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms he may be able to treat you with antiviral medications that may reduce the severity of your symptoms and shorten their duration. After 48 hours the effectiveness of antiviral medications is substantially reduced.
Here are a few other suggestions that may help get you through the misery of having the flu: 1) Get enough sleep - not only will sleep help your body recover more quickly from the flu but when you are asleep you are not suffering 2) take over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Advil or other brands of ibuprofen or acetaminophen 3) keep your room warm (but not hot) 4) monitor your fever 5) avoid contact with others(except your doctor)until you are well 6) do not continue working or strenuous daily activities until you are well. Prevention is better. To prevent the flu: Ask your doctor if he recommends that you get a flu shot each year before the flu season begins. Certainly you should see you doctor immediately if you suspect you already have the flu.
1.) Fever of 100.4 F (38C) or higher. Fever is rare if you only have a cold but fever over 100.4 F for 3-4 days is common in up to 80% of flu cases.
2.) Muscle aches that are widespread throughout the body. Muscle aches are not common with a cold and if they do occur are normally slight.
3.) Very tired or exhausted feeling. The degree of tiredness is usually much more pronounced with the flu than with a common cold.
4.) Headaches are common with the flu but fairly uncommon with a cold.
5.) Chills are common with the flu but are uncommon with a cold.
6.) Sore throats are common with both the flu and a cold.
7.) Stuffy or runny nose. These are common with both the flu and a cold but are more common with children who have the flu than with adults with the flu.
8.) Stomach problems such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are sometimes associated with the flu - a more common symptom with children - but uncommon with a cold.
If you have any of the symptoms commonly associated with the flu, you should see your doctor ASAP - remember , as stated above, if within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms he may be able to treat you with antiviral medications that may reduce the severity of your symptoms and shorten their duration. After 48 hours the effectiveness of antiviral medications is substantially reduced.
Here are a few other suggestions that may help get you through the misery of having the flu: 1) Get enough sleep - not only will sleep help your body recover more quickly from the flu but when you are asleep you are not suffering 2) take over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Advil or other brands of ibuprofen or acetaminophen 3) keep your room warm (but not hot) 4) monitor your fever 5) avoid contact with others(except your doctor)until you are well 6) do not continue working or strenuous daily activities until you are well. Prevention is better. To prevent the flu: Ask your doctor if he recommends that you get a flu shot each year before the flu season begins. Certainly you should see you doctor immediately if you suspect you already have the flu.
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