03
Mar
2010
Flu

Virus Hybridization Could Create Pandemic Bird Flu
17
Feb
2010
Norovirus
by Chris Wiant, MPH, PhD

Norovirus Outbreak at North Carolina Student Conference

One hundred-fifty of the 1,000 student attendees to a YMCA Youth & Government conference became sick last weekend in Raleigh, North Carolina, The students complained of vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and stomach cramps. According to the Wake County environmental health director, norovirus was confirmed in four of the 150 students who became ill. Noroviruses are a group of... Read More »
27
Jan
2010
Outbreaks
by Water Quality & Health Council

Lull in H1N1 Creates Vaccination Opportunity

H1N1 outbreaks seem to be declining around the country; however, officials warn that a “third wave” could strike as the nation enters peak flu season, particularly if people ignore health officials’ advice to get vaccinated. Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released statistics that show no states with widespread flu activity. The CDC... Read More »
14
Dec
2009
Flu
by Chris Wiant, MPH, PhD

National Influenza Vaccination Week – December 6-12

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has designated this week (Dec. 6-12) as National Influenza Vaccination Week to highlight the importance of ongoing efforts to vaccinate against influenza (flu) and to foster even greater efforts going forward. This year, National Influenza Vaccination Week serves as an important reminder to seek out the H1N1... Read More »
09
Dec
2009
Flu
by Water Quality & Health Council

Rapid Influenza Tests Often Fail to Detect H1N1

Doctors’ offices and hospitals are using “rapid influenza diagnostic tests” to identify the presence of the H1N1 flu in patients; however, these tests actually do a poor job of sniffing out H1N1 because the rapid test does not detect H1N1, only influenza A. A confirmatory test must be done to identify H1N1 – a strain of influenza A.... Read More »
07
Dec
2009
Flu
by Ralph Morris, MD, MPH

Second Wave of H1N1 Peaks

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says the level of H1N1 activity across the United States has dropped for the fourth straight week, indicating that the second wave of H1N1 in the United States has peaked.... Read More »
07
Nov
2009
Flu
by Ralph Morris, MD, MPH

Is it the flu or the common cold?

Viruses are unwelcomed visitors in many households right now. I am frequently asked how to tell whether a family member is suffering from the flu or just a common cold. Some of the symptoms are similar, but others generally indicate one or the other of these illnesses. To help you evaluate your symptoms, I’ve created... Read More »
09
Oct
2009
Flu
by Water Quality & Health Council

The Water Quality and Health Council Calls for Greater Surface Disinfection to Combat Bad Hygiene During this Flu Season

Do you cough without covering your mouth while standing in the lunch line? Or sneeze loudly into the air when squeezed onto the morning bus? Nearly all Americans (96 percent) have seen you do things like this – and a shocking three quarters (77 percent) say they are guilty themselves. Even with heightened concerns during... Read More »