The Pandemic Flu Blog

Feb 12, Bill Clinton an Example of Stress and Heart Disease

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:39:23 GMT

Former president Bill Clinton was rushed into surgery yesterday after his cardiologist found that a section of Bills heart was not getting the blood it needed. Two stents were inserted into an artery at New York-Presbyterian Columbia hospital, which is the hospital where Clinton underwent quadruple bypass surgery 6 years ago. Doctors reported that the 63 year old Clinton would have had a heart attack--if he had not undergone the surgery. A total blockage in just 6 years is fairly unusual, seen in just about 9 of patients. So what makes Clinton different? STRESS. It seems that Clinton works 20 hour days on a regular basis. In fact, while they were prepping him for surgery, he was on a conference call on the Haiti earthquake--until someone took the phone from him. Dr. Resar, an interventional cardiologist put it this way:

As we know, Clinton changed his diet and was on cholesterol-lowering medication. But stress does play a role. Blockages in these bypass grafts can occur despite the fact that someone makes dramatic changes in their lifestyle and does all the right things.

Jan 20, John Stossel on Swine Flu Hysteria

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:42:57 GMT

H1N1 swine flu, the "pandemic of the century", turned out to be a dud. The 30,000-90,000 deaths that U.S. citizens were told to expect never occurred. Instead, we saw many fewer deaths than during a normal flu season. Read John Stossel's (You've seen John on TV) comments on the H1N1 pandemic flu.

Jan 11, H1N1 Scandal of the Century?

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:44:19 GMT

Dr Wodarg, head of health at the Council of Europe, accused the makers of flu drugs and vaccines of influencing the World Health Organization's decision to declare a pandemic. Wodarg labeled the H1N1 swine flu virus as 'one of the greatest medical scandals of the century'. Countries around the world, already struggling with weak economies, spent huge amounts of money to prevent and fight the H1N1 pandemic. In Great Britain alone, the government officials were told to expect 65,000 deaths. They responded by preparing for mass graves and vaccinated thousands - against a mild virus. Drug companies made millions of dollars, and, only now, are we discovering the intricate web (and conflicts of interest) between WHO members, scientists and government leaders. Wodarg provides names and details, and he has started an investigation into the relationships and events.

Dec 31, WHO to be Investigated for Pandemic Scam

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:39:50 GMT

An inquiry into the World Health organization, its associated scientists and the pharmaceutical companies will begin in just days, in January 2010, by the Council of Europe member states.

The "bird-flu"-campaign (2005/06) combined with the "swine-flu"-campaign seem to have caused a great deal of damage not only to some vaccinated patients and to public health-budgets, but to the credibility and accountability of important international health-agencies.

The Parliamentary inquiry will consider whether there was a falsified pandemic and who (scientists, drug manufacturers and WHO leaders) benefited from the declaration of a pandemic. In addition, millions of people were exposed unnecessarily to the risk of untested vaccines to protect them from a mild flu strain.

Nov 24, Had H1N1? You May Have Pandemic Flu Protection!

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:34:41 GMT

If you have bee infected with H1N1 Swine Flu, you may have natural protection against the pandemic flu virus. People who have had repeated flu virus infections or flu vaccines in the past, may also have protection. Because of this, Alessandro Sette, director of the Center for Infectious Disease at California's La Jolla Institute said that the H1N1 flu virus may be less severe than originally thought.

Nov 24, Drug Resistant MRSA Has Risen Dramatically in U.S.

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:34:41 GMT

MRSA, a deadly drug resistant bacteria formerly acquired only in hospitals, in on the rise. No longer only seen in hospitals, it is now being found circulating in communities, including schools. Cases of MRSA have risen 90 since 1999. MRSA, (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is one of the secondary infections that H1N1 patients have acquired. As such, in some cases, the cause of death for an H1N1 patient is not actually the flu virusit is MRSA!

Nov 24, H1N1 Vaccine Withdrawn in Canada

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:12:12 GMT

GlaxoSmithKline has warned Canadian medical authorities that one batch of its H1N1 vaccine can trigger dangerous allergic reactions or death. The swine flu vaccine in question has been withdrawn from use after it produced severe edema (swelling) in one child's face and other serious reactions in the hearts and lungs of 35 other patients. In addition, 200 other people who were vaccinateddied. There were 172,000 doses of the vaccine distributed. The number who actually received the vaccine is not known.

Nov 18, Another Physician Warns of Swine Flu Vaccine Dangers

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:28:31 GMT

Still one more physician, Dr. Marvin Matlock of Fresno, California, has warned of swine flu vaccine dangers. Dr. Matlock, an internal medicine specialist, has decided NOT to give the H1N1 vaccine to his patients. Why? Because, after doing research on the swine flu vaccines, he has determined that the risk of getting vaccinated is far greater than the risk of getting the H1N1 swine flu. Dr. Matlock cites the use of squalene and thimerosol as vaccine ingredients that pose a risk of acquiring serious disorders like fibromyalgia, lupus and multiple sclerosis.

Nov 3, Swine Flu Update | CBS Study REAL Numbers LOW for H1N1 Swine Flu

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:09:06 GMT

Here is a swine flu update. CBS released results from a 3 month study with interesting swine flu facts that contradict information from the CDC.

Nov 3, The Truth about Swine Flu | Video on Government Deception

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:02:37 GMT

The truth about swine flu is discussed by Dr Mercola and Barbara Loe Fisher in revealing videos about government misinformation and distortion of facts fed to the U.S. public.

Nov 3, Flu Vaccine Dangers Warns Microbiologist | H1N1 Vaccine Safety

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:58:27 GMT

Flu Vaccine Dangers. Dr. Shiv Chopra warns that the H1N1 vaccine may become mandatory in Quebec. And he is warning people NOT to take the vaccine because of possible dangers.

Oct 29, Growing Number of Doctors and Scientists Condemn H1N1 Vaccine

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:34:44 GMT

More and more doctors and scientists are going public with their condemnation of the H1N1 swine flu vaccine. Even in the wake of President Obama's recent public declaration of a U.S. State of Emergency. Please note: This article has subsequently been removed. Wonder why...

Oct 29, Government Propaganda Blitz Opposed by NJ Group

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:34:44 GMT

The New Jersey Cooalition for Vaccination Choice has come out publicly to oppose the new U.S. government scare campaign being used to frighten the U.S. population. The group sites gross distortions of reports on hospitalizations and deaths, media reporting of false statistics, and poor science, at best, in determining the efficacy and safety of the vaccines.

Oct 28, Doctor Mercola Questions Obama National Health Emergency

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:33:55 GMT

Doctor Mercola and Barbara Loe Fisher question the truth of the swine flu facts used and the need for a National State of Emergency. Videos show evidence of inflated figures and false evidence used.

Oct 28, Alex Jones Videos on President Obama State of Emergency Declaration

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:35:21 GMT

Take a look at these Alex Jones videos that discuss President Obama declaration of a state of emergency, why it makes NO sense, and how it is being used to frighten Americans into getting flu shots.

Oct 28, N95 Mask | Respirator Face Masks | N95 Face Mask

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:55:44 GMT

The N95 mask is recommended by the CDC for many pandemic flu situations, but they are not always appropriate. An N95 face mask is a respirator face mask and is more efficient than an ordinary face ma

Oct 28, President Obamas Children will NOT Be Vaccinated!

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:47:27 GMT

With the push for quick vaccination of the public against H1N1 Swine Flu and the public declaration of a State of Emergency Friday evening, one would think that the president's children would be first in line to be protected from the Pandemic Swine Flu. The public has been assured that the swine flu vaccine is safe. However, the presidents girls will NOT be vaccinated. Why not?

Oct 28, H1N1 Gives Natural Protection

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:46:56 GMT

In a new study, just published in the journal, Vaccine, scientists revealed that H1N1 Swine Flu infection has a benefitprotection against H5N1 Bird Flu. H5N1 Bird Flu, while not easily spread, does have a whopping 60 death rate, so it is not a virus to take lightly. NONE of the pigs in the study, who were infected with H1N1, got the Bird Flu virus. One could expect the same to be true for humans, as pigs are a reliable model. This is good news for people who live in countries where H5N1 has become endemic, or widespread in the bird population.

Oct 25, President Obama Declares State of Emergency

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:43:43 GMT

President Obama has declared a state of emergency in the U.S. because of swine flu, even as information from non-government sources say that cases of TRUE swine flu are minimal.

Oct 22, Dr Russell Blaylock Interview on Swine Flu by Dr Mercola

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:56:34 GMT

Neurosurgeon Dr Russell Blaylock is interviewed by Dr Mercola about swine flu, flu vaccines, adjuvants and preservatives. Videos with special information for parents and pregnant women.

Oct 22, Dr Joseph Mercola | Health Expert

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:43:44 GMT

Dr Joseph Mercola is an osteopathic physician, board-certified in family medicine, and with a natural, holistic approach. He is well respected in the medical community and the community at large.

Oct 20, Doctors Online Advice | Talk to a Doctor Online | Online Doctor Consultation

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:04:50 GMT

Do you know about doctors online advice? You can have an online doctor consultation and get an answer quickly to your question. Avoid the crowds, the germs and the hassle of going to the doctor...

Oct 11, Swine Flu Vaccine | H1N1 Vaccine | Influenza Vaccine

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:35:24 GMT

Will the swine flu vaccine help or hurt us? What are the issues that should be considered? Will mandatory vaccination be an issue for you? How is this vaccine different from other flu vaccines?

Oct 9, Guess How Many Swine Flu Cases

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:24:38 GMT

If you do, you'll be guessing right along with government officials, the CDC, and the WHO (World Health Organization). In July the WHO told everyone to stop counting. Since then, every country is using different statistics, and the data gathering has been sporadic, at best. So, if you hear news stories on the evening news that tell you how bad the swine flu is getting, think about it... Are they just guessing?

Oct 9, Canada Not Distributing H1N1Vaccine Yet

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:01:40 GMT

Canada will not be giving H1N1 swine flu shots until November. For several reasons:

In Canada, the swine flu is not as severe as expected (mostly mild cases)
The H1N1 virus is not spreading rapidly in Canada
A delay in distribution of the H1N1 vaccine will give the Health Canada federal agency more time to review the results of tests and follow the normal regulatory process for approval (instead of rushing the vaccines to market).

On the other hand, the U.S., China and Australia have started giving swine flu H1N1 vaccines to their citizens even though clinical-trial results are not yet in...

Oct 7, H1N1 Vaccine Safe, says Kathleen Sebelius

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:06:44 GMT

Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, appreared on the Today Show this morning and said that the adverse effects are minimal. ... We know it's safe and secure. ... This is definitely is a safe vaccine for people to get. She also appeared on CBS's The Early Show where she said that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the President's Advisory Committee on Immunizations have identified four target populations:

Pregnant women
Health care workers
Children with pre-existing conditions, from 6 months to 2 years old
Older people with underlying health conditions

Ms. Sebelius urged Americans to get their swine flu vaccinations, saying that about 600 people in the U.S. have died so far. While every single person is important, the number of deaths used by Ms. Sebelius, is a far cry from the estimated figure of 37,000 annual deaths from seasonal flu the number that the U.S. government was using last spring!

Oct 7, Thursday One Hour Glenn Beck Show on H1N1 Vaccines

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:18:09 GMT

Fox News will air a full hour of experts expressing pros and cons on the H1N1 swine flu vaccines. The special show on vaccines will be on the Glenn Beck Show. If you are still deciding whether to have your family vaccinated, this is a show you will not want to miss. If you cannot be at home for the show, make sure you tape it. Announcement about the show is at the very end of this video.

Oct 7, Doctors Fear H1N1 FluMist Could SPREAD Swine Flu

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:01:01 GMT

While injectable swine flu vaccines contain dead virus, H1N1 FluMist contains live virus. The live virus in the FluMist is weakened, but it can be spread by someone exposed to it for up to 3 weeks. Hospitals in Colorado will not be using the mist because they fear that the virus could easily be spread, by doctors and nurses exposed to the spray, to patients with weak immune systems. Is this possible? Information that comes with FluMist reads, FluMist recipients should avoid close contact with immunocompromised individuals for at least 21 days. There are studies that indicate that the chances of spreading the virus after receiving the mist is about 2.5. To read more about FluMist, click on the link below.

Oct 6, Dr. Kent Holtorf and Swine Flu Vaccine | Interview on Fox News

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:35:07 GMT

Dr. Kent Holtorf is just one of many doctors against vaccines, like the swine flu vaccine, which have not been tested and contain potentially harmful adjuvants. Interview on Fox News.

Oct 5, Physicians Asked to Be on Lookout for Severe Symptoms

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:37:51 GMT

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has asked doctors to be on the lookout for severe swine flu symptoms like:

Hemoptysis - bloody saliva, frothy bloody cough
Difficulty breathing.
Fluid in the lungs
Hemmorhaging in the lungs

Physicians have been asked to report clusters of 4-5 patients with severe symptoms. These symptoms, if seen, will be found in the most severely ill patients, those in intensive care or who have died.

Oct 5, New Government Studies Show Higher Rates of Autism

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:23:02 GMT

Two new U.S. government studies indicate that the rate of autism in children is now 1 case per 100 children or 1 of children. Previous studies found 1 case per 150 children. The study included children of all levels of autism spectrum disorder, meaning that it included mild cases, as well as severe cases.

Oct 5, Swine Flu Deaths in Mexico Not Due to Different Strain

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:12:37 GMT

The large number of deaths in Mexico in April 2009 may have been due to delays in receiving medical care and patients being infected by more than one illness at the same time. These are the conclusions in an article published in the Journal of Public Health in Mexico, and written by Germain Fajardo, head of the National Medical Arbitration Commission. The original article is in Spanish.

Oct 5, 1918 Flu Pandemic May Have Been Exaserbated By Aspirin Misuse

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:12:37 GMT

High doses of aspirin may have contributed to the huge number of deaths during the 1918 flu pandemic. An article in the current issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases by Karen Starko, MD, states that aspirin toxicity and a dangerous build-up of fluid in the lungs can be caused by taking too much aspirin. Dr. Starko proposes that high aspirin levels given to patients ill with the flu in 1918 may have contributed to the incidence and severity of their symptoms, bacterial infections and the number of deaths. Autopsy reports from 1918 and 1919 are consistent with both aspirin toxicity and expected viral causes of death, like pneumonia.

Oct 4, Aspirin Side Effects and the 1918 Flu | Did Aspirin Cause Swine Flu Deaths?

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:26:09 GMT

Did aspirin side effects contribute to the great number of swine flu deaths in 1918? At least some scientists believe so. A new study shows a link between severe flu symptoms, increased use of aspirin

Oct 4, Phoenix Police May Be Asked to Innoculate Citizens

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 12:11:38 GMT

A retired nurse tells us, in this video, of her conversation with a Phoenix police officer. The Phoenix police have been told that they may have to go door to door, in the near future, to forcibly vaccinate people in the community, for the pandemic swine flu.

Oct 4, Cuba Says NO to H1N1 Vaccine

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:53:28 GMT

Cuba, an island with 11 million people, has had just 435 swine flu cases to date. No deaths. And they intend to keep it that way. Cuba will use social isolation, quarantines, evacuations and may even isolate a whole town. But, all this, without resorting to a vaccine. Cuba's number 2 health official, Dr. Luis Estruch, told the AP in a recent interview that relying on a vaccine to contain a world flu pandemic is risky, at best. Nobody knows if it would work. How safe would it be? Dr. Estruch said that the military will be used to enforce quarantines, if necessary. He continued, In a matter of hours, we can determine what resources to send. We've thought it out. ... We've considered what to do if we have to paralyze a town, if we have to stop public transit, if we have to close the schools. Meanwhile, the U.S. is preparing an extensive survey to keep track of side effects that occur after swine flu innoculations. Will this program work for Cuba? So far, they have had 1 case for every 25,000 people. In contrast, the U.S. has had 1 case for every 6,900 people and Mexico has had 1 case for every 4,000 people.

Oct 3, German Doctors Boycott H1N1 Flu Vaccine

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:57:15 GMT

Despite recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Robert Koch Institute (responsible in Germany for fighting infectious diseases) and the Paul Ehrlich Institute (approves drugs used in Germany), many German physicians will not personally get swine flu innoculationsand some will not offer the flu shots to patients in their practices. In Germany, the number of new cases has decreased from 3300 per week at the end of July, to 749 per week at the end of September. There has only been one death in Germany. Angelika Hauser, chairman of the association of the physicians Hartmann Federation in North-Rhine, Westphalia, confirms that Many (physicians) think that the illness is simply not so dangerous. On the other hand, many are concerned with the dangers of the adjuvants (or additives) being used in the swine flu vaccines. In other words, doctors fear that there is more danger from the vaccines, than from the swine flu. Click on the link below to see the original article. It is in German.

Oct 2, Seasonal Flu Vaccine Increases Chances to Get H1N1 Flu

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:28:22 GMT

4 new Canadian studies, using 2000 people, indicated that people who had received the seasonal flu vaccine in the past were more likely to get sick with the H1N1 virus. The reason for this is that, in some cases, exposure to bacteria or virus germs can stimulate your immune system to produce antibodies that will actually make it easier to get another strain or disease. An example of this is Dengue Fever. If you have been infected, you are much more likely to get the more severe hemorrhagic Dengue Fever. Canadian public health authorities are now debating whether to shorten, delay or totally eliminate their seasonal flu vaccination campaign in favor of mass swine flu vaccinations.

Oct 1, You May Have Natural H1N1 Antibodies

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:16:52 GMT

In a recently completed clinical trial for H1N1 in healthy adults in Australia, 31 of the participants had protective antibodies to the H1N1 swine flu. Adults, who had not shown evidence of the swine flu were chosen for the study. How can this be? For several months, people without fever have not been tested, and it is possible to have a mild case of swine flu and not know it! In addition, there is such a thing known as a silent carrier a person who has the virus in his system, but shows no symptoms. So, you might be 1/3 people who have natural protection. For more details, click on the link below.

Oct 1, Only 1/3 People in U.S. Plan to Vaccinate their Children

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:16:52 GMT

In a poll for Consumer Reports which was conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International, only one in three people indicated that they plan to get a swine flu shot for their children. Reasons for not getting the jab included fear of side effects, no assurance that the vaccine is safe, and the vaccine is too new. In addition, 43 indicated that they were not worried that their children will get the flu this year.

Oct 1, Roll up Sleeve or Loose Money

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:42:28 GMT

Nationwide Childrens Hospital in Columbus, Ohio has initiated a policy, requiring hospital personnel to be vaccinated with both the seasonal flu shot and the H1N1 swine flu shot. If employees refuse, they will lose out on pay raises and bonuses. Dennis Cunningham, a senior doctor at the hospital, admitted that there will be mercury in the multi-dose vials. But, he said that the level is so low, it wouldnt cause disease in humans. The Institute of Medicine recommended against the policy of thimerosal (mercury) containing vaccines in 2001. Can this be done legally? Hospitals have been requiring vaccinations for years. When I was working as a therapist, at a hospital, during the 1990s, Hepatitis B vaccinations were a condition for employment for all employees in direct contact with patients. After my third shot, I developed neurological symptoms. The symptoms eventually went away but only after months of agonizing fears. Not everyone is so fortunate. For more information on Nationwide Children's Hospital, click on the link below.

Sep 30, World Health Organization Admits Pandemic H1N1 is MILD

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:01:01 GMT

Dr. Margaret Chan, head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has now stated that the pandemic H1N1 swine flu virus has NOT mutated and that it remains mild to moderate. Dr. Chan was responsible for the declaration of a flu pandemic, Level 6 (the highest possible) last June. Dr. Marie-Paule Kieny, Director of the Initiative for Vaccine Research for the WHO, supported Chan's statement by saying, We are lucky that the pandemic is moderate in severity that most people experience a mild illness and recover spontaneously. (No vaccine, no medicines, no hospitalization) Meanwhile, the WHO continues to concern itself with how to get richer nations to purchase vaccines to distribute to the world's less fortunate nations.

Sep 30, South African Death Toll Low

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:57:49 GMT

Professor Barry Schoub, director of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reported that deaths from pandemic H1N1 swine flu remain low in South Africa. To date, 11,726 people have been officially infected and confirmed. Of those, only 83 have died. Most of those who died had complicating factors:

59 were female, and 24 of those were pregnant
23 people were both diabetic and obese
16 people were HIV-positive
8 people had heart disease
6 people had tuberculosis

Sep 30, 2 Vaccines Approved for Europeans

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:39:41 GMT

Two pandemic flu vaccines, Focetria (made by Novartis) and Pandemrix (made by GlaxoSmithKline), have now been approved by the European Commission. The vaccines will be distributed to the 27 EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norwaythis week.

Sep 29, UK Vaccination Plans

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:53:27 GMT

While official sources are declaring (in the news media) that vaccination in the UK will be optional, official documents are revealing other plans. Locations for mass vaccinations are being kept secret, and there are plans for military personnel to be on location at vaccination sites. A letter, recently released, lists the Bolton Arena as one mass vaccination site. Plans include 24/7 vaccinations and 1000-3000 persons daily. Click on the link below for the full story, with sources listed.

Sep 29, British Children Given Untested Vaccines

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:29:15 GMT

Children as young as six months are being used in tests beginning today on two fast tracked and unlicensed flu vaccines containing ingredients that are known to cause neurological disorders and nerve diseases. Over the next two weeks 1,000 children aged six months to 12 years are being recruited in Oxford, Bristol, Southampton, Exeter and London, to determine which vaccine has fewer side-effects, reports the BBC. The vaccines, not yet licensed, are being fast tracked so that they will be available sooner. In addition, the Baxter vaccine hasnt even been approved for use by the European Medicines Agency. The tests being conducted on British children mirror those conducted in the U.S.

Sep 29, Fox News Survey on Swine Flu H1N1

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:22:26 GMT

A recent Fox News survey indicates that most Americans are at least a little worried about the pandemic swine flu virus. 26 of Americans say that they are very worried, while 38 indicated that they were somewhat worried about a pandemic. Do the Americans who were polled think the U.S. government is prepared? 54 said that they think the government is somewhat prepared. For the full report on the Fox News poll, click on the link below.

Sep 15, H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine Approved for U.S.

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:55:31 GMT

Swine flu vaccine, made by CSL Ltd. of Australia, Switzerland's Novartis, Sanofi-Pasteur of France, and Maryland-based Medimmune (nasal-spray flu vaccine), was approved today. Distribution will begin in mid October, and the first to be vaccinated will be children, pregnant women and those with existing health conditions like cardiac or pulmonary problems. FDA licensure means that the government has certified that the vaccine is made properly and meets specific manufacturing and quality standards. In a rush to get the vaccines to market, approval was given, before tests of the vaccine were completed. The National Institutes of Health is continuing the study of the vaccine dosage and safety.

Sep 15, Link Between El Nino and 1918 Pandemic?

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:36:50 GMT

Benjamin Giese, a professor of oceanography at Texas A & M, who specializes in ocean modeling, has found that the 1918-19 El Nio was one of the strongest of the century. We know that there is a connection between El Nio and drought in India. It seems probable that mortality from influenza was high in India because of famine associated with drought, so it is likely that El Nio contributed to the high mortality from influenza in India. Professor Giese found some interesting parellels between 1918 and 2009. The winter and spring in 1918 were unusually cold throughout North America. During that time, the El Nino strengthened, and India saw a drought. In the fall of 1918, as we know, the influenza became a pandemic. Professor Giese believes that India may have suffered the loss of 17 million people in 1918 - partly because of famine due to the drought. With a moderate to strong El Nio now forming in the Pacific and the H1N1 flu strain apparently making a vigorous comeback, the concerns today are obvious, Giese adds.

Sep 15, Possible Discovery of Why H1N1 is So Contagious

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:57:22 GMT

Two new studies, one in Quebec and one in Singapore, have discovered that H1N1 swine flu is still being shed (or spread) by those who are infected for days later than expected! Unlike seasonal flu, where patients are not infectious after 7 days, swine flu is still being spread by 19-75 of patients for at least 8 days, and up to 16. After that, the virus is no longer being spread. Early results of the studies will be presented today in San Francisco at an international congress of the American Association of Microbiology. Both studies were relatively small (less than 100 patients), and more information is needed, but the studies may hold an important key to why the swine flu is so contagious and spreads so quickly. Nancy Cox, spokesperson for the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), said that the swine flu H1N1 is spreading so widely now that confining the sick does less good. We tried to have our guidance balance out all of these factors. It's just virtually impossible not to have virus introduced into settings such as schools and universities.