The Pandemic Flu Blog

May 17, New Rules for Vaccinations in California

Thu, 17 May 2012 17:18:47 GMT

California has just passed an amendment to its Health and Safety Code, which will require all incoming seventh graders, as well as eighth and twelfth graders for the first year, to get a Tdap booster vaccination for pertussis (whooping cough) before being admitted to school. This, despite the fact that most of the children infected in the recent outbreaks of whooping cough, had received the vaccinations. In addition, the vaccine has not been proven to be effective against whooping cough for any length of time. With this amendment, your child cannot attend school unless you complete a Personal Belief Exemption Form (PBEF) from your local health department’s Immunization Program. If you want your child to be exempt from the Tdap vaccine, you will have to request a CDPH 8261 form from your childs school.

Mar 15, Survival Foods | Emergency Food Supply | Freeze Dried Foods

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 22:13:16 GMT

Include some survival foods in your emergency food supply. In a natural disaster or other emergency, you may need some meals that are quick and easy to prepare.

Mar 15, Flashlight Reviews | Emergency Lighting | Streamlight Flashlights

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 22:11:58 GMT

These flashlight reviews will help you choose emergency lighting that will be convenient, reliable and suitable for your needs. Site includes survival preparedness info for families.

Feb 21, Foodborne Illnesses | Foodborne Diseases

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:24:31 GMT

Foodborne illnesses and foodborne diseases can come from contamination of your food, meat from ill animals, spoilage or from pathogens like fungi that grow on plants.

Jan 2, Death in China from H1N5 Swine Flu Virus

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:26:33 GMT

The first H5N1 death of the New Year occurred in China this morning, Jan. 2, 2012. The victim lived in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, which is just across a river from Hong Kong. The Shenzhen Disease Control Center issued a statement, saying that, although the flu virus is highly virulent, it "cannot spread among people" and there is "no need for Shenzhen citizens to panic." Chen, a 39 year old bus driver, developed a fever on December 21 and was hospitalized on December 25. Chen has been in close contact with 120 people recently, and so far, no one else has become ill. Just across the river in Hong Kong, 2 weeks ago (one week before Chen became ill), a chicken tested positive for the H5N1 flu virus. Over 19,000 chickens were destroyed at a Hong Kong market and the sale of poultry was banned for 3 weeks. In addition, on Dec. 17, an Oriental Magpie Robin found dead, was also tested and found to be positive for the virus. As you may have guessed, scientists are watching any new cases of H5N1 closely, since the H5N1 virus has been mutated in a laboratory (by two different individuals) to make it easily transmissible . The medical community will be watching closely, to make sure that mutation is not happening naturally and that the virus has not been used as a weapon!

Dec 20, H5N1 Avian Flu Threat

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:14:51 GMT

In a surprising turn of events, H5N1 Avian Flu has been mutated to become the unthinkable threat that many of us have feared. But this series of 5 mutations did not occur naturally. It has been duplicated in two separate university laboratories, once by Dutch scientists led by Dr. Fouchier and again by Yoshihiro Kawaoka, a professor of virology in the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Considered to be a threat for bioterrorism, the H5N1 virus has mutated to the form where it can be spread easily from person to person, as well as from animal to animal. Because the H5N1 has killed 60% of its human victims, 600 people to date, it is considered to be a possible biological weapon. The scientists who have made the discoveries are pushing to have their findings published. The U.S. government’s National Security Advisory Board for Biosecurity is currently considering just how much of the information should be published. In the meantime, we have one of the world’s most deadly viruses, in semi-secure locations at two universities, on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

Oct 11, Swine Flu Vaccine Causes Narcosepsy

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:55:52 GMT

Finland has acknowledged that the swine flu vaccine causes irreversible neurological damage and has caused Narcopepsy in at least 79 children in the country. The Finnish government has agreed to pay for lifetime medical care for the children affected. While the government has admitted that the vaccines cause harm, it has not halted the vaccinations of its children. An article in Natural News provides documentation that the vaccines do absolutely nothing to prevent your getting the flu, and a dose of vitamin D each day would keep you healthier,with no dangerous risks. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to vaccinate children, with no consideration for neurological damage, including autism.

Oct 3, Listeria Bacteria Prevention | How to Prevent Listeriosis

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 21:38:50 GMT

Listeria bacteria prevention is similar to that of other foodborne illnesses like salmonella and e-coli. Good hygiene and avoiding high risk foods can greatly cut your risks.

Oct 3, What Causes Listeria? | Foodborne Illnesses | Listeria Monocytogenes

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:47:26 GMT

What causes listeria? There are a couple of ways that you can contract a listeriosis infection and if you understand how you can get it, you will be better prepared to prevent it!

Oct 3, Listeria Outbreak | How Serious is Listeriosis?

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:01:59 GMT

A listeria outbreak is not life-threatening to healthy children or adults, but it can be far more serious for pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

Oct 3, Listeria Infection – Who is at Risk? | Listeria and Pregnancy

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:05:00 GMT

Listeria infection is more of a risk for some people than others. Most at risk are pregnant women and their babies, infants, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

Oct 3, Symptoms of Listeria | Listeriosis Symptoms

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:32:20 GMT

The symptoms of listeria vary dramatically from person to person. Depending on your state of health and your immune system, you can show no symptoms or you can become seriously ill.

Oct 3, What is Listeriosis? | Listeria Monocytogenes | Listeria Bacteria

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:25:43 GMT

What is Listeriosis? Listeria, also known as the listeria monocytogenes bacteria, is an organism found frequently in the environment. Occasionally it infects a person, who becomes severely ill.

Sep 29, Will You Get a Call about Your Childrens Vaccines?

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:32:44 GMT

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) is conducting a survey, the National Immunization Survey, for households with children. You may receive a letter being sent to U.S. households by Edward J. Sondik, PhD, the director of the National Center for Health Statistics at the CDC. The CDC is trying to determine which children have/have not been vaccinated. In addition to asking you about compliance in a phone call following the letter, they will then go to your doctor to check your accuracy. Unfortunately the CDC has blemished their image recently. After the pandemic flu scare, Dr. Julie Gerberding, went on to accept the lucrative job as the president of Merck’s global vaccine division and one of their chief researchers, Dr. Poul Thorsen, was later indicted for stealing grant money that he used to buy luxury cars and motorcycles. Medical information is confidential, and no one should be able to bully you into giving them private information about you or your family. Follow the link below for more info and ideas on what you can do if you get a letter or phone call.

Sep 3, New Strain of Swine Flu Found in 2 Children

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 11:49:41 GMT

Just when we thought that Swine Flu was gone and out of our lives, 2 children, one in Indiana and one in Pennsylvania, have come down with a novel strain. Both children have recovered and the reason that the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) is concerned is that the Swine Flu strain includes a gene from the H1N1 strain that makes it easy to spread from person to person. Dr. John Treanor, a flu specialist from the University of Rochester School of Medicine, commented: There is some evidence that that gene is particularly important for transmission from person to person, he said. The CDC does not think that the new strain, H3N2, has spread from person to person. They believe that the two children (each with a slightly different strain) contracted the flu after contact with pigs at local fairs. It is unusual for people to get flu from pigs, and in the last 5 years, there are only 21 known cases.

Aug 25, Hurricane Preparedness for Pets | Pet Emergency Evacuation Plan

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 14:33:56 GMT

Hurricane preparedness for pets in your home should be part of your emergency evacuation plan. And, before you evacuate to a shelter, make sure that you pets will be welcome.

Aug 25, Pet Hurricane Preparedness Kit | Pet Disaster Preparedness Kit

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:48:18 GMT

You will need a pet hurricane preparedness kit for your dog or cat. Putting together a disaster preparedness kit will help you make sure that you have everything that your pet will need.

Aug 25, Pet Emergency Evacuation Plans | Pet Safety in Hurricane Storms

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:32:53 GMT

Pet emergency evacuation plans are just as important as family emergency evacuation plans. Plan ahead for your pet, and you will not have to abandon your pet in a dangerous situation.

Aug 23, Carolinas Prepare for Major Hurricane

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:09:13 GMT

The latest predictions for Hurricane Irene are that the hurricane will be a direct hit for North or South Carolina, and it will be a Category 4 storm, which is a major hurricane with considerable damage. If you live in the Carolinas and remember Hurricane Bertha (1996), this hurricane is expected to take the same path or a similar one. But Hurricane Bertha was a Category 2, much smaller than this hurricane is expected to be when it hits. People in the Carolinas should be securing their home right now, and, if you are told to evacuate, you should do so immediately. If you plan to leave the area anyway, leave as early as possible to avoid getting stuck in congested traffic. When you leave, make sure you have food, water and sanitary supplies with you in the car, as it is possible that you will be in your car for many hours, and you may not have access to the normal conveniences, with so many people in their cars, as well. Take your evacuation car kit with you.

Aug 23, Earthquake Hits U.S. East Coast

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:55:50 GMT

Just before 2 p.m. this afternoon, a 5.9-6.0 earthquake was felt along a large part of the East Coast. Sitting in my office at my computer, 90 miles from the epicenter in Virginia (between Charlottesville and Richmond), there was a low rumbling which gradually got louder and louder. Everything was shaking and swaying, including lights and my computer monitor. The trembling and rumbling lasted for what seemed minutes, then gradually slowed down and stopped. But we were not the only ones who felt the quake. It was felt along the east coast, south to Chapel Hill, N.C. and north to New Hampshire. This earthquake was a surprise to those living along the east coast—and it serves as a reminder that we should always be prepared for emergencies. Do you have your emergency preparedness kit ready?

Jul 15, Flashlight reviews: Smith & Wesson Galaxy 13 LED Flashlight

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:40:06 GMT

Flashlight reviews: Smith & Wesson Galaxy 13 LED Flashlight This flashlight is a little different, since it has ten white LED and three red LED. The

Jul 15, Flashlight reviews: Nu-Flare Ultra- Compact 78R91AA Luxeon Rebel 90 6W LED Flashlight - Zoom Focus

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:39:33 GMT

Flashlight reviews: Nu-Flare Ultra- Compact 78R91AA Luxeon Rebel 90 6W LED Flashlight - Zoom Focus This LED flashlight has several interesting features.

Jul 15, Flashlight reviews: Keystone 28BK 28-LED Super Bright Flashlight

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:39:01 GMT

Flashlight reviews: Keystone 28BK 28-LED Super Bright Flashlight While the lens area is large, you get the light output of those 28 LED flashlight bulbs.

Jul 15, Flashlight reviews: Energizer Weather Ready Compact Rechargeable LED Light

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:38:39 GMT

Flashlight reviews: Energizer Weather Ready Compact Rechargeable LED Light This bright LED light is rechargeable--simply plug it into a standard outlet.

Jul 15, Flashlight reviews: Dorcy 41-4299 220-Lumens Rechargeable LED Flashlight

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:38:33 GMT

Flashlight reviews: Dorcy 41-4299 220-Lumens Rechargeable LED Flashlight This rugged flashlight, made of anodized aluminum, is rechargeable with AC or

Jul 15, Flashlight reviews: Garrity E300G Power Failure Rechargeable Flashlight

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:38:27 GMT

Flashlight reviews: Garrity E300G Power Failure Rechargeable Flashlight This rechargeable flashlight provides the light you need when your electric power

Jul 15, Flashlight reviews: Hybrid Solar Powered Flashlight With Battery Backup

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:38:12 GMT

Flashlight reviews: Hybrid Solar Powered Flashlight With Battery Backup This solar powered LED flashlight is a hybrid, in that it also has a battery backup--two

Jul 14, Flashlight reviews: Streamlight 74301 Strion LED Flashlight

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 20:59:33 GMT

Flashlight reviews: Streamlight 74301 Strion LED Flashlight This Streamlight Strion offers a combination that is hard to find--a compact rechargeable

Jul 14, Flashlight reviews: Fenix E21 Flashlight

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 20:59:29 GMT

Flashlight reviews: Fenix E21 Flashlight This is a rugged, bright compact flashlight, featuring a Cree XP-E LED bulb. Made of aircraft grade aluminum

Jul 14, Flashlight reviews: Streamlight 88031 PT 2L Tactical Flashlight

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 20:59:26 GMT

Flashlight reviews: Streamlight 88031 PT 2L Tactical Flashlight While Streamlight is well known for its quality tactical lights, this flashlight isn't

Jul 14, Flashlight reviews: Rayovac SE3DLN Sportsman Xtreme 300-Lumen LED Lantern

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 20:59:22 GMT

Flashlight reviews: Rayovac SE3DLN Sportsman Xtreme 300-Lumen LED Lantern This is one great emergency lantern--compact and durable. The light output

Jul 14, Flashlight reviews: Neiko Super-Bright 9 LED Compact Aluminum Flashlight

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 20:59:18 GMT

Flashlight reviews: Neiko Super-Bright 9 LED Compact Aluminum Flashlight This little LED flashlight is a good choice for your car, desk, or even carried

Jul 14, Flashlight reviews: Dorcy 41-2510 4 LED Carabineer Floating Waterproof Flashlight

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 20:57:25 GMT

Flashlight reviews: Dorcy 41-2510 4 LED Carabineer Floating Waterproof Flashlight This flashlight features 4 super bright LEDs putting out 32 lumens

Jul 14, Flashlight reviews: Dorcy 41-4750 180 Lumen High Flux LED Flashlight

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 20:53:43 GMT

Flashlight reviews: Dorcy 41-4750 180 Lumen High Flux LED Flashlight A very bright light, and nice long range. The color of the LEDs are white, rather

Jul 6, Powerful Earthquake Strikes Near New Zealand

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 21:27:18 GMT

A large earthquake, magnitude 7.8 struck off New Zealands coast, in the Kermadec Islands this morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Pacific Tsunami Center. The quake did trigger a tsunami warning for New Zealand, where it could cause damage along the coastline.

Jul 6, Massive Dust Storm Hits Phoenix, Arizona

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 21:17:44 GMT

A huge dust storm, precipitated by the extremely dry conditions in the area, swept over Phoenix, right into the middle of the city. Unbelievably, the storm was a mile high and the weather service reported that it appeared to be 100 miles wide. It moved at speeds of 50-60 mph and deposited a thick coat of dust on everything, including inside the airport terminals, where it set off alarms. The storm caused power outages and downed electrical wires in numerous locations and even caused a fire when a live wire came down. People who have lived in the area commented that they have never seen a dust storm like this one…

Jul 6, Survival Preparedness | Emergency Preparedness for Families

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 21:10:10 GMT

What is your survival preparedness plan? Emergency preparedness for families is critical, as you just cannot expect the government or other parties to take care of you during a disaster.

Jul 6, Disaster Survival Kit | Disaster Kits | Disaster Preparedness

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:56:54 GMT

A disaster survival kit can be a lifesaver if you are in a natural disaster or other emergency situation. And there are disaster kits that will help you in any given situation.