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Swine Flu Update
The number of swine flu cases now stands at 64 in the U.S., the CDC announced Tuesday. Five have required hospitalization — three in California and two in Texas.
At a press briefing, CDC acting director Richard Besser said he remained "very concerned" about the evolving epidemic. He said that swine flu had little to distinguish it easily from other flu illnesses, with a typical incubation of 2 to 7 days.
In addition to stressing the importance of hand washing, Dr. Besser advised that people cover coughs with their arm or shoulder instead of a hand, to minimize sources of spread.
MMWR released information on the drug susceptibility of the virus, reiterating recommendations for use of either zanamivir (Relenza) or oseltamivir (Tamiflu).
The WHO reports that swine flu has been confirmed in seven countries.
(The New York Times has an interactive map with the most recent suspected and confirmed cases.)
LINK(S):
MMWR article on swine flu infections (Free)
MMWR article on drug susceptibility (Free)
WHO update (Free)
New York Times map of suspected and confirmed cases (Free)
Yesterday's Physician's First Watch coverage of swine flu (Free)
Published in Physician's First Watch April 29, 2009
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- Swine Flu Update
Pandare Sankaran Sugathan, Brunei, 29 Apr 2009 10:38 AM EST
No need for antiviral treatment to healthy individuals who has had NO contact with a known or suspected case - Swine Flu Update
José M Arce, http://medciclopedia.com, 29 Apr 2009 1:49 PM EST
Actually, there's no need for antiviral treatment to individuals with no symptoms. The virus can create ressitence to oseltamivir and... [more]
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