A medical face mask that catches and destroys 99.9% of infectious viruses - and kills them within five minutes - has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The masks have been approved for use in nursing homes and other healthcare settings.
There's been a lot of discussion lately about a new superbug. Apparently, it may not be as "super powerful" as some people may think.
If you think the worst of the swine flu has passed, you're not alone: A new poll shows that nearly half of all Americans believe the H1N1 outbreak is waning.
November 25, 2009
A nationwide shortage of seasonal flu vaccines at nursing homes has forced federal health officials to redirect existing supplies from chain pharmacies and supermarkets to facilities.
November 24, 2009
The swine flu appears to have peaked in the U.S., but the pandemic and other forms of flu can hit several peaks in a season, U.S. health officials said.
The New York State Supreme Court has temporarily suspended a controversial rule that would require most healthcare workers to receive both the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines.
October 15, 2009
Healthcare workers who are in close contact with patients having suspected or confirmed H1N1 flu should use N95 respirators, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in interim guidance released Wednesday.
It turns out that seniors, and therefore, long-term care residents, are not entirely safe from the influence of H1N1 after all.
Health officials say the H1N1 flu vaccine could be available as early as three weeks from now. And only one dose may be needed for each recipient.
September 01, 2009
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control released a statement Monday urging all healthcare workers to get vaccinated against both seasonal flu and H1N1. It also suggested recourse for workers who refuse the vaccine.
August 26, 2009
Slightly less than half the population of the United States could become infected with the H1N1 flu this fall and winter, according to a presidential panel. That trails findings that healthcare workers are still hesitant about receiving the H1N1 vaccine.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet Wednesday to decide on an approach for inoculating Americans against the H1N1 virus. That comes after the agency projected that the virus could affect up to 40% of the U.S. population.
In light of the continued spread of the H1N1 virus and the approaching 2009-2010 flu season, the Department of Health and Human Services has announced the allocation of billions of dollars in influenza preparedness funding and additional vaccine purchases.
The Joint Commission, an independent healthcare accreditation and certification organization, on Wednesday released guidance for increased healthcare worker influenza vaccinations.
The world, with the United States leading the way, has seen a dramatic increase in the number of swine flu cases since Friday, the World Health Organization said Monday.
