During week 52 (December 27, 2009-January 2, 2010), influenza activity decreased slightly in the U.S.

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8 January 2010 — As of 3 January 2009, worldwide more than 208 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 12799 deaths.

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GENEVA (Reuters) – The H1N1 flu pandemic appears to be easing, but a third wave of infections could yet strike, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

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is a daily summary made from the selected links I post on Twitter. It is in a bullet points format with links to the original sources which include 350 RSS feeds that produce about 2,500 items per day:

Initial concerns over Spiriva (tiotropium) effect on cardiovascular death may be unfounded http://bit.ly/8RcJpU

Paclitaxel-eluting stents should no longer be used in everyday clinical practice. The Lancet, 2010 http://bit.ly/6OUgnH

Identification of bacteria with DNA microarray was sensitive, specific, faster than gold-standard culture-based method. DNA-based microarray assay could enable faster and earlier evidence-based management for clinical sepsis http://bit.ly/5K1PEd

Driveways could spread toxins into the home – carcinogens found in coal tar–sealed pavements http://bit.ly/8m1K6f…

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GENEVA (Reuters) – The H1N1 flu pandemic remains moderate and its effects are probably closer to those of 1957 and 1968 than the far more deadly 1918 version, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

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The current pandemic H1N1 virus thus far has not proved to be as virulent as was initially feared, but flu viruses love cold dry air and winter weather has just set in many parts of the world. Journal Watch (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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While the influenza season has not ended, most Alabamians still have not received the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. The Alabama Department of Public Health urges everyone to get the H1N1 influenza vaccine now that the entire population is eligible and in advance of a possible future wave of influenza activity. “Influenza is unpredictable, and we want to the public to be protected,” said Dr. Donald Williamson, state health officer. “We continue to see disease in persons in all age groups, including otherwise healthy young people… (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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While the influenza season has not ended, most Alabamians still have not received the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. The Alabama Department of Public Health urges everyone to get the H1N1 influenza vaccine now that the entire population is eligible and in advance of a possible future wave of influenza activity. “Influenza is unpredictable, and we want to the public to be protected,” said Dr… (Source: Public Health News From Medical News Today)

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18 January 2010 — In her opening speech to the Executive Board at its 126th session, Dr Chan, WHO’s Director-General, noted that many health problems today are transnational in nature or require action at the international level, such as the harmful use of alcohol and the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children. Dr Chan also reviewed the international response to the current H1N1 influenza pandemic, noting that the moderate impact of the pandemic was the best health news of the previous decade. (Source: WHO Director-General speeches)

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Keiji Fukuda, the special adviser to the WHO director general on pandemic influenza, on Thursday dismissed allegations that the agency exaggerated the threat of the H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic and has been influenced by the pharmaceutical industry, the Washington Post reports. Fukuda’s defense came amid reports this week that the Council of Europe will investigate the WHO’s actions and as several countries slash H1N1 vaccine orders. “The world is going through a real pandemic. The description of it as a fake is both wrong and irresponsible,” Fukuda said during a news conference… (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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