News tagged with 'Influenza A'

New test results among adults suggests a degree of pre-existing immunity to the novel H1N1 strain exists, especially in adults 60 or older, writes CDC researchers in this weeks Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Smithfield Foods Inc., the nation’s largest producer and processor of pork, said Thursday that tests have confirmed no presence of (A)H1N1, or swine flu, was detected on their hog farms in Mexico.

With swine flu still spreading, global health officials are warning countries to limit use of antiviral drugs, used to treat influenza, to only high-risk patients such as pregnant women and chronically ill patients to ensure adequate supplies.

Two of four antiviral drugs, Tamiflu and Relenza, appear to be effective against the strain of swine flu circulating in the United States. But health officials warn to use antiviral medications cautiously.

The U.S. has called for an emergency declaration concerning the swine flu as a “standard operating procedure” and later today a travel advisory is expected to issue a travel warning urging Americans avoid visiting Mexico if possible, especially for nonessential travel.  Americans are being told not to panic, even though 20 mild cases have been detected in the states.