|
|
|
UT Supercomputer Helps Track Swine Flu
A supercomputer at UT Austin is being used to help study swine flu and determine the best ways to use limited supplies of vaccine.
|
|
3 Comments 
AUSTIN (October 27, 2009)--A supercomputer at the University of Texas in Austin is being used to help study swine flu and to determine the best ways to make use of limited supplies of vaccine.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have used information from the UT research group to map out a strategy for distributing the vaccine.
Data produced by the supercomputer also show that there could be a third wave of the H1N1 virus in the spring.
The Texas Department of State Health Service, as of last week, said the state had received nearly 1 million doses of the swine flu vaccine.
The current virus is described as a new subtype of swine flu or A/H1N1 not previously detected in swine or humans. The virus combines genetic material from pigs, birds and humans in a way researchers have not seen before.
How Is It Transmitted?
People cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Most influenza viruses, including the swine flu virus, are not spread by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. No food safety issues have been identified, related to the flu. Preliminary investigations have determined that none of the people infected with the flu had contact with hogs. The virus is spreading by human-to-human transmission.
Swine Flu Symptoms
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of seasonal flu and include:
Fever
Fatigue
Lack of appetite
Coughing
Runny nose
Sore throat
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
What To Do If You Get Sick
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
(CDC)
Steps You Can Take To Stay Healthy
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze
Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them
(CDC)
Links And Other Resources
The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has a toll-free information line to answer any questions you may have about the swine flu. The number is 1-888-777-5320
Federal Flu Information Web Site
World Health Organization Human Swine Influenza Site
World Health Organization Human Swine Influenza Site
Latest Comments
Jennica has "medical training" but does not work curently in that field. I am about fed up with the links he/she posts too. They are never from a credible source and are just the opinion of others. I feel really bad too for the many people that are actual doctors and scientists working night and day to cure diseases that spent so much money on getting that degree. All we need to do is follow Jennica who started out claiming that there was no such thing as H1N1, then had to argue every death from it, now telling people how to treat it. Let's all just sit around in the sun and drink red wine. Sure beats working or going to school and we will never catch the flu.
We now know what Jennica is selling! Resveratrol supplements! When you are researching resveratrol, go to www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/DSH/resveratrol.html to see what she is pedaling. I think I will take my chances with the H1N1 vaccine when it is available. At least we know it provides some protection. Wouldnt be surprised if Jennica showed up with her sleeve rolled up too!
KWTX, please include information about alternative preventative measures viewers might take to remain healthy. "Flu viruses require a host cell to replicate. The Italian researchers report that resveratrol, known as a red wine molecule, completely blocks entry of flu viruses into the cell nucleus in animals at a human equivalent dose of ~70 milligrams. [Journal Infectious Disease 2005 May 15; 191(10):1719–29] So the virus would enter the lungs, antibodies would still be generated to produce long-term immunity, but the virus could not duplicate into millions of daughter virions as it normally does. Resveratrol works on closing the cellular doorway rather than destroying the virus itself. Therefore it is a totally non-toxic approach to control of influenza viruses. Furthermore, resveratrol does not provoke viral resistance." Taken from the following article (which also mentions supplementing vitamin D to boost one's immunity): http://www.lewrockwell.com/sardi/sardi129.html
 |
Double
Dollar Deals Half Price Deals at Central Texas restaurants and businesses. A new deal every Thursday at 7:00am. |
 |
Boss
of the Month Who is Central Texas’ best boss? Nominate your supervisor for Boss of the Month! |
 |
Golden
Apple Your chance to nominate an outstanding teacher. Find out how they are making a difference in classrooms. |
 |
Emily Wants to Know Emily Matthews' inquisitive look at life in Central Texas. |
 |
Army Way Learn all about the symbols, traditions, and customs of the US Army. |
