H1N1 flu
Back in May, QUEST first reported on the urgency and rush to develop the H1N1 vaccine featuring Art Reingold, head of epidemiology at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health. The concerns largely centered on our vulnerability to the virus, especially for healthy individuals. In September, QUEST updated the story on the race to distribute the vaccine before mutations inevitably take place.
The vulnerability translated to substantial number of deaths, estimated to be between 2,500 and 6,100 according to the CDC. There is good news on the horizon, as week to week indicators show both a decline in national doctor visits for the flu and there has been a substantial decline n number of states reporting widespread H1N1 activity.
This may be sign of the H1N1 outbreak peak, a figure Art Reingold has been closely monitoring for the past few months. He'll be discussing the epidemiology of the pandemic and the controversy over the vaccine.
To learn more about the H1N1 virus, call: (800) CDC-INFO (800 232-4636) or visit the CDC's website.
H1N1 Update with Dr. Art Reingold
When: Wednesday, December 9th, 7-9 PM
Where: Cafe Valparaiso at La Pena Cultural Center
Cost: Free
Details: Experts are predicting a substantial resurgence of swine flu cases this coming winter. Art Reingold will provide an update concerning the global pandemic of novel H1N1(swine) influenza; the current state of affairs in the US and California; and options for prevention, including a pandemic influenza vaccine.