Man Killed by Lightning; DOH Health Advisories; Health News;NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory; Search Systems web site; Seasonal Flu

Man killed by lightning
The Philippine Star p. 23 May 2008

"A utility worker died after he was hit by lightning during a heavy downpour in Quezon City yesterday afternoon.
Larry Vallenas, 39, was already lifeless when he was found under a tree along Stockholm street in Classica Vista Real Subdivision in Barangay Batasan Hills. Police Officer 2 Armando Penaflor said Vallenas was sweeping the street when the rain started and he sought shelter under a tree."

The following was the result of my research, regarding trees and lightning, on the internet:

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/hgx/severe/swa/lightning.htm
" * Stay away from trees and other tall objects."
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Philippine Department of Health Health Advisories
http://www.doh.gov.ph/healthadvisories/weather_season/summertime
It's Summer time

March to May is vacation time and fiesta season in the country. To avoid food poisoning, diarrhea, heat-associated ailments and recreation-associated injuries, the public is advised to take the following precautions.

Food and drinks

· Cook food properly.
· Preferably, foods must be eaten immediately after cooking (while still hot).
· Left-over food should be refrigerated and reheated before being eaten.
· Food handlers should wash their hands before and after food preparation.
· If sick, you should avoid preparing food for others.
· Avoid drinking water and iced beverages of doubtful quality.
· If water quality is doubtful, boil your drinking water for at least 2 minutes.
· Peel and wash fruits / vegetables before eating.
· Wash hands before and after eating.

At the beach

· Do not allow children to swim without the company of an adult who can swim and is not drunk.
· Avoid staying under the sun with scanty clothes for more than 3 hours as this predisposes to sunburn, heat exhaustion and the worst, heat stroke.
· Should you want a tan, drink plenty of fluids so as not to dehydrate yourself.

While on the road

· Check your vehicle very well before going on a trip.
· Bring your repair kit with you.
· When drunk, never attempt to drive.

During the tyhoon season

During the typhoon season

Water:
• Make sure drinking water is from a safe source.
• When in doubt, do not drink. Boil it for 3 minutes or chlorinate drinking water to make it safe.

Food:
• Food should be well-cooked.
• Left-overs should be covered and kept away from household pests.
• Food waste should be disposed properly.

Clothing:
Keep yourself dry and warm.

Others:
• Consult a doctor at once if you, or any member of your household, have any sign or symptom to prevent the spread of infection in the evacuation area.
• Common infections or diseases that may spread in an evacuation area include: coughs and colds, acute gastroenteritis, skin and eye infections, measles, dengue, leptospirosis, hepatitis A.
• Do not allow children wade in floodwaters to avoid diseases such as leptospirosis.
• Dispose all waste properly.
• Maintain personal hygiene, always wash your hands before and after eating and using the toilet.
• Put safety first. Avoid hanging wires and unstable structures.



THIS EARLY, DOH LAUNCHES 2008 ANTI-DENGUE CAMPAIGN
Created 2008-02-01 09:07

Press Release/21 January 2008

Information is power.

The Department of Health (DOH) today turned over dengue information resources to the education and local government departments and the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas, to add more power to their capabilities in helping curtail the dengue problem in the country, as the DOH launched its 2008 National Anti-Dengue Campaign.

“The fight against dengue is not a DOH battle alone. We have allies in this war from the local front, most notable are the Departments of Education (DepEd) and Interior and Local Governments (DILG) and the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas, and we have to reinforce the instruments to their fight by giving them more ammunition in the form of education materials,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.

The health chief said that apart from local partners, there are also international agencies that are helping the DOH. Two of these supporters are the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

“Among the things that we turned over today to DepEd are flip-charts/posters and audio visual presentations funded by the ADB and WHO, respectively; and calendars, that were also financed by the ADB, to the DILG and Liga,” Duque noted.

He explained that the flip-charts, posters and audio visual presentation will be used by DepEd in their health education classes, while the calendars will be posted by DILG and Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas in their affiliated barangay halls and health centers.

“Disseminating information is the key to solve the dengue menace. The public should be told that the best and most cost effective preventive strategy is source reduction. They should be taught specifically to search for artificial containers that can hold clean and stagnant water because it would be a possible breeding site for the Aedes Aegypti, the mosquitoes that sow dengue,” Duque stressed.

The DOH chief said that the reason why the government is launching its dengue campaign at this early part of the year aside from to prepare for its peak season is because the disease has also recently become an all-year-round public health threat. Last year, there were 43,938 cases and 407 deaths reported from January to December 8.

“The occurrence and spread of dengue are now not only confined to the known wet and rainy months of the year anymore because in some parts of the country, rain comes even during the dry season and summer time. Hence, the possibility of having more breeding grounds than the usual is high and very likely. And we all know what could happen next: the inevitable increase of dengue cases,” Duque explained.

The health chief reiterated that all these endeavors are not going to work without the help from the public.

“We can beat and outsmart dengue. But our success will largely depend on the willingness of our people to help and cooperate with the campaign. The community needs to actively participate in the search and destruction of unnecessary containers where these killer mosquitoes breed. We will win this battle if we will fight this together,” Duque concluded.
Source URL:
http://www.doh.gov.ph/press/20080121
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http://www.nlm.nih.gov/
Health News from U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health

* Drinking Water Can Be Harmful to Smallest Babies (05/22/08)
* Smokers Quit in Droves, Not Isolation (05/22/08)
* Weight, Lifestyle Factors Tied to Urinary Symptoms (05/22/08)
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NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory
http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/
NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory studies severe and hazardous weather processes and develops tools to help National Weather Service forecasters, and federal, university and private sector partners use weather information more effectively.

The three research divisions - Forecast, Warning, and Radar - carry out NSSL's core science by blending resources, talent, knowledge and shared goals to:

* Develop enhancements to existing weather radar, and to design and test a new radar system.
* Develop and test tools to improve forecasts and warnings.
* Develop hydrometeorology tools for severe storm monitoring and prediction
* Carry out field research to improve the basic understanding of severe storm processes.

NSSL has a strategic research partnership with CIMMS, the University of Oklahoma's Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological Studies, one of NOAA's joint institutes. Other collaborations include the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army, Department of Transportation, FAA, and other universities and corporations.

NSSL, a vital part of NOAA's research network, is a $16 million laboratory ($6.2 million in NOAA base) that supports approximately 50 federal employees and 85 university and contract employees.

NSSL recently joined other weather researchers and partners in the new National Weather Center, a $67 million severe weather research and forecasting complex designed to increase collaboration and communication within the weather community.
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searchsystems web site
http://www.searchsystems.net/



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Seasonal Flu
info from U.S. government Center for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/


Influenza (the flu) is a serious disease.



Influenza: The Disease

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Every year in the United States, on average 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and; about 36,000 people die from flu. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

Key Facts About Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
What is Influenza (Also Called Flu)?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.


Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), are at high risk for serious flu complications.
Symptoms of Flu

Symptoms of flu include:

* fever (usually high)
* headache
* extreme tiredness
* dry cough
* sore throat
* runny or stuffy nose
* muscle aches
* Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults

Complications of Flu

Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
How Flu Spreads

Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
Preventing Seasonal Flu: Get Vaccinated

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. There are two types of vaccines:

* The "flu shot" – an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle. The flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
* The nasal-spray flu vaccine – a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for “Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine”). LAIV is approved for use in healthy* people 2-49 years of age† who are not pregnant.

About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses.



Who Should Get Vaccinated?

In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for high risk persons. During flu seasons when vaccine supplies are limited or delayed, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) makes recommendations regarding priority groups for vaccination.

1. People who should get vaccinated each year are:
* People at high risk for complications from the flu, including:
* Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday,
* Pregnant women,
* People 50 years of age and older,
* People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, and
* People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.
2. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
* Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see above)
* Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
* Health care workers.
3. Anyone who wants to decrease their risk of influenza.

Use of the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine

Vaccination with the nasal-spray flu vaccine is an option for healthy* people 2-49 years of age† who are not pregnant, even healthy persons who live with or care for those in a high risk group. The one exception is healthy persons who care for persons with severely weakened immune systems who require a protected environment; these healthy persons should get the inactivated vaccine.
Who Should Not Be Vaccinated

Some people should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. They include:

* People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
* People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past.
* People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously.
* Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for use in this age group).
* People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait to get vaccinated until their symptoms lessen.

If you have questions about whether you should get a flu vaccine, consult your health-care provider.

For more about preventing the flu, see the following:

* Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm
* Influenza Antiviral Drugs http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/antiviral/
* Good Health Habits for Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm
* The Flu: A Guide for Parents http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/flugallery/2007-08/parents_guide.htm

Questions & Answers
# Seasonal Influenza http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/disease.htm
# Cold vs. Flu http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/coldflu.htm
# Flu & Staph Infection http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/flustaph.htm
# Flu & Other Respiratory Viruses http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/other.htm
# Misconceptions About Influenza and Influenza Vaccine http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/misconceptions.htm

* "Healthy" indicates persons who do not have an underlying medical condition that predisposes them to influenza complications.

† On October 24, 2007 CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended expanding the use of the nasal influenza vaccine LAIV (FluMist®) to include healthy children ages 2-4 years old (24-59 months old) without a history of asthma or recurrent wheezing. The vaccine continues to be recommended for healthy persons ages 5-49 years who are not pregnant.

* Page last updated November 16, 2007
* Content Source: Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases (CCID)
* National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD)

What to do if you get sick
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/whattodo.htm

lthough yearly vaccination with the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu, antiviral drugs can be effective for prevention and treatment of the flu. The resources below explain which antiviral drugs are approved for seasonal flu and will help you understand when you might need to take them. If you are a health professional, please also see Antiviral Agents for Seasonal Influenza: Information for Health Professionals.

* Key Facts About Antiviral Drugs and Seasonal Flu
Overview of the use of antiviral drugs and who should get them …
* Antiviral Drugs for Seasonal Flu: Additional Links and Resources
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and more …
* The Flu: A Guide for Parents
Questions and answers about the flu, how to protect your child, treatment, and more …
* CDC Health Advisory for 2007-2008 Season: Influenza Antiviral Use for Persons at High Risk for Influenza Complications or Who Have Severe Influenza Illness

Key Facts About Antiviral Drugs and Influenza (Flu)



Background

While getting a flu vaccine each year is the best way to protect you from the flu, there also are drugs that can fight against influenza viruses, offering a second line of defense against the flu. These are called “influenza antiviral drugs” and they must be prescribed by a health care professional. These drugs can be used to treat the flu or to prevent infection with flu viruses. Influenza antiviral drugs only work against influenza viruses -- they will not help treat or prevent symptoms caused by infection from other viruses that can cause symptoms similar to the flu.
Antiviral drugs are used in different settings and circumstances to treat the flu and to prevent people from getting the flu:

* Antiviral drugs are used to help control flu outbreaks in places where a lot of people at high risk of serious flu complications live in close contact with each other, like nursing homes or hospital wards, for example.
* Antiviral drugs are used in the community setting to treat people with the flu to reduce severity of symptoms and reduce the number of days that people are sick.
* Antiviral drugs are used to prevent the flu
o for people who have been close to someone with the flu, or
o for people that need protection from the flu but they either don’t get protection after vaccination, or the vaccine is unavailable or they can’t get the vaccine because of allergies, for example.

While most healthy people recover from the flu and don’t have serious complications, some people—such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)—are at higher risk for serious flu-related complications. It’s especially important that these people are protected from the flu.

Remember, a flu vaccine is the first and best defense against the flu, but antiviral drugs can be an important second line of defense to treat the flu or prevent flu infection.

Use of Antiviral Drugs for Treatment

For treatment, influenza antiviral drugs should be started within 2 days after becoming sick and taken for 5 days. When used this way, these drugs can reduce flu symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. They also may make you less contagious to other people.

If you become sick with flu-like symptoms this season, your doctor will consider the likelihood of influenza being the cause of your illness, the number of days you have been sick, side effects of the medication, etc. before making a recommendation about using antivirals. He or she may test you for influenza, but testing is not required in order for a physician to recommend influenza antiviral medications for you.
Use of Antiviral Drugs for Prevention

Influenza antiviral drugs can also be used to prevent influenza when they are given to a person who is not ill, but who has been or may be near a person with influenza. When used to prevent the flu, antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90% effective. It’s important to remember that flu antiviral drugs are not a substitute for getting a flu vaccine. When used for prevention, the number of days that they should be used will vary depending on a person’s particular situation.

In some instances, your doctor may choose to prescribe antiviral drugs to you as a preventive measure, especially if you are at high risk for serious flu complications and either did not get the flu vaccine or may still be at risk of illness even after vaccination. Also, if you are in close contact with someone who is considered at high risk for complications, you may be given antiviral drugs to reduce the chances of catching the flu and passing it on to the high-risk person.
Who Should Get Antiviral Drugs?

CDC has provided guidelines for health care professionals on the use of antiviral drugs (see: Information for Health Care Professionals: Using Antiviral Agents for Seasonal Influenza).

In general, antiviral drugs can be offered to anyone 1 year of age or older who wants to avoid and/or treat the flu. People who are at high risk of serious complications from the flu may benefit most from these drugs.

Antiviral drugs can also be used to prevent influenza among people with weak immune systems who may not be protected after getting a flu vaccine or who haven’t been vaccinated.

Remember, a flu vaccine is the first and best defense against seasonal flu, but antiviral drugs can be an important second line of defense to treat the flu or prevent flu infection.
Notes

This information is summarized from Prevention & Control of Influenza - Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR 2007 Jul 13;56(RR06):1-54. (Also available as PDF, 720K), and focuses on the two licensed influenza antiviral agents recommended for use in the United States during the 2007-08 influenza season: oseltamivir and zanamivir.



* Page last updated September 18, 2007