COLLEGE PARK, Md. – A laboratory study by University of Maryland researchers suggests that some of the worst fears about a virulent H1N1 pandemic flu season may not be realized this year, but does demonstrate the heightened communicability of the virus.
Using ferrets exposed to three different viruses, the Maryland researchers found no evidence that the H1N1 pandemic variety, responsible for the so-called swine flu, combines in a lab setting with other flu strains to form a more virulent ‘superbug.’ Rather, the pandemic virus prevailed and out-competed the other strains, reproducing …

It seems as though each day more research and surveys come out showing that health care workers as well as the general public remain reluctant to have the “fast tracked” swine flu shot.  
A recent review published in the British Medical Journal looked at 2255 healthcare workers who completed questionnaires in two studies. They were doctors, nurses, or allied health professionals working in the public hospital system.  Over 50% of the respondents reported that they would not take the swine flu shot and cited fear of side effects and doubts about …

A recent survey of 1500 British front-line nurses in Nursing Times has shown that 1/3 will not take the swine flu vaccine because they are worried about the possible side-effects, and another 1/3 answered the survey as unsure whether or not they will have the shot.  One nurse was quoted by the magazine as saying “I would not be willing to put myself at risk of unknown long-term effects to facilitate a short-term solution.”  Another of the respondents said “I have yet to be convinced there is a genuine health …

As the drumbeat of global swine flu pandemic grows louder by the day, and the pop media makes sure to keep it in the forefront of your attention, consider the following about the flu vaccine. Also you may want to give a little thought to who might be benefiting, or even profiting from the mass panic and ensuing vaccine creation.

-A recent study published in the October 2008 issue of the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine found that vaccinating young children against the flu had no impact on flu-related hospitalizations …