The WHO Pandemic Alert level remains at Phase 6
Influenza A (H1N1) Cases and Deaths
*Cases reported by The World Health Organization (WHO) are as of January 3, 2010
National News
Approximately 1.5 million Canadians missed work due to H1N1 in November of 2009. According to Statistics Canada, that’s a 27% increase from the previous year and about 9% of the nation’s work force. The impact was greater than, but comparable to, the August 2003 power blackout said the data agency. CBC News
International News
The WHO has countered criticism of their handling of the H1N1 pandemic. Dr. Keiji Fukuda, the WHO’s top influenza expert, denied allegations that the agency overhyped the outbreak or was inappropriately influenced by the pharmaceutical industry in declaring the pandemic. "At this point let's not play word games and let's not be indirect about this matter," he said Thursday from Geneva during a media conference, "The world is going through a real pandemic. The description of it as a fake is both wrong and irresponsible." Winnipeg Free Press
The New England Journal of Medicine released a study that suggests steroids might benefit critically ill patients with suspected H1N1 Influenza. In a case series of 13 consecutive patients with severe hypoxia requiring ventilator support and clinical sepsis, combined treatment with antiviral agents and steroids led to significant improvements in organ function within 1 week. New England Journal of Medicine
Vaccine News
The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued an open letter to the American people advocating continued vigilance in guarding against influenza infection and urging people to seek H1N1 vaccinations: “The H1N1 flu vaccine is safe, effective, and the best way to protect yourself and your family from the H1N1 flu.”The message, which was co-signed by 37 other American medical organizations including the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians, goes on to say, “Fighting the flu is a shared responsibility. We ask you to join us in this fight to protect yourself and your community by getting the H1N1 flu vaccine.” CDC
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