Kuwait's swine flu numbers rise to 111, teens susceptible

"As you can see, almost all new reported cases of swine flu in Kuwait are from individuals going to and returning from trips abroad. Well, in the heat of the moment let's continue to keep our chin up. Good hygiene measures."

Published Date: July 30, 2009
KUWAIT: Kuwait's health authorities are closely monitoring cases diagnosed with the H1N1 virus, amid warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO) that most of those infected worldwide are teenagers, aged between 12 and 17, and that swine flu could spread among school children. The Ministry of Health is working around the clock, especially after the number of cases reported in the country rose to 111, with the global total currently standing at around 80,000, of whom 359 have died, according to the WHO.

Mohsen Burguba, director of the Ministry of Education's (MoE) Public Relations and Media Department, said that the health and education ministries were working closely to take the necessary precautions to safeguard pupils, and are launching an awareness campaign about the nature of the virus and ways of dealing of it before the beginning of the next academic year sees schools reopening.

Full story from source:

Tamiflu syrup for pupils

"Here is something we can look on to."

Local News
Published Date: July 28, 2009

KUWAIT: As part of its preparations for a possible increase in the numbers of H1N1 (swine flu) infections over the autumn period, the Ministry of Health has purchased sufficient supplies of the Tamiflu drug in syrup form to be given to all kindergarten and primary school-age children. Older children will be able to take the drug in its more commonly used capsule form, which the ministry has already bought stocks of. A MoH official revealed that the ministry has also appointed a Ministry of Education Assistant Undersecretary as a member of its supreme committee tasked with combating the virus.

From source:

WHO EMRO meeting on swine flu crucial - Kuwait acting Hlt. Min.

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"It is right, millions will flock on the Muslim pilgrimage and Umra for their religious duties. The Acting Health Minister of Kuwait made a decisive action and should be taken with utmost importance."

7/22/2009 9:54:00 PM

CAIRO, July 22 (KUNA) -- Kuwait's Acting Minister of Health Moudhi Al-Humoud stressed Wednesday the necessity of the emergency meeting of East Mediterranean health ministers while hailing recommendations and solutions set forth aimed at combating the global outspread of the A(H1N1) virus.

Al-Humoud, also Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education, was speaking to KUNA ahead of her departure of Cairo, Egypt, after attending the World Health Organization - Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (WHO EMRO) meeting. She said that Arab health ministers at the meeting urged the need for a combined awareness campaign on how to avoid swine flu contamination. She added that the meeting was meant to discuss precautionary measures, countries in the region were to take in event of the upcoming seasons of Muslim pilgrimage (Hajj) and Umra where hundreds of thousands of Muslims will flock to Makkah, Saudi Arabia to carry out their religious duties.

Al-Humoud expressed hope results of the meeting will benefit people in the region, especially with the coinciding period of the religious season with Autumn when seasonal flu numbers increase significantly. She also praised the efforts of Saudi authorities aimed at tackling the spread of the pandemic. Saudi Arabia's health minister also attended the meeting. The country's western city of Jeddah in June, was host to over 50 health specialists who discussed means to combat and prevent the outspread of the global pandemic.

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10 new H1N1s in Kuwait

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"Since Ramadan and Hajj pilgrimage are fast approaching without our knowing, we expect a lot of travelers in the middle east. Well, everyone you know what to do as I've been saying it all the time. Good hygiene and surely, you will be alright."

From source:

KUWAIT, July 22, (Agencies): Kuwait’s Health Ministry reported Wednesday 10 new swine flu cases, involving citizens and expatriates, bringing the total to 54 recorded cases. The ministry’s spokesman Dr Yusuf Al-Nisuf told KUNA that lab reports came back positive for the H1N1 virus, and the 10 infected were currently hospitalized and their conditions stable. Two of the swine flu cases contracted the disease through direct interaction with a person who just arrived from Umrah, whereas the rest had arrived from Thailand and Dubai. The ministry is closely observing the situation and is ready to deal with emergency according to the recommendations and regulations of the World Health Organization (WHO), Al-Nisuf added. The ministry has taken all measures to contain the disease through careful observation, the official reiterated. Most of the cases have fully recovered and are resuming their normal life, Al-Nisuf stated. The age range of the registered cases is between 16 to 35, plus a number of cases of infants and seniors, he added.

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• Swine Flu Fears Hit Muslim Pilgrimage (abcnews.go.com)

**SWINE FLU 1976 & PROPAGANDA

"Swine flu scare.. Is it getting worse giving us more jitters or not as much as before? The common flu virus actually doesn't live long with heat. What with having scorching 46 degrees celcius or higher during summer season in Kuwait even to the point of information being hidden from the public otherwise, work is canceled. Anyhow, swine flu patients recovered well even when few new cases pursue. This time, we hear more news about vaccines. This is what I've read. This conspiracy thing sounds controversial to me. Well generally, I am not into getting involved with things. Yet, want to peep on the video? Click on the source."

Source:

Saturday, July 18, 2009
CBS "60 MINUTES" Swine Flu 1976

The similarities are real. The Swine Flu virus is real. They have made sure this time, of documented cases and deaths around the world to scare you into taking the Vaccine. Watch the video and listen as they tell you the tested and proven vaccine in 1976 was not the one given to the people of America.

CBS "60 MINUTES" documentary on the swine flu epidemics of 1976 in the U.S. It went on air only once and was never shown again. Please look at this, it talks by itself.

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• First trials of swine flu vaccine begin (guardian.co.uk)
• It happened all before: the 1976 swine flu pandemic and the US government vaccination propaganda that caused deaths and long-term illnesses (isiria.wordpress.com)

Two confirmed cases by MOH

"I have nothing much to say now but hoping for the best."

The Ministry of Health announced on Sunday a further two confirmed cases of the A(H1N1) swine flu virus, adding up to a total of 32 victims registered in Kuwait. The two cases include a young Kuwaiti girl who had arrived at Kuwait International Airport from Australia and a Kuwaiti man who had arrived from Saudi Arabia, the ministry’s spokesperson Yousif Al-Nisf told KUNA.

Al-Nisf added that the two individuals were in stable conditions and were currently receiving treatment at the Infectious Diseases Hospital. All those who have come into contact with the sufferers have been tested as a precaution and have been given awareness tips according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the spokesman indicated. So far, he said, 26 of the total number of sufferers have recovered and have returned to their normal everyday lives.

Source:

Kuwait announces new swine flu case

"24 out of 29 patients recovered and were discharged from the hospital."

Published Date: July 18, 2009
KUWAIT: Kuwait's Health Ministry announced yesterday a new swine flu case of a Kuwaiti child who returned from Thailand, raising number of registered cases of the A (H1N1) virus to 29.

Ministry spokesman Dr Yusuf Al-Nisf said laboratory tests showed that the child, whose name nor age were revealed, was infected with the swine flu virus and would be treated in the Infectious Diseases Hospital. He said all people who were with the child would be examined. Al-Nisf said 24 people out of the 29 cases were discharged and returned to normal life, while the rest would be leaving hospital soon. The spokesman said the health ministry was monitoring the situation and was dealing with the patients in line with the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). - KUNA

From source:

**David Icke: ‘DON'T TAKE THE SWINE FLU VACCINE'

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"I take this as a general idea. The choice is entirely up to us."

David Icke says that if you only do one thing to protect yourself and your family – do this – don’t take the swine flu vaccine. There is a war on the human immune system and it is being waged by eugenicists.

See video from source:

Killer Flu Strains Lurk & Mutate for Years Before They Go Pandemic

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"Hmm.. How can you imagine this?"

July 14th, 2009 5:34 PM

Genetic “pieces” of the 1918 flu virus, which killed between 50 and 100 million people worldwide, were likely circulating between pigs and people two to 15 years before the pandemic struck, according to a new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Catch two different flu viruses at once and a new one can emerge, something scientists call reassortment. Birds are the ultimate origin of influenza viruses, but because pigs can catch both bird and human flu strains, they’ve long been recognized as a species mixing vessel [AP]. The research shows that lethal flu strains may be the result of such reassortment of pre-existing strains, not a sudden genetic “jump.” It’s a cautionary tale for those studying the current swine flu outbreak, say researchers, as the findings suggest that the swine flu virus could evolve slowly over many years into a more dangerous form.

The analysis found that the 1918 epidemic was most likely created by interactions between human seasonal influenza and a flu strain circulating in pigs, which may have originated in birds. It had [previously] been thought that the 1918 virus emerged quickly, directly from a bird form [USA Today]. To come to the new conclusion, scientists used a computer program to construct flu strains’ evolutionary trees and find their common ancestors. They entered the genetic information of all known strains, including those that infect people, pigs, and birds. The program worked backward from genetic relationships and estimated dates to find where and when bits and pieces of deadly strains arose.

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• 1918 flu virus lurked for years (thestar.com)
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Swine flu hits Kuwaiti cadets in UK

"Hoping that infected Kuwaiti cadets don't return unless they are well without a glitch."

KUWAIT CITY, July 14:
Swine flu hits cadets: Seven Kuwaiti cadet officers training at a navy college in Britain are reportedly suffering from the swine flu, reports Al-Watan Arabic daily. The two British cadets who were also suffering from the disease are said to have been admitted to a hospital while the Kuwaitis are ‘quarantined’ at the military base and food has been reportedly placed at their doorsteps.Five out of the seven Kuwaitis have since recovered and resumed their training.

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Kuwait Airways not much affected by swine flu - chairman

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"Good news. Here's hoping for a swine flu free country."

KUWAIT, July 16 (KUNA) -- Kuwait's national airline, Kuwait Airways, has not been hit hard by the effects of swine flu outbreak, its chairman and managing director Hamad al-Falah said here Thursday.

"The negative impacts of swine flu on Kuwait Airways are very limited," he told reporters following a ceremony marking the end of a leadership qualification program. All the Kuwaiti national carrier's flights have been almost complete over the recent period, enabling it to earn excellent gains, he said.

Source:

The Higher Committee is holding talks

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"This sounds right to me."

KUWAIT CITY, July 14:
The Higher Committee for Fighting the H1N1 Swine Flu Epidemic is holding talks to stop notifying the media about new infections or recoveries in Kuwait, as the situation has improved, reports Al-Seyassah daily quoting the Director of the General Health Department Dr Rashid Al-Uwaish. He said most states have stopped informing the media about new infections and are now only notifying the World Health Organization (WHO) through periodic reports. He added the Information Committee concerned with fighting the disease plans to conduct awareness campaigns over a time span of six months.

Source:

New swine flu case reported in Kuwait

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"Have you ever noticed? Every now and then new swine flu cases occur but are not spread in Kuwait. Instead new counts are brought in by travelers. Patients are soon discharged from the hospital after total recovery. That means, the health care system is good enough to manage satisfactorily on such cases."

Health 7/12/2009 4:22:00 PM
By Mubarak Al-Hajeri

KUWAIT, July 12 (KUNA) -- Ministry of Health announced on Sunday that a new swine flu case has been spotted in a Kuwaiti girl arriving from Thailand, bringing the number of cases registered in the country to 25.

Official ministry spokesman Dr. Yousef Al-Nisf told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that lab tests confirmed that the girl contracted the H1N1 virus and will receive the necessary treatment in a hospital, noting that her condition is stable.

Al-Nisf added that those who were in close contact with the girl would be screened as a precautionary measure according to guidance stipulated by the World Health Organization, noting that this is the fifth case to be reported to a child less than 16 years of age.

He assured that all the swine flu cases are in good health, adding that 20 infected cases have already left the hospital and returned to their normal lives. Al-Nisf pointed out that the state of the rest of the infected cases is stable and will leave the hospital, respectively.

He asserted the ministry's careful follow-up on the development of the disease in accordance with the guidance and regulations of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Source:

Kuwait confirms new flu case

"It is important to be aware of the global health issues but more important to know what is happening locally. Stay aware. Basically, keep on with proper hygiene practices."

KUWAIT, July 10, (Agencies): A man returning from India has been confirmed to be infected with the swine flu-causing A/H1N1 virus, bringing the total number of registered cases in Kuwait to 24, the Health Ministry said on Friday.

Ministry Spokesman Dr. Yousef Al-Nisif told KUNA lab tests confirmed that the man was in stable condition and had been referred to the Contagious Diseases Hospital. The official noted that all those who contact the patient will take the necessary tests under the guidance of World Health Organization (WHO).

Al-Nisif said that 19 cases had been treated and were discharged after full recovery.

US health officials say swine flu activity is dying down a bit, but the number of cases has surpassed 37,000 and deaths hit 211. The numbers rose from 170 deaths and nearly 34,000 confirmed and suspected swine flu cases in the US reported last week.

Officials believe those cases — which sought treatment and underwent testing — are just the tip of the iceberg. They estimate more than 1 million Americans have been infected with the virus, though many probably had only mild illness.

Source:

Kuwait health chiefs confirm 22nd case of swine flu

"Well, another one. The good news is the infected patients recovered well and were discharged."

by Andy Sambidge on Thursday, 09 July 2009

Kuwait has reported a new case of swine flu, taking the total number of detected cases in the country up to 22.

Kuwait's new case is an American who came to the country on Monday, spokesman for the Ministry of Health Yousef Al-Nisif told KUNA News Agency.

The US patient is now being treated at hospital where his medical condition was on Wednesday described as stable.

All people who had close contact with the new case are to be checked for swine flu and given necessary advice in line with relevant World Health Organization (WHO) instructions, he added.

Nineteen of the country's 22 swine flu cases have been discharged from hospital after making recoveries, while the remaining patients are receiving medication at hospital, the spokesman said.

Source:

Kuwait plans massive swine flu immunization

"For your health awareness, Kuwait is taking the most decisive action that is to vaccinate the whole population."

Kuwait: Wednesday, July 08 - 2009 at 10:56

Kuwait has set up a massive program to vaccinate the country's three million plus population against swine flu by November of this year, Kuwait's Al Watan Daily has reported. The country's minister of health, Dr. Hilal Al-Sayer has endorsed a plan to distribute vaccines to health centers across the country, and vaccinating the chronically ill, the elderly and children first. The plan also includes the immunization of school children after resuming school.

Source:

What we do and don’t know about swine flu

Image by [ r ♥ c e y t ♥ y ] {I br♥ke for bokeh} via Flickr

"Read on. Generally, things aren't to be taken for granted with or without swine flu lurking in every direction it can get hold of. Good hygiene."


By PAUL SCHNEIDEREIT
Tue. Jul 7 - 4:45 AM

PLANNING on throwing a swine flu party for your kids and their friends?

Don’t.

That’s the advice of medical experts on both sides of the Atlantic. They’ve sounded a public alarm recently over reports some parents have been considering the idea as a way to expose their children to the supposedly "mild" current form of the virus, so they’ll be better protected if the bug mutates into something far deadlier this fall and winter.

Upon reading these news reports, however, it’s soon clear that nobody’s actually thrown such a "party." So far, it’s just been online chatter in forums for parents about the idea, one based on actual "chicken pox parties" that took place, based on somewhat similar logic, years ago.

Ah, well. You can’t blame experts for trying to nip such foolishness in the bud.

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• Why British Health Officials Say Swine Flu is Nothing to Party About (time.com)

A Healthy Diet Is The Best Health Care Plan Available

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"If I were to be followed, I don't want to give my kids fast food and all unnatural foods, foods high in preservatives, sodium, sugar, etc. If it is possible that I plant my own organic vegetables at my own backyard, I will (but I don't own a backyard). If anyone can start a healthy diet as early I doubt if he or she gets sick unless the cause comes from other sources ... If.... If... Oh, a lot of ifs... One thing's for sure. Discipline! Yes, we must take responsibility for our own health. We cannot just depend on others to take care of us all the time. HEALTH is WEALTH!"

By Dr. Patrick and Julia Havey

July 6, 2009

If we can get more people discussing, touting, shouting, and screaming about the importance of a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, as the solution for our health care dilemma...then we might have a chance. A chance at saving our health, saving our strained national budget (is there a budget?), and reversing the impending doom that seems to be lurking over the future of our children's health. We don't need more money "thrown" at the 'problem'. The problem isn't a lack of access to health care, but is a lack of nutrition. Good nutrition.

We must take responsibility for our own health. We can't expect to continue on the path of unhealthy choices without suffering the consequences. Since makers of all the processed foods, fast foods, and soft drinks aren't going to stop anytime soon; and since so many unhealthy products are actually addictive, we have to take charge of our own health. And it starts by consuming more fruits and vegetables, busting our diet vices, and implementing a healthy weight loss plan.

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Ministry installs new labs to contain swine flu infections

"I say, thumbs up! It is said that swine flu cases will rise this fall but if there are ways to control, then go for it Kuwait. What I mean to say is if it is not possible to stop, then by all means take healthy measures."

KUWAIT CITY, July 6, (Agencies): Senior Officials from the Ministry of Health disclosed the ministry has purchased equipment and other medication to treat patients at the Contagious Diseases Hospital at a cost of KD 295,255, reports Al-Shahid daily. The sources added the ministry has also installed new laboratories at the hospital as part of measures to contain the H1N1 swine flu infection. The sources explained, around KD 185,000 was spent by the ministry to provide medicines for patients at the hospital, in addition to other equipment set up at the Pediatric Department at a cost of KD 10, 543.

Furthermore, the new laboratories are expected to detect diseases such as HIV, AIDS and hepatitis, the sources indicated.

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**WORLD RENOWNED HEALER ENCOURAGES HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS TO EMBRACE THE POWER OF INTENTIONS

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"This caught my attention and drove my interest. How about yours? From Adam Dreamhealer, we ourselves play an active role in our own healing through our own thoughts and intentions that influence our body's biochemistry to assist in its own healing process. Mind over body? A good aspect in health care, indeed."

Adam DreamHealer holds "Intention Heals" workshops around the world promoting what he sees as the most overlooked aspect in preventative health care today: INTENTION. Forty percent of those who attend Adam's one-day workshops are healthcare professionals. Participants experience self-empowerment as he merges the auras of all and performs two unique group energy treatments. Rolling Stone Magazine said "Adam is becoming one of the world's most in-demand healers".

Vancouver, BC (PRWEB) July 4, 2009 -- Adam Dreamhealer is a Molecular Biologist, healer, speaker and teacher of self-empowerment. It is well known that a positive attitude promotes healing. This knowledge is instinctual and does not need to be explained even to a young child. From a very young age it is accepted that intention is an important factor in any healing process. Medical communities in cultures all around the world have known for thousands of years that a focused positive patient is more likely to heal. Adam DreamHealer BSc Hons (1st) emphasizes this at all his workshops, in his books and DVD as the most overlooked preventative aspect of medicine.

In the 1950's when Watson and Crick solved the structure of DNA things suddenly changed. The scientific community became obsessed with finding a structural biochemical explanation for every biological event. As technology advanced it seemed that every mystery in biology could be explained by physical chemical interactions. In 2003 the human genome was sequenced and at that time this was thought to be the final frontier in molecular biology, which would leave few remaining mysteries in biology.

Rather than solving all biological questions, it was realized that there are many important mechanisms that are poorly understood. Stem cells are particularly effective at highlighting some key concepts that remain unknown. Every cell in a person's body carries the exact same genetic information, yet the brain cells look and function dramatically different than skin cells. How is this possible?

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Egyptian girl found with swine flu virus

"It's weekend and I was told to have a day off with my blogging. I can't help it. I need to post the latest update. Be warned. Another case in the country. Nothing to be scared of though but precautions precautions... I say not just handwashing but proper handwashing is a must everyone. Hey, we have got kids here!"

Kuwait Times
Published Date: July 04, 2009
By A Saleh, Staff Writer

KUWAIT: Kuwait's Ministry of Health yesterday announced the 19th case of swine flu in the country with a 19-year-old Egyptian girl, who arrived from Cairo, testing positive for the A (H1N1) virus.

The condition of the patient is stable and all who have possibly associated with her are being checked as a mandatory precautionary measure. Acting Undersecretary Yousuf Al-Nisf said that the ministry is continuing its efforts to check the spread of the virus in the country by strictly monitoring persons who arrive from different countries.

The World Health Organization declared on June 11 that the outbreak of the virus was a pandemic. More than 77,000 people have been infected worldwide, including about 7,500 confirmed cases in Britain.

Detailing the procedure, Al-Nisf said permission will be given to patients to go home after necessary tests. Al-Nisf said in most cases, the patients can take the drug Tami Flu at their houses as they are not required to stay in hospital in accordance with the WHO directive.

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**HEALTH QUIZ

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Care to know more about your health in and out? Try these different health quizzes and choose which matters to you the most. It's just a click away.

From Better Health Channel

Health Quiz:

Kuwait reports 17th swine flu case

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"Children are more susceptible to the disease. It is but wise for us adults to perform health plans such us maintaining virus protection for our families. Be more wary."

KUWAIT CITY, June 30: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday that a male Kuwaiti teenager who has just arrived here from Egypt tested positive for the Influenza A (H1N1) virus. “The new infection case pushed to 17 the number of laboratory-confirmed cases in Kuwait including two children,” the ministry’s spokesman Youssuf Al-Nisf told KUNA, referring to the cases registered in Kuwait. “The patient has been admitted to the pandemic hospital and his condition is stable,” Al-Nisf said, noting that all people who have been in contact with the patient would undergo medical tests and receive medical advice as a precaution. Out of the 17 swine flu patients, 10 have left hospital after recovery. The remaining seven persons are getting better and would leave hospital this week, he revealed. “Since the early outbreak of the epidemic, the ministry has adopted an elaborate preventive plan in line with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines,” he pointed out. The senior official allayed the public concern over the medical situation in the State of Kuwait, noting that most of the patients whether in Kuwait or worldwide recovered completely.

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Ministry of Health ensures transparency in dealing with swine flu cases, which now totals 17, Manager of Public Health Department Dr Rashid Al-Owaish said in a press conference Tuesday. Affirming the ministry has forwarded reports about the swine flu cases in the country, including the 18 American soldiers, to World Health Organization (WHO), Al-Owaish revealed the ministry received information about several suspected swine flu cases, but most of them have tested negative for the virus. He said 11 swine flu patients have recovered completely and discharged from the Infectious Diseases Hospital, while others are still undergoing treatment.

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Kuwait reports new swine flu case

"Remarkably, those infected patients here in Kuwait recovered well and those left admitted are getting better despite 3 new cases. Still and will always hope for the best."

by Martin Morris on Wednesday, 01 July 2009

Kuwait's Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday that a male Kuwaiti teenager who recently arrived from Egypt has tested positive for the H1N1 virus.

"The new infection case pushed to 17 the number of laboratory-confirmed cases in Kuwait including two children," the ministry's spokesman Youssof Al-Nisf told KUNA, referring to the cases registered in Kuwait.

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Suspected swine flu cases being treated in a specialized hospital

KUWAIT CITY, June 27, (Agencies): Al-Ahmadi Hospital has been transferring suspected swine cases to the national infectious diseases hospital without any effect on its regular daily works. The hospital management said in a statement on Saturday the sections of the hospital are working normally and receiving patients and visitors routinely. Daily work has not been affected with the procedures for transfer of suspected cases of swine flu (A/H1N1) to the hospital for treating communicable diseases.

The hospital is functioning in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) regulations, recommendations and the instructions of Kuwait Ministry of Health. Al-Ahmadi Hospital has transferred three suspected cases of A/H1N1 to the Kuwaiti Infectious Diseases Hospital, for examination, the statement said, noting that it is the sole hospital specialized in treating communicable diseases in the country.

Kuwait has declared 15 A/H1N1 cases, including two children. Eight cases have been cured and discharged from hospital. The rest will leave eventually.

The national Ministry of Health has taken action in accordance with the recommendations of the WHO. The latest statistics of A/H1N1 cases recorded by WHO reached at 59,000 people infected in 76 countries around the world, mostly had been cured. But 263 people died from the virus.

Two confirmed swine flu sufferers have recovered, leaving Kuwait’s Hospital for Contagious Diseases, a health official said on Friday. Health Ministry spokesperson and Assistant Undersecretary for Medical Support Services Yousif Al-Nisf told KUNA that a total of eight people affected with swine flu have so far recovered, indicating that the remaining seven are soon to follow. He called on local residents to remain calm, underlining that the ministry has been fully attentive to the alert since its emergence, forming a strict emergency plan to face the pandemic. Al-Nisf also said he expected vaccines to be created by the end of the year according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

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Saudis warn elderly, pregnant women from hajj

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"Oh, how time flies, it's going to be Hajj again. I remembered when we were in Saudi Arabia we saw lots of pilgrims everywhere. I surely hope the pilgrimage will be smooth considering the swine flu scare and everyone be safe."

12 hours ago

RIYADH (AFP) — Saudi Arabia warned elderly Muslims and pregnant women on Tuesday against undertaking the hajj pilgrimage this year as the threat threat of swine flu mounts worldwide.

The government has also pre-ordered millions of doses of vaccines being developed for the rapidly spreading H1NI flu so that, if ready, they can be administered around the kingdom ahead of the massive November-December global pilgrimage to Mecca.

"We always advise people with asthma, or pregnant women, or the elderly not to come on the hajj," ministry spokesman Dr Khaled Marghlani said.

This year the swine flu threat has made the warning more important and the government is stressing the danger to those groups of people, Marghlani said.

Marghlani said the country was hopeful that a swine flu vaccine could be readied ahead of the hajj, when more than 1.7 million pilgrims from all over the world descend on the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Saudi Arabia has pre-ordered vaccine doses equivalent to 20 percent of the country's population of 25.3 million people, Marghlani said.

"We will be one of the first countries on the list" for the vaccine, he said.

He also said countries from which most Muslim pilgrims originate were being encouraged to order vaccine and put it to use on pilgrims if it is ready before the hajj.

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• Travel Warning For The Hajj? (abcnews.go.com)

Swine flu and Tamiflu resistance

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"I marvel at the countless efforts of all scientists in their scrupulous studies."

Effect Measure
Posted on: June 30, 2009 6:30 AM, by revere

Currently the only antiviral drugs effective against the swine flu (novel H1N1) virus are the two neuriminidase inhibitors, oseltamivir (trade name Tamiflu) and zanamivir (trade name Relenza). Relenza is in active form at the outset and cannot be absorbed orally. It must be inhaled, leading to asthmatic reactions in some, ineffective dosage in those with breathing difficulties, and no drug at sites beyond the respiratory tract. Despite these drawbacks, it has so far produced little or no viral resistance. Tamiflu is absorbed orally and converted by the liver into the active form, so it gets to other organs and can be taken by people unable to inhale Relenza. But it has other problems. One is a tendency for the flu virus to become resistant to it. Until today, however, there have been no reports of Tamiflu resistance in swine flu isolates, although most flu experts were waiting for the other shoe to drop. Today may have been the day we heard it fall:

Scientists have established the first case of the new H1N1 influenza strain showing resistance to Tamiflu, the main antiviral flu drug, Danish officials and the manufacturer said on Monday.

It was expected that the strain would at some point show resistance to Tamiflu, Denmark's State Serum Institute said. The patient was now well and no further infection with the resistant virus had been detected.

"It does not constitute a risk to public health and does not cause changes to the recommendations for the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu)," the institute said in a statement. (Reuters)

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• Swine flu 'shows drug resistance' (news.bbc.co.uk)