CDC urges pregnant women to get whooping cough vaccine

CDC- Pregnant women should be vaccinated against the whooping cough, an advisory panel for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday. It recommended that the vaccination be given in the late second or third trimester.

The endorsement was a change from the panel's previous recommendation to wait until immediately after women give birth.

In addition, the panel also recommended that teens and adults in close contact with newborns receive a single dose of the vaccine if they had not received it previously, in order to form a "cocoon" of immunity to protect newborns until they're old enough to be fully vaccinated themselves.

The panel also voted to recommend that a vaccine against meningitis, which is a life-threatening bacterial infection, be given to high-risk infants when they are only 9 months old.

The advantage to vaccinating pregnant women against whooping cough, which is also known as pertussis, is that they may pass the antibodies against the disease to the fetus so that it has some protection upon birth, said Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. In addition, the woman would be protected for a longer period, Schaffner said.

Whooping cough Infants younger than 6 months are most at risk of dying from pertussis and receive vaccinations at the ages of 2, 4 and 6 months through the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DtaP) series of shots. But some infants develop the condition before their shots.


Doctors want to "cocoon" infants by vaccinating the adults around them who might transmit the disease, Dr. Edgar Marcuse, professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine, said in an interview yesterday.


The recommendations won't help unless adults actually get their vaccinations, said Dr. Paul Offit, a pediatric infectious disease expert at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. In an outbreak last year of 10,000 cases in California, resulting in 10 infant deaths, only 6 percent of adults living with children were vaccinated, Offit said.

After reviewing evidence, the panel concluded the vaccine was safe to give during the later months of pregnancy. However, there was some concern that vaccinating mothers could interfere with how newborn babies respond to the vaccinations.

Pertussis is a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract that causes severe coughing, according to the National Network for Immunization Information. The coughing makes it difficult to breathe, and a "whooping" sound is sometimes heard when the child tries to breathe.

Passport Health carries the Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis vaccine nation-wide.  

Should Smallpox be Destroyed for Good?

"Smallpox has been the worst disease known to mankind," says Dr. D.A. Henderson, who was in charge of the WHO's global smallpox eradication program and saw firsthand what this virus could do.   Responsible for .5 million deaths in the 20 century alone, the world has not seen a case of it for the past 30 years and yet it still exists in 2 places.  In a lab in Russia and in the United States at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

Many argue the case that it should be destroyed.  What is the use in keeping something around that can cause so much destruction?  Others, namely the CDC believe that it should be kept safe for the time being, just in case there are other unknown sources of the deadly disease.

What do you think?

April 25, 2011 is World Malaria Day

Ten years ago today, 44 African leaders formed a committee devoted to decreasing human deaths caused by Malaria.  This commitment is celebrated annually on April 25^th and is marked as the day to commemorate global efforts to fight Malaria. Malaria is a serious illness that puts 3.3 billion people in 106 countries at risk of the disease.  Currently Africa is the continent most at risk and many of the 1 million deaths are African children. “Passport Health wants to honor this day and show its support by offering to protect and educate people about the disease” notes Fran Lessans, Passport Health’s Founder and CEO.

The theme of the 2011 World Malaria Day campaign is "Achieving Progress and Impact" to celebrate the successful results of these past efforts but also highlight the significant challenges that still remain and emphasize how much more must be done to reach near zero deaths by 2015. There is no vaccination for Malaria and no drug is 100% effective at preventing Malaria. Preventive measures such as the use of bed nets and repellents in conjunction with the properly subscribed medication are important and can dramatically decrease the risk to travelers.  Passport Health, specializes in helping Business Travelers, Leisure Travelers, and Mission Travelers become informed and protected.

For more information or to schedule your consultation appointment with a travel specialist, Contact Passport Health or call 1-888-499-PASS (7277)

Passport Health is Seeing Relief Workers for Japanese Tsunami

I know you have all seen the footage, but its hard to stop watching the amazing and frightening power of mother nature when the tsunami hits land, destroying everything in its path. Here at Passport Health we have begun to see relief crews who are on their way to aid in the efforts in Japan.

If you are planning to travel to Japan, make sure you are vaccinated. You will want to be up to date on Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (tdap), Hepatitis A & B, Flu and Pneumonia.  It is still early spring and was actually snowing in japan on the day the tsunami hit, so be sure to prepare for cold temperatures.  Food, water and sanitation issues are wide spread so bringing portable water purifiers, diarrhea treatment & prevention kits and first aid kits is highly recommended.

Our thoughts are with all of those effected by the devastation in Japan and our hearts go out to all those who are sacrificing of themselves to help.

THANK YOU!

55 percent of travelers needlessly put themselves at risk from a potentially fatal virus

A new survey of travelers who visited hepatitis B endemic areas, reveals that over 55 per cent of them were not vaccinated against the virus, which kills almost two people a minute.


More people are choosing destinations outside the Eurozone, such as Egypt and Turkey, where hepatitis B may be common. The survey suggests that many travelers are still not seeking travel health advice and so putting themselves at risk of a preventable disease.


Hepatitis B is passed on via blood and body fluids and can cause flu-like symptoms, jaundice and more seriously, liver cancer. Hepatitis B is a serious but preventable infectious disease. The virus can survive for up to a week in dried blood and body fluids and just a tiny cut or scratch can let it into the body where it can infect the liver. Hepatitis B can be easily prevented by getting vaccinated well before the departure date and can provide travelers with peace of mind for many holidays to come.

Official sources estimate that as many as 180,000 people are infected with hepatitis B in the UK, however the Hepatitis B Foundation propose that this figure may be as high as 325,000. Common in destinations such as Southern Europe, South-East Asia, Africa and the Middle and Far East, hepatitis B is a global problem that has infected about 2 billion people, 350 million of whom have chronic (long-term) infection. Worldwide, one million people die each year from the virus – that’s nearly two people a minute.


 The survey

The online survey was conducted by www.OnePoll.com on behalf of GlaxoSmithKline (www.vaccines.co.uk) during April 2009. The survey was completed by 3,000 travelers. 1,897 visited destinations in the last five years where levels of hepatitis B are considered intermediate and high by the World Health Organization. These respondents were questioned further.

Scientists Study Sneezes for Clues to Flu Transmission

Check out NTD Television for more info.

Flu deaths hit 50 this winter, Health Protection Agency announces

Eleven more people have died from flu across the UK, taking the total to 50, the Health Protection Agency has announced.

Of these, 45 died with swine flu (H1N1) and five with another strain, flu type B.

The deaths are mostly among children and young adults, with five cases in the under-fives and eight cases among those aged five to 14.

The release of the HPA figures comes as hospitals across the country begin cancelling planned operations to free up intensive care beds to deal with rising numbers of seriously ill flu patients.

Managers of hospitals in Newcastle, Manchester, Norfolk, Leicester and London have already declared they have had to put some elective operations on hold, including heart surgery. That list is expected to grow.

One doctor said there had been a "huge burst of H1N1 marching up the country" that was putting pressure on intensive care unit (ICU) beds, in particular those equipped to deal with patients suffering from respiratory failure.

There are only a small number of beds equipped with Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) facilities in the country, which acts as an artificial lung for such extremely ill patients.

Dr Jon Smith, in charge of the ECMO unit at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, told The Northern Echo: "I would say that from a national point of view we are very close to capacity most days."

Open your minds this Holiday Season

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."

— Mark Twain

Season's greetings and Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones. Humans have far more in common with one another than they do differences. May this holiday season be filled with joy, laughter and acceptance of those around you and around the world. 

Sincerely,

Passport Health Team

So...Did you get your flu shot?

Last week was a busy week for us here at Passport Health.  It was National Influenza Vaccination Week and everyone who is 6 months of age and older is recommended to get the flu vaccine!  SO, if you are reading this (and you don't have any medical reasons for not getting it) YOU should have been vaccinated!!

Even the President is urging vaccination, cause no one wants a repeat of last years awful Flu season.

Employee Health Day

On this day of National Influenza Vaccination Week there is a focus on Employee Health!

Imagine a small office of 20-25 people running a business.  In a small environment with people all working closely together, if one person gets sick, eventually EVERYONE gets sick.  If 1 person in your office were to catch the Flu and spread it to others in your office, the result could be detrimental to your business.  Think about the loss in productivity if several employees are out sick!

Don't risk it!
Get Vaccinated and encourage your staff and co-workers to get vaccinated too.  Save time and money and a lot of tissues!

Call Passport Health to schedule a flu clinic or set up an appointment for your Flu shot.

Chronic Condition? Better get your Flu shot!

Tuesday December 7th, the third official day of National Influenza Vaccination Week is here and the focus today is on those with chronic conditions. If you have:

Diabetes
Heart Disease
Asthma, Bronchitis or other upper respiratory diseases
or if you are overweight and/or a smoker

Today is your day!!  If you catch the Flu, it could be your life.  Because of your chronic condition(s) you are already at a disadvantage for fighting the Flu.  Why take chances?  It's so easy to get a Flu shot and save yourself from the virus.

Contact Passport Health and inquire about an appointment for a flu vaccination.  While you are there, talk to your health care provider about a Pneumonia shot as well. 

Check out Dr. David Hill (love the bowtie) explaining a bit about the Influenza Virus and how the strains can mutate each year.

What Is Influenza? -- powered by eHow.com

National Influenza Vaccination Week

Today kicks off the second day of National Influenza Vaccination Week.  Each day this week focuses on a different group that is recommended for immunization.  Today's emphasis is on Family Vaccination!





Come in or call Passport Health for your Flu vaccination today.

Did you get your flu shot yet?

NEW CDC GUIDELINES:  The Flu Shot is recommended for anyone over the age of 6 months.

This year's vaccine combines 2 seasonal flu strains and the H1N1 strain.

In general, the Influenza vaccine is recommended for:

• Anyone who is at risk of complications from Influenza or more likely to require medical care
• Anyone who lives with or cares for people at high risk for Influenza related complications
• People who provide essential community services.
• People living in dormitories or under other crowded conditions, to prevent outbreaks
• People at high risk of Influenza complications who travel to the Southern hemisphere between April and September or to the tropics or in organized tourist groups at any time
• Anyone who wants to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with Influenza or spreading Influenza to others. 

Plan to get the Influenza vaccine in October or November if you can. Getting vaccinated in December, or even later, will still be beneficial in most years. You can get the vaccine as soon as it is available, and for as long as illness is occurring. In the northern hemisphere, Influenza illness can occur any time from November through May. Most cases usually occur in January or February. Most people need one dose of Influenza vaccine each year.

Children younger than 9 years of age getting Influenza vaccine for the first time should get 2 doses. For inactivated vaccine, these doses should be given at least 4 weeks apart. Influenza vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines, including Pneumococcal vaccine.


Have more Influenza questions?  Ask them in the comment section below or contact your nearest Passport Health location. 

Flu Season is HERE!!

Though its not the scare and panic we remember from last year's H1N1 and the seasonal flu shot shortage, this year's flu season is in full swing and its no joke.  There have been 10 cases reported already in Alberta, Canada and 3 out of those 10 are at the same  long-term care home in southern Alberta.

Even though Flu Season has begun it is not too late to get vaccinated.  Now is the time to come in for your vaccine, especially if you are in one of the high risk groups. 

The H1N1 strain that kept everyone on their toes last year will be included in the seasonal shot this year, so you only need to get one shot this year.  Great news huh?

Have other questions about the Flu?

Ask me below.

An example of a question you may have could be:

Where is a convenient place located that I can get my shot and be out the door asap?

My answer: Passport Health.  We have 170 offices throughout the US.  We are friendly and getting the shot is as easy as signing a form.  If you are not a fan of shots then ask about FluMist.  Same protection as the shot, but it gets squirted up your nose instead! (ok so a shot in the arm or a squirt up the nose- neither sound pleasant, but it sure beats 3 weeks in bed with fever and chills and entire body aches!)  Its over so quickly you wont even have time to cry!

Get your flu shot... you know its the right thing to do. 

Egg Allergy No Longer a Reason to Avoid Getting a Flu Vaccine

Along with fall comes flu season, but having an egg allergy is not a reason to avoid getting the 2010-2011 flu vaccination. According to a new paper published on the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma Immunology (AAAAI) website, recent studies show that most egg allergic individuals can receive the flu vaccine safely under the care of their allergist/immunologist.

"In the past, persons with egg allergy were told not to get the influenza vaccine because the vaccine contained egg protein and could trigger an allergic reaction. Research in the past year now shows that influenza vaccines contain only tiny amounts of egg protein. Clinical studies proved that the vast majority of persons with egg allergy did not experience a reaction when immunized with the influenza vaccine," said co-author of the paper James T. Li, MD, PhD, FAAAAI.
Based on the examined research, the authors no longer recommend the practice of skin testing to the seasonal Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (TIV), although it may be useful as an extra level of caution in cases where the patient has a documented history of a past allergic reaction to the vaccine.

Anyone with a history of suspected egg allergy should first be evaluated by an allergist/immunologist for appropriate testing and diagnosis. Patients with a confirmed egg allergy can then receive the vaccine safely using one of two protocols: as a 2-step graded challenge or as a single, age-appropriate dose.

"It is not necessary to withhold influenza vaccination from egg allergic patients. Our recommendations provide two flexible approaches to vaccination. Each approach is backed with recent evidence that it is safe," according to co-author Matthew J. Greenhawt, MD, MBA. "Most allergists should be able to identify with one of our recommended approaches, and as such should be able to vaccinate their egg allergic patients with confidence."

The authors do note that the safety of these vaccines in individuals with severe egg allergy needs to be studied further.


Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/204414.php

Dual Flu and Pneumococcal Vaccination May Protect Seniors from Cardiovascular Events

Did you know that many people who get the flu, don't die from the flu? They die from secondary diseases that sneak up on them when their immune system is down.  One such disease is Pneumonia.  There is a very large risk of developing Pneumonia as a complication from the flu. 

Older individuals receiving both the 23-valent pneumococcal and influenza vaccines were 35% less likely to die than unvaccinated seniors, according to recent study results.

WHO recommends 23-valent pneumococcal (PPV) and influenza vaccination for older individuals.

If you have questions about the Flu or pneumonia or are interested in getting vaccinated, give us a call at Passport Health.

You better listen to your Mama!

No one plans to get the flu! 

Mama is right. Thousands get sick or die from the flu every year. The best way to avoid getting the flu is by getting vaccinated every year!

Passport Health can come on site to vaccinate you and your co-workers or you can give us a call (1-888-499-7277) and come in to any of our 170 locations!  How's that for convenient?

Thank You for a great event!

Most of us here are exhausted but still running on a high from the great success of Tuesday night's Rethink Africa event.  I cant wait to see the photos from the lovely Joy Reinhardt, a talented photographer who willingly donated her services for the evening.

The evening went by so quickly that it still feels like a dream. The Musicians from Tonal Concepts, the Dancers from Flair Dance Studio and the Singers from Morgan State University performed "Africa" beautifully and without mistake.

The food served by Santoni's, Geckos and Cooking with Catherine was all delicious and well-presented.  Both the Stella Artois and the fine selection of African wines served by the wonderful bartenders at Martooni's Bartending Services were kept at the appropriate temperature for maximum taste.

More info to come about the other excellent sponsors and vendors without which this event would not have been successful.

My Bad- But its GOOD!!

Ok, so I have been slacking on the blog posts recently.  I'm Sorry.  I have a really good reason that I should have been sharing with you all along.

Most of my time and effort (and much of my colleagues' time and effort as well) has been spent these past few months on an out-of-the-box charity event entitled Rethink Africa.

This gathering will be an event with a focus on Africa to shift the paradigm of thinking that Africa is about malaria, civil war and only elephants and lions. We will expose business leaders to economic development opportunities in the continent and showcase how a vacation in Africa can be breathtaking if you prepare properly and have a reputable company organizing your trip.

To that extent, we want you to see that the beaches in Nigeria, The Gambia, Senegal, Togo and Benin are as beautiful as many of the best beaches in the world; and that a honeymoon in Africa might be more affordable and even more exciting than a getaway to Paris or Rome. We want people to rethink what they know about Africa.

So check it out.  If you are interested and in the Baltimore area on October 12th, please attend.  Its going to be a great time filled with business leaders, African music and dancing, great wine and delicious food.

One last thing... All proceeds are being split between 2 non-profit organizations: the There Goes My Hero Foundation and the Ben Carson Scholars Fund.  2 VERY necessary causes and all donations are tax deductible.

Tanzania: Stuart's Holiday

We were there for a week and the time flew by. Personally I wasn't that excited about going to Tanzania as I'm not overly interested in big cats etc, or should I say I wasn't, but the holiday was so much better than I had ever anticipated it would be. It was so strange seeing the wildlife up close to start with, but by the end of the week it seemed to be the norm seeing either elephants or a herd of zebras right outside of the bedroom window in the lodge!

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport (after a connection at Nairobi), we transferred to Arusha for an overnight stay. We then drove on to Lake Manyara for a one night stay. Following this we went to the Serengeti for two nights. We then finished off with a further two nights stay at Ngorongoro crater, which was about 2,000 meters above sea level, and it was a little strange at first adjusting to the altitude.

 

 

During our visit we were lucky enough to see all of the 'Big 5' animals, being lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhino (although the rhino was soo far away, it just looked like a mound of earth! However, our guide, Seleman said it was a rhino so who was I to argue!)

The main currency that was used within Tanzania tended to be US dollars, although they do have their own currency which is the Tanzanian shilling. However, you can only exchange this whilst in the country, and no shillings can be taken out of the country. Therefore, personally I would advise just to take US dollars.

During our stay we were advised not to go outside of the boundaries of the Lodges we stayed in unless occumpanied by a member of staff, due to both the local people and animals which you may come across. This was especially the case in Arusha, which is a large city in Tanzania, and tourists would stand out. However, the people we came across at the lodges were most helpful and friendly (providing you gave them a tip!) and upon arrival we were assigned to a guide who stayed with us for the duration. They would drive us around the national parks we visited, and our driver had a reputation of driving rather quickly!

A Special thanks goes out to Stuart Jones of Trefonen, England for sharing with us his Tanzanian experience. If you have more questions for Stu about his trip feel free to post them in the comments section.