Experts warn of possible A/H1N1 mutation

[Tonka]

http://english.cctv.com/program/newshour/20091111/103051.shtml

Experts warn of possible A/H1N1 mutation
2009-11-11 13:25 BJT

Medical experts are warning that the A/H1N1 flu has entered a period of high frequency and easy transmission. And with fresh cases of pigs infected by the virus in Hong Kong and Taiwan, experts say the possibility that the virus will mutate is growing.

Recent monitoring has found several cases of pigs, cats and dogs infected by the human A/H1N1 flu virus. Experts now fear that close contact between people and animals will increase the danger of mutation. China's Ministry of Health reported 30 fatal cases on the mainland as of Monday, out of nearly 60 thousand confirmed cases. It said the increase in infections will inevitably result in additional severe cases. Experts call for a timely response each time a case is confirmed, to prevent the illness from worsening.

Dr. Zhong Nanshan, head of Chinese Medical Association, said, "Because when the virus harms the lungs, there is a high possibility of breathing difficulty. It is different from the usual pneumonia. And there will be great difficulty treating such patients, even though they are young and healthy. The reason for this is unclear yet, but what we can do is get vaccinated, and go to the hospital as soon as possible when suffering from a continuous fever. "

 

[AlaskaDenise]

Re: Experts warn of possible A/H1N1 mutation

Recent monitoring has found several cases of pigs, cats and dogs infected by the human A/H1N1 flu virus.

Not good.

.

 

[Rwilmer]

Re: Experts warn of possible A/H1N1 mutation

Not good.

.

Unless china has information they would like to share. I have not heard of any dogs getting H1N1.

 

[AlaskaDenise]

Re: Experts warn of possible A/H1N1 mutation

Given that the reported dog infections are linked to monitoring, they may well have found some. China does a lot of good science. Unfortunately translations and poor reporting can misrepresent the facts.

But yes - let's hope they release any dog and cat sequences.

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[Roehl_JC]

Re: Experts warn of possible A/H1N1 mutation

Rwilmer, thanks for that )
then let's just say they've just given a nod and a wink that dogs do catch it, so we will assume that they do have lots more info to share in future...let's hope it's timely info henceforth

 

[Treyfish]

Re: Experts warn of possible A/H1N1 mutation

A/H1N1 flu spreads in severe trend
2009-11-12 09:34 BJT



The A/H1N1 flu is in an active spreading mode as temperatures cool. 36 deaths from the new strain have been confirmed in China as of Wednesday. As Yuan Xiaoyuan finds out, experts warn of more dangerous developments from the virus, and are urging for early vaccinations against the flu.

As temperatures drop to new lows, the battle against A/H1N1 influenza faces mounting challenge. The new virus is spreading at high speeds across the world's most populous nation. With fresh pig infection cases appearing in Hong Kong and Taiwan, experts say the possibility that A/H1N1 will mutate is growing.

Dr. Zhong Nanshan, head of Chinese Medical Association, said, "If infections occur between human and other animals, it will become more dangerous."

So far, no signs of flu mutation have emerged, according the Ministry of Heath's spokesman. But experts say that A/H1N1 has emerged one of the most common flu viruses in China. Many regions have entered into a highly-infectious portion of the flu season, with reports mounting day by day. Severe cases have expanded, particularly in a most implausible group teenagers.

Dr. Zhong Nanshan said, "It's still unknown why many teenagers who are young and healthy show severe symptoms after being infected. The virus harms their lungs, and causes severe breathing difficulty, which is different from common pneumonia. It's very difficult to cure such cases."

Measures against the aggressive flu include vaccinations and a healthy lifestyle.
Experts urge people to get inoculated early and see a doctor immediately upon being infected. Plentiful sleep, a clean indoor environment, and healthy eating will also help improve one's immunity from the disease.

Meanwhile, the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine is being encouraged as a treatment. An ongoing annual TCM meeting in Guangzhou released a report showing Traditional Chinese Medicine's curative effect on A/H1N1, based on hundreds of clinical and experimental test results. It says that combining Chinese and Western medicine will achieve a better effect.

The Ministry of Health also denies the claims of a self-styled "anti-microbe" mask, produced by a Tianjin factory, saying the facial covering is no different than other masks. Experts from the Center for Disease Control say a qualified medical mask is sufficient to prevent infection, as the virus is transmitted mainly through respiratory spray.

http://english.cctv.com/program/chinatoday/20091112/101661.shtml

 

[Emily]

Re: Experts warn of possible A/H1N1 mutation

The Ministry of Health also denies the claims of a self-styled "anti-microbe" mask, produced by a Tianjin factory, saying the facial covering is no different than other masks.

I hope that isn't the one I just posted the test results for. I think it said the tests were done in the US, but I don't remember a laboratory name.

ETA: They do have the labs referenced so this must be another mask.