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Tamiflu’s Efficiency in Lessening Flu Symptoms’ Duration

February 11, 2015 By Dean Lamori

In the recent findings from The Lancet, Tamiflu’s efficiency now counts to lessening flu symptoms to almost 24 hours. This research includes nine unpublished and published randomized clinical tests of Tamiflu as given by its manufacturing company, Roche.

In this case, researchers have made a comparison of a placebo and 75mg dose of Tamiflu in 4,300 adults stricken with flu between 1997 and 2001. Among patients who were affected by flu, the symptoms went away by 21 percent and also lowered the risk of respiratory infections by 44 percent specifically those needing antibiotics and 63 percent for illnesses requiring hospitalizations.

California Smoking Age Now Raised to 21

February 11, 2015 By Tom Hager

In a recent report for Reuters, California now wants the minimum age for smoking to increase from 18 to 21 years old.

This was proposed by Senator Ed Hernandez last Thursday in accordance with the increasing habit and owing it to the minimum California smoking age.

Hernandez’ issued statement says that this only followed the move made by the top lawyer of Washington state. Furthermore, being the chairman of the chamber’s health committee, Hernandez hopes to prevent more teenagers from making a habit out of smoking. In line with this, Ron Chapman, California Department of Public Health Director, released a report last Wednesday saying that even electronic cigarettes are addictive. This prompted a debate whether e-cigarettes were to be included in this state law.

United States’ Measles Outbreak and Their Response

February 10, 2015 By John Cooper

The measles outbreak in the United States is now causing an increased alarm because of its accelerating spread in four colleges. This outbreak happened due to the antivaccination means being provided among colleges simply presenting the lack of protection against measles.

Sarah Van Orman, executive director of University Health Services at the University of Wisconsin at Madison and president of American College Health Association, says that this signals high alert to members and has now become an absolute concern for campuses. In addition, Van Orman recommends reviewing the student immunization status and updating their communicable disease emergency response plans specifically with measles.

Less Participants Postponed Ebola Drug Trial in Liberia

February 8, 2015 By John Cooper

An ongoing clinical test for Ebola drug trial was halted because of decline in patients affected by the virus in West Africa. This trial was testing brincidofovir at a clinic located in Monrovia, Liberia.

According to the Chimerix, the drug developer, they will no longer participate in this clinical trial. Chief Executive Dr. Michelle Berrey of Chimerix states less patients were not making any conclusions with their study. Furthermore, the company shipped 140 drugs initially to Liberia and lesser than 10 were seen to have good prognosis. Moreover, the World Health Organization reported last week that the number of new Ebola cases decreased to a hundred in the most affected countries in Africa.

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