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MMWR: Influenza-Associated Deaths Reported Among Children Aged <18 Years --- United States, 2003--04 Influenza Season
Since October, 42 influenza-associated deaths among children aged <18 years have been reported to CDC. All patients had influenza virus infection detected by rapid antigen testing or other laboratory testing methods. This report describes preliminary findings based on data provided from multiple states, as of December 17, 2003. To improve surveillance, CDC has requested that all influenza-associated deaths of children aged <18 years be reported to CDC through state health departments. more
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Vidyya reminds prescribers of important considerations before prescribing flu drugs
Four years ago, FDA published a Public Health Advisory for health care practitioners to remind prescribers of important and therapeutic considerations when treating patients with influenza-like symptoms. more
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Information for practitioners: Antiviral agents for influenza
Four prescription medications with antiviral activity against influenza viruses are commercially available in the United States (amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir, zanamivir). The four drugs are classified into two categories, the adamantane derivatives and the neuraminidase inhibitors, on the basis of their chemical properties and activities against influenza viruses. more
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Information for clinicians: When to use antiviral drugs for the flu (CDC recommendations)
Three antiviral drugs (amantadine, rimantadine, and oseltamivir) are approved and
commercially available for use in preventing flu. All of these medications are prescription drugs, and a doctor should be consulted before the drugs are used. When used for prevention, they are about 70% to 90% effective for preventing illness in healthy adults.
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CDC interim guidance for prevention and control of influenza in the peri- and postpartum settings
The following guidelines should be considered interim recommendations from CDC on the prevention and control of influenza between infected mothers and their infants during the 2003-04 influenza season. The interim guidelines were developed to provide clinicians and public health officials with guidance and will be updated over time as more information becomes available and more experience is gained. more
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USDA BSE Update – 31 December 2003
USDA continues to work with the Canadian officials to verify traceback of the index animal. Records indicate that the animal was approximately 6-1/2 years old at the time of slaughter. USDA is working with Canada to conduct DNA testing to verify that the correct animal has been identified. DNA testing is expected to begin this evening and results could be available as early as next week.
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FDA issues final rule and final order regarding safety and efficacy of certain licensed biological products including anthrax vaccine
To complete the review of the safety and effectiveness of certain bacterial vaccines and toxoids licensed before July, 1972, FDA today issued a final rule and order that makes final determinations concerning the safety and effectiveness of such products and amends certain biologics regulations. The final order states FDA's conclusion that the licensed anthrax vaccine, Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed, is safe and effective for the prevention of anthrax disease - regardless of the route of exposure.
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