A pain or burning sensation in the chest could signal a heart attack, or less life-threatening, but still potentially serious, heartburn. Anytime you experience new or unusual pains or other feelings in your chest, it’s important to seek medical attention. It’s also valuable to know the difference between the symptoms associated with a heart attack and heartburn.
Recognize the symptoms
The list below shows some basic differences between symptoms of a heart attack and heartburn. It is not intended to take the place of a visit to, or discussion with, a qualified health professional. Furthermore, not all heart attacks occur with the same symptoms, and not all of the symptoms below have to be present.
Heart attack
Crushing pressure or pain in chest
Feeling of fullness in chest
Usually occurs with exercise or exertion
Pain may move to shoulders, back, neck arms, and jaw
Irregular heart rate (pulse) may occur
Shortness of breath
Cold sweats
Nausea
Vomiting
Lightheadedness, weakness or dizziness
Heartburn
Burning, irritation below breastbone
Pain usually does not move to back, shoulders, neck, arms, and jaw
Usually occurs after meals
Gets worse when lying down
Antacids will often make pain go away
Rarely causes shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness, or cold sweats.
Heart Attack or Heartburn?
Michael Jackson's Mysterious Medical Past
Michael Jackson's health questions began early in his solo career, mostly surrounding his apparent plastic surgery, and continued as photographs documented his oddly lightening skin color. Jackson addressed that issue, acknowledging that he suffered from vitiligo, a skin disorder in which the pigment cells in the skin are destroyed, leaving white patches. He has also been long suspected to have hypochondria symptoms.
A person with hypochondria will think such normal bodily functions as heart beats, sweating and bowel movements are symptoms of a serious illness or condition. Even minor abnormalities, such as a runny nose, slightly swollen lymph nodes and a small sore are seen as symptoms of something really serious.
Treatment for this disorder. It is important to have a supportive relationship with a health care provider. There should be one primary provider to avoid unnecessary tests and procedures. The health care provider should tell the person that he or she does not have a disease, but that continued medical follow-up will help control the symptoms. People with hypochondria feel real distress, so their symptoms should not be denied or challenged. For more information about Hypochondria please visit mayoclinic.com/health/hypochondria.
Labels: Men's Health, Others, Stress, Women's Health
WHO: Swine flu pandemic has begun, 1st in 41 years
GENEVA – The World Health Organization told its member nations it was declaring a swine flu pandemic Thursday — the first global flu epidemic in 41 years — as infections climbed in the United States, Europe, Australia, South America and elsewhere.
In a statement sent to member countries, WHO said it decided to raise the pandemic warning level from phase 5 to 6 — its highest alert — after holding an emergency meeting on swine flu with its experts.
The long-awaited pandemic decision is scientific confirmation that a new flu virus has emerged and is quickly circling the globe. It will trigger drugmakers to speed up production of a swine flu vaccine and prompt governments to devote more money toward efforts to contain the virus.
"At this early stage, the pandemic can be characterized globally as being moderate in severity," WHO said in the statement, urging nations not to close borders or restrict travel and trade. "(We) remain in close dialogue with influenza vaccine manufacturers."
On Wednesday, WHO said 74 countries had reported nearly 27,737 cases of swine flu, including 141 deaths.
The agency has stressed that most cases are mild and require no treatment, but the fear is that a rash of new infections could overwhelm hospitals and health authorities — especially in poorer countries.
Still, about half of the people who have died from swine flu were previously young and healthy — people who are not usually susceptible to flu.
Swine flu is also continuing to spread during the start of summer in the northern hemisphere. Normally, flu viruses disappear with warm weather, but swine flu is proving to be resilient.
The last pandemic — the Hong Kong flu of 1968 — killed about 1 million people. Ordinary flu kills about 250,000 to 500,000 people each year.
Many health experts say WHO's pandemic declaration could have come weeks earlier but the agency became bogged down by politics. In May, several countries urged WHO not to declare a pandemic, fearing it would cause social and economic turmoil.
"This is WHO finally catching up with the facts," said Michael Osterholm, a flu expert at the University of Minnesota who has advised the U.S. government on pandemic preparations.
Despite WHO's hopes, raising the epidemic alert to the highest level will almost certainly spark some panic about spread of swine flu.
Fear has already gripped Argentina, where thousands of people worried about swine flu flooded into hospitals this week, bringing emergency health services in the capital of Buenos Aires to the brink of collapse. Last month, a bus arriving in Argentina from Chile was stoned by people who thought a passenger on it had swine flu. Chile has the most swine flu cases in South America.
In Hong Kong on Thursday, the government ordered all kindergartens and primary schools closed for two weeks after a dozen students tested positive for swine flu — a move that some flu experts would consider an overreaction.
In the United States, where there have been more than 13,000 cases and at least 27 deaths from swine flu, officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the move would not change how the U.S. tackled swine flu.
"Our actions in the past month have been as if there was a pandemic in this country," Glen Nowak, a CDC spokesman, said Thursday.
The U.S. government has already taken steps like increasing availability of flu-fighting medicines and authorizing $1 billion for the development of a new vaccine against the novel virus. In addition, new cases seem to be declining in many parts of the country, U.S. health officials say, as North America moves out of its traditional winter flu season.
Still, Osterholm said the declaration was a wake-up call for the world.
"I think a lot of people think we're done with swine flu, but you can't fall asleep at the wheel," he said. "We don't know what's going to happen in the next 6 to 12 months."
___
Medical Writer Maria Cheng reported from London. Mike Stobbe in Atlanta, Jill Lawless in London, Dikky Sinn in Hong Kong, Vincente L. Panetta in Buenos Aires and Bradley S. Klapper in Geneva also contributed to this report.
Source : Yahoo
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Labels: Others
Use of antiviral drugs against influenza A(H1N1)
For what purposes can antiviral drugs be used against influenza A(H1N1)?
So far most people who have contracted the new A (H1N1) virus have experienced influenza-like symptoms (such as sore throat, cough, runny nose, fever, malaise, headache, joint/muscle pain) and recovered without antiviral treatment.
Antiviral drugs may reduce the symptoms and duration of illness, just as they do for seasonal influenza. They also may contribute to preventing severe disease and death. Influenza A (H1N1) is a new virus and only a small number of people with the infection have been treated for it with antiviral drugs. WHO is in touch with public health authorities and clinicians in affected countries and is gathering information about how effective the drugs are.
To which antiviral drugs does this influenza virus respond?
There are two classes of antiviral drugs for influenza: inhibitors of neuraminidase such as oseltamivir and zanamivir; and adamantanes, such as amantadine and rimantadine. Tests on viruses obtained from patients in Mexico and the United States have indicated that current new H1N1 viruses are sensitive to neuraminidase inhibitors, but that the viruses are resistant to the other class, the adamantanes.
Could the virus become resistant to oseltamivir and zanamivir?
Resistance can develop to antiviral drugs used for influenza. Therefore, WHO and its partners are monitoring antiviral drug resistance.
Under what circumstances should antiviral drugs be administered?
Antiviral drugs are to be used according to national pandemic influenza preparedness plans. Public health authorities in some countries have decided to treat patients likely to have this disease as a part of public health measures.
Where antiviral drugs are available for treatment, clinicians should make decisions based on assessment of the individual patient's risk. Risks versus benefits should also be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Should I take an antiviral now just in case I catch the new virus?
No. You should only take an antiviral, such as oseltamivir or zanamivir, if your health care provider advises you to do so. Individuals should not buy medicines to prevent or fight this new influenza without a prescription, and they should exercise caution in buying antivirals over the internet.
Source : WHO
What Is Swine Flu? How Is Swine Flu Treated?
Swine flu (swine influenza) is a disease of pigs. It is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by one of many Influenza A viruses. Approximately 1% to 4% of pigs that get swine flu die from it. It is spread among pigs by direct and indirect contact, aerosols, and from pigs that are infected but do not have symptoms. In many parts of the world pigs are vaccinated against swine flu.
Most commonly, swine flu is of the H1N1 influenza subtype. However, they can sometimes come from the other types, such as H1N2, H3N1, and H3N2.
The current outbreak of swine flu that has infected humans is of the H1N1 type - this type is not as dangerous as some others.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) can also infect pigs
Avian flu and human seasonal flu viruses can infect pigs, as well as swine influenza. The H3N2 influenza virus subtype, a virulent one, is thought to have come from pigs - it went on to infect humans.It is possible for pigs to be infected with more than one flu virus subtype simultaneously. When this happens the genes of the viruses have the opportunity to mingle. When different flu subtypes mix they can create a new virus which contains the genes from several sources - a reassortant virus.
Although swine influenza tends to just infect pigs, they can, and sometimes do, jump the species barrier and infect humans.
What is the risk for human health?
Outbreaks of human infection from a virus which came from pigs (swine influenza) do happen and are sometimes reported. Symptoms will generally be similar to seasonal human influenzas - this can range from mild or no symptoms at all, to severe and possibly fatal pneumonia.As swine flu symptoms are similar to typical human seasonal flu symptoms, and other upper respiratory tract infections, detection of swine flu in humans often does not happen, and when it does it is usually purely by chance through seasonal influenza surveillance. If symptoms are mild it is extremely unlikely that any connection to swine influenza is found - even if it is there. In other words, unless the doctors and experts are specifically looking for swine flu, it is rarely detected. Because of this, we really do not know what the true human infection rate is.
Examples of known swine flu infecting humans
Since the World Health Organization's (WHO's) implementation of IHR (2005) in 2007, they have been notified of swine influenza cases from the USA and Spain.In March/April 2009 human cases of influenza A swine fever (H1N1) were first reported in California and Texas. Later other states also reported cases. A significant number of human cases during the same period have also been reported in Mexico - starting just in Mexico City, but now throughout various parts of the country. More cases are being reported in Canada, Europe, and New Zealand - mainly from people who have been in Mexico.
How does a human catch swine influenza?
- From contact with infected pigs (most common way)
- From contact with infected humans (much less common way)
Can I eat pork meat and pork products?
If the pork meat and pork food products have been handled properly transmission of swine influenza to humans is not possible. Cooking pork meats to a temperature of 70C (160F) kills the virus. So the answer is YES, pork meat and pork food products are safe to eat.Where have pigs been infected?
As swine influenza infection among pigs is not an internationally notifiable disease we cannot be completely sure. Swine influenza infection among pigs is known to be endemic in the USA. Outbreaks have also occurred in other parts of North America, South American, Europe, Africa, China, Japan, and other parts of Asia.Is there a pandemic risk?
People who are not in close contact with pigs generally have no immunity to the swine influenza viruses - they are less likely to be able to prevent a virus infection. If the virus infects enough people in a given area, the risk of an influenza pandemic is significantly greater. Experts say it is very hard to predict what impact a flu pandemic caused by a swine influenza virus would have on the global human population. This would depend on how virulent the virus is, what existing immunity among humans there already is, plus several other factors.Do we have a specific swine flu vaccine?
No - not for humans.Will current human flu vaccines help protect people from swine influenza infection?
We really don't know. Influenza viruses are adapting and changing all the time. If a vaccine was made, it would have to be specifically for a current strain that is circulating for it to be effective. The WHO says it needs access to as many viruses as possible so that it can isolate the most appropriate candidate vaccine.What are the signs and symptoms of swine influenza in humans?
They are similar to those of regular flu, and include:- Body aches
- Chills
- Cough
- Diarrhea (less common)
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Temperature (fever)
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Vomiting (less common)
What medications are there?
There are some drugs around that can effectively treat swine flu infection in humans - and many types of flu infections in humans. There are two main types:- adamantanes (amantadine and remantadine)
- inhibitors of influenza neuraminidase (oseltamivir and zanamivir)
What can I do to protect myself?
- Wash your hands regularly with soap
- Try to stay healthy
- Get plenty of sleep
- Do plenty of exercise
- Try to manage your stress
- Drink plenty of liquids
- Eat a well balanced diet
- Refrain from touching surfaces which may have the virus
- Do not get close to people who are sick
- Stay away from crowded areas if there is a swine flu outbreak in your area
If I am infected, how can I stop others from becoming infected?
- Limit your contact with other people
- Do not go to work or school
- When you cough or sneeze cover your mouth with a tissue. If you do not have a tissue, cover your mouth and nose.
- Put your used tissues in a waste basket
- Wash your hands and face regularly
- Keep all surfaces you have touched clean
- Follow your doctor's instructions
Mexico City - Some good news
In Mexico City, where a sizeable number of people have become infected with H1N1 swine flu, authorities are urging people with flu symptoms to go straight to their doctors or a local hospital. They insist that the flu is completely treatable if the patient comes in straight away.What is Swine Flu - Video
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Influenza Division has produced a video all about swine flu.This video includes information on the signs and symptoms of swine flu, how swine flu is transmitted, what medicines are available to treat it and steps that people can take to help protect themselves from it. There are also some tips on what to do if you become ill with swine flu.
Avastin (bevacizumab) Approved By FDA For Treatment Of Aggressive Brain Cancer
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration, USA) approved Avastin (bevacizumab) for patients with GBM (glioblastoma multiforme) whose cancer carries on progressing after standard therapy. GBM is a rapidly progressing cancer - it invades brain tissue and can may have a significant effect on a patient´s mental abilities and physical activities. Approximately 6,700 people each year in the USA are affected by GBM.
Unfortunately, the cancer nearly always comes back, even when treated with surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy.
Richard Pazdur, M.D., director of the Office of Oncology Drug Products in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said "This type of cancer is very resistant to therapy and thus challenging to treat. Avastin provides a therapy for patients with progressive GBM who have not responded to other medications."
Avastin is a monoclonal antibody that is produced in the laboratory. It mimics the antibodies our immune system produces to combat harmful substances. Avastin reduces the action of vascular endothelial growth factor that helps in the development of new blood vessels which can nourish a tumor and help it grow. The new blood vessels may also become a pathway for the cancer cells to spread around the body.
Avastin was first approved in 2004 by the FDA for the treatment of metastatic cancer of the colon or rectum. It has subsequently been approved to treat non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer and metastatic breast cancer.
Two clinical trials showed that approximately one quarter of all patients with GBM responded to Avastin with an average duration of response of about 4 months.
Avastin´s most serious side effects include, gastrointestinal perforation, wound healing complications, hemorrhage, and blood clots - some of these side effects can be fatal. Other side effects include severe hypertension (high blood pressure), nervous system and vision disturbances, lower white blood cell counts, infection, myocardial infarction, stroke, and kidney problems. Common side effects include nosebleeds, hypertension, runny nose, headache, excess urine protein, alteration of taste, rectal bleeding, excessive tearing, dry skin, and skin peeling.
Genentech Inc. of San Francisco manufactures Avastin.
Source: FDA
USA Health Budget Puts Reform First, Says Department Of Health And Human Services
Kathleen Sebelius, Health and Human Services Secretary, USA, highlighted fundamental reforms in President Obama´s 2010 HHS budget. Sebelius cited the rapidly rising cost of health care in the USA and the huge pressures that health care costs are placing in the country´s economic prospects. "This budget sends a clear message that we can't afford to wait any longer if we want to get health care costs under control and improve our fiscal outlook. Investing in health reform today will help bring down costs tomorrow and ensure all Americans have access to the quality care they need and deserve," Sebelius said.
A reserve fund of $635 billion has been set up over ten years to finance health reform that reduces costs, improves quality, and assures health care coverage for all American citizens. Sebelius says that new revenue savings from Medicare and Medicaid will fund the reserve.
As well as improving efficiency and reducing costs in Medicare and Medicaid through health care reform, Sebelius added that higher funding for a Medicare Integrity Program will help tackle fraud and abuse and bear down on those who try to cheat the system.
Sebelius said "We estimate that for every $1 we spend to stop fraud in the system, we save $1.55. The President's budget lays out funding for anti-fraud efforts over five years that we estimate could save $2.7 billion by improving overall oversight and stopping fraud and abuse within the Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug programs."
Sebelius added that quality and access to health care are also crucial factors of President Obama´s reform plan. His 2010 budget raises access and improves the quality of care for rural Americans. It also includes a historic pledge to make health care available for Native Americans. The budget also calls for in excess of one billion dollars to fund an increase in the number of health care professionals, including nurses, doctors and health care workers. The funding should help eradicate health disparities, the HHS Secretary said.
As the USA and the rest of the world are confronted with an outbreak of a new H1N1 virus, and leaders from every level of government, the private sector and both sides of the aisle have come together to respond, Sebelius also stressed important provisions in the President's budget that will protect public health. The budget includes $584 million to help in combat pandemic flu. There is also increased funding for the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
Sebelius added "Whether it's responding to the H1N1 flu virus or the recent recall of peanuts, our department is responsible for keeping Americans healthy and safe, and we take that responsibility seriously. President Obama's budget will help ensure we remain prepared to protect the American people. The investments we made in pandemic planning and preparation allowed us to respond quickly and efficiently to the H1N1 virus in this country and helped get Americans the information and resources they needed early on during the outbreak. New investments in this budget and in the funds that the President has requested in the supplemental will allow us to continue to respond to this new virus, replenish our stockpile of antivirals and start work on a potential vaccine for the fall flu season."
The 2010 proposed budget includes a total of $879 billion for the DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services), approximately $63 billion more than in 2009.
Source - Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Labels: News
British Scientists Produce First Genetic Fingerprint Of Swine Flu Virus Infecting Humans In Europe
The novel A (H1N1) swine flu virus´ whole genetic sequence will be studied together with other genetic data in order to gain a better understanding of how it behaves and infects humans. As viruses circulate there is a chance they may evolve and change the way they behave. Alan Johnson, British Health Secretary, visited the Health Protection Agency´s NIBSC (National Institute for Biological Standards and Control) yesterday and met scientists who have been working on the novel virus´ genetic sequence.
The Health Protection Agency´s Centre for Infections has also shared the first UK isolate of the virus with other scientific institutes. This breakthrough is the first step towards developing an effective swine flu vaccine. The other scientific institutes include the Health Protection Agency´s Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response in Porton Down, the National Institute for Medical Research, and the Veterinary Laboratories Agency.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) says that this isolate will enable researchers to gather more crucial data on the characteristics of the swine flu virus that is infecting humans in Europe, and make comparisons with those in Mexico and the rest of North America.
We need to know how our immune systems respond when exposed to the virus if we want to find an effective vaccine. The virus isolate that is being shared will make this research possible.
"We are continuing to learn more and more each day about swine flu. The pure sample of virus that we have isolated, together with its genetic fingerprint, will be important resources as scientific organisations join forces on the development of an effective vaccine."The rapid assessment of this virus will ultimately help us to make future decisions regarding the health implications of swine flu," said Professor Maria Zambon, Director of the Health Protection Agency's Centre for Infections.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said "A significant step towards protecting the world's health against swine flu has been taken. The speed with which vaccine prototypes can be created to combat potential pandemics is testimony to the dedication and world-class expertise of Health Protection Agency researchers. We have been preparing for the possibility of a pandemic for some time. We now look to the vaccine industry to produce the required quantities of vaccine as quickly as possible."
Source - Health Protection Agency (UK)
