Article Abstract:
The spread of an influenza-like illness was reported from mid-December, 1989 to mid-January, 1990 in 10 states, with 19 more states reporting regional activity and 22 states reporting sporadic activity. Visits to 110 family practice physicians in 43 states increased, and three percent of patients seen by physicians for influenza-like illness were hospitalized. Persons 65 years and older were more likely to be hospitalized than patients less than 65 years of age. Influenza A (H3N2) is the predominant influenza viral strain or type, accounting for 98 percent of 335 isolates, or microorganisms isolated from patients of all age groups. Since December 15, 1989, outbreaks of respiratory illness occurred in 68 of 329 Connecticut nursing homes, and influenza A viruses were isolated from patients at six of these nursing homes. For the week ending January 13, 1990, 121 cities that routinely report death rates to the Centers for Disease Control associated eight percent of deaths with pneumonia and influenza. The use of vaccination against influenza and antiviral drug treatment with amantadine have decreased the duration and severity of influenza A outbreaks in nursing homes, although resistance or insensitivity to amantadine has developed among some strains of influenza A virus. It is suggested that patients receiving amantadine as treatment for influenza-like symptoms be separated from persons receiving amantadine as a prophylaxis or preventative measure against influenza. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
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Article Abstract:
The Centers for Disease Control reported a decline in influenza cases between October 1, 1989 and April 30, 1990. The first influenza virus that was isolated in the United States during this period was reported in Wisconsin in September 1989. The next viruses were isolated in the week of November 18, 1989 in four other parts of the country. The largest number of specimens was submitted for analysis in January and February 1990; an average of 2,021 specimens were examined per week. By the end of February 1990, the World Health Organization reported the isolation of 2,785 influenza viruses. The type which predominated in the winter was influenza A, with influenza B being more prevalent in March and April of 1990. An average of 3 percent of patient visits to physicians were considered influenza-related in October and November 1989; this rose to a seasonal high of 8.9 percent in the last week of December. The importance of continued monitoring and culturing of influenza viruses is stressed in order to improve prevention and treatment strategies. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
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Article Abstract:
Between Oct 1995 and Aug 1996, epidemics of influenza occurred throughout the world. Influenza A(H3N2) virus caused most of the illness in most European countries, China and some parts of the US, while influenza A(H1N1) virus was responsible for influenza in Japan, Canada, most of the US and some European countries. Influenza B virus was associated with sporadic outbreaks in Europe. The 1996-1997 influenza vaccine has been updated to cover these viral strains. Elderly people in nursing homes should be vaccinated as well as health care workers who care for them. Amantadine and rimantadine are also effective against influenza A.
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