Flu shots reduce hospital admissions for children.

Want to keep your child out of the hospital even if they get the flu? A single pediatric dose of the H1N1 vaccine administered at least 14 days before diagnosis was 85% effective at keeping the kids out of hospital according to Canadian research. A single dose is suboptimal, but in an emergency can be very helpful.

PositiveTip: Flu season is starting. Have you and your kids been immunized?

Obesity impairs the body's ability to remember how to fight the flu.

Obesity is seen as an independent risk factor for the H1N1 flu virus.

New research in obese mice strongly suggests they are far more susceptible to secondary infections (i.e. pneumonia). It seems that the excess weight interferes with the immune system's ability to "remember" how to fight off previous similar infections. This kind of "memory" is essential for vaccine effectiveness, too.

PositiveTip: Attaining and keeping a healthy weight may significantly influence the likelihood of severe flu as well as secondary infections.

Immunizing children significantly protects unimmunized community members.

Research among more than 40 Hutterite colonies in Canada found that when children from 3 to 15 years old are immunized against the flu, there was a 61% lower flu rate among the unvaccinated community members. By immunizing the children the entire community was significantly benefited. This study suggests that children and adolescents play an important role in transmitting the flu.

PositiveTip: High-risk groups and all children should be a high priority for flu vaccination.

Household transmission of 2009 H1N1 highest in those under 18 years old.

While many "top" issues could be listed, the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic has received enormous press in both the medical and lay press. This epidemic has taught us a great deal. As of this date, there have been fewer deaths than from previous flu pandemics--and that is the good news! A new analysis of household transmissibility of H1N1 showed that persons 18 years of age or younger were twice as susceptible as those 19-50 years of age; and those 50 or older were even less susceptible. Most transmissions occurred fairly quickly.

Can you fight the flu and other infections with food?

Many of us are still waiting for the swine-flu vaccine to reach our locality. Are there foods we should be eating to help us fight off infections and disease? Absolutely! A lot of research is demonstrating that a nutrient-rich diet is necessary to help effectively fight off disease. How can we be assured we are getting enough? Tests are expensive and often unreliable.

Most nutrition experts agree the best way to get all the nutrients our bodies need is through a balanced diet based on plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and some nuts. Taking individual supplements and vitamin pills can upset the delicate balance between the nutrients or be toxic. Getting them from good food makes overdosing almost impossible.

Lower influenza activity is good news--but will it last?

Happy Thanksgiving! PositiveChoices.com staff hopes you are enjoying a healthy and pleasant day.

There is good news on the U.S. flu scene this week: a downward trend in influenza activity. The question is, will it last? We hope so. CDC has started a four-point campaign to advise travelers as follows:

• Travel only if well.
• Wash hands often with soap or sanitizer.
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue or sleeve.
• Get vaccinated when possible, especially if you're in a high-risk population.

PositiveTip: Continue to make healthy choices in diet, physical activity, and rest to keep the flu at bay.

Hand hygiene and face masks may reduce household influenza virus transmission when implemented early.

Does hand hygiene and wearing surgical face masks prevent household transmission of 2009 H1N1 influenza? A new Hong Kong study found that indeed these measures when implemented early after symptom onset seemed to curtail transmission to other members of the family. The control group received healthy dietary and lifestyle advice. Another group were educated by a visiting nurse on hand hygiene. The third group was educated on hand hygiene and the importance of correctly wearing a surgical face mask during the home visit. The greatest benefit was observed in the group who washed their hands and wore masks.

Obesity emerging as a likely risk factor of severity for the H1N1 influenza.

So far there have been only 4500 deaths from the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. This is about 2% of the 250,000 that are seen worldwide each year from the seasonal flu. This is encouraging news, but the flue season is just getting underway. In a recent US study 45% of confirmed cases admitted to the hospital were obese. An Australian and New Zealand study reported that 29% who were admitted to an ICU had a BMI of 35 or higher (very obese).

President Obama gives more flexibility to healthcare institutions to care for those with the flu.

Saturday, October 24 President Obama signed a national emergency declaration for the H1N1 flu pandemic. What does this all mean? With more than 20,000 Americans hospitalized last week, this declaration gives greater flexibility to hospitals and nursing homes to care for an unusual influx of patients. In general public health officials have praised this move. You can find a wealth of information on the flu at Flu.gov.

PositiveTip: When possible stay away from crowds, wash you hands frequently, avoid rubbing you eyes and nose, get plenty of rest, and eat healthfully--to help ward off the virus.

Uncharacteristically high summer rates of H1N1 may presage a bad winter flu season!

FLU UPDATE: Between April and August 2009 more than one million cases of the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) flu occurred in the US, an uncharacteristically high number. Does this presage a bad winter flu season? No one really knows. Fortunately, the death rates have been lower than expected. Until an H1N1 vaccine arrives, here are the major preventive measures available:

• Vaccination against seasonal strains.
• Self-quarantine until 24 hours after fever abates.
• Following respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene.
• Use of antivirals for persons at high risk for complications.

PositiveTip: Don't underestimate the effectiveness of a healthy lifestyle (good diet, physical activity, adequate rest) in maintaining a strong immune system.