Showing posts with label Seasonal Flu Vaccine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seasonal Flu Vaccine. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Baby Boomers and the Flu


As we move into March please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website to review current U.S. flu activity.

Latest CDC Update: Feb 22, 2018
2018-2019 Influenza Season Week 7 ending February 16, 2019

View Interactive Map


CDC Update:
Influenza activity continues to increase in the United States. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, influenza A(H3N2), and influenza B viruses continue to co-circulate. Below is a summary of the key influenza indicators for the week ending February 16, 2019:
Viral Surveillance: The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza viruses in clinical laboratories increased. While influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses predominated in most areas of the country, influenza A(H3) viruses have predominated in HHS Region 4 and accounted for 47% of subtyped influenza A viruses detected nationally during week 7. During the most recent three weeks, influenza A(H3) viruses were reported more frequently than influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses in HHS Regions 6 and 7 and influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza A(H3) viruses were reported in approximately equal numbers in HHS Region 2.

Virus Characterization: The majority of influenza viruses characterized antigenically are similar to the cell-grown reference viruses representing the 2018–2019 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine viruses.

Antiviral Resistance:The vast majority of influenza viruses tested (>99%) show susceptibility to oseltamivir and peramivir. All influenza viruses tested showed susceptibility to zanamivir.

Influenza-like Illness Surveillance: The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) increased to 5.1%, which is above the national baseline of 2.2%. All 10 regions reported ILI at or above their region-specific baseline level.

ILI State Activity Indictor Map: New York City and 30 states experienced high ILI activity; the District of Columbia and 11 states experienced moderate ILI activity; six states experienced low ILI activity; the U.S. Virgin Islands and three states experienced minimal ILI activity; and Puerto Rico had insufficient data.

Geographic Spread of Influenza: The geographic spread of influenza in Puerto Rico and 48 states was reported as widespread; one state reported regional activity; the District of Columbia reported local activity; the U.S. Virgin Islands and one state reported sporadic activity; and Guam did not report.

Influenza-associated Hospitalizations A cumulative rate of 27.4 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations per 100,000 population was reported. The highest hospitalization rate is among adults 65 years and older (75.6 hospitalizations per 100,000 population)

Pneumonia and Influenza Mortality: The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was below the system-specific epidemic threshold in the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Mortality Surveillance System.

Influenza-associated Pediatric Deaths: Seven influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported to CDC during week 7.

Continue reading: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm

Preliminary In-Season U.S. Influenza Burden Estimates
The 2018-2019 flu season is the first season CDC has reported in-season burden estimates of flu in the U.S. These in-season estimates will be updated over the course of the flu season.CDC estimates that, from October 1, 2018 through January 26, 2019, there have been:
--10.1 million – 11.7 million flu illnesses
--4.7 million – 5.6 million flu medical visits
--118,000 – 141,000 flu hospitalizations
Read the report, here...….

Public Health Agency of Canada:
The most up-to-date influenza information from Canada is available at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/fluwatch
British Columbia Influenza Surveillance Bulletin Influenza
Influenza activity remains elevated in BC and is dominated by the H1N1 strain. 
Joint ECDC - WHO/Europe Weekly Flu Update: https://flunewseurope.org/Severity

News
Feb 22, 2019
U.S. News - CDC: 41 Child Deaths Linked to Flu
The pediatric death total continues to tick up during the current flu season. The deaths of seven more children in connection with the flu have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bringing the total number of pediatric deaths this season to 41 as of Feb. 16. In total, the CDC estimates there had been 13,600 to 22,300 flu deaths from October through mid-February, and that up to 20.4 million people had gotten sick. Flu season typically peaks in February, and agency researchers previously said that so far, this has been a "low-severity influenza season."
Read the article, here.

HealthDay Reporter - More Severe Flu Strain Starts to Spread Widely
FRIDAY, Feb. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Americans aren't out of the woods yet, as the flu season continues to spread across the country, health officials reported Friday. One major shift that's occurred is in the viruses that are circulating. At the start of the flu season, the predominant strain was influenza A H1N1, but now a more severe strain, influenza A H3N2, accounts for nearly half of all the new cases, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "It looks like we are moving from an H1 wave to an H3 wave," said Lynnette Brammer, lead of CDC's domestic influenza surveillance team. "There's still a lot of flu to come."
Read the article, here.

Why Flu Vaccines Don’t Work as Well in the Elderly, as we age, something hampers our immune system’s ability to produce ever-stronger antibodies in response to infections. As a result, older people are relying on mostly memory B-cells to make antibodies from long-past immune responses that are ill-equipped to squash rapidly evolving pathogens like the flu virus.

Feb 18
Research: 'Killer' cells raise hope of universal flu vaccine.

Feb 13
Earlier Tamiflu May Cut Death Risk in Some Severe Cases, observed 30% decrease in mortality with early oseltamivir among influenza A/H3N2 patients in ICU.
Influenza Vaccines Prevented 8,000 Deaths Last Flu Season
Fighting the Flu: Paid Sick Leave Reduces Infection Rates 

Feb 6
Influenza Vaccine Tied to Lower Hospitalization Rates in COPD Patients
Previous research has shown that people with HCV, especially older patients, have increased prevalence and faster progression of COPD. Over at MD Magazine, a recent study found people with COPD vaccinated for the flu were 38% less likely to require influenza-related hospitalization, read it here.
SURVEY: Three In Ten Parents Believe Flu Shot Is Conspiracy...
CDC: 2 More Child Deaths Linked to Flu
Pregnant women with severe flu more likely to have poor outcomes

January

Video:
This flu season should serve as a wake-up call – we need to redouble our efforts to prevent and treat the flu
Seasonal outbreaks of the flu cause thousands of deaths even in a good year, and the last flu season, 2017-2018, was a terrible one. It killed 80,000 Americans and sent 900,000 to the hospital, making it the worst influenza season in decades.


Baby Boomers and the Flu 
Did you know that you are more susceptible to flu-related complications if you're over 65, living with chronic liver disease, or viral hepatitis? Yep, I knew it too. 

Currently information on this blog is aimed at people living with or treating hepatitis C, for the most part that is the baby boomer generation; born between 1946 to1964. 

Speaking of baby boomers, if you haven't read the CDC's eye- opening report on last years flu season, it was reported 80,000 flu-related deaths occurred in the US, the highest in 40 years. The death rate among young baby boomers, aged 50 to 64 were shocking as well; 
"Death rates were highest in the over-65 age group, which is typical, but the second most affected group comprised those aged 50 to 64 years old; normally, the second highest death rates occur in children, from birth through age 4 years. The ferociousness of the flu season overall, combined with above-average impacts on younger baby boomers, made 2017-2018 one for the record books."
Read the article: Flu Season 2017-2018: A Look at What Happened and What's to Come, CDC report, here. Or read this more recent article, updated Oct 19, 2018: 80,000 Americans died of the flu last winter.That’s more than the number killed in traffic collisions, from gun violence, or from opioid overdoses.

 Liver Disease & The Flu
As we age our immune system is less effective in fighting infections, and new infections can have a severe impact on the liver. This can be especially serious for liver transplant recipients and people who have cirrhosis. Flu-related complications could develop into bronchitis or pneumonia, which in rare cases can also be fatal.

Even though the flu vaccine won’t keep everyone from getting sick, it helps prevent serious flu complications. For instance people over 65 who were vaccinated had a lower rate of flu-related death, according to a 2017 study, found on the CDC's website.
"Flu vaccination reduced deaths, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, ICU length of stay, and overall duration of hospitalization among hospitalized flu patients; with the greatest benefits being observed among people 65 years of age and older."
October - In The News
October 29, 2018
Getting Flu Vaccine One Year Doesn't Reduce Vaccine Effectiveness the Next Year
By Amy Orciari Herman
Edited by Susan Sadoughi, MD, and André Sofair, MD, MPH
Getting the flu vaccine every year doesn't reduce its effectiveness — and might even boost its performance — suggests a study in JAMA Network Open.

Researchers examined the vaccination status of nearly 3400 children who presented with acute febrile respiratory illness during one of three successive flu seasons between 2013 and 2016. About one-fourth had flu confirmed on reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction testing; the rest were considered negative for flu.

The researchers found that while vaccine effectiveness varied by vaccine type (e.g., live attenuated influenza vaccine [LAIV) or inactivated influenza vaccine) and flu virus strain, past-season vaccination did not reduce vaccine effectiveness. In fact, in some cases — for example, the effectiveness of LAIV against influenza A(H3N2) — previous vaccination appeared to improve the vaccine's effectiveness.

Of note, residual protection from past-season flu vaccine alone was observed only for influenza B.
A commentator writes, "The results thus suggest additional support for the current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' recommendation that children be vaccinated annually against influenza."
LINK(S):
JAMA Network Open article (Free)
JAMA Network Open commentary (Free)
Background: Physician's First Watch coverage of American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation of inactivated flu vaccine over LAIV (Free)

Oct 28, 2018
New Flu Drug Offers Convenience, Fast Activity, and a Novel Mechanism — at a Price
Last week, the FDA approved a new drug for treatment of influenza, baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza).
The drug is indicated for treatment of symptomatic influenza in patients 12 years of age or older. As with existing treatments, it should be started within 48 hours of symptom onset....

Oct 24, 2018
"I figured [the flu] was something that's dangerous to the elderly and the young, not somebody who is healthy and in their 30s," says Hinderliter, who is 39 and the director of government affairs at the St. Louis Realtors association. 
"Turns out, I was wrong," he says. 
Read the article, here.....

Should I or Shouldn't?
September 27, 2018
"People say they never had the flu until they got the shot. That argument doesn’t hold water. Either you got your shot too late, you got a strain of the flu that isn’t covered by the vaccine, or you had a one-day immune response which may make you feel like crap for the day, but isn’t anywhere like having the flu. If you are over 65, high dose flu shots are recommended, and some people feel a bit low and fluish the next day. This is not the flu – it is an immune system reaction"
Read the article: The Flu Shot Debate, written by HCV advocate Lucinda Porter.

CDC Information
People 65 years and older should get a flu shot and not a nasal spray vaccine.
They can get any flu vaccine approved for use in that age group with no preference for any one vaccine over another. There are regular flu shots that are approved for use in people 65 and older and there also are two vaccines designed specifically for people 65 and older:
High Dose Flu Vaccine:
The “high dose vaccine” contains 4 times the amount of antigen as a regular flu shot. It is associated with a stronger immune response following vaccination (higher antibody production). Results from a clinical trial of more than 30,000 participants showed that adults 65 years and older who received the high dose vaccine had 24% fewer influenza infections as compared to those who received the standard dose flu vaccine. The high dose vaccine has been approved for use in the United States since 2009.
Learn more about high dose flu vaccine here.

Adjuvanted Flu Vaccine:
The adjuvanted flu vaccine, Fluad, is made with MF59 adjuvant an additive that creates a stronger immune response to vaccination. In a Canadian observational study of 282 people aged 65 years and older conducted during the 2011-12 season, Fluad was 63% more effective than regular-dose unadjuvanted flu shots. There are no randomized studies comparing Fluad with Fluzone High-Dose. This vaccine was available for the first time in the United States during the 2016-2017 season. Learn more about adjuvanted flu vaccine here.

For Adults with LIVER DISEASE: Important information about a dangerous infection
If you have chronic liver disease, you are more likely to have serious complications if you get pneumococcal disease

Get pneumococcal vaccines 
People who are 65 years of age and older should also be up to date with pneumococcal vaccination to protect against pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Talk to your doctor to find out which pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for you. Pneumococcal pneumonia is an example of a serious flu-related complication that can cause death. 

You can get the pneumococcal vaccine your provider recommends when you get the flu vaccine.

 CDC - Got Questions?
Flu vaccines recommended this season.

Detailed flu and flu vaccine information specific to the current flu season

If you have HIV, you are at high risk of serious influenza-related complications and should get an injectable influenza vaccine (a flu shot).

Recommended Reading:
Flu and Colds: In Depth
What do we know about the effectiveness of complementary approaches for flu and colds?

Is It A Nasty Cold Or The Flu?
So, if you do have the flu, it's important to consult with your health care provider about treatment. And distinguishing between a cold and flu may be easier than you think, Ejnes says.

Stay healthy!
Tina
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Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Vaccination may reduce the severity of the flu in vaccinated but still infected patients

On This Blog
Flu Activity Updated Nov 28/News Articles Nov 28

Vaccination may reduce the severity of the flu in vaccinated but still infected patients
Date: November 28, 2018
Study analyzes all severe influenza cases in 12 Catalan hospitals between the 2010-2011 and 2015-2016 campaigns

When influenza vaccination is ineffective in preventing the flu, it could have an additional effect reducing the severity of the infection, according to an epidemiological study which has the participation of members of the research group Epidemiology, Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases led by Professor Angela Dominguez, from the Department of Medicine of the UB- and the Epidemiology and Public Health Networking Research Center (CIBERESP), from the Health Institute Carlos III.

The study, published in the scientific journal Eurosurveillance, also counts on the participation of researchers from the Public Health Agency of Catalonia, the Lleida Institute of Biomedical Research and the Barcelona Public Health Agency.

Fewer ICU admissions and deaths 
Each year, between 5 and 20 % of the world population catches the flu, which causes about between 3 and 5 million severe cases and between 300,000 and 500,000 deaths worldwide. The new study analyses the effectiveness of anti-influenza vaccines to reduce the most severe effects of the flu: ICU admissions and death of patients whose vaccine did not prevent them from getting infected. To do so, researchers study all severe cases of influenza in twelve Catalan hospitals during the influenza seasons in 2010-2011 and 2015-2016, a period during which 1,727 patients over eighteen entered the hospital, 591 being ICU admissions and 223 resulting in deaths.

Results show that, among those ICU admissions and deaths, vaccination was less frequent (21.2 % of the cases) than the rest of the patients with more benign symptomatology, 29.7 % of them being vaccinated. Therefore, the effectiveness of influenza vaccination to prevent ICU admissions or death among the total people in hospital for influenza was of 23 %, and in particular, a 44 % for the group of people aged 65. "We should add the effectiveness of the vaccine to prevent the flu to these percentages. These data highlight the need of an influenza vaccine for each season for those people who are more likely to show severe types of influenza, such as people over 65, and people with other diseases, for whom the influenza vaccine was not enough to prevent the infection from appearing," note the authors.

In the study, researchers note an explanation for these results would be the role the immune system plays. "People who were previously infected by the virus or who received anti-influenza vaccines would get benefits, at least, in the pre-existing cross-reactive memory of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which would reduce the severity of the infection, even without protective antibodies," they conclude.

Story Source:
Materials provided by University of Barcelona. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference: Pere Godoy, Arantxa Romero, Núria Soldevila, Nuria Torner, Mireia Jané, Ana Martínez, Joan A Caylà, Cristina Rius, Angela Domínguez. Influenza vaccine effectiveness in reducing severe outcomes over six influenza seasons, a case-case analysis, Spain, 2010/11 to 2015/16. Eurosurveillance, 2018; 23 (43) DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2018.23.43.1700732
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Thursday, November 22, 2018

Blogging About Liver Disease: Reasons To Be Grateful


Happy Thanksgiving! This year, and every year, I am grateful for a small group of talented bloggers who continue to keep us informed about all types of viral hepatitis.

In the spirit of the holiday, each blog has featured many reasons to be thankful this year; from curing HCV to improving the treatment of HIV.

Latest Articles 
Some of the following blogs are published by support organizations, healthcare professionals or physicians, while others are written from a patients perspective, offering us healthy tips about each stage of liver disease.

New @ HIV and ID Observations
Paul E. Sax, MD
As noted here before, I’m a big fan of Thanksgiving, a great excuse to get together with family and friends, and to eat a gargantuan amount of food.*

 Hepatitis B Foundation
Holidays with Hepatitis B: How to Tell Your Family
hepbtalk
As the holidays approach, families are planning parties and dinners and preparing to spend time with their loved ones. In such a merry atmosphere, the idea of discussing hepatitis B – whether its a recent diagnosis or the first time that you are ready to disclose your status – may be intimidating. However, it doesn’t have to be! In honor of National Family Health History Day – which falls on Thanksgiving – we put together some tips to help you start the conversation.

 Joseph Galati, M.D.
Tips for a Healthier Holiday
Ahh, the holidays. A time to celebrate all the good that has come our way during the previous year. First up: Thanksgiving. What better way to begin the year-end wrap-up than to sit down at a hearty meal with family and friends? But the holidays are arguably the toughest time of the year to eat..

Hep Blogs
Finding Gratitude in Sickness, Health and Hepatitis 
By Lucinda K. Porter, RN
Some good news in the hepatitis C realm, plus a look at the practice of gratitude.

Mavyret versus Epclusa
By Greg Jefferys
Both Mavyret and Epclusa give cure rates above 97% for all genotypes of Hepatitis C except for G3 where both give a cure rate of around 95%.

The End Times
By Grace Campbell
Who gave cirrhosis such a catchy generic title? End stage liver disease. There’s a name sure to invoke confidence.

Liver Meeting 2018 Wrap-Up: Vaccines, Diet, and an Increasing Liver Menace 
By Lucinda K. Porter, RN
Ending the week with summaries of research from the 2018 Liver Meeting. I cover hepatitis B vaccination, diet and alcoholic liver disease.

 HepatitisC.net
Options for Treatment with Liver Cancer
By Karen Hoyt
After my diagnosis of liver cancer, I had to find out what options for treatment were available.

 ADRLF (Al D. Rodriguez Liver Foundation)
Who says a fantastically delicious Thanksgiving spread can’t be healthy? This year, make your Thanksgiving feast even more special with these liver-healthy options that won’t give you or your family that post-holiday guilt; nor will they keep you stuck in the kitchen for hours on end! Check out these appetizing recipes for a healthy, scrumptious, easy-to-prep (or time-saving) Thanksgiving meal!

Finding Hope in Affordable Hepatitis Screening
Screening remains to be the best defense against detecting the hepatitis virus in its earliest stages, and potentially developing life-threatening complications, later down the line. Dubbed as the “silent killer,” hepatitis doesn’t exhibit obvious symptoms in many people, who may live, comfortably, with the virus for years and only discover their condition at its advanced, acute stage. Noting the importance of the timeliness of testing, Texas-based Link2Labs is making affordable hepatitis C tests available to uninsured and underinsured people.

HCV News
Weekly Review
Catch up on what you missed this week, read HepCBC's - Weekly Bull.

 FYI - Lettuce Recall 
“I believe it’s all related to a big increase in obesity and type 2 diabetes in this country,” lead study author Zobair M. Younossi, MD, MPH, said in an interview in advance of the annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. “Those two risk factors drive NAFLD and its progressive type, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). That accounts for at least part of the increase in mortality related to liver disease.”

AGA Journals - Blog
Dr. Kristine Novak
Persistent drinking of very hot coffee can cause exfoliative esophagitis due to thermal injury, researchers report in the November issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Florian Schertl et al describe the case of a 55-year-old woman with new retrosternal pain upon swallowing. She had been receiving continuous and successful proton pump inhibitor.

 Fatty Liver Disease
Canadian Liver Foundation
It Happened To Me | My Fatty Liver Journey
Melanie was all too familiar with fatty liver disease, with her husband being diagnosed 5 years earlier. But, she never thought it would happen to her.

 The Flu & You
Canadian Liver Foundation
What’s intended to help shouldn’t hurt
Before you head to the cabinet for medication, there are a few things you should know to ensure that what you take will help, not hurt.

One Medical blog
So you’ve come down with a nasty bug that’s been making the rounds.

This Blog
Flu Activity Updated Nov 10/News Articles Nov 16
Weekend Reading - Baby Boomers and the Flu

Recommended Blogs
Dr Paul Gow talks all things the liver and answers call-in questions on ABC Nightlife 


Source - Hepatitis Victoria

On Twitter
Shared by @HenryEChang 

Just Because
Matthew Kaskavitch
CU Anschutz Medical Campus experts share Thanksgiving health insights
Thanksgiving is almost here, and that means two things: 1) time spent with family and friends around the television watching football, and 2) eating turkey. Lots and lots of turkey. At this time of year, we often overindulge and loosen our belt and wonder how we fit all that stuffing and gravy into our stomach. Don’t worry. We asked leading health experts from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus a few of the Thanksgiving questions you’ve always wanted to know the answer to.

Happy Thanksgiving!
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Thursday, November 8, 2018

Knowledge Checkup: Hepatitis C - Test yourself on both the basics and the latest information

Perspective > Medscape 
Find how much you know about hepatitis C, or acquire more knowledge by taking an eight part HCV quiz launched this week over at Medscape; Knowledge Checkup: Hepatitis C. In addition, check out; Fast Five Quiz: Influenza, also recently published. Although each quiz is aimed at physicians, patients may find the information beneficial as well.
*Free registration may be required

Knowledge Checkup: Hepatitis C
Praveen K. Roy, MD Disclosures
November 06, 2018 
Hepatitis C is an infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that attacks the liver and leads to inflammation. The World Health Organization estimates that about 71 million people globally have chronic hepatitis C, with approximately 399,000 dying annually from this infection, primarily due to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Test yourself on both the basics and the latest information on this condition.


Fast Five Quiz: Influenza 
Michael Stuart Bronze, MD Disclosures
November 06, 2018 
Influenza, one of the most common infectious diseases, is a highly contagious airborne disease that occurs in seasonal epidemics and manifests as an acute febrile illness with variable degrees of systemic symptoms, ranging from mild fatigue to respiratory failure and death. Influenza causes significant loss of workdays, human suffering, and mortality. The World Health Organization estimates that worldwide annual influenza epidemics result in about 3-5 million cases of severe illness and about 250,000-500,000 deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that flu-associated deaths in the United States ranged from about 3000 to 49,000 annually between 1976 and 2006. During the 2017-2018 flu season, 900,000 people were hospitalized and 80,000 died in the United States.

Are you prepared for another flu season? Test yourself on essential core components of influenza and refresh your knowledge of best practices with this quick quiz.

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Sunday, October 28, 2018

Now's the ideal time to get your flu vaccination

Elsewhere On This Blog
Did you know that you are more susceptible to flu-related complications if you're over 65, living with chronic liver disease, or viral hepatitis?

Roll Up Your Sleeves to Avoid the Flu
By Robert Preidt
SUNDAY, Oct. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- With flu season looming, don't wait too long to get your flu shot, a health expert advises.

"The best way to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated," said Cindy Weston, an assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Nursing.

"When it comes to you and your family's health, it's best to take the cautious approach and get your shot," she added in a school news release.

Flu season typically lasts from fall to spring, Weston said. The outbreak may peak at various times during those seasons, but people should be vaccinated before the holidays to prevent widespread infection, she noted.

Getting a flu shot is a minor inconvenience compared to the risks posed by flu, experts say. Every year, the flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you're not concerned about protecting yourself from the flu, think of others. Children under 6 months of age are too young to receive the flu vaccine in either mist or shot form, and other people may have severe allergies to flu vaccines or an ingredient in them.

"These people are dependent upon everyone else getting immunized in order to stay at low risk for the flu," Weston said.

If you don't like needles, don't worry. After being unavailable during the last couple of seasons, the FluMist nasal spray vaccine is an option again for most people aged 2 to 49.

Now's the ideal time to get your flu vaccination.

"It takes two weeks after the immunization to develop appropriate antibodies in the body," Weston said. "The coverage is strongest for about six months, and it will help keep you and your community safer."

There are a number of other things you can do to reduce the spread of the flu.

"It is very important to practice good hygiene," Weston said. "Washing your hands properly, covering your cough, avoiding hand contact with your face and eyes, and wiping down surfaces with disinfectant are all ways to help stop the spread of the flu."

More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on flu prevention.
SOURCE: Texas A&M University, news release, October 2018
https://www.doctorslounge.com/index.php/news/hd/84188
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Wednesday, October 24, 2018

New drug to treat the flu - Roche announces FDA approval of Xofluza

In The Media
US approves first new type of flu drug in 2 decades
Associated Press · 38 mins ago

Press Release
Roche announces FDA approval of Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) for influenza 

• First and only single-dose oral medicine approved to treat the flu  
• Xofluza significantly reduced the duration of flu symptoms compared to placebo  
• First novel proposed mechanism of action to treat the flu in nearly 20 years

Basel, 24 October 2018 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) today announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Xofluza ™ (baloxavir marboxil) for the treatment of acute, uncomplicated influenza, or flu, in people 12 years of age and older. Xofluza is a first-in-class, single-dose oral medicine with a novel proposed mechanism of action that inhibits polymerase acidic endonuclease, an enzyme essential for viral replication.[1-2] Xofluza has demonstrated efficacy against a wide range of influenza viruses, including oseltamivir-resistant strains and avian strains (H7N9, H5N1) in non-clinical studies.[3-5]

“Xofluza is the first new flu medicine with a novel proposed mechanism of action approved in nearly 20 years, and we’re excited to offer a convenient treatment option that reduces flu symptoms by more than a day with a single oral dose,” said Sandra Horning, MD, Roche’s Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. “If patients see their doctors within 48 hours of symptom onset, one dose of Xofluza can significantly reduce the duration of flu symptoms.”

The flu is one of the most common, yet serious, infectious diseases, representing a significant threat to public health. Globally, annual epidemics result in 3 to 5 million cases of severe disease, millions of hospitalisations and up to 650,000 deaths worldwide. [6-9] 

Xofluza was approved based on results from the phase III CAPSTONE-1 study of a single-dose of Xofluza compared with placebo or oseltamivir 75 mg, twice daily for five days, in otherwise healthy people with the flu, as well as results from a placebo-controlled phase II study in otherwise healthy people with the flu. Xofluza significantly reduced the duration of flu symptoms compared to placebo, and demonstrated similar efficacy compared to oseltamivir.[10] In clinical trials, Xofluza was safe and well-tolerated with a side effect profile similar to placebo. The CAPSTONE-1 and phase II study results were recently published in the 6 September 2018 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.[10] 

Continue reading:

On This Blog
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Monday, October 1, 2018

October Newsletters - Should Liver Disease Patients Get Screened For Liver Cancer?

Welcome folks, October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month! Check out this years Liver Cancer Awareness Campaign aimed at encouraging individuals with an increased risk for liver cancer to receive ongoing screening, launched by the American Liver Foundation (ALF) and Bayer Healthcare.

Should Liver Disease Patients Get Screened For Liver Cancer?
Yes! Experts suggest liver disease patients should be screened for cancer every 6 months, according to Global Liver Institute; There is increasing evidence that identifying persons at risk for liver cancer due to chronic hepatitis B or C infection, fatty liver disease, or other causes and enrolling them in a regular program of surveillance using blood tests and ultrasound examinations of the liver every 6 months significantly increases the number of cancers that are found at early stages and substantially improves the survival of persons diagnosed with liver cancer," said Lewis Roberts, MB ChB, PhD., Mayo Clinic. 
Read the article, here... 

Links
Find out if you're at risk for liver cancer, join an online support group, or learn more about liver disease and the awareness campaign in ALF's monthly newsletter; Liver Lowdown.

 On This Blog
Sift through current Liver Cancer and Hepatitis C research articles. 

Liver Cancer After Treatment For Hepatitis C 
Research demonstrates that while SVR markedly reduced liver-related complications and liver cancer, some long-term risk for liver cancer remained in those who were cured of Hepatitis C. But after direct-acting antiviral therapy does the risk of developing liver cancer increase? Research is saying no, check out an index of articles here..... 

Fatty Liver Disease 
Watch videos, or review research in this current collection of articles 

 Elsewhere
Over years or decades, chronic hepatitis B or C virus infection, heavy alcohol consumption, fat accumulation in the liver and other causes of liver injury can lead to development of liver cirrhosis and HCC. A majority of liver cancer cases in Asia and Africa are attributable to hepatitis B, while chronic hepatitis C appears to be the major risk factor in Western countries, according to the guidelines. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) associated with metabolic syndrome, diabetes and obesity seems to be a growing cause.

AASLD practice guidelines can be downloaded, here... 

Video
Video: Recognizing Liver Cancer Risk Factors

Newsletters
Here is this month's newsletters with the most recent updates about viral hepatitis.

 HCV Advocate
The HCV Advocate newsletter is a valuable resource designed to provide the hepatitis C community with monthly updates on events, clinical research, and education.

HepCBC - Weekly Review
HepCBC is a Canadian non-profit organization offering information about HCV awareness, testing, treatment and care.
Here's the latest issue of the Weekly Bull.

The New York City Hepatitis C Task Force
The New York City Hepatitis C Task Force is a city-wide network of service providers and advocates concerned with hepatitis C and related issues. The groups come together to learn, share information and resources, network, and identify hepatitis C related needs in the community. Committees form to
work on projects in order to meet needs identified by the community.
October - Liver Cancer Awareness Month
Review all news updates.

 HCV Action
HCV Action brings together hepatitis C health professionals from across the patient pathway with the pharmaceutical industry and patient representatives to share expertise and good practice.
HCV Action e-update

 World Hepatitis Alliance
We run global campaigns, convene high-level policy events, build capacity and pioneer global movements, ensuring people living with viral hepatitis guide every aspect of our work.
View Recent Newsletters 

Hepatitis NSW
We provide information, support, referral and advocacy for people affected by viral hepatitis in NSW. We also provide workforce development and education services both to prevent the transmission of viral hepatitis and to improve services for those affected by it.
Latest issue of The Champion

GI & Hepatology News
Over 17,000 gastroenterologists and hepatologists rely on GI & Hepatology News every month to cover the world of medicine with breaking news, on-site medical meeting coverage, and expert perspectives both in print and online. 
View all updates here....

 Hep-Your Guide to Hepatitis
Hep is an award-winning print and online brand for people living with and affected by viral hepatitis. Offering unparalleled editorial excellence since 2010, Hep and HepMag.com are the go-to source for educational and social support for people living with hepatitis.
View - all issues
Read the news

 Hepatitis Victoria
Hepatitis Victoria is the peak not-for-profit community organisation working across the state for people affected by or at risk of viral hepatitis.
View the Latest Newsletter, or relax and listen to a short podcasts interviewing health experts and practioners on topics related to viral hepatitis - come have a listen!

British Liver Trust
The British Liver Trust is the leading UK liver disease charity for adults – we provide information and support; increase awareness of how liver disease can be prevented and promote early diagnosis; fund and champion research and campaign for better services. 
View Recent Newsletters, here.

The National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable
The National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR) is national coalition working together to eliminate hepatitis B and C in the United States.
View all NVHR newsletters

The Hepatitis C Trust
The Hepatitis C Trust is run by patients with the goal of eliminating HCV in the United Kingdom. The Trust’s mission is to reverse the rapidly increasing death toll caused by hepatitis C in the UK until no-one dies from this preventable and treatable disease and, ultimately, it is all but eradicated in this country.
View all newsletters

 National Institutes of Health
A monthly newsletter from the National Institutes of Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Latest Newsletter

Blog Updates
Health Affairs Blog
Health Affairs Blog is a vehicle for commentary and analysis on health policy and issues affecting health and health care. The Blog features posts from noted health policy experts and commentators from a wide variety of perspectives, as well as regular Health Affairs contributors and staff.

Karen Hoyt is devoted to offering support and accurate information to people coping with the effects of hepatitis C.
Lucinda Porter is a nurse, speaker, advocate and patient devoted to increasing awareness about hepatitis C.
Latest blog entry

Hep 
Hep is an award-winning print and online brand for people living with and affected by viral hepatitis.
Latest blog updates

Life Beyond Hep C is where faith, medical resources and patient support meet, helping Hep C patients and their families navigate through the entire journey of Hep C.
Latest blog entry

Canadian Liver Foundation 
We strive to improve prevention and the quality of life of those living with liver disease by advocating for better screening, access to treatment, and patient care.
Latest blog entry

Hepatitis B Foundation 
The Hepatitis B Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide.
Latest blog entry

HepatitisC.net
At HepatitisC.net we empower patients and caregivers to take control of Hepatitis C by providing a platform to learn, educate, and connect with peers and healthcare professionals.
Latest blog entry

 Healthy You
The Risk of Alternative Cancer Treatments 
By Jane E. Brody
Avoiding evidence-based treatments in favor of untested ones can contribute to higher death rates
In a recent study by researchers at the Yale School of Medicine of 281 patients with potentially curable cancers of the breast, lung, colon-rectum or prostate that had not yet spread beyond their site of origin, the use of alternative medicine in lieu of conventional cancer treatments resulted in an overall death rate two and a half times higher than the rate experienced by patients getting standard therapies....

5 Reasons You May Be at Risk for Liver Disease
Dr. Saleh Alqahtani, director of clinical liver research for Johns Hopkins Medicine, notes that you shouldn’t wait for symptoms to appear to begin paying attention to the possibility of liver disease.

HealthWise: A Buffet of Health Information | Lucinda Porter, RN 
September 27, 2018
Last month, I wrote about hepatitis C and sugar. Someone asked me if this month I’d discuss artificial sweeteners. Since there isn’t as much research on the impact of artificial sweeteners and the liver, I wasn’t sure I could fill an entire column. However, I’ve been accumulating bits of health news that I have wanted to share, so this month will be a buffet of health information. Hopefully, everyone will find something of interest. However, in this case, you may leave the buffet with a list of foods you don’t want to pile on your plate.

Read both articles written by Lucinda Porter, RN: 
 HealthWise: A Buffet of Health Information and Healthwise: Hepatitis C and Sugar

AGA Journals
How Many Cases of Drug-Induced Liver Injury Are Caused by Herbal and Dietary Supplements?
Herbal and dietary supplement-induced liver injury is more severe than other types of drug-induced liver injury (DILI), and re-exposure is more likely, researchers report in the September issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Increasing awareness of the hepatoxic effects of herbal and dietary supplements could help physicians make earlier diagnoses

The Flu & You
Think You Don't Need A Flu Shot? Here Are 5 Reasons To Change Your Mind

October 01, 2018
2017 to 2018 flu strains hit the very young and elderly especially hard; poor vaccine/strain match-up.

 Upcoming Liver Meeting® 2018
San Francisco, CA.
November 9-13, 2018.

Updates
On This Blog

AASLD - On Twitter
@AASLDtweets
#LiverMtg18

Accepted Abstracts
Now Available
The Liver Meeting® 2018

Late-breaking Abstracts
Late-breaking abstracts are available to the public on the AASLD website in early November, and are published in the December issue of HEPATOLOGY

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Tina
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Monday, September 17, 2018

Experimental nasal influenza vaccine tested in kids, teens

Monday, September 17, 2018
Experimental nasal influenza vaccine tested in kids, teens
NIH-supported Phase 1 trial of potential broadly protective vaccine.

An early-stage clinical trial testing the safety and immune-stimulating ability of an experimental nasal influenza vaccine in healthy 9- to 17-year-old children and teens has begun enrolling participants at a Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit (VTEU) site at Saint Louis University, Missouri. The VTEU is funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health.

Annual vaccination against influenza is recommended for everyone over six months of age. However, because the flu virus changes from year to year, vaccines must be reformulated annually to take account of those changes. When mismatches occur, vaccine effectiveness may suffer. “We are hopeful that newer kinds of influenza vaccines, such as the candidate being tested in this trial, will provide protection even if their components do not precisely match the currently circulating influenza virus strains,” said NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.

Principal investigator Daniel Hoft, M.D., Ph.D., leads the clinical trial, which will enroll 50 participants. Half will receive the candidate nasal vaccine and the other half will receive a dose of inactive saline solution delivered as nasal spray. Neither the study staff nor volunteers will know whether a participant has received the experimental vaccine or placebo saline solution. All volunteers will receive an intramuscular injection of a licensed, quadrivalent seasonal influenza vaccine three months after receiving the initial nasal vaccine or placebo. An important objective of the study is to determine whether the combination of the licensed and experimental vaccine leads to broader protection against influenza viruses compared with the licensed vaccine alone. Investigators will perform an array of tests on volunteer blood samples at four time points following the first vaccination as well as three weeks after the second vaccination. They will look for evidence of immune responses from antibody-producing cells as well as from the cellular arm of the immune system.

The investigational vaccine, developed by FluGen, Inc. of Madison, Wisconsin, is made from a strain of seasonal influenza virus (H3N2) that has been genetically designed to replicate only once in the body. Studies in animals showed that the “single replication” virus does not cause disease but nevertheless prompted a robust immune response akin to that of a natural influenza infection. Investigators hypothesize that volunteers who receive the candidate vaccine will have a robust immune response not only against H3N2 strains that match those in the vaccine but also against influenza strains that are mismatched to the vaccine strain. A previous Phase 1 trial of this candidate vaccine in healthy adults showed that it was safe and generated a robust immune response and a Phase 2 trial in healthy adults is currently underway (that trial is not supported by NIAID.)

For more information about this trial of an experimental influenza vaccine in older children and adolescents, visit clinicaltrials.gov and search on identifier NCT03553940. The VTEUs are funded by NIAID through contract number HHSN272201300021.

NIAID conducts and supports research — at NIH, throughout the United States, and worldwide — to study the causes of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, and to develop better means of preventing, diagnosing and treating these illnesses. News releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID website.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
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Monday, September 10, 2018

HCV Newsletters & Updates: Obesity in liver disease, Nasal spray for opioid overdose and Fast-acting flu drug

HCV Newsletters & Updates
Welcome, check out the latest news, review this months collection of newsletters, and finish off by reading a handful of well written blogs focused on living well with hep B or C.

In The News
MSF and groups call for end to Gilead’s hepatitis C drug monopoly in Europe which blocks access 
--Pharmaceutical company Gilead has a patent monopoly on hepatitis C drug sofosbuvir in Europe
--The patent results in exorbitant prices, meaning people are unable to afford treatment
--MSF and other organisations are urging the European Patent Office to overturn the patent in a hearing this week.

With an award-winning newsroom, STAT gives you indispensable insights and exclusive stories on the technologies, personalities, power brokers, and political forces driving massive changes in the life science industry — and a revolution in human health.
Fast-acting flu drug shows strong potential - An experimental, fast-acting flu drug showed strong promise in two newly published trials — but it also led to some surprising and even concerning results. The drug cut the time people were sick with flu symptoms by just over a day, but didn’t make people feel better faster than Tamiflu.

Reuters
California-based Opiant earlier this year was awarded a $7.4 million grant by the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Drug Abuse for the development of a nasally-applied version of overdose treatment nalmefene.

Associated Press 
Doctors explore lifting barriers to living organ donation
WASHINGTON — Surgeons turned down Terra Goudge for the liver transplant that was her only shot at surviving a rare cancer. Her tumor was too advanced, they said — even though Goudge had a friend ready to donate, no matter those odds.

 HepCBC 
HepCBC is a Canadian non-profit organization offering awareness with basic information about HCV and a weekly digest of news.
Read the latest issue of the highly successful Weekly Bull.

September Updates
Hepatology - Top Story From Healio 
Healio features the industry’s best news reporting, dynamic multimedia, question-and-answer columns, educational activities in a variety of formats, blogs, and peer-reviewed journals.

 HCV NEXT September/October Issue - The following articles appeared in this months issue of HCV NEXT, published online over at Healio. 

September 7, 2018
Physicians and researchers have noted the increase in liver disease over the last couple decades, especially nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, correlates significantly…

 NATAP
NATAP is a New York State non-profit corporation with 501(c)3 Federal tax-exempt status. Our mission is to educate individuals about HIV and Hepatitis treatments and to advocate on the behalf of all people living with HIV/AIDS and HCV. Our efforts in these areas are conducted on local, national, and international levels.
Global Hepatitis Summit A Few Selected Highlights 
Reported by Jules Levin, NATAP
In June the Global Hepatitis Summit took place in Toronto. Here are 3 selected talks highlighted of particular interest to me. The first talk by Andrew Hill he says we have a bleak scenario regarding the possibility of global HCV elimination. He says in many countries new HCV infections outstrip HCV cures and new diagnoses. New diagnoses are much lower in all poorer countries compared to high income countries. Screening is too low, all of which he uses to say the outlook is bleak for global HCV elimination unless we make changes.

The 2nd talk I chose to highlight was by Maria Prims from the Netherlands where she reports high HCV infection & reinfection rates among people taking PrEP to prevent HIV infection. She highlights an increasing HCV incidence among MSM. 376 started PrEP either daily or on demand and there were 12 HCV infections: 6 new infections & 6 reinfections.

The 3rd report below is on the use of a new broader type of model in India for HCV screening & care. A more comprehensive clinic model where IDUs can under 1 roof get a variety of services for IDU and HCV care. Sunil Solomon highlights how big & diverse the HCV epidemic is India, much bigger even only among IDUs compared to the entire HCV epidemic in Western Europe. 
Read it here...…

In Case You Missed It
'A long life with HIV' is now available to read online. The booklet provides information on living well with HIV as you get older, including things you can do to look after your health, health issues and preparing for the future.

Sept 4, 2018
Inovio Pharmaceuticals (NSDQ:INO) and its partner, GeneOne Life Science (KSE:011000), said today that the companies have dosed the first patient in a Phase I study designed to test a preventive vaccine against hepatitis C infection. The companies plan to recruit 24 study participants to evaluate Inovio’s GLS-6150 candidate. Participants will include people who have a sustained virologic response following treatment for Hep. C, as well as healthy controls. They are slated to receive one of two doses of vaccine, administered intra-dermally and followed by electroporation with Inovio’s Cellectra device.

Risk of Liver Cancer in Patients with NAFLD 
(Reuters Health) - People with advanced cases of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may need to be monitored for liver cancer, a large U.S. study suggests.

Vosevi Beats Hepatitis C Regardless of Drug Resistance 
In a recent study of people whose previous hep C regimen failed to cure their infection, Vosevi cured almost all of them.

Will an opt-out organ transplant law save lives?
The recent decision in England to change the organ donation law from voluntary consent (opt-in) to presumed consent (opt-out) highlighted the debate around the best approach to organ donation.

Routine oral care to treat gum disease may improve cognitive function in cirrhosis patients
Routine oral care to treat gum disease may play a role in reducing inflammation and toxins in the blood and improving cognitive function in people with liver cirrhosis.

 In The Journals 
Hepatitis B Virus and Risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Journal of Viral Hepatitis

Chronic Hepatitis C Association with Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Risk in the Era of DAA Therapy.
Most likely, DAA treatment and subsequently SVR achievement decrease cardiovascular risk. This fact is another reason for early treatment of patients, including those with a lower grade of liver fibrosis. Yet, chronic hepatitis C treatment remains inaccessible not only in developing countries but also in countries with high quality of life..

Newsletters
HCV Advocate
The HCV Advocate newsletter is a valuable resource designed to provide the hepatitis C community with monthly updates on events, clinical research, and education.
In this month’s HCV Advocate newsletter, the following noteworthy articles are available to read and educate:
-SnapShots by Alan Franciscus Risk factors, mortality, and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes—A. Rawshani, et. al.
-Incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma after direct antiviral therapy for HCV in patients with cirrhosis included in surveillance programs—P. Nahom, et. al.
-Safety and efficacy of ledipasvir‐sofosbuvir with or without ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C in children ages 6‐11—K. F. Murry, et. al
Briefly……..
-Commentary: A review of the risk of hepatitis B and C transmission through biting or spitting—H. Pintilie, et. al.
-Hepatitis C virus infection in children in the era of direct-acting antivirals—M. Pawlowska, et. al
HealthWise – A Buffet of Health Information – as the title of the article implies, Lucinda discusses the various substances that may or may not be good for your health.
Hepatitis Headlines – Three interesting news stories about hepatitis C that our readers will find interesting including heart transplants, eliminating hepatitis in the U.S. and WHO and HCV treatment guidelines.
Hep C 101 – Overview of Hepatitis C by Alan Franciscus – A new series of article for people who are new to hepatitis C or for those people who want basic information.
What’s Up – We’ve updated several of the HCV Advocate Factsheets. Use the links provided in this section to get current information on several subjects that relate to Hep C, including nutrition, alcohol, co-infection, and motherhood.
Watch our patient video about treating and curing HCV. 
The New York City Hepatitis C Task Force
The New York City Hepatitis C Task Force is a city-wide network of service providers and advocates concerned with hepatitis C and related issues. The groups come together to learn, share information and resources, network, and identify hepatitis C related needs in the community. Committees form to work on projects in order to meet needs identified by the community.
Review all news updates.

 HCV Action
HCV Action brings together hepatitis C health professionals from across the patient pathway with the pharmaceutical industry and patient representatives to share expertise and good practice.
HCV Action e-update

 World Hepatitis Alliance
We run global campaigns, convene high-level policy events, build capacity and pioneer global movements, ensuring people living with viral hepatitis guide every aspect of our work.
View Recent Newsletters 
World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) presents hepVoice, a monthly magazine with updates on the latest projects, news from WHA members and key developments in the field of hepatitis.

GI & Hepatology News
Over 17,000 gastroenterologists and hepatologists rely on GI & Hepatology News every month to cover the world of medicine with breaking news, on-site medical meeting coverage, and expert perspectives both in print and online. 
Hot topics
Amy Karon MDedge News 
Modest alcohol consumption was associated with significantly less improvement in steatosis and significantly lower odds of NASH resolution.
View all updates here....

 Hep-Your Guide to Hepatitis
Hep is an award-winning print and online brand for people living with and affected by viral hepatitis. Offering unparalleled editorial excellence since 2010, Hep and HepMag.com are the go-to source for educational and social support for people living with hepatitis.
View - all issues
Read the news

 Hepatitis Victoria
Hepatitis Victoria is the peak not-for-profit community organisation working across the state for people affected by or at risk of viral hepatitis.
Latest Podcast: Karen Hoyt a HEP Hero and she is unique in being our first international recipient!
Speaking from Oklahoma in the United States, Karen talks about her diagnosis with hepatitis C and how she experienced the full gamut of conditions leading to a liver transplant.



View the Latest Newsletter, or relax and listen to a short podcasts interviewing health experts and practioners on topics related to viral hepatitis - come have a listen!

 British Liver Trust
The British Liver Trust is the leading UK liver disease charity for adults – we provide information and support; increase awareness of how liver disease can be prevented and promote early diagnosis; fund and champion research and campaign for better services. 
News: Less Survivable Cancer Taskforce calls for government to double the survival rate of deadliest cancers by 2029
The combined five-year survival rate for people with either liver, brain, lung, oesophageal, pancreatic or stomach cancers stands is currently just 14%. Today, six charities …
View Recent Newsletters, here.

The National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable
The National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR) is national coalition working together to eliminate hepatitis B and C in the United States.
View all NVHR newsletters

The Hepatitis C Trust
The Hepatitis C Trust is run by patients with the goal of eliminating HCV in the United Kingdom. The Trust’s mission is to reverse the rapidly increasing death toll caused by hepatitis C in the UK until no-one dies from this preventable and treatable disease and, ultimately, it is all but eradicated in this country.

National Institutes of Health
A monthly newsletter from the National Institutes of Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
September Newsletter
Topics
Body Odor May Be Sign of Disease
Breathe Easier
Dealing with Bad Air Quality

Harvard Health
Lipoprotein(a) is a fatty particle in the blood that invades artery walls, causing atherosclerosis. Also known as Lp(a), the particles are similar to “bad” LDL cholesterol molecules but with an extra protein attached. High blood levels of Lp(a)—which is largely determined by genetics—may explain some unexpected, premature heart attacks. Widespread testing for Lp(a) is not recommended because both the prevalence and the definition of what constitutes a dangerously high level are not yet clear. In addition, there are no FDA-approved treatments proved to lower heart disease risk in people with high Lp(a) levels.

Inspirational Bloggers
Karen Hoyt is devoted to offering support and accurate information to people coping with the effects of hepatitis C.
I hear a lot from people seeking help for autoimmune liver disease. Trying to figure it out is hard, but most symptoms are the same as any type of liver disease. I know, we can’t lump them all into one specific area, but they are in the same region.

Lucinda K. Porter
Lucinda Porter is a nurse, speaker, advocate and patient devoted to increasing awareness about hepatitis C.
Latest blog entry: Happiness: Purging Self-Help Advice

Hep 
Hep is an award-winning print and online brand for people living with and affected by viral hepatitis.
Latest blog entry: By Connie M. Welch
Patient Experience Living With Cirrhosis With John M., Part 2 Part 2 of Connie Welch’s interview with John M, a patient with hepatitis C and cirrhosis, who was successfully treated with Harvoni.

By Greg Jefferys -How Big Pharma Corrupts Health Services 
A look at how bribing bureaucrats and buying doctors brings about bad outcomes for public health.
Check out the talented people who blog at Hep.

We provide information, support, referral and advocacy for people affected by viral hepatitis in NSW. We also provide workforce development and education services both to prevent the transmission of viral hepatitis and to improve services for those affected by it.
Latest blog entry: Pharmacists key in harm reduction

Life Beyond Hepatitis C
Life Beyond Hep C is where faith, medical resources and patient support meet, helping Hep C patients and their families navigate through the entire journey of Hep C.
Latest blog entry: Relief from Itching with Hepatitis C and Cirrhosis

Canadian Liver Foundation 
We strive to improve prevention and the quality of life of those living with liver disease by advocating for better screening, access to treatment, and patient care.
Latest blog entry: Who Gives a Sliver of a Liver to a Stranger?

Hepatitis B Foundation 
The Hepatitis B Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide.
Latest blog entry: - Be Your Own Advocate in the Medical Room
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be transmitted two ways: 1) through direct contact with blood and 2) infected body fluids. Some risks for direct blood contact are obvious, such as touching an open wound to another open wound or cleaning up someone’s blood without any protective gear. However, other methods of blood transmission are harder to catch. Common activities like sharing razors, earrings, or toothbrushes are simple, innocent actions, yet they all have the potential for blood exchange.

HepatitisC.net
At HepatitisC.net we empower patients and caregivers to take control of Hepatitis C by providing a platform to learn, educate, and connect with peers and healthcare professionals.
Latest blog entry: Ask the Advocate: What Were Your First Symptoms of Hep C?
There are several common symptoms of chronic HCV, including fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches, low-grade fever, decreased appetite..

HIV and ID Observations 
An ongoing dialogue on HIV/AIDS, infectious diseases, all matters medical, and some not so medical.
Latest blog entry: Doravirine Sets a New Standard for NNRTIs — But What Role in HIV Treatment Today?

 KevinMD
Kevin Pho is a practicing physician and most known for his blog KevinMD. Thousands of authors contribute to his blog: primary care doctors, surgeons, specialist physicians, nurses, medical students, policy experts. And of course, patients, who need the medical profession to hear their voices.
One of the aspects of depression that’s particularly difficult is the sleep disturbance which accompanies it and often continues after the traditional symptoms of depression have finally gotten better.

 On The Radio
Presented by Dr Norman Swan
Genetic test predicts dementia risk. Warning over new genetic tests on Medicare Benefits Schedule. Colonoscopy standards to reduce unnecessary treatment, risk of complications. Scan your heart to save your life...

Healthy You
This type of observational study is useful for comparing what happens to groups of people in different situations (in this case, people over 75 who have or haven't been prescribed statins), but it can't show cause and effect. So in this case, it can't show whether living longer or having strokes or heart attacks are a direct effect of taking or not taking statins...

Osteoporosis is often called "soft bones." "Osteoporosis is thinning of the bone to the point where the bones can break," says Dr. Bart Clarke, a Mayo Clinic endocrinologist. https://youtu.be/fLS1tDriG3k Watch: The Mayo Clinic Minute Journalists: Broadcast-quality video pkg (1:00) is in the downloads. Read the script. Dr. Clark says common breaks from thinning bones occur in the spine, wrist, shoulder and hip. "Women, in general, past menopause — past the mid-50s — are at high risk for this because of the…

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Tina
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