Flu Plan Directs Docs to Take Sickest Off Life Support

People born before 1957 found to carry anti-H1N1 antibodies

(NEWSER) - People born before 1957 appear to have some immunity to the H1N1 virus, the New York Times reports. Tests show that older adults have antibodies that attack the virus, probably because they've been exposed to a similar virus. Experts believe the swine flue virus, like seasonal influenzas before 1957, is related to the virus that caused the 1918 pandemic, and is not linked to the viruses that replaced it after the 1957 Asian flu pandemic. More»

System strained as people with mild symptoms demand swine flu tests

(NEWSER) - Hospitals and clinics across the country are being overwhelmed by panicky people seeking to be tested for swine flu, reports the Los Angeles Times. Experts warn the signs of strain already show that the system is ill-equipped to deal with a full-scale outbreak. Health officials struggling to cope with the influx are urging people not to over-react to mild flu symptoms by rushing in for testing. More»

Strain could be less lethal than seasonal flu, analysis shows

(NEWSER) - Scientists are gradually downgrading their worst-case scenarios for the swine flu outbreak, the Los Angeles Times report. The H1N1 strain initially appeared to have disturbing similarities to the 1918 flu virus, but researchers analyzing genetic data released this week say the strain is less lethal than feared—and may in fact be less harmful than seasonal flu. More»

Newly detected swine flu virus may be spreading from person to person

(NEWSER) - Seven people in California and Texas have been struck by swine flu despite having no contact with pigs, the Los Angeles Times reports. Baffled investigators believe the unusual, newly detected form of the flu may be spreading from person to person. The symptoms are similar to standard influenza, leading officials to believe there may be more undetected cases out there. More»

(NEWSER) - A Massachusetts hospital has a novel way to administer influenza vaccinations: the drive-through. Caritas Norwood, south of Boston, has nurses on hand to administer the shot in a designated areas of the hospital’s driveway, the Boston Globe reports. Some 250 people, at $20 a pop, have received the vaccine already this year. “It makes sense, and you don't tie up the general practitioners,” one car-bound patient said. More»