– Nearly Three-in-Ten U.S. Workers Called In Sick with a Fake Excuse in the Last Year

CHICAGO, Oct. 20, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Employers expect to see more empty seats around the office as the holidays approach, a new CareerBuilder survey finds.  One-third (33 percent) of employers reported that workers call in sick more often during the winter holidays.  

While the cold and flu season is a heavy contributor to workplace absences this time of year, some workers may be using sick days to take care of some holiday shopping or visit with family.  Twenty-nine percent of workers have admitted to already playing hooky from the office this year, citing errands and plans with family and friends among the top reasons for calling in sick when they were well.  The nationwide study was conducted by Harris Interactive from August 16 to September 8, 2011 and included more than 2,600 employers and 4,300 workers.  

Top time of year for absenteeism

While employers reported heightened absenteeism around the holidays, the prime time of year when companies say employees call in sick is in the first quarter:

• January through March – 34 percent
• April through June – 13 percent
• July through September – 30 percent
• October through December – 23 percent

Texting in sick

When it comes to notifying employers that they are taking a sick day, some workers reported they are bypassing a phone call to the boss and relying on digital communications.  

• Phone call – 84 percent
• Email – 24 percent
• Text message – 11 percent

Most unusual excuses

When asked to share the most unusual excuses employees gave for missing work, employers offered the following real-life examples:

1. Employee’s 12-year-old daughter stole his car and he had no other way to work.  Employee didn’t want to report it to the police.
2. Employee said bats got in her hair.
3. Employee said a refrigerator fell on him.
4. Employee was in line at a coffee shop when a truck carrying flour backed up and dumped the flour into her convertible.
5. Employee said a deer bit him during hunting season.
6. Employee ate too much at a party.
7. Employee fell out of bed and broke his nose.
8. Employee got a cold from a puppy.
9. Employee’s child stuck a mint up his nose and had to go to the ER to remove it.
10. Employee hurt his back chasing a beaver.
11. Employee got his toe caught in a vent cover.
12. Employee had a headache after going to too many garage sales.
13. Employee’s brother-in-law was kidnapped by a drug cartel while in Mexico.
14. Employee drank anti-freeze by mistake and had to go to the hospital.
15. Employee was at a bowling alley and a bucket filled with water crashed through the ceiling and hit her on the head.

Checking up on employees

Calling in sick without a legitimate excuse can have serious consequences.  Fifteen percent of employers said they have fired a worker for this reason.  Twenty-eight percent have checked up on an employee, citing the following examples:

• 69 percent required a doctor’s note
• 52 percent called the employee
• 19 percent had another employee call the employee
• 16 percent drove by the employee’s home

“While outrageous events are known to happen, frequent absences and over-the-top excuses can start to bring your credibility into question,” said Rosemary Haefner, Vice President of Human Resources at CareerBuilder.  “Many employers are more flexible in their definition of a sick day and will allow employees to use them to recharge and take care of personal needs.  This is especially evident post-recession when employees have taken on added responsibilities and are working longer days.  Your best bet is to be up front with your manager.”

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive© on behalf of CareerBuilder among 2,696 U.S. hiring managers and human resource professionals and 4,384 U.S. workers (employed full-time, not self-employed, non-government) ages 18 and over between August 16 and September 8, 2011 (percentages for some questions are based on a subset, based on their responses to certain questions). With pure probability samples of 4,384 and 2,696, one could say with a 95 percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/-1.48 and +/-1.89 percentage points, respectively. Sampling error for data from sub-samples is higher and varies.

About CareerBuilder®

CareerBuilder is the global leader in human capital solutions, helping companies target and attract their most important asset – their people. Its online career site, CareerBuilder.com®, is the largest in the United States with more than 24 million unique visitors, 1 million jobs and 40 million resumes. CareerBuilder works with the world’s top employers, providing resources for everything from employment branding and data analysis to recruitment support. More than 9,000 websites, including 140 newspapers and broadband portals such as MSN and AOL, feature CareerBuilder’s proprietary job search technology on their career sites. Owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), Tribune Company and The McClatchy Company (NYSE: MNI), CareerBuilder and its subsidiaries operate in the United States, Europe, Canada and Asia. For more information, visit www.careerbuilder.com.

Media Contact:
CareerBuilder
Jennifer Grasz
773-527-1164
jennifer.grasz@careerbuilder.com
http://www.twitter.com/CareerBuilderPR

SOURCE CareerBuilder

http://www.careerbuilder.com

Employers Share List of Most Unusual Excuses for Calling in Sick, According to CareerBuilder’s Annual Survey | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The fourth-year veteran is teaming up with the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy to encourage people to stay healthy by getting a flu shot. Pharmacy students will be giving flu shots from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at the UIC Student Recreation Facility, 737 S. Halsted St.

The vaccination is $20, and the event is open to the public. Those who receive a flu shot will be able to meet Bennett and receive his autograph on a miniature football. Pharmacists will be available to answer questions about flu vaccines and other medication-related issues. Light refreshments will be served, and validated parking will be available in a UIC lot adjacent to the facility.

People wanting a flu shot after the event can do so at the following UIC locations: University Village Pharmacy, 722 W. Maxwell St.; and Wood Street Pharmacy, 840 S. Wood St.

About 200,000 people are hospitalized each year for complications from flu, says Janet Engle, professor and head of pharmacy practice. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 5 percent to 20 percent of Americans get flu each year. In the past 31 years, annual flu-related deaths have ranged from 3,000 to 49,000.

The CDC recommends everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot this year, Engle said.

“The agency recommends individuals receive a flu shot every year, because last year’s flu shot won’t protect them this year,” she said. “The immune protection a person receives from the flu shot declines over time.”

Bennett agrees. “As a football player, staying healthy throughout the season is critical to success. Maintaining your health can be as much about taking necessary preventative steps more than anything,” he said. “The same goes for preventing the flu. A simple vaccination can keep you healthy and productive. That’s why I get my flu shot every year and everyone should too.”

The influenza virus is spread by coughing, sneezing or nasal secretions. Anyone can contract the disease, but it is especially prevalent in children. For most people symptoms last only a few days, but it can disrupt a person’s life for up to two weeks, Engle said. Symptoms include fever and chills; cough; sore throat; headache; muscle aches; fatigue; and runny or stuffy nose.

For more information, visit the UIC Pharmacy Facebook page at www.facebook.com/uicpharmacy. For more information on UIC, visit www.uic.edu.

Bears’ Bennett, UIC Pharmacy Team Up to Fight the Flu | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

SPRINGFIELD – In observance of September as Healthy Aging Month, the Illinois Department on Aging is urging seniors to prepare themselves for the upcoming flu season by getting their flu shot.  Seniors are at increased risk for the flu, especially those who have certain chronic health conditions, so they should make getting a flu vaccine a priority. 

“The best defense against the upcoming flu season is to get a flu shot,” said Michael Gelder, acting director of the Illinois Department on Aging.  “Seniors should also talk with their health care provider about getting a pneumococcal vaccine.”

The flu season usually starts in the fall and runs through spring.  So, this is a good time to get a vaccine.  Just like last year, only one vaccine is needed.  Public health officials strongly recommend getting vaccinated each year, because the flu season changes and effectiveness of the previous year’s vaccination decreases. 

The flu vaccine has started to arrive in Illinois, and will be available at local health departments across the state, as well as some doctor’s offices, health clinics, hospitals and pharmacies. The cost of vaccine may vary, but is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and by some insurance companies.

The flu, formally called influenza, is spread through coughing or sneezing.  In addition to getting a flu shot to prevent getting the flu, people are also encouraged to use good sanitary measures, such as covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, washing their hands and staying away from others when sick.

For more information about program services to assist older adults in Illinois and their caregivers, visit www.state.il.us/aging or call the Department on Aging Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 or for TTY
(hearing impaired use only) call 1-888-206-1327.
 

State Aging Department Urges Seniors to Get Flu Shots in Observance of Healthy Aging Month – One vaccine will protect against all strains of flu this season | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

ITASCA, Ill., Sept. 14, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — To ensure its customers remain healthy this flu season, JEWEL-OSCO, now has specially trained immunizing pharmacists available at all of its pharmacy locations.  This level of access, coupled with an ample supply of flu vaccine makes it easier than ever to get vaccinated at any JEWEL-OSCO pharmacy.

Specially trained and certified pharmacists are currently available to administer the traditional flu vaccine, needle-free FluMist® nasal spray and the Fluzone® high dose for patients ages 65 and older, during regular pharmacy hours.  JEWEL-OSCO pharmacies will provide flu vaccinations daily, on a walk-in basis.  Consumers can contact their local store or visit www.jeweloscopharmacies.com for details.

The vaccine is reasonably priced at $28.99 for either the traditional shot or the FluMist®.  Fluzone® HD is available for $59.99.  This cost is covered by Medicare Part B and many commercial health plans, which means that many of our customers may not incur out-of-pocket expenses.

In addition, customers who receive a flu shot at their neighborhood JEWEL-OSCO will receive a coupon book, worth $45 or more in savings, and a small sample bag with items that contribute to a healthier cough, cold and flu season; restrictions may apply.  These products are available now while supplies last.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes so strongly in the value of flu vaccine that their experts recommend it for everyone over the age of six months and especially for higher-risk populations including seniors and people with chronic health conditions.  To make an appointment for a flu shot, customers can call (800) 783-0458 or visit their nearby pharmacy.

About JEWEL-OSCO

JEWEL-OSCO, a SUPERVALU company, operates 181 stores in Illinois, Iowa and Northwest Indiana.  With a market-leading position in Chicago, JEWEL-OSCO stores offer consumers the convenience of combined grocery and pharmacy retail services.  Originally established in 1899, the company and its associates remain committed to the communities they serve.  For more information about JEWEL-OSCO, please visit www.jewelosco.com or www.jeweloscopharmacies.com.

SOURCE JEWEL-OSCO

http://www.jewelosco.com
http://www.jeweloscopharmacies.com

Flu Vaccinations Now Available at Jewel-Osco® Pharmacies | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

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HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Feb. 18, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — With flu season at its peak and the possibility of cases occurring as late as May this year, Kmart is offering $15 flu shots, while supplies last, beginning Feb. 20, 2011 to customers who have yet to be vaccinated. Those who purchase a flu vaccination and are members of the Shop Your Way Rewards(1) program will also earn 15,000 points, which represent a $15 value.

While flu shots are often associated with the fall and winter seasons, influenza is unpredictable and can occur as late as May, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)(2). In fact, the CDC indicates that the extent of the geographic spread of influenza has been increasing throughout the season and in recent February updates, has been reported as widespread in 37 states(3). The CDC recommends that anyone six months or older, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions, get a flu shot.

“As Kmart Pharmacy gears up to provide customers with additional influenza immunizations, we want to remind people that the virus is easily transferable, and the best and easiest way to prevent the flu is by getting an annual vaccination,” said Robb Ayshford, divisional vice president, pharmacy administration for Kmart. “For those seeking more information about influenza, our staff of knowledgeable on-site Kmart Pharmacists is also available to answer flu or other health-related questions on how to help combat illness as the season progresses.”

The flu virus is most commonly transferred through sneezing or coughing, but a person can also become infected by coming into contact with a surface that has the flu virus on it and then touching his or her mouth or nose. This year’s vaccine will protect against 2009 H1N1, two other influenza viruses (an H3N2 virus and an influenza B virus) and will also be administered for free to those covered by Medicare Part B.

The flu shots are available at more than 500 convenient Kmart Pharmacy locations and are administered by trained practitioners. Kmart pharmacists are also available to answer any questions customers may have about the flu vaccine and how flu might affect their families. To learn more about hours of operation or to find the nearest location, call 1-800-822-8345 or visit www.Kmart.com/pharmacy.

About Shop Your Way Rewards(SM)

In addition to the special flu vaccination offer, the Shop Your Way Rewards program has also incorporated new improvements since its introduction, so loyal customers can earn more rewards in even more ways and formats. Now, members can earn 10 points for every $1 spent on qualifying goods and services across Sears, Kmart, Lands’ End, mygofer and the great indoors—in store and online. And points can be redeemed on almost every purchase, from a new winter jacket at Lands’ End, to a car repair at a Sears Auto Center, to home goods at Kmart and more. Plus, by providing your email address, you can earn bonus points of 2X, 3X, 5X, 10X and more. For more information about Shop Your Way Rewards, visit www.shopyourwayrewards.com.

About Kmart

Kmart, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq: SHLD), is a mass merchandising company that offers customers quality products through a portfolio of exclusive brands that include Jaclyn Smith, Joe Boxer, Country Living, Route 66 and Smart Sense. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.kmart.com or the Sears Holdings Corporation website at www.searsholdings.com.

(1) Members earn Points on Qualifying Purchases. Subject to full program terms available at shopyourwayrewards.com. Offers are available only to Shop Your Way Rewards Members with valid email addresses or mobile phone numbers in their Member Profiles. It may take up to 7 days for points to appear on your account. Qualifying Purchases exclude sales taxes and other fees. To be eligible to earn bonus points, you must maintain a valid email address in your account and remain opted-in to receiving promotional emails from Sears Holdings and its affiliates.

(2) Center for Disease Control and Prevention – http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/misconceptions.htm

(3) Center for Disease Control and Prevention – http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm#whomap

SOURCE Kmart

http://www.kmart.com

Kmart® Makes Flu Shots More Affordable at Peak of Flu Season | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, Jan. 19, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Sniff, sniff. Achoo! With cold and flu season in full swing, these sounds are likely to be heard around the office. A new CareerBuilder survey finds that nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of workers typically go to work when they are sick. Workplace pressures and “presenteeism” may be causing workers to go in under the weather, as more than half (55 percent) of workers said they feel guilty if they call in sick. The CareerBuilder survey was conducted nationwide from November 15 to December 2, 2010 among more than 3,700 workers.

With so many workers heading to work ill, they are likely passing their germs on to others. More than half of workers (53 percent) said they have gotten sick from a co-worker who came to the office sick, while 12 percent said they picked up a bug from someone who was sick on public transportation going to or from work.

“It’s important for employees to take care of their health and the health of others by staying at home if they aren’t feeling well,” said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder. “Even if workers feel pressure to be at the office, they should talk to their managers about staying home if they are sick, or ask about other options such as working remotely. Most employers are flexible and understand that employees are more productive if they are feeling their best.”

To help encourage a healthy workplace, nearly one-in-five (19 percent) employees said their companies provided flu shots at their office. Nearly two-in-five workers (38 percent) said they were proactive and got a flu shot this year. When workers were asked what other ways they attempt to avoid germs, they said the following:

• I wash my hands often – 78 percent
• I carry hand sanitizer with me and use it often – 32 percent
• I regularly clean my keyboard, phone, desk, etc. – 30 percent
• I avoid shaking hands with people – 15 percent
• I skip meetings where I know people are sick – 3 percent

Haefner offers the following tips for staying well at work:

• Don’t share your germs: If you are sick, do your best to keep your germs away from others by staying home. If you absolutely must come into the office, try to work in a conference room or away from others so you don’t spread your sickness. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.
• Keep it balanced: With many workers facing heavier workloads and longer hours, some may be feeling maxed out. Be sure to manage your stress and stay healthy by taking a break during the day, exercising or even practicing yoga or meditation.
• Talk it out: If you are concerned about taking days off work when you are ill, talk to your manager or HR department so that you have a clear understanding on how your sick days can be used. Offer to telecommute, delegate or call-in if necessary, but ensure you get as much rest as possible so you are back on your feet.

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive© on behalf of CareerBuilder.com among 3,910 U.S. workers (employed full-time; not self-employed; non-government); ages 18 and over between November 15 and December 2, 2010 (percentages for some questions are based on a subset based on their responses to certain questions). With a pure probability sample of 3,910 one could say with a 95 percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/-1.57 percentage points. Sampling error for data from sub-samples is higher and varies. 

About CareerBuilder®

CareerBuilder is the global leader in human capital solutions, helping companies target and attract their most important asset – their people. Its online career site, CareerBuilder.com®, is the largest in the United States with more than 23 million unique visitors, 1 million jobs and 32 million resumes. CareerBuilder works with the world’s top employers, providing resources for everything from employment branding and data analysis to recruitment support. More than 9,000 websites, including 140 newspapers and broadband portals such as MSN and AOL, feature CareerBuilder’s proprietary job search technology on their career sites. Owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), Tribune Company, The McClatchy Company (NYSE: MNI) and Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT), CareerBuilder and its subsidiaries operate in the United States, Europe, Canada and Asia. For more information, visit www.careerbuilder.com.

SOURCE CareerBuilder

http://www.careerbuilder.com

Nearly Three-in-Four Workers Go to Work When They are Sick, Finds CareerBuilder Survey | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

HONG KONG (AFP) – Hong Kong health authorities said Saturday there was no sign of bird flu spreading among humans after the densely-populated city recorded its first case of the virus in seven years.

“So far we feel that the risk of avian influenza in Hong Kong is still slim, and also there is no indication of human to human transmission,” Secretary for Food and Health York Chow told reporters.

The city on Thursday recorded its first human case of the potentially fatal illness since 2003 and raised its avian influenza alert level to “serious”.

The 59-year-old woman who tested positive for Influenza A (H5), a variant of bird flu, after returning from a trip to mainland China, was in a serious but stable condition in hospital, he added.

Tests conducted at 30 chicken farms in the territory had proved negative, he said.

Hong Kong recorded its last human case of bird flu in 2003, and was the site of the world’s first major outbreak among humans in 1997, when six people died of a mutation of the virus, which is normally confined to poultry.

Millions of poultry were culled in the 1997 outbreak, which was followed six years later by a full-blown panic when the deadly respiratory disease SARS emerged in 2003, killing about 300 people.

Public anxiety returned to the city of seven million people last year with an outbreak of swine flu that has so far claimed about 80 lives.

Hong Kong says no sign bird flu spreading in humans (AFP) | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

INDIANAPOLIS — The use of health care services tumbled in the third quarter, helping insurers report better-than-expected earnings and raise their 2010 profit forecasts.

But people haven’t stopped seeing the doctor; they’re just filing fewer claims than they did last year, when the unemployed were drawing on subsidized health insurance and the flu was more prominent that’s been this year.

“In general, utilization is not in and of itself falling off the charts,” said Wayne DeVeydt, chief financial officer for WellPoint Inc., which operates Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in 14 states. “It’s more a function of what you saw last year being abnormally high and this year being normal.”

Several insurers also reported that claims left over from previous quarters came in lower than expected.

WellPoint said Wednesday it earned $739.1 million, or $1.84 per share, in the three months that ended Sept. 30. That’s a 1 percent rise from last year’s quarter, when the Indianapolis insurer absorbed a $20 million increase in flu-related expenses, mostly in the last two weeks of September.

DeVeydt said nearly all of that increase came from swine flu cases.

WellPoint also saw claims fall in this year’s quarter as coverage ran out for some people who had lost their jobs but continued their employer-sponsored insurance under the federal law known as COBRA.

People who qualify for COBRA coverage can keep the insurance for 18 months when they lose a job, and federal subsidies encouraged more people than usual to do this. Without the 65 percent subsidy, the option can be too expensive for workers who just lost a steady paycheck.

COBRA coverage is a notorious claims generator for insurers. The people who use it normally do so because they have health conditions that make continued coverage a necessity. That means they generate more in claims than they contribute in premiums.

DeVeydt noted that unemployment really started to climb in the first quarter of 2009. That meant that starting with this year’s third quarter, a big population no longer qualified for COBRA coverage.

“If you’ve been unemployed for 18 months and your COBRA’s now expiring too, you’re probably not getting elective procedures done,” DeVeydt said. “You’re basically only doing what’s necessary.”

WellPoint competitor Aetna Inc. said Wednesday its third-quarter earnings jumped 53 percent to $497.6 million, or $1.19 per share, in part due to lower use of care.

Aetna Chief Financial Officer Joe Zubretsky said use fell compared with last year in several categories. That includes inpatient and ambulatory care and all types of medical practices. The company sees the economy as a possible factor, with people putting off discretionary or non-urgent care to save money.

“We are assuming that utilization comes back to some normal level in the future,” said Zubretsky, also an Aetna senior executive vice president.

Cigna Corp. said last week growth in outpatient and professional health care services was slower than it expected. But people sought out preventive care and kept up with their prescriptions during the quarter, so CEO David Cordani said he didn’t see signs of “inappropriate” care rationing.

The recession and its affect on spending is probably the biggest factor behind the drop in care use, said BMO Capital analyst Dave Shove, who covers insurers.

He noted that long periods of high unemployment have marked the recent recession and its aftermath. People generally find other ways to trim spending before they cut health care, but some may have reached the point where they’re forced to cut that too.

“People have been down and out for a long time now,” he said.

Drop in care use boosts health insurer 3Q earnings (AP) | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

THURSDAY, Oct. 28 (HealthDay News) — The H1N1 flu pandemic was associated with a sharp rise in the number of children with a serious bacterial infection called empyema, a new study shows.

Empyema, an infection in the pleural tissues surrounding the lungs, frequently requires a chest tube or surgery to drain infected fluid from the chest. Empyema most often occurs as a complication of pneumonia.

Researchers studied data on children diagnosed with empyema at Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City from 2004 to 2009, and found a large increase in the number of cases from May to June 2009.

Twenty-one cases of empyema were diagnosed in those months, nearly double the average of 10.8 cases during the same time of year from 2004 to 2008. The number of cases peaked in June 2009, when doctors diagnosed 12 cases, compared with an average of 3.5 cases in June of other years.

The increase in empyema cases in the spring and summer of 2009 coincided with a severe outbreak of H1N1 flu in Utah, when 604 children were diagnosed with swine flu and 117 of them were hospitalized.

All the children diagnosed with empyema from May to June 2009 had a flu-like illness before diagnosis and most of those with confirmed influenza were infected with H1N1, the researchers found.

The study appears in the October issue of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal.

The findings highlight the need to keep children up to date with recommended influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, and the importance of prompt antiviral drug treatment for patients with influenza signs and
symptoms, said study leader Dr. Krow Ampofo, of the University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, and colleagues.

More information

The MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia has more about empyema.

Originally reported by National Public Radio. Read the original story here.

H1N1 Flu Linked to Surge in Pneumonia Complication | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

New images of the influenza A virus, whose strains cause the seasonal
flu and the H1N1 “swine” flu, have revealed its Achilles’ heel,
researchers say, and the finding could lead to a targeted drug that can
fight all strains of the virus.

The weakness stems from a basic structure in all flu viruses, called
the M2 channel, which is key in helping the virus reproduce.

About four years ago, a tiny change occurred in this channel, the
researchers said, making flu drugs such as amantadine and rimantadine
ineffective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stopped
recommending using the drugs to fight the flu.

“We think we can pin down the types of changes that could occur, and find drugs for all” strains of flu, said study researcher David Busath, a biophysicist at Brigham Young University in Utah.

The finding helps researchers understand why the virus isn’t susceptible to the old influenza drugs anymore, Busath said.

With a drug developed to target this particular channel, “you could be safe tomorrow,” Busath said.

The flu virus is mutating and changing all the time, which is why
there must be a new flu vaccine every year to accommodate the new
mutations, he said. But every flu virus has an M2 channel, and it must
work properly for the virus to infect a host.

“It turns out there’s only a small handful of changes, in the heart
of the channel, that still allow the virus to work well,” Busath said.
“And if it can’t work, the virus can’t reproduce. And we know all of the
possible changes that allow it to work.”

Previous images of influenza
A didn’t reveal the changes in the M2 channel, making it hard for
scientists to develop a drug that could effectively target the
structure.

Because the structures of the virus are so tiny, Busath and
researchers from Florida State University used a technique called
solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance – which is similar to an MRI, but
used on atoms and molecules – to get a refined view of the flu’s
structure.

“We have some new theories to test for possible compounds that would
work on the M2 [channel], and we’re excited to try them out,” Busath
told MyHealthNewsDaily.

The imaging technique the researchers used could also be used to
provide images of the proteins in plasma membranes in the nervous
system, he said.

The study was published today (Oct. 21) in the journal Science.

This article was provided by MyHealthNewsDaily, a sister site to LiveScience.
LiveScience.com chronicles the daily advances and innovations made in science and technology. We take on the misconceptions that often pop up around scientific discoveries and deliver short, provocative explanations with a certain wit and style. Check out our science videos, Trivia & Quizzes and Top 10s. Join our community to debate hot-button issues like stem cells, climate change and evolution. You can also sign up for free newsletters, register for RSS feeds and get cool gadgets at the LiveScience Store.

Achilles’ Heel of Flu Virus Revealed, May Lead to New Drugs (LiveScience.com) | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

WASHINGTON – A “headless” version of the influenza virus protected mice from several different strains of flu and may offer a step toward a so-called universal flu vaccine, researchers reported on Tuesday.

They identified a piece of the virus that appears to be the same even among mutated strains, and found a way to make it into a vaccine.

Years of work lie ahead but if it works in people the way it worked in mice, the new vaccine might transform the way people are now immunized against influenza, the team at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York reported.

“We now report progress toward the goal of an influenza virus vaccine which would protect against multiple strains,” Dr. Peter Palese, Dr. Adolfo Garcia-Sastre and colleagues report in a new journal mBio.

‘Universal’ flu vaccine moves ahead | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

While H1N1 infection has been mild for the majority of children affected, there have been serious complications and many deaths – the CDC reports over 17,000 children have been hospitalized for H1N1 infection and approximately 540 have died from it (cdc.gov/h1n1flu/estimates_2009_h1n1.htm#Numbers).

Despite these statistics, most Americans are unlikely to vaccinate their children for H1N1.

One major reason that parents are not vaccinating their children is that they are afraid that the H1N1 vaccine is not safe.

While several studies show there is no relationship between the modern vaccine and increased risk for autism or Guillain-Barre syndrome, studies do not appear to be convincing the average American.

Parents, instead, want to know if physicians trust the H1N1 vaccine enough to inoculate their own children. Physicians who are also parents were surveyed by MomMD.com.

The results, summarized at mommd.com/h1n1-vaccinations.shtml, show that physicians overwhelmingly trust the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. Eight-five percent (85%) of respondents either already had or are planning to vaccinate their own children for H1N1.

While most physicians intend to vaccinate their children, few think there is a high likelihood that their children will get seriously ill from H1N1.

Dr. Jennifer Fleming, a Chicago emergency room attending physician and mother of two, had this to say: “Do I think my kids are going to die from H1N1? No. But I will vaccinate them if it’s not too inconvenient. I’m already on the wait list at my pediatrician’s office, so I’ll come in if they call us.”

For additional information on this issue, contact Kate Hannigan or visit MomMD.com.

About MomMD.com: MomMD.com is an online community for medical professionals and parents.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kate Hannigan, 773-454-2030
admin@mommd.com

Survey Finds Chicago-Area Physicians More Likely to Vaccinate Their Own Children for H1N1 | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is partnering with the Illinois Poison Center to staff the hotline with health care professionals.

“As H1N1 influenza continues to circulate in Illinois, we know people have many questions, especially when it comes to seeking medical treatment,” said Dr. Arnold.

“Through our partnership with the Illinois Poison Center, trained medical staff can help callers determine when to see a doctor, if emergency treatment is needed, how to care for sick family members and when it’s advisable to return to work or school.

The more information people have about H1N1 influenza, the better able we are to reduce illness.”

Having medical professional staff answer H1N1 influenza questions will help reduce the number of calls to local health departments, hospitals and health providers and allow doctors and nurses more time to vaccinate individuals and take care of patients.

“Poison centers are open 24/7, staffed with medical experts such as doctors, nurses and pharmacists who are ready to serve the health care needs of individuals seeking assistance,” said Dr. Michael Wahl, Medical Director of the Illinois Poison Center.

“It’s a natural fit for the IPC and our existing infrastructure to be part of the first response to answer calls from concerned Illinoisans seeking information during the H1N1 flu outbreak.”

The number for the Illinois Flu Hotline is 866-848-2094 for English and 866-241-2138 for Spanish.

Additional H1N1 influenza information can also be found at ready.illinois.gov and flu.gov.

Illinois H1N1 Flu Hotline Answering Medical Questions; English and Spanish Lines Available | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

With the 2009 H1N1 flu still circulating widely in Illinois and most of the country, Dr. Damon T. Arnold, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, is urging people to remember four things when traveling during the holiday season:

• Travel only when feeling well
• Wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve
• Get flu vaccinations as soon as available (both seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu for priority groups)

“As we enter the holiday season, we know the H1N1 flu is a concern for many people, especially those traveling. Taking some basic preventive measures, including staying home if your sick, washing your hands often, covering your cough and sneeze, and getting vaccinated when possible, can greatly reduce your chances of becoming ill,” Dr. Arnold said.

“Don’t let the flu ruin your holidays.”

The flu is spread mainly through person-to-person contact when an infected person does not properly cover a cough or sneeze.

Holiday travel and gatherings increase the opportunity for person-to-persona contact, making it an ideal way for illness to spread.

For more information about 2009 H1N1 flu and information on vaccine sites in your area, log onto ready.illinois.gov.

Or, for non-medical questions about the H1N1 virus, call the Illinois Flu Hotline at 866-848-2094 or 866-241-2138 (Spanish).

Illinois Public Health Director Offers Holiday Health Tips to Avoid the Flu | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

This gubernatorial proclamation allows the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to permit additional certified and licensed health care professionals to administer the H1N1 vaccine.

“Safety and public health are of the utmost importance,” Governor Quinn said. “While this proclamation does not indicate an increase in the spread or severity of flu in Illinois, it allows us to vaccinate a larger number of people in a short period of time.”

During this emergency period, the following health care professionals will be able to administer the new H1N1 vaccine:

• Emergency Medical Technicians (intermediate and paramedic levels are able to vaccinate)
• Pharmacists (can administer to persons 9-years old or older)
• Dentists
• Advanced practice, registered and licensed nurses
• Medical residents
• Physician assistants
• Properly trained and supervised pharmacy, nursing and third or fourth year medical students

“Typically 10-20 percent of the population is infected with the seasonal flu annually. The absentee rates could more than double when adding the seasonal flu and the new H1N1 flu strains together,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold. “To ensure there will be enough people qualified to administer an H1N1 flu shot, we have modified the scopes of practice for several medical professionals.”

The new H1N1 vaccine continues to be delivered to providers in Illinois, which include local health departments, hospitals, physician offices, and pharmacies.

The U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) designated five priority populations that should receive the new H1N1 vaccine first:

• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than six-months of age
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• All people from six-months through 24-years of age
• Persons aged 25-64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza

To find where and when the new H1N1 vaccine will be available in your community, contact your local health department or log onto Ready.Illinois.gov.

To stay healthy and limit the spread of flu, remember the 3 Cs:

• CLEAN – wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs.
• COVER – your cough and sneeze with a tissue or sleeve, not your hand.
• CONTAIN – contain your germs. Stay home if you are sick.

Health Proclamation Issued to Assist New H1N1 Flu Immunization Efforts; More Licensed Medical Professionals Able to Give H1N1 Flu Shot | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

In response, Microsoft Corp. today announced a new Web site, H1N1 Response Center (h1n1responsecenter.com), which provides users with timely and relevant content and enables consumers to gauge symptoms and receive guidance using an H1N1 self-assessment service.

“If current estimates are correct, many emergency departments across the nation could be overwhelmed by two groups of patients — those who have H1N1 and those who believe they have H1N1,” said Angela Gardner, M.D., FACEP, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

“It is going to be essential that we use every tool and service at our disposal to contain this illness, and online H1N1 self-assessment tools, such as the one offered by Microsoft, can be helpful in providing people with ways to determine whether they should seek emergency care.”

Designed to help people decide what to do if they are worried that they or someone they know might have H1N1, the site offers consumers a self-assessment licensed from medical and public health experts at Emory University.

The service assists people in deciding whether their symptoms could be caused by the H1N1 flu virus and provides guidance on what they can do next.

“It is already clear that certain people are more vulnerable to the effects of H1N1 flu virus than others,” said Dr. Arthur Kellermann, professor of emergency medicine and an associate dean of the Emory School of Medicine.

“By providing an at-home tool that can help users evaluate whether they need to see a provider before they head to the hospital, we can encourage those who are severely ill or at risk for serious illness to contact their doctor, and reassure everyone else that it is safe and prudent to recover at home. This will reduce the number of people needlessly exposed to H1N1 influenza in crowded clinic and ER waiting rooms, and allow doctors and nurses to focus their attention on those who need them most.”

If a person decides to see a provider after taking the assessment, a prepare-for-visit tool allows him or her to compile an organized health history for providers by combining the self-assessment answers with health information stored in the user’s account in Microsoft HealthVault, a personal health application platform designed to put consumers in control of their health information.

The connected nature of the HealthVault ecosystem enables individuals to act on their assessment through partners such as TelaDoc, which offers telephonic visits, and American Well, which connects individuals to their health plan physicians for video, chat or telephone consultations.

“Any pandemic has the potential to create major disruptions in society,” said David Cerino, general manager, Microsoft Health Solutions Group. “Now more than ever, we are in a position to implement solutions to help people make better decisions during these outbreaks, such as social distancing, because of the technological advancements that companies like Microsoft have made over the past few years.”

The self-assessment licensed from Emory University is based on a “Strategy for Off-site Rapid Triage,” or SORT. SORT reflects current public health and clinical science, vetted by a national network of experts from public health, clinical medicine, health education and infectious disease.

It is grounded in a clinical strategy endorsed by the American College of Emergency Physicians, the leading organization for emergency medicine in the U.S.

About Microsoft in Health

Microsoft is committed to improving health around the world through software innovation. Over the past 12 years, Microsoft has steadily increased its investments in health, with a focus on addressing the challenges of health providers, health and social services organizations, payers, consumers and life sciences companies worldwide.

Microsoft closely collaborates with a broad ecosystem of partners and develops its own powerful health solutions, such as Amalga and HealthVault.

Together, Microsoft and its industry partners are working to advance a vision of unifying health information and making it more readily available, ensuring the best quality of life and affordable care for everyone.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.

Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed.

For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Rapid Response Team, 503-443-7070
Waggener Edstrom Worldwide

Microsoft Launches Online H1N1 Flu Response Center to Support Consumers, Provide Resources to Aid Assessment | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allotted 57,000 doses of the new H1N1 flu vaccine, in nasal spray form only, to the State of Illinois, excluding the City of Chicago.

Chicago receives its own allotment of the new H1N1 vaccine.

The new H1N1 vaccine will be delivered directly from vaccine manufacturers to local health departments and hospitals across Illinois, outside Chicago, to begin vaccinating the following CDC designated priority populations:

• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than six-months of age
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• All people from six-months through 24-years of age
• Persons aged 25-64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza

“Illinois will continue to receive additional shipments of the new H1N1 vaccine so there will be enough vaccine for everyone,” Dr. Arnold said.  “Certain people are at higher risk of complications due to the new H1N1 flu and others work with populations at risk of complications, so we ask you to allow these people to receive their new H1N1 flu vaccine first.  Again, additional doses of the new H1N1 vaccine will be delivered to providers in Illinois almost daily so there will be enough vaccine to go around.  In the meantime, get a seasonal flu shot and take everyday preventive actions – 3 Cs: Clean, Cover and Contain – to stay healthy.”

The initial shipment of new H1N1 vaccine is in nasal spray form and is only licensed for people age two through 49-years without underlying medical conditions, including pregnancy.

The CDC has said injectable vaccines, approved for all populations except those with contraindications, will begin being shipped next week.

It is anticipated that these first shipments of the new H1N1 vaccine will be offered to health care workers, a CDC priority population, and subsequent shipments of the vaccine will be delivered in the next weeks and months to local health departments, hospitals and designated providers across Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is currently receiving provider agreements to compile a complete list of locations where the public can receive a new H1N1 vaccination.

To stay healthy and limit the spread of flu, remember the 3 Cs:

• CLEAN – wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs.
• COVER – your cough and sneeze with a tissue or sleeve, not your hand.
• CONTAIN – contain your germs.  Stay home if you are sick.

For more information log onto ready.illinois.gov.

First Shipment of New H1N1 Vaccine Expected this Week, More Coming; Initial 57,000 Doses of New H1N1 Flu Mist Vaccine Allotted to Illinois | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

“People ages 50 and older should arm themselves for the upcoming flu season by getting a flu shot.  Public health officials recommend that getting the seasonal flu shot is the best way to protect yourselves and your family from the flu, especially older adults who are considered at risk from complications of the flu,” said Director Johnson.  “This flu season is expected to be worse because the H1N1 flu will be circulating at the same time as the seasonal flu, so people should also check with their health care provider for the availability of the H1N1 vaccine.”

As much as 20 percent of people nationwide get the (seasonal) flu each year.  About 200,000 people experience complications from the flu and have to be hospitalized.  And about 36,000 die each year from the flu.  Flu symptoms include fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.

The flu is spread through coughing or sneezing.  In addition to getting a flu shot, people are also encouraged to use good sanitary measures, such as covering the mouth and nose when coughing/sneezing, washing hands and staying away from others when sick.

The seasonal flu shot does not protect against H1N1.  A vaccine for the H1N1 flu, which is separate from the seasonal flu vaccine, should be available in mid-October.  The H1N1 vaccine is intended to be used in addition to the seasonal flu vaccine.

Information about seasonal flu and H1N1 is available at ready.illinois.gov and flu.gov.

For more information about program services to assist older adults in Illinois and their caregivers, call the Department on Aging Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 or for TTY (hearing impaired use only) call 1-888-206-1327.

Illinois Department on Aging Reminds Seniors to Get Flu Shots in Observance of Healthy Aging Month, Seniors At Risk for Complications of Flu | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) anticipates more people getting sick with the flu this year because the seasonal flu and the new H1N1 flu strain will be circulating at the same time.

“The Illinois Department of Public Health has been hard at work preparing for the potential of increased illness this flu season because of the additional, new flu strain,” Governor Quinn said. “Staying healthy this flu season is going to be a shared responsibility – one that requires all of us to take action, like getting a flu shot.”

Each year an estimated five to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu. Approximately 200,000 people are hospitalized with complications from the flu and about 36,000 die annually. Flu symptoms include a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or above, headache, body aches, exhaustion, chills and weakness.

“The best way to protect yourself and your family against the flu is to get a flu shot every year,” Dr. Arnold said. “Everyone should also make sure they practice good health hygiene by following the 3 Cs – Clean – wash your hands frequently and properly to prevent the spread of germs; Cover – your cough and sneeze with a tissue or sleeve; and Contain – contain your germs by staying home when you are sick.”

The flu is spread through coughing or sneezing. People can also get the flu by touching objects carrying the virus, such as telephones and door knobs, and then touching their mouth or nose.

Young children, people with chronic medical conditions and the elderly are at higher risk of complications from seasonal flu and it is critical they get a seasonal flu shot. However, with the H1N1 flu circulating simultaneously, Dr. Arnold is encouraging all Illinoisans, except those with contraindications, to get a seasonal flu shot this year.

Some people may experience mild symptoms for a few days after being vaccinated and soreness at the injection site. However, a person does not contract the flu from getting a flu shot.

The seasonal flu shot does not protect against H1N1. The CDC is developing a vaccine for H1N1 flu, which is separate from the seasonal flu vaccine. Initial shipments of H1N1 vaccine are expected to be available in mid-October. The H1N1 vaccine is intended to be used in addition to seasonal flu vaccine. For more information log onto ready.illinois.gov and flu.gov.

State’s Top Doc Gives Governor Seasonal Flu Shot; Illinoisans Share Responsibility of Reducing Illness Due to Flu | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

“Even before Chicago saw its first case of the H1N1 last spring, we fully understood that although this new strain of flu is a serious challenge which must be addressed responsibly, no one needs to be alarmed or to panic,” said Mayor Daley. “Since that time, we have been able to review the U.S. Center for Disease Control’s proposed guidelines and use them to further develop our plans and our strategy to protect residents this fall – when the numbers of flu cases are expected to increase.”

This strategy includes new guidelines for parents who have children suffering with flu like symptoms as well as how students can keep up with their school work if they are at home for several days recovering from an illness.

Chicago Public Schools and the Health Department have also collaborated on a more sophisticated system to track attendance data as well as illness patterns so that school closures are the last possible resort.

“In accordance with the guidelines set by the federal government, our goal is to minimize disruption in the classroom environment – which will also help minimize disruption for parents and their employers,” said Mayor Daley.

Specifically, Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Terry Mason, M.D advised everyone to:

• Get a “seasonal” flu vaccination as soon as is reasonably possible. To get a seasonal flu shot, contact your family doctor or other health care provider. If you do not have a doctor, call 311 to find a City of Chicago vaccination site. From September 14 to October 9, the City will offer seasonal flu shots at no charge, at 45 one-day flu clinics. Additionally, a number of pharmacies and related businesses are or will soon be offering seasonal flu vaccinations. There will be plenty of “seasonal flu” vaccine, and shots will be easy to get.
• Make an extra effort to cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands regularly with soap and water, and stay home from work and/or school if you have flu-like symptoms (coughing, sore throat and a fever).
• Remind parents of young children to teach these good health habits to their sons and daughters—and to plan ahead and make home-care arrangements for their children on days when they are ill and should be kept home from school or day care.
• Get vaccinated against the new strain of pandemic flu (also called “swine flu” and “H1N1 flu”). When the pandemic flu vaccine arrives, the Chicago Department of Public Health will take the lead to ensure that it is distributed quickly, efficiently and in accord with federal CDC guidelines. It will be distributed to hospitals, clinics and other health care facilities to ensure that health workers are vaccinated. CDPH will also distribute it to retail pharmacies, occupational health centers and colleges/universities. CDPH will also offer the new vaccine at sites across the city for Chicagoans who do not have a health care provider or whose health care providers do not have vaccine.

The Chicago Public Schools also outlined measures for a mobilized response plan that will be fully operational at the start of the official school year on Tuesday, September 8. Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman said their plan included:

• Using new data surveillance monitoring system that enables Chicago Public Schools to monitor attendance anomalies by school so that school closures are the last resort. The CPS Office of Specialized Services and the Chicago Department of Public Health will work together on a daily basis to monitor attendance data and flu like activity, using absence summary spreadsheets.
• Allowing students with a fever of 24 hours or less to immediately return to school. Students who have fever of 100 degrees or higher will be sent home and are advised to be monitored for 24 hours. If the fever persists beyond 24 hours, they will be advised to remain at home. If the student’s fever dissipates after 24 hours, they can return to school. Former CPS guidelines recommended students remain away from school for seven days when a fever was present.
• For children who are home recovering from an illness, CPS will begin to offer “Parent Portals” so that parents can go on-line and download homework assignments to keep their children current on their studies while out of the classroom.
• Hand sanitizers and Kleenex are being stocked at all schools and disposable thermometers at every school. Schools will not be supplied with masks; however children are allowed to wear masks at school.

Finally, Commissioner Mary Ellen Caron said the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) will send out letters this week to all of its childcare, Early Head Start and Head Start sites to remind all parents of the preventative measures for H1N1. All affiliates will also be asked to contact the Department of Public Health if rates of absence are more or greater than five percent, or if they observe any unusual numbers of absences among staff.

DFSS has also made Heath Info Prevention materials available at all of the City’s six Community Service Centers and 18 Senior Service Centers.

“We fully believe that working together preventive steps will help protect people against disease transmission and protect everyone at school, as well as the larger community,” said Mayor Daley. “We are prepared as we can be for this flu season. The best thing we can all do is to stay alert and stay aware.”

MEDIA CONTACT:

Mayor’s Press Office, 312-744-3334

Mayor Daley and City of Chicago Officials Unveil City-wide H1N1 Flu Prevention Strategy | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.