Influenza | DoctorSolve Blog | Stay Healthy, Stay Happy

November 2, 2009

Impact of flu infection lessened by statin drugs

Filed under: cholesterol drugs,H1N1,high cholesterol,influenza,lowering cholesterol,statins,tamiflu,Uncategorized — Amanda @ 4:53 pm

Research lead by Meredith Vandemeer of Oregon’s Public Health Division with the help of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studied 2,800 hospitalized people with the flu in 2007/2008. It was determined that those taking statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) were 50% less likely to die from the infection than those who were not taking any form of statin.

Of the patients studied, 801 were taking statins anyway and continued taking them while hospitalized. Seventeen H1N1 patients who were taking statins died either while in the hospital or several weeks later, compared to 64 who were not taking statins, Vandermeer said.

The conclusion gives concerns about H1N1 because they suggest that statins reduce the inflammatory symptoms common in both pandemic and seasonal flu. These results may spark the attention of the pharmaceutical industry hoping to extend the revenue of top selling drugs through new disease indications. Meredith Vandemeer suggests that “there may be a role for statins in influenza treatment“.

This is not the first time a group has studied statins’ dual anti-inflammatory and anti-influenza benefits. In 2006 a paper was published in the Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases “Pandemic Influenza: A potential role for statins in treatment and prophylaxis” suggested that statins had protective effects in bacteriamia, sepsis and pneumonia.

Research teams are now performing analysis to test the effectiveness of one brand over another. It is also suggested that statins may help patients by lowering inflammation. When a flood of chemicals and cells are summoned to fight viral and bacterial invaders, inflammation is part of the body’s immune response.

Statin drugs include Crestor, Pravachol, Lovastatin.

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For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

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October 29, 2009

Swine Flu Myths You Need To Know

Filed under: H1N1,influenza,seasonal flu,swine flu,swine flu treatment,Swine flu vaccine,Uncategorized — John @ 4:51 pm

When you think of myths you probably think of something like Sasquatch or some other random creature that has never really been found. Most of the people who report actual “sightings” of such creatures are quite… interesting individuals. For the most part I’m sure that alcohol or some other substance was involved.

However, when it comes to H1N1, or commonly known as Swine Flu, there are many myths that have recently spread faster than the virus itself. Some of these myths though, unlike Sasquatch, can actually result in serious consequences.

1.Only People With Weak Immune Systems Die From Swine Flu- While having a weak immune system doesn’t help defend against the virus, people with strong, healthy immune systems have also been victims of fatal Swine Flu attacks.

2.If You Get Swine Flu You’ll ALWAYS Get A Fever- While Swine Flu and the regular seasonal flu do share many of the same symptoms, and fever is one of them, you do not ALWAYS get a fever. In fact only about half of the people with Swine Flu actually experience a fever.

3.Swine Flu Is Just A Mild Form Of The Flu, It Doesn’t Even Kill As Many People As Seasonal Flu- The death toll isn’t as large as seasonal flu, but the Swine flu is fatal. The main problem with this myth is that seasonal flu is more likely to cause death in the elderly, whereas Swine Flu targets the young, who should have a stronger immune system.

4.I Can Avoid Swine Flu By Taking Vitamins, Wearing A Mask, Washing My Hands, And Drinking A Lot Of Fluids- This may HELP avoid the swine flu, but it isn’t necessarily the best and most effective way to prevent Swine Flu. Getting vaccinated is the most effective way of defending against Swine Flu. However, don’t just stop doing things like washing your hands regularly as this cuts down on the transmission of Swine Flu.

5.I Don’t Have To Worry About Swine Flu Now That There’s A Vaccine- Yes, getting vaccinated is the most effective may to prevent Swine Flu, however it does not GUARANTEE that you will not get Swine Flu. Take precautionary measures to avoid transmission.

6.If Swine Flu Hasn’t Become Deadlier By Now, It Never Will- Nobody knows what the virus will do. It could stay in its present form forever, but it could just as easily change into a deadlier virus. The only thing we can do is try to limit the transmission of Swine Flu, and be prepared if it does change. You shouldn’t just expect the best-case scenario. It’s better to be ready for the worst outcome and have nothing change than expect the best and have the virus transform into something like the Spanish Influenza that killed millions.

For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ – a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

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