Kinoko Gold AHCC

New York, NY (PRWEB) December 31, 2010

Flu advisories and alerts are beginning to dot the map, which means flu/cold season is in full swing. This year, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) is recommending that everyone ages six months and older get the flu shot. And as more consumers look to take a proactive position in bolstering their defenses against cold and flu, top New York City internist, Lawrence Kempf, MD, shares some simple, yet not always well-known facts that can help make what many are already doing more effective:

1.    When it Comes to Vitamin C, Think “When,” Not “How Much?” It may be tempting to try to “megadose” on vitamin C, but it can work best if spaced out throughout the day. “I personally believe that fresh citrus has a role, but not at the time of taking of supplements…if you enjoy a fresh grapefruit or orange for breakfast, wait until lunchtime to take your supplements,” says Dr. Kempf.

2.    Because the Flu Shot Can’t be Perfect, Augment the Flu Shot with a Proven Supplement, AHCC: Although the flu shot is still the best defense against flu, the CDC estimates that it can be 70 to 90 percent effective (30 to 70 percent in those older than 65). Dr. Kempf has been recommending a popular Japanese medicinal mushroom supplement called Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) to all of his patients for the last decade. Dr. Kempf recently completed a new clinical study, which shows that AHCC enhances the power of the seasonal flu shot, making it even more effective against the potentially deadly influenza virus. “Boosting the power of the seasonal flu shot has long been on the minds of both clinicians and researchers,” says Dr. Kempf. “This study is great news because it shows that healthy patients receiving AHCC supplementation, even for a short time period, experienced a stronger immune response to the seasonal flu shot than those who were not supplemented.”

3.    Know That Even Small Stresses Can be Detrimental: While everyone knows that extremely stressful situations can lower resistance, according to Dr. Kempf, even just a few very stressful minutes can open the door for an illness to take hold. Flu season is the time to simplify your life and break out those stress-reducing techniques.

Lawrence Kempf, MD is available to be interviewed about flu prevention and AHCC. To schedule an interview please contact Brittany Oat — boat(at)robinleedyassociates(dot)com.

For more information on AHCC, visit http://www.ahccresearch.com and to purchase AHCC, go to http://www.kinokoahcc.com.

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, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

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A healthcare provider uses an empty sample sprayer to demonstrate how to administer FluMist® (Influenza Virus Vaccine Live, Intranasal) to a preschooler. For information on indications and usage, dosage and administration, as well as safety information, please see www.flumist.com.    

Gaihersburg, Md. (PRWEB) September 22, 2007

MedImmune, Inc. today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the expanded use of FluMist(R) (Influenza Virus Vaccine Live, Intranasal) in children two to five years of age. FluMist is now approved for active immunization for the prevention of disease caused by influenza A and B viruses in individuals two to 49 years of age. Only one manufacturer had previously been licensed in the United States to produce influenza vaccine, in the form of a flu shot, for children under four years of age.

MedImmune anticipates shipping FluMist with the expanded label to health care providers in the coming days so that vaccinations may be offered to eligible individuals ahead of and throughout the upcoming influenza season.

“As a company dedicated to innovative advancements in pediatric medicine, MedImmune is delighted to be able to offer FluMist as an option for children as young as two years old to help protect them from influenza,” said James F. Young, Ph.D., president, research and development. “With the new, refrigerated formulation approved in January, the results from our head-to- head study published in the February issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, and the expanded age indication now within the label, it is an exciting time for FluMist.”

In a pivotal study that included more than 4,000 children between the ages of two and five years of age during the 2004-2005 influenza season, there was a 54 percent reduction in cases of flu and flu symptoms in children who received FluMist compared with those who received the traditional flu shot (4.5 percent vs. 9.8 percent, respectively).(1) In the study, FluMist demonstrated a reduction in influenza rates compared to the inactivated vaccine against strains that were both matched and mismatched to the vaccine.

In 48 completed clinical trials, more than 48,000 subjects ranging in age from six weeks to more than 90 years of age received FluMist. In addition to the clinical trial experience, approximately 60,000 doses of FluMist have been administered in two post-marketing studies, and approximately seven million doses of FluMist have been distributed for use in individuals five to 49 years of age following licensure of the product in 2003 through the 2006-2007 influenza season. FluMist is different from the flu shot in that it uses live, attenuated – or weakened – viruses within the vaccine to help stimulate an immune response that is designed to closely resemble the body’s natural response to an influenza infection.

“The FDA approval of FluMist for young children is important because these young kids have very high attack rates for influenza, often require medical evaluation for their influenza illness, and can spread influenza easily to others,” said Pedro Piedra, M.D., professor, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, and Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine. “Also, the live attenuated influenza vaccine is quite effective in helping prevent influenza and is generally very acceptable to children and their parents since it is administered by nasal spray rather than a shot.”

Influenza’s Impact on Young Children

The flu is most prevalent in school-age children, as the virus travels easily from person to person and because children in this age group spend a large part of their day in close contact with other children. Children two to 17 years of age are twice as likely to get influenza than adults, including the elderly.(2) During a widespread outbreak, the rate of flu infections can exceed 30 percent in school-age children. Each year, up to 60 million Americans get the flu, according the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Resulting complications cause more than 200,000 hospitalizations and approximately 36,000 deaths in the U.S. annually.

Protection Against Matched and Mismatched Strains of Flu

FluMist has demonstrated in clinical trials that it helps provide protection against flu strains both matched and mismatched to those used in the vaccine. Mismatched strains are circulating strains that are different from those included in manufacturing the season’s flu vaccines. According to CDC data, vaccine mismatch has occurred to varying degrees in five of the last 11 flu seasons, most recently during the 2005-2006 season.

About FluMist

FluMist is a live attenuated influenza virus vaccine indicated for active immunization of individuals two to 49 years of age against influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and type B contained in the vaccine.

FluMist is contraindicated in individuals with history of hypersensitivity to eggs, egg proteins, gentamicin, gelatin or arginine or with life- threatening reactions to previous influenza vaccinations, and in children and adolescents receiving concomitant aspirin or aspirin-containing therapy.

Do not administer FluMist to children less than two years of age due to an increased risk of hospitalization and wheezing that was observed in clinical trials. FluMist should not be administered to any individual with asthma and to children less than five years of age with recurrent wheezing unless the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk. Do not administer FluMist to individuals with severe asthma or active wheezing.

If Guillain-Barre syndrome has occurred with prior influenza vaccination or if an individual is immunocompromised, the decision to give FluMist should be based on careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks. FluMist should not be administered to individuals with underlying medical conditions predisposing them to wild-type influenza infection complications unless the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk. FluMist should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Most common adverse reactions (occurring in 10 percent or more of individuals receiving FluMist and at a rate at least five percent higher than in those receiving placebo) are runny nose or nasal congestion in recipients of all ages, fever more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit in children two to six years of age, and sore throat in adults.

FluMist may not protect all individuals receiving the vaccine. FluMist is for intranasal administration only.

Please see complete Prescribing Information for FluMist, call 1-877-FLUMIST (1-877-358-6478) or visit http://www.flumist.com for additional information.

About MedImmune

MedImmune strives to provide better medicines to patients, new medical options for physicians and rewarding careers to employees. Dedicated to advancing science and medicine to help people live better lives, the company is focused on the areas of infectious diseases, cancer and inflammatory diseases. With approximately 3,000 employees worldwide and headquarters in Maryland, MedImmune is wholly owned by AstraZeneca plc . For more information, visit MedImmune’s website at http://www.medimmune.com.

(1) Data is representative of indicated population. Results for full study population are included in Prescribing Information.

(2) Glezen, W et al, Influenza virus infections in infants, 1997. Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. 1997;16(11):1065-1068.

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©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Milford, CT (PRWEB) October 12, 2005

In an effort to continue to excel in the geo-marketing industry, 4Sight Media has released the following Websites:

Bird Flu In is dedicated to aid the consumer in their search for Bird Flu. Established in 2005, Bird Flu ( http://www.bird-flu-in.com ) is the premier nationwide Bird Flu locator service, encompassing every zip code in the USA. Anyone looking for Bird Flu will easily be able to locate it with the services provided on the Bird Flu website.

Bird Flu Vaccination In is dedicated to aid the consumer in their search for Bird Flu Vaccination. Established in 2005, Bird Flu Vaccination ( http://www.bird-flu-vaccination-in.com ) is the premier nationwide Bird Flu Vaccination locator service, encompassing every zip code in the USA. Anyone looking for Bird Flu Vaccination will easily be able to locate it with the services provided on the Bird Flu Vaccination website.

Bird Flu Vaccine In is dedicated to aid the consumer in their search for Bird Flu Vaccine. Established in 2005, Bird Flu Vaccine ( http://www.bird-flu-vaccine-in.com ) is the premier nationwide Bird Flu Vaccine locator service, encompassing every zip code in the USA. Anyone looking for Bird Flu Vaccine will easily be able to locate it with the services provided on the Bird Flu Vaccine website.

Avian Influenza In is dedicated to aid the consumer in their search for Avian Influenza. Established in 2005, Avian Influenza ( http://www.avian-influenza-in.com ) is the premier nationwide Avian Influenza locator service, encompassing every zip code in the USA. Anyone looking for Avian Influenza will easily be able to locate it with the services provided on the Avian Influenza website.

Tamiflu In is dedicated to aid the consumer in their search for Tamiflu. Established in 2005, Tamiflu ( http://www.tamiflu-in.com ) is the premier nationwide Tamiflu locator service, encompassing every zip code in the USA. Anyone looking for Tamiflu will easily be able to locate it with the services provided on the Tamiflu website.

Tamiflu Vaccine In is dedicated to aid the consumer in their search for a Tamiflu Vaccine. Established in 2005, Tamiflu Vaccine ( http://www.tamiflu-vaccine-in.com ) is the premier nationwide Tamiflu Vaccine locator service, encompassing every zip code in the USA. Anyone looking for a Tamiflu Vaccine will easily be able to locate it with the services provided on the Tamiflu Vaccine In website.

Tamiflu Vaccination In is dedicated to aid the consumer in their search for a Tamiflu Vaccination. Established in 2005, Tamiflu Vaccination ( http://www.tamiflu-vaccination-in.com ) is the premier nationwide Tamiflu Vaccination locator service, encompassing every zip code in the USA. Anyone looking for a Tamiflu Vaccination will easily be able to locate it with the services provided on the Tamiflu Vaccination In website.

About 4Sight Media

The fastest growing search engine optimization firm, 4Sight Media LLC ( http://www.4sight-media.com ) is redefining the geographical web search experience for the consumer markets. 4Sight Media has pioneered the geo based search and with more than 300 web sites, 4Sight Media continues to maintain its market leadership. Based in the coastal New England town of Milford Connecticut and with 30 employees, 4Sight Media is located at 1 New Haven Ave and occupies 22,000 square feet of office space over-looking the Milford Harbor.

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©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Related Flu Press Releases

Swine flu is a very real threat to the world ? only urgent measures can help contain it

What is swine flu?

Swine flu is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease found in pigs. It is caused by one of the swine influenza A viruses. Swine flu results in high morbidity and low mortality of about 1-4%. Amongst the pigs themselves, the virus spreads through aerosols, direct and indirect contact, and through asymptomatic carrier pigs. Although the pigs are prone to regular infections, incidences increase in the fall and winter months in the temperate zones. Therefore, pigs are routinely vaccinated against swine influenza in many countries.

Swine influenza viruses though commonly belong to the H1N1 subtype, other subtypes like H1N2, H3N1, H3N2 are also known to be circulating in pigs. Pigs, on the other hand, are more susceptible to being infected with avian influenza viruses, human seasonal influenza viruses and swine influenza viruses, allowing the genes from the viruses to mix and result in an influenza virus containing genes from a number of sources; this is called a “reassortant” virus. Although swine influenza viruses are species specific, they can in extreme conditions make a crossover to cause disease in humans.

How is swine flu diagnosed?

When a person is under the weather, many symptoms may be present. However, symptoms of swine flu are very similar to normal cold and flu symptoms, and may include:

Headache Fever Cough Appetite loss Fatigue Sore throat Runny nose Chills Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea

Fatigue, appetite loss and diarrhea can be dangerous. If the symptoms are persistent, it becomes imperative that you see a doctor. In order to diagnose your illness, the doctor may order:

Chest x-rays Respiratory specimen Blood work

To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen must be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of the onset of the illness as this is the time when the infected person is most likely to be shedding virus; however, children especially, may be shedding the virus for 7 days or longer. In order to identify the swine influenza A virus, the specimen must be sent to the CDC for laboratory testing. Only RT-PCR or viral culture has the potential to confirm infection with swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus. The test performance of rapid antigen tests and immunofluorescence tests for detection of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus is unknown. Persons who are suspected of having swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus and who test positive for the same using one of these tests should then have confirmatory RT-PCR or viral culture testing to confirm the presence of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus. A negative rapid antigen or immunofluorescence test cannot be used to rule out swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. The results of this test from nasopharyngeal or nasal swab, along with other information, will in all probability help your doctor take better care of you. Knowing the test results will help prevent the spread of the virus to others.

The Swine Influenza Test Kit is a sensitive test to detect the swine flu virus; however, the FDA has not cleared or approved this test. But it has been agreed by the FDA has agreed that this test can be used under an Emergency Use Authorization.

How is swine flu different from bird flu?

The swine flu and the bird flu viruses do not have a twin-like similarity but are however quite similar. The virus that causes bird flu in humans first mutated from a virus that birds had so that it could then be passed on to humans; once established, it now passes from human to human contact. Same is the case with swine flu. It started among pigs as a virus but then soon mutated to spread to humans. Viruses have the ability to replicate rapidly; these viruses are able to mutate very quickly thereby creating new strains that then move on to multiply in other areas and susceptible hosts. Avian flu so far has found it difficult to infect humans unless they were exposed to birds intensely. This is because the virus has not mutated in a way that makes it transmissible by one human to another. However, the swine flu virus has genetic origins from both pigs and birds. The biggest difference here is that the swine flu virus has mutated to an extent where it can readily be transmitted on human to human contact.

What drugs are available to treat swine flu and bird flu?

Antiviral treatment is normally the first line of treatment for the confirmed, probable or suspected cases of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, prioritizing treatment of hospitalized patients and patients with high risk for complications. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) with actively works against influenza viruses, including the swine influenza virus. Antiviral drugs are generally used to treat swine flu or to prevent infection with swine flu viruses. These medications are prescribed by a health care professional.

As of today, four influenza antiviral drugs are approved for use in the United States. They are:

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) Zanamivir (Relenza) Amantadine Rimantadine (Flumadine)

Laboratory testing conducted on the swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses so far has indicated that the viruses are susceptible (sensitive) to oseltamivir and zanamivir. Antiviral drugs can make the illness milder as well prevent serious influenza complications. However, these antiviral drugs work best when they are started within two days of the onset of the illness. Antiviral drugs can also be used as a preventive measure to protect a person who has been or may be near a person with swine flu. Antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90% effective in preventing the flu.

Antiviral doses recommended for treatment of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in adults or children 1 year of age or older are the same as those recommended for seasonal influenza. Oseltamivir use in children less than 1 year of age was recently approved by the U.S. FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

Moreover, there are vaccines available that can be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza from spreading. Nonetheless, there is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu yet. It is believed that the seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses.

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