This deadly viral epidemic frightens me

[True Earthling]

A deadly disease has entered the USA. And it took its first victim yesterday.(1)

During the past 10 years, this disease has killed up to 49,000 Americans, annually, of all ages and demographic groups, annually.(2)

On average, 250,000-500,000 people die from the disease every year.(3)

During an average year, over 200,000 Americans are hospitalized for this viral infection.(4)

During one horrible outbreak of the disease, approximately 50-100 million people, mostly young healthy adults, were killed by the virus worldwide, all in one year.(5)

There is an amazing prevention for this disease that most people ignore–vaccines.(6)

references at link...

http://www.skepticalraptor.com/skepticalraptorblog.php/deadly-viral-epidemic-frightens/

[True Earthling]

1. From WHO influenza FAQ... 3-5 million cases and 250k-500K deaths annually

Seasonal epidemics and disease burden
In temperate climates, seasonal epidemics occur mainly during winter while in tropical regions, influenza may occur throughout the year, causing outbreaks more irregularly.

Influenza occurs globally with an annual attack rate estimated at 5%–10% in adults and 20%–30% in children. Illnesses can result in hospitalization and death mainly among high-risk groups (the very young, elderly or chronically ill). Worldwide, these annual epidemics are estimated to result in about 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness, and about 250 000 to 500 000 deaths.

In industrialized countries most deaths associated with influenza occur among people age 65 or older. Epidemics can result in high levels of worker/school absenteeism and productivity losses. Clinics and hospitals can be overwhelmed during peak illness periods.

The precise effects of seasonal influenza epidemics in developing countries are not known, but research estimates indicate that a large percent of child deaths associated with influenza occur in developing countries every year

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs211/en/

[NYC_SKP]

2. Vaccines: Proudly, I've become a participant in a Stanford Hospital clinical study of a vaccine.

It's a three-year study in Phase three for a vaccine to prevent Clostridium difficile, aka C-diff.

http://www.examiner.com/article/clostridium-difficile-an-intestinal-nightmare-that-can-kill

It's resistant to alcohol cleansing agents and found in almost 50% of hospital rooms tested AFTER they've been cleaned.

Some strains are even resistant to Cipro, which is used to fight anthrax!

Anyway, I'm proud to be part of finding a way to fight this disease.

Stanford Hospital saved my life earlier this year, it's the least I can do.

[gwheezie]

3. Thank you

i also participated in drug trials years ago. Cdiff is difficult to manage.

[Tumbulu]

4. Oh wow, I do hope that it works!

what a good one to vaccinate against!

Thanks!