Viral diseases with the potential for a pandemic development require our attention as homoeopathy has shown its value during the last Influenza epidemics, e.g. in 1918-1923.

Deutsche Vogelgrippe-News

Feb 11, 2010	Current situation in Mexico (interesting charts): http://portal.salud.gob.mx/sites/salud/descargas/pdf/influenza/situacion_actual_epidemia_0802 10.pdf  1026 lab confirmed fatalities of 70335 confirmed cases Current situation in Michigan: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/MIFluFocus_1_5_06_146893_7.pdf
Feb 1, 2010	Winthrop-University Hospital Infectious Disease Division's Diagnostic swine influenza triad “As the "herald wave" of the pandemic progressed, our ED staff needed a rapid, simplified method to diagnose probable H1N1 pneumonia in hospitalized adults with negative RIDTs. A rapid and simplified diagnosis was based on the diagnostic weighted point score system, which we simplified into a triad of key, nonspecific laboratory indicators. In adults hospitalized with an ILI, a fever >102 degrees F with severe myalgias, and a chest x-ray without focal segmental/lobar infiltrates, the presence of three indicators, i.e., otherwise unexplained relative lymphopenia, elevated serum transaminases, and an elevated creatinine phosphokinase, constituted the diagnostic swine influenza triad.” [Source: Pubmed, Heart Lung. 2010 January - February;39(1):78-86. Rapid clinical diagnosis in fatal swine influenza (H1N1) pneumonia in an adult with negative rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs): Diagnostic swine influenza triad.
Jan 20, 2010	First cat died of H1N1. Info about animal cases: http://oregonvma.org/news/h1n1 In Ukraine, Influenza deaths now over 1000. Mutations of D225G and D225N are spreading , e.g new cases in India WHO confirms the finding of D225G  (or D222G) in 7% of the fatal cases and acknowledges the easier transmission at least in some animal species. http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/swineflu/h1n1_d222g/en/index.html
Jan 6, 2010	In Ukraine, the development of Influenza/ARI is still severe: http://www.moz.gov.ua/ua/main/press/?docID=14561 3,905,542 Influenza/ARI 225,925 Hospitalized 827 Dead 19 deaths within 24h - the influenza wave is still not calming down since it started on October 29, 2009.
Jan 05, 2010	In November 2009, a 10 year old boy died in Shaoyang, China from H1N1. From onset of symptoms to death: less than 1 day. http://h1n1china.org/gb/9/12/31/n2771351.htm started with a high fever in the evening foamy salivation autopsy revealed: hemorrhages in lungs, stomach, intestines, encephalitis China and Ukraine still report high numbers of fatalities. The quick developement in some cases, combined with the hemorrhage has already been documented in the cases of the Spanish flu 1918. The severe hemorrhages makes one think of the snake remedies listed below, but also Bapt (and Phos) should be taken into consideration as well.
Dec 22,2009	US: the first case of H1N1 in a dog, probably by transmission from his owner: http://www.petproductnews.com/headlines/2009/12/21/new-york-dog-tests-positive-for-h1n1.asp x The canine symptoms:  lethargy, lack of appetite, dry cough and a fever of 103.6°F.
Dec 11, 2009	Netherlands: the tamiflu resistant variant is spreading and apparently causing more deaths than the ‘normal’ ones. Dutch Overview of week 50: http://www.rivm.nl/cib/binaries/H1N1overzicht_tcm92-61018.pdf Vaccination: 8 persons had died. 1 had been definitely vaccinated against H1N1. From 4 of them it was unknown if they had been vaccinated. Mutation: Tot en met deze week zijn in Nederland 11 patinten gediagnosticeerd, waarvan 5 deze week,met een Nieuwe Influenza A (H1N1) virus wat resistent is tegen het antivirale middel Tamiflu (oseltamivir) waarmee deze patinten zijn behandeld. Vier van deze patinten zijn overleden. Rondom de 11 patinten zijn tot nu toe geen laboratoriumbevestigde gevallen van overdracht van het resistente influenzavirus gevonden A total of 11 patients werde diagnosed with the Oseltamivir resistant mutation till now, 5 of them within the last week. 4 of these 11 patients died.
Dec 10, 2009	First mix of H5N1 and H1N1 in Vietnam???? http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Health/2009/12/76911/ Dr. Hien also expressed concern over the high rate of H1N1 infections in the country, adding that there was a strong possibility of the H1N1 (swine flu) and H5N1 (bird flu) viruses combining into more lethal forms. Original article: http://www.xaluan.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=154205 (use translation tools)
Dec 4, 2009	Not homoeopathic but herbal origin: http://www.virologyj.com/content/6/1/197 Anti-viral properties and mode of action of standardized Echinacea purpurea extract against highly pathogenic avian Influenza virus (H5N1, H7N7) and swine-origin H1N1 (S-OIV) My comment: Echi should also be considered as a homoeopathic remedy for H1N1, among the others listed below.
Nov 25, 2009	H1N1, reinfections, mutations, recombinations: China: China reports 8 cases of swine flu mutation http://www.examiner.com/a-2339543~China_reports_8_cases_of_swine_flu_mutation.ht ml reinfections: http://www.dailymail.com/News/Kanawha/200911230838 CDC confirms Kanawha County pediatrician had swine flu -- twice, in August and in October. In October, the symptoms were much worse. mutations, recombinations: often it is stated, there were ‘spontaneous and sporadic’ mutations. Some experts claim, however,  it is not a mutation but a (controlled) recombination, e.g. when the D225G is concerned. http://precedings.nature.com/tags/Recombination H1N1, humans and pigs:  Norway has been free of any classical swine influenza virusses for years. Now since October 18 herds have been found infected with pandemic H1N1, with mild to non-exisitng symptoms in pigs. http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=19406 “In Nord-Trøndelag County, in the period between 10 October and 26 October, a total of 39 herds were tested and 18 of these were positive for pandemic influenza. Of these 18 positive herds, a total of 15 herds were in contact with people diagnosed with pandemic influenza (n=10) or with people with ILI symptoms (n=5). For the three remaining herds, there is no available information on such contact. So far, in six of the 18 positive herds in Nord-Trøndelag County the clinical status of the herd has been recorded. Moderate clinical signs of influenza (coughing, fever) were recorded in four herds, while signs were mild to non-existing in two herds. In five of these six herds, the clinical signs in the pigs occurred after humans in contact with the pigs became ill. “
Nov 23, 2009	German - Interesting summary (October) by Prof. Curt Kösters, DZVHAE: http://www.dzvhae.com/portal/pics/abschnitte/091109013742_091109104242_schweinegrippe_ 09_10.pdf
Nov 21, 2009	Short note about mutations...: Where there is the mutation D225G in the RBD (receptor binding domain), we have a different tropism, i.e. the virus has a deeper affinity to lung tissue. In this case, pneumonias and severe developments (including cytokine storms) with fatal outcome  may be seen more frequent. Apart from that, diagnosis done  with swabs from nose or throat may be false negative - as the location of this strand is located in the lower respiratory tract, i.e. lungs. An additional article from NYT: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/21/health/21flu.html?_r=1
Nov 10, 2009	I think it may be time for a ***CAVE***: There may be a high probability that Aspirin is contra-indicated during all stages of the disease - at least history has shown this during the Spanish flu: J. Winston quotes from an article entitled "Homoeopathy In Influenza - A Chorus Of Fifty In Harmony" by W. A. Dewey, MD: "There is one drug which directly or indirectly was the cause of the loss of more lives than was influenza itself. You all know that drug. It claims to be salicylic acid. Aspirin's history has been printed. Today you don't know what the sedative action of salicylic acid is. It did harm in two ways. Its indirect action came through the fact that aspirin was taken until prostration resulted and the patient developed pneumonia. -Frank L. Newton, MD, Somerville, Massachusetts Aspirin and the other coal tar products are condemned as causing great numbers of unnecessary deaths. The omnipresent aspirin is the most pernicious drug of all. It beguiles by its quick action of relief of pain, a relief which is but meretricious. In several cases aspirin weakened the heart, depressed the vital forces, increased the mortality in mild cases and made convalescence slower. In all cases it masks the symptoms and renders immeasurably more difficult the selection of the curative remedy. Apparently aspirin bears no curative relation to any disease and it ought to be prohibited. -Guy Beckly Stearns, MD, New York" And from a WHO paper from May 21, 2009: http://www.who.int/child_adolescent_health/news/archive/2009/09_05_21/en/index.html Salicylates (such as aspirin and aspirin-containing products) should not be used in children and adolescents (aged <18 years) because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome; Reye’s syndrome with severe damage of the liver had been observed by Mexican doctors. Regarding the hemorrhagic pneumonias e.g. in Ukraine, knowing about the blood-thinning properties of Aspirin, I would definitely avoid using Aspirin even in the very beginning of the disease, regardless of age.
Nov 9, 2009	The reports from Ukraine are cause for concern. http://www.moz.gov.ua/ua/main/press/?docID=14028 (Google translation) 90 fatalities: 52 people aged 19 to 40 years, 26 people age of 41-55 years other cases have been reported in the elderly and children. The symptoms are observed at different stages of disease: a fever with a temperature over 38 C cough respiratory disorders phlegm or dry unproductive cough with blotches of blood All the patients come to hospital on average by 3-7 days of onset, were in serious condition Period of time from onset to death averaged from 4 to 7 days signs of respiratory insufficiency of various degrees, which quickly rose and manifested accelerated respiration rate, shortness of breath and effectiveness of independent breathing X-ray studies were performed on 1-2 day hospitalization in most patients double-sided  lower lung lesions, followed by a trend towards total destruction. My comment: the hemorrhagic pneumonias described, the coughing up of blood clearly resembles the 1918 Spanish flus. Homoeopaths should be well aware of the hemorrhagic flu remedies.
July 15, 2009	http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1150437 Argentina’s cases are still increasing. Officially more than 3000 confirmed cases and 137 deaths - which makes a calculated mortality of more than 4%. Interesting the data about confirmed infection and age: “De ese total, 362, se registraron en niños de entre 5 a 9 años; 310, de entre 10 a 14, y 283, de entre 20 a 29. 3056 cases confirmed: age   5 -  9 y: 362 cases age 10 - 14 y: 310 cases age 20 - 29 y: 283 cases
July 8, 2009	http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1148034 Symptoms described by 2 patients after recovering in Argentina, where currently the mortality is highest "Cuando me desperté, tenía todos los síntomas juntos: sentí que la cabeza se me partía en diez mil pedazos, tenía más de 39 grados de fiebre y me dolía todo el cuerpo", Female 52 years "No te sentís igual que con una gripe común. Tuve fiebre muy alta durante varios días, vómitos, dolores musculares, muchísima tos seca y creo que nunca me dolió tanto la cabeza en mi vida", dijo. (Male, 29 years) Summarizing: very high fever the most violent headache as if the head would split into 10.000 pieces whole body is painful muscle pain vomiting dry cough The vomiting is important - this symptom has also been described by Mexican homoeopaths who were treating the flu.
June 29, 2009	In Argentina the virus is spreading with a higher percentage of fatalities. As an additional symptom kidney failure is seen - something which is ususally very rare in influenza cases. http://www.lanacion.com.ar/ An excellent overview of suspected and confirmed cases + confirmed fatalities at: http://flutracker.rhizalabs.com Official LMHI-statement concerning homoeopathy and possible remedies for Influenza A/H1N1
May 11, 2009	Costa Rica: 7 persons infected and 1 death. The man, 53, already had had diabetes and pulmonary obstructive disease. He died of bacterial pneumonia - a superinfection after being infected with Influenza A/H1N1. http://www.nacion.com/ln_ee/2009/mayo/10/pais1959760.html
May 8, 2009	In Mexico 45 persons died, 1319 infections with H1N1 were confirmed. Nearly 5000 samples were analyzed, so about 29,4% of the suspicious cases were positive. http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/596683.html
May 3, 2009	there’s possibly a human to pig transmission in Alberta. A pig farm worker returned from Mexico, and about 12 days afterwards pigs showed flu-like symptoms (10% being infected). This is an important thing: pig to human, human to human, human to pig: the virus developping its qualities and potencies. And: “ The virus is swine, WHO newspeak notwithstanding, and contains six swine gene segments as well as a human PB1 and an avian PB2 that have been in swine for more than a decade.” (quote Henry Niman) My personal opinion: we’ll get to respect this virus, especially the coming fall. There’s too much similarity to 1918 with the 2 surges, first in spring, then in autumn.
April 29, 2009	Interview with Dr. Henry Niman, expert as concerns SARS, H5N1 and other virus with epidemic potential Interview: http://www.wpxi.com/video/19313969/index.html His website: http://www.recombinomics.com/whats_new.html And an interesting commentary in German from ‘Wissenschaftsforum Aviäre Influenza’: http://www.wai.netzwerk-phoenix.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7 9&Itemid=95
April 24, 2009	Symptoms: “...cuyos síntomas son fiebre superior a 39 grados, que se presenta de manera repentina, tos, dolor de cabeza intenso, dolores musculares y de articulaciones, irritación de los ojos y flujo nasal". Sudden fever, higher than 39° cough violent head ache muscle pains, joint aches irritation of eyes nasal discharge Important: most cases are healthy young adults This really bears resemblance to the H1N1 Pandemic, the Spanish Flu in the early 20th century. Remedies to be considered: Eupatorium perfoliatum Gelsemium Bryonia Tuberculinum Euphorbium Ferrum phosphoricum Camphora and 2 snake remedies Elaps corallinus Crotalus horridus
April 24,2009	Everything is moving quickly now...: “ Hundreds of people in Mexico have been infected and 60 have died from suspected swine flu, while seven human cases have been confirmed in the United States, a World Health Organisation spokeswoman said...” http://www.physorg.com/news159778101.html
April 2009	Durring the last weeks and months, more and more cases appeared. Cases of toddlers in Egypt, but also new suspected human swine influenza (H1N1) cases in the US. Keep being updated about what happens where with: http://healthmap.org/en Here you can select Avian Influenza and will get an overview of the last 30 days.
Symptoms	PLoS ONE. 2008 Aug 21;3(8):e2985. Clinical characteristics of 26 human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection in China. Yu H, Gao Z, et al. Office for Disease Control and Emergency Response, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Beijing, China. BACKGROUND: While human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection continue to increase globally, available clinical data on H5N1 cases are limited. We conducted a retrospective study of 26 confirmed human H5N1 cases identified through surveillance in China from October 2005 through April 2008.  METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Data were collected from hospital medical records of H5N1 cases and analyzed. The median age was 29 years (range 6-62) and 58% were female. Many H5N1 cases reported fever (92%) and cough (58%) at illness onset, and had lower respiratory findings of tachypnea and dyspnea at admission. All cases progressed rapidly to bilateral pneumonia. Clinical complications included acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS, 81%), cardiac failure (50%), elevated aminotransaminases (43%), and renal dysfunction (17%). Fatal cases had a lower median nadir platelet count (64.5 x 10(9) cells/L vs 93.0 x 10(9) cells/L, p = 0.02), higher median peak lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) level (1982.5 U/L vs 1230.0 U/L, p = 0.001), higher percentage of ARDS (94% [n = 16] vs 56% [n = 5], p = 0.034) and more frequent cardiac failure (71% [n = 12] vs 11% [n = 1], p = 0.011) than nonfatal cases. A higher proportion of patients who received antiviral drugs survived compared to untreated (67% [8/12] vs 7% [1/14], p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The clinical course of Chinese H5N1 cases is characterized by fever and cough initially, with rapid progression to lower respiratory disease. Decreased platelet count, elevated LDH level, ARDS and cardiac failure were associated with fatal outcomes. Clinical management of H5N1 cases should be standardized in China to include early antiviral treatment for suspected H5N1 cases.
February 9, 2007	http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/country/cases_table_2007_02_03/en/index.html
	Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO	Übersicht der WHO über bisherige bestätigte H5N1-Erkrankungen und Todesfälle Im Januar gemeldet: 8 Erkrankungen, davon 7 Todesfälle
January 22, 2007	http://www.emro.who.int/csr/media/pd...s_22_01_07.pdf
	Tamiflu resistance found in Egypt patients	Genanalysen bei 2 ägyptischen Patienten, die im vergangenen Monat nach einer H5N1-Erkrankung verstorben waren, haben eine Mutation des Virus entdeckt, die auf eine Resistenz gegen Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) hinweist. Derzeit ist  noch unklar, ob diese Resistenz sich erst während der Erkrankung entwickelt hat - das ist aber unwahrscheinlich, da die Patienten nur wenige Tage mit dem Präparat behandelt worden waren. Es deutet daher einiges darauf hin, daß die Patienten sich mit einem Virusstamm infizierten, der diese Mutation bereits in sich trug. Die hier beschriebene N294S-Mutation läßt eine Therapie mit Oseltamivir als wenig hilfreich erscheinen, gegen Zanamivir scheint jedoch keine Resistenz zu bestehen. Die WHO weist darauf hin, daß der Virusstamm weiterhin kein pandemisches Potential hat, da die Übertragbarkeit von Mensch zu Mensch sich nicht erhöht hat.

Sources:
www.flutrackers.com
http://www.cdc.gov/
http://www.who.int/
PubMed
and others.

Copyright Gaby Rottler, 2010

Last update:  February,  2010