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MEDEX Assistance Publishes Latest Precautions for Avian Flu Pandemic Planning Including Immunizing Against Deadly Secondary Infections

Posted on: Tuesday, 21 November 2006, 15:01 CST

BALTIMORE, Nov. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Immunization against secondary bacterial infections such as pneumonia, meningitis and Influenza B may well reduce the impact of an Avian flu pandemic outbreak and may even be a wise precaution for current strains of influenza.

According to a brief feature published on the website -- http://www.medexassist.com/ -- by MEDEX Assistance Medical Director Dr. Walter B. Koppel, MD, and MEDEX Assistance Physician Advisor Dr. Charlie Easmon, MD, immunizations such as Pneumococcal, Meningitis and Haemophilus vaccines may prevent the onset or at least mitigate the severity of potentially fatal secondary infections common in pandemic flu occurrences.

"Should a pandemic outbreak of Avian flu occur, a vaccine specific to the final strain will take time to develop, manufacture and distribute. Unfortunately, time is in short supply when it comes to pandemics as they spread widely and quickly," explains Dr. Koppel.

"While some treatments are expected to have an impact on combating a pandemic in the short term, historical evidence from past flu pandemics indicate that secondary bacterial infections and not the flu strain itself were responsible for many pandemic-related fatalities."

Citing a compelling report examining that historical connection written by Dr. John F. Brundage, MD and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Drs. Koppel and Easmon conclude that a regimen of immunizations against these secondary infections could ultimately reduce fatalities.

The Pneumococcal vaccine can prevent pneumonia, meningitis and bacteremia (diseases which attack the lungs, the brain and the blood system respectively) and is routinely prescribed for people over the age of 65 or who are immunosuppressed. Dr. Koppel points out that healthy adults planning travel to Avian flu-prone destinations may also benefit from this vaccine as well as the meningitis (ACWY) and Haemophilus (Hib) vaccines.

"With all the attention being paid to the threat of an Avian flu pandemic that has not yet morphed into extended human-to-human transmission, it is also vitally important that people remember to get a flu shot for the strain that will be going around this season," warns Dr. Koppel.

"Should the Avian flu begin to be transmitted person-to-person, it will be easier to recognize and diagnose in people who have already been immunized to the more conventional flu bug. Since Avian flu diagnosis and treatment must begin within 48 hours of symptoms presenting ... there's not a lot of time to wonder which flu it is."

Nonetheless, Dr. Koppel cautions anyone contemplating these or any vaccinations to first consult with their personal physician.

MEDEX Assistance is one of the world's leading providers of emergency medical and security assistance to individual travelers and expatriates, as well as those connected with corporations, associations and governmental entities.

For additional information about the Avian flu and MEDEX Assistance programs and travel tips, call 1-800-537-2029 or visit http://www.medexassist.com/.

Available Topic Expert: For information on the listed expert, click appropriate link. Dr. Walter B. Koppel, MD, MPH, MBA http://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=32325

MEDEX Assistance Corporation

CONTACT: Richard Altman of REA Communications, +1-914-288-9811, or+1-914-882-6953

Web site: http://www.medexassist.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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