GLG News by Gardasil Prescribers (US)

Gardasil has been shown to be effective in preventing the long-term complications of HPV infection, including cervical and vulvar cancer and genital warts, in females. New evidence now is available that it also prevents warts, and presumably the very rare penile carcinoma in males.

Sure, it "only" prevents INFLUENZA, not all the things people call "the flu." But influenza is a miserable disease, and potentially life-threatening for those with underlying illnesses.

There are many illnesses which people call "the flu." Not every illness with fever, aches and congestion is influenza, the only disease which these anti-virals will help.

Sure, it is a good idea to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts, if possible. But given the relatively low frequency of cervical cancer, and the effectiveness of regular screening, this seems like a situation where the choice should be left to the individual.

While any association is possible, this looks like so many others--a coexistence, with no demonstrable suggestion of cause-and-effect.

-I'm thrilled to see that a provider evaluating someone for an STD also tests for HIV -but- -I'm appalled that people can be seen in an ER for a suspected STD, just like I would be for those that go for colds and ear infections.  How much did each of those chlamydia and gonorrhea and syphilis...

-A recent informal survey found that many docs and nurses (60% of healthcare workers overall) don't get an annual flu vaccine, despite proven efficacy, easy availability at their place of work, and risk of contagion to patients and colleagues.  -This puts some of the most...

-Parents in NJ are fighting a new state mandate requiring influenza vaccine in preschoolers -Allowing an override of this mandate would be dangerous but parents will have only themselves to blame if their unvaccinated kids get sick

Rotateq is a great vaccine - it protects both vaccinated patients and also gives some protection to their not-yet-vaccinated peers Although in the US it is rare to die from rotavirus illness, the economic savings on lost school/work days and decreased hospital admissions and ER visits is huge.

Most American families are not familiar with signs and symptoms of influenza.  Asking them to use (and not use) a home supply of antivirals would be insanity, stretching thin the amount of antivirals available and depriving them to those in true need.  To ask them to use these meds appropriately...