Influenza money
While swine-origin influenza A(H1N1) and other pandemic-potentialities threaten, in some ways, they are good for the economy. Of course Novavax is sitting pretty because of H1N1 vaccine development, but the rubber-glove industry is also thriving just now. And some have done quite well for themselves in selling face-masks, particularly a Japanese entrepreneur who sold out of face-masks lined with ostrich antibodies. You read it correctly, ostrich antibodies. He harvests antibodies from ostriches, and affixes them to the face mask. This goes to show you why epidemiologists don’t double as entrepreneurs, we are entirely too practical. See today’s question of the week to answer the ostrich poll.
Boxing money
Sports-epidemiology may already be considered a sub-field of injury epidemiologists, but how about infectious disease? Sports can lead to some delightfully interesting (and gross) modes of transmission. This week’s winner: Hepatitis B among boxers. Perhaps you already know this story (boxing fans?), but here is an article about a match between 2 rivals, postponed because one has hepatitis and the other hasn’t been vaccinated (wouldn’t you think hepatitis vaccination would be required among boxers??). Truth-finding on this one is tough – I think sports-writers have as much trouble writing about hepatitis as I have writing about sports.
Not for all the money
An article published in Pediatrics showed the results of a record linkage study to show just how risky not getting childhood pertussis vaccination can be. Here is a news story about the findings. Among my own friends and acquaintances, a surprising number are refusing or delaying vaccinations for their kids. Particularly epidemiologists, who understand that risks apply only to populations, not individuals. I respect personal choices, but my kid gets poked. If you need help convincing yourself or colleagues, listen to this link at doitforyourbaby.com.
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