It has become a common drumbeat in recent months.
As the country continues to experience an economic decline, more and more health clinics in Chicago are closing their doors, putting those who are struggling to pay for health care at risk. And hospitals, once thought to be recession-proof, are struggling in the economy, too.
It all illustrates a nationwide problem with no easy answers, experts say.
Mark Rukavina, executive director of a Boston-based health care advocacy group, The Access Project, says hospitals may have felt insulated in past economic downturns. Now they are finding they aren't, and are having to make tough decisions.
"It just seems this time around, more and more people are saying they're putting off going to the doctor, putting off getting procedures because of the economy, and that's dramatically different than it was in the past," he says.
For the full story, check out the Chi-Town Daily News.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
State's first two swine flu deaths
Two people have died of complications related to swine flu in Chicagoland this week. They are Illinois' first two deaths, and both victims were battling other conditions, officials say.
The first was a 22-year-old Chicago man. Health officials declined to name him, or say at which hospital he died.
The Sun-Times reports the second victim lived in suburban Cook County. No other details were available.
The first was a 22-year-old Chicago man. Health officials declined to name him, or say at which hospital he died.
The Sun-Times reports the second victim lived in suburban Cook County. No other details were available.
Gawker: Did Wilco's Bennett die because he didn't have health insurance?
The music world was saddened this weekend when news of former Wilco guitarist Jay Bennett's death was reported. Bennett, 45, lived in Champaign, and left the Chicago band in 2001. He recently sued Wilco singer Jeff Tweedy for royalties, and claimed on his MySpace blog that he didn't have money for hip surgery, and was bed-ridden.
Media gossip blog Gawker wonders if Bennett's death was related to his lack of health care.
Media gossip blog Gawker wonders if Bennett's death was related to his lack of health care.
We hate to get all political at the time of a man's death, but if a well-established musician/producer like Jay Bennett couldn't afford the health care he needed to seek treatment for his crippling injuries, what hope does that leave for the rest of us in this country? His story is intolerably sad, not to mention downright scary.In any event, Bennett's passing is sad for Wilco fans and those who enjoyed his country rock songs after he left the band. You can visit his MySpace page here.
County health department eyes Twitter, Facebook
When the Salt Lake Valley public health department wants to tell residents about important developments regarding swine flu, food inspections or tips for expecting mothers, it no longer has to rely on traditional media.
Instead, it plunks down a pithy 140-character note on Twitter, the popular social networking application.
“The main thing that we’ve found is that using these social media tools, we’re able to interact with the public on a completely different playing field. People are really comfortable tweeting us or leaving a message on our Facebook page,” says spokeswoman Kate Lilja, who manages the department’s social media efforts.
Not to be left behind, the Cook County Department of Public Health is gearing up to integrate social networking into its arsenal of communication tools, which includes a newly redesigned Web site.
At last Friday’s Cook County Health and Hospital System’s board meeting, health department head Dr. Stephen Martin discussed the department’s goals in securing a $400,000 grant from the National Association of County & City Health Officials to beef up its social networking presences, specifically for emergency preparedness.
It’s a safe bet that was the first time Twitter was discussed at a health system board meeting.
Seniors rally to keep at-home care funding
With Gov. Pat Quinn threatening to cut millions from agencies and services across Illinois, area seniors are worried that at-home care will be slashed beyond repair.
About 100 seniors gathered yesterday at the Thompson Center to protest the cuts, which would slice the Community Care program by half, eliminating home care service for about 25,000 seniors. Standing in front of a mock “Wheel of Fortune” wheel, mem
bers of the Jane Addams Senior Caucus railed against Quinn’s plan, and poked fun at Illinois House Speaker Rep. Michael Madigan.
“The cuts are going to be really bad for seniors,” said Mimi Harris, 77, of Edgewater. “I understand we’re in a financial crisis, but this is not the time.”
The protestors are worried that many seniors would lose their caregivers and be forced to move into nursing homes.
Advocates say the Community Care program offers an alternative to nursing homes for seniors who are still able to live independently, but need some help to run errands or go to the doctor.
They say it’s also a cheaper alternative for taxpayers, who could be on the hook for $35,000 annually for each senior that moves to a nursing home. Studies show it costs about $7,000 to provide a Community Care representative.
Ruth Long, 83, has a caregiver come to her Edgewater home five days a week for three hours. She says her caregiver’s hours have already been cut back by an hour a day.
“That hour is precious,” says Long, whose caregiver drives her to go shopping and to doctor’s appointments.
Read the full story HERE.
Hispanic alliance reaches out to Alzheimer's victims
The signs were subtle, at first.
Raul Rojas would be late on a bill, or he would take a wrong turn when driving.
Then he started paying the bills twice, sometimes in triplicate. The little things began adding up, and soon it was clear that Rojas, 78, was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, says his daughter, Christy, 28.
The hardest part, she says, is the role reversal, where the daughter now takes care of the father.
“Growing up, I was very spoiled by both my parents,” says the Portage Park resident. “Now, I’m the one who’s taking care of him and spoiling him.”
Hispanics are more likely to experience dementia years earlier than people of European descent. Nearly 140,000 Hispanics in the Chicagoland area have Alzheimer’s, and many live in households without a readily identifiable caretaker.
Armed with those statistics, Constantina Mizis is leading a local effort to help Hispanic families cope with Alzheimer’s.
When her organization, the Latino Alzheimer’s & Memory Disorders Alliance (LAMDA), launched earlier this month, it immediately became of beacon of hope for caregivers.
For more about LAMDA, see the full story HERE.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Health care billing abuses "stranger than fiction"
Truth, sometimes, is stranger than fiction, said Attorney General Lisa Madigan last night, as she introduced the documentary "Do No Harm," which examines unfair hospital billing practices at a non-profit hospital in Georgia.
"I think you'll find the events recorded in this film almost sound like a plot from a bestseller by John Grisham," she said.
The film, directed by first-time Chicago filmmaker Rebecca Schanberg, debuted at the Museum of Contemporary Art. It follows physician John Bagnato and accountant Charles Rehberg, who went head-to-head with an Albany, Ga., hospital named Phoebe Putney.
"In the absence of laws to protect health care consumers from overly aggressive billing and collection practices, many Illinois hospitals employed strategies similar to those at Phoebe Putney," said Madigan, a leader in the state's efforts to curb expensive billing practices.
Several Chicago hospital systems, including Resurrection Health Care and Advocate Health Care, were forced to settle overcharging disputes earlier this year.
For the full story, check out the Chi-Town Daily News.
Foley outlines big plans for Cook County health system
In his first public board meeting this morning, new Cook County Health and Hospitals System CEO William Foley outlined his goals for the coming year, which include hiring key key executives and boosting performance within the hospital system.
Foley, who has endured a trial by fire in his first three weeks, coming up to speed amid harsh criticism of the health system's purchasing and hiring practices, discussed his three-, six- and 12-month goals for the system.
Foley said he's looking to establish an oversight office to monitor the system's performance, as well as the performance of various consultants helping the system improve efficiency.
"It's important to have somebody coordinating this so we don't have consultants on top of one another," he said.
For more, check out the Chi-Town Daily News.
Foley, who has endured a trial by fire in his first three weeks, coming up to speed amid harsh criticism of the health system's purchasing and hiring practices, discussed his three-, six- and 12-month goals for the system.
Foley said he's looking to establish an oversight office to monitor the system's performance, as well as the performance of various consultants helping the system improve efficiency.
"It's important to have somebody coordinating this so we don't have consultants on top of one another," he said.
For more, check out the Chi-Town Daily News.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Chicago filmmaker sheds light on hospital billing practices
When Rebecca Schanberg's documentary, "Do No Harm," debuts in Chicago tonight, she says people might wish they had not seen it.
"One person said to me, 'I really wish I hadn't seen this,'" she says.
The film tells the story of two Albany, Ga., men, physician John Bagnato and accountant Charles Rehberg, who in 2003 blew the whistle on their local hospital, Phoebe Putney. They showed in shocking detail how the hospital was overcharging poor people, forcing many into bankruptcy and showing no remorse, even as it had millions in off-shore accounts.
The hospital denies those claims.
But, Schanberg, 37, says is that the practice is widespread - especially in Illinois.
"I thought the doctors knew about what happened once their patients walked out the door, but they have no idea," says Schanberg, a Chicago resident who also calls New York home.
The film premiered at the Little Rock Film Festival last week, and was nominated for best documentary.
For more, check out the Chi-Town Daily News.
Mental health advocates eyeing new legislation
Mental health advocates in Chicago and across the state are watching the General Assembly carefully as it debates several measures that would bring millions in tax dollars to cash-starved clinics.
Of particular interest are a non-binding resolution encouraging the state to ensure funds allocated for behavioral service aren't redirected to other activities, a bill requiring the state to make timely payments to community agencies and a bill upping sales tax on alcohol to fund mental health services.
All are expected to come up for votes before the General Assembly adjourns May 31.
If the legislation doesn't pass, "we would continue in the nose dive we've been in," says Suzanne Andriukaitis, executive director of the Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Greater Chicago. "The decline all has to do with funding. It has to do with the lack of available funding to provide services."
Cook County economy would be harmed by health system plan, commissioners say
The Cook County Health and Hospital System's proposed procurement system would harm the county's economy, forcing many small businesses to cut their operations, county commissioners asserted yesterday.
Leaders of the health system explained the thinking behind a plan to use a consortium of vendors to purchase medical supplies to commissioners yesterday, as local business owners who oppose the plan did their best to poke holes in the health system's argument.
The plan to use a Group Purchasing Organization (GPO), which use a pre-approved set of vendors, is under fire by local business owners that currently supply the county.
They say an agreement would eliminate their ability to sell to the county. Health system officials say independent surveys prove the system would save at least $20 million this fiscal year, and as much as $40 million annually in the future.
Commissioner Peter Silvestri complained there has not been enough analysis about the impact on the local economy.
"Have we considered the economic burden on the county?" he asked. Health system officials say they have not.
UC clinic closures the lastest in a growing list
The Tribune's Jason Grotto wrote an insightful story this week regarding the closing of two University of Chicago health clinics. The clinics - the Women's Health Center and a dental clinic - are due to close in June, and are just two more casualties of an economy that is sputtering.
Just think. Since April, health clinics in mostly underserved areas have been on the chopping block. The Daily News reported on four South Side mental health clinics that were due to close, until Mayor Daley repealed the order. UIC is closing a clinic in Pilsen, much to the chagrin of patients, staff and medical students. Now UC is shuttering a widely used clinic in an underserved area.
One wonders how these patients are expected to adapt. When the economy turns around, will our health care system still be operating at a recession rate? Will the state mandate faster Medicare reimbursement? And why is there no talk of North Side clinics closing?
It's a scary time in this country, and health care companies, like UC, are feeling the pinch. There are hard decisions to be made, but it is very surprising that the ax is falling across the city at the same.
Just think. Since April, health clinics in mostly underserved areas have been on the chopping block. The Daily News reported on four South Side mental health clinics that were due to close, until Mayor Daley repealed the order. UIC is closing a clinic in Pilsen, much to the chagrin of patients, staff and medical students. Now UC is shuttering a widely used clinic in an underserved area.
One wonders how these patients are expected to adapt. When the economy turns around, will our health care system still be operating at a recession rate? Will the state mandate faster Medicare reimbursement? And why is there no talk of North Side clinics closing?
It's a scary time in this country, and health care companies, like UC, are feeling the pinch. There are hard decisions to be made, but it is very surprising that the ax is falling across the city at the same.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Study shows health benefits of housing for homeless
Solutions to solve the health crisis among the city's homeless population is an ongoing challenge.
But researchers say a local program designed to give the homeless access to housing and case management reduces the need for hospitalization and visits to area emergency rooms.
In a study published last week in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers trumpet the Chicago Housing for Health Partnership, or CHHP, and its ability to reduce hospitalization.
"Our study addressed a neglected group among the homeless, those with chronic medical illness," says Dr. Laura Sadowski, an internist at Stroger Hospital. "With poor access to health care, their illnesses are usually under-treated and more severe."
The four-year study, coordinated by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, involved more than 400 chronically ill homeless people, including 146 with HIV. The participants were randomly assigned to a group provided with housing and intensive follow-up care, or a group that received usual care in Chicago's network of shelters and programs.
After 18 months the group that was receiving usual care had a higher rate of hospitalizations and emergency visits. That translated to 160 more hospitalizations for that group than the group receiving additional help from CHHP.
Read the full story.
But researchers say a local program designed to give the homeless access to housing and case management reduces the need for hospitalization and visits to area emergency rooms.
In a study published last week in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers trumpet the Chicago Housing for Health Partnership, or CHHP, and its ability to reduce hospitalization.
"Our study addressed a neglected group among the homeless, those with chronic medical illness," says Dr. Laura Sadowski, an internist at Stroger Hospital. "With poor access to health care, their illnesses are usually under-treated and more severe."
The four-year study, coordinated by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, involved more than 400 chronically ill homeless people, including 146 with HIV. The participants were randomly assigned to a group provided with housing and intensive follow-up care, or a group that received usual care in Chicago's network of shelters and programs.
After 18 months the group that was receiving usual care had a higher rate of hospitalizations and emergency visits. That translated to 160 more hospitalizations for that group than the group receiving additional help from CHHP.
Read the full story.
Nursing homes on "high alert" for swine flu
While frenzy over the H1N1 flu virus has died down in recent days, one of the state's largest nursing home associations continues to be on "high alert" for the virus, which has sickened more than 618 people in Illinois, including 274 in Chicago.
"We are still on very high alert because we have such a vulnerable population," says Terry Sullivan, executive director of the Illinois Council for Long-term Care. "If we get a case of flu, it is something that could spread very rapidly to a group of people who could have compromised health.
The association, which represents more than 200 nursing homes across the state, is urging staff members to screen visitors at the door, turning them away if they exhibit signs consistent with swine flu.
"Most facilities are sending out notices to all of the family members to please be careful if you are coming to the facility, and if you even question the fact that you might be carrying something, please stay home," says Susan Gardiner, clinical director for organization.
Some facilities offer hand sanitizer in the lobby.
Swine flu - like the seasonal flu - scares administrators because of the frailty of patients.
"It would be more contagious in a nursing home than it would be in a school," Sullivan says.
Read the full story at the Chi-Town Daily News.
"We are still on very high alert because we have such a vulnerable population," says Terry Sullivan, executive director of the Illinois Council for Long-term Care. "If we get a case of flu, it is something that could spread very rapidly to a group of people who could have compromised health.
The association, which represents more than 200 nursing homes across the state, is urging staff members to screen visitors at the door, turning them away if they exhibit signs consistent with swine flu.
"Most facilities are sending out notices to all of the family members to please be careful if you are coming to the facility, and if you even question the fact that you might be carrying something, please stay home," says Susan Gardiner, clinical director for organization.
Some facilities offer hand sanitizer in the lobby.
Swine flu - like the seasonal flu - scares administrators because of the frailty of patients.
"It would be more contagious in a nursing home than it would be in a school," Sullivan says.
Read the full story at the Chi-Town Daily News.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Monday round up
Tips on negotiating the health care system. (Trib)
Swine flu remains (CST), but the threat is diminished. But experts worry about what the future holds, and schools continue to close. (Trib)
Do city dwellers have a larger risk of contracting cancer? (WBEZ)
Swine flu remains (CST), but the threat is diminished. But experts worry about what the future holds, and schools continue to close. (Trib)
Do city dwellers have a larger risk of contracting cancer? (WBEZ)
Friday, May 8, 2009
Chicago's vitamin D problem
Could Chicagoans be more vulnerable to swine flu and similar illness because of where our city is situated?
Our northern locale and dreary winters means less sunlight hits our skin, resulting in a lack of the immune system-boosting vitamin D. And some experts say the key to warding off illnesses like swine flu, is a strong immune system.
"You live at a higher latitude, so you're at a higher risk," says Boston University professor of medicine, physiology and biophysics Michael Holick.
Holick co-authored an article in the medical journal Epidemiology and Infection that concluded that low vitamin D levels during the winter, where there is less sunlight, had a direct connection to rising flu cases.
He says Chicagoans, who suffer through long, gloomy winters, are naturally likely to produce less vitamin D than people in sunnier, more temperate parts of the country.
Read more at the Chi-Town Daily News.
Our northern locale and dreary winters means less sunlight hits our skin, resulting in a lack of the immune system-boosting vitamin D. And some experts say the key to warding off illnesses like swine flu, is a strong immune system.
"You live at a higher latitude, so you're at a higher risk," says Boston University professor of medicine, physiology and biophysics Michael Holick.
Holick co-authored an article in the medical journal Epidemiology and Infection that concluded that low vitamin D levels during the winter, where there is less sunlight, had a direct connection to rising flu cases.
He says Chicagoans, who suffer through long, gloomy winters, are naturally likely to produce less vitamin D than people in sunnier, more temperate parts of the country.
Read more at the Chi-Town Daily News.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Students happy to be back in the classroom at Kilmer
Students at Rogers Park's Joyce Kilmer Elementary jumped into each other's arms this morning after a week away from their friends and teachers, following the closure of the school due to swine flu.
The exubrant greetings came as officials reopened the school today, pledging to get back to work while preaching vigilance against the H1N1 flu virus and other bacteria.
"We're now back to writing, back to instruction and back to routine," said Kilmer principal Miguel Trujilo, at a press conference this morning at the school, at 6700 N. Greenview.
Students say they've missed going to school, and not just because they like to learn.
"We've been bored," said 2nd grader Inaara Sultanali, 8.
"It was depriving us of our education," said Jordan Williams, 11, a 5th grader. "Some people had perfect attendance until this happened."
For more on this, see the Chi-Town Daily News.
The exubrant greetings came as officials reopened the school today, pledging to get back to work while preaching vigilance against the H1N1 flu virus and other bacteria.
"We're now back to writing, back to instruction and back to routine," said Kilmer principal Miguel Trujilo, at a press conference this morning at the school, at 6700 N. Greenview.
Students say they've missed going to school, and not just because they like to learn.
"We've been bored," said 2nd grader Inaara Sultanali, 8.
"It was depriving us of our education," said Jordan Williams, 11, a 5th grader. "Some people had perfect attendance until this happened."
For more on this, see the Chi-Town Daily News.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Authorities: 34 confirmed swine flu cases in Chicago - also, CDC team arrives in Chicago
The Illinois Department of Public Health this morning raised the number of confirmed cases of the swine flu virus to 82, including 34 in Chicago.
That's up from five confirmed Chicago cases as of yesterday morning.
Officials are also monitoring an additional 40 probable cases of the H1N1 virus in the state, and 15 in the city.
Though the number of cases continues to climb, officials say they are heartened by the low death rate for those infected. The CDC also says the virus appears to have a genetic structure similar to the common flu, rather than deadlier types.
For more on this, check out the full story at the Chi-Town Daily News.
Commissioner questions county hospital supply deal
County Commissioner Peter Silvestri wants to know how the Cook County Health and Hospital System's plan to purchase medical supplies from a large conglomerate will affect local businesses.
In a letter sent last week to the system board's chairman, Warren Batts, Silvestri expressed concern that using a group purchasing organization, which gives hospitals a pre-approved set of vendors from which to choose, would jeopardize small business in the county. He said he was also concerned about the health system's ability to fulfill requirements to give a portion of county contracts to women- and minority-owned businesses.
"I am concerned that the system anticipated by the policy will inhibit the ability of small, local businesses in Cook County to bid for these items and receive the awards," wrote Silvestri in the April 28 letter.
For the full story, see the Chi-Town Daily News.
In a letter sent last week to the system board's chairman, Warren Batts, Silvestri expressed concern that using a group purchasing organization, which gives hospitals a pre-approved set of vendors from which to choose, would jeopardize small business in the county. He said he was also concerned about the health system's ability to fulfill requirements to give a portion of county contracts to women- and minority-owned businesses.
"I am concerned that the system anticipated by the policy will inhibit the ability of small, local businesses in Cook County to bid for these items and receive the awards," wrote Silvestri in the April 28 letter.
For the full story, see the Chi-Town Daily News.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Screening, education events surround World Asthma Day
Chicago-area doctors will conduct free asthma screenings next week, while the Westside Children's Asthma Partnership launches a new educational initiative.
On Sunday, Dr. Laura Rogers will perform asthma screenings at Lincoln Park's Century Shopping Centre, 2828 N. Clark, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On Tuesday, World Asthma Day, Sinai Urban Health Institute and the Westside Children's Asthma Partnership are launching an awareness campaign called "Healthy Home, Health Child."
See the full story at the Chi-Town Daily News.
On Sunday, Dr. Laura Rogers will perform asthma screenings at Lincoln Park's Century Shopping Centre, 2828 N. Clark, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On Tuesday, World Asthma Day, Sinai Urban Health Institute and the Westside Children's Asthma Partnership are launching an awareness campaign called "Healthy Home, Health Child."
See the full story at the Chi-Town Daily News.
Loyola student's mom blogs about swine flu
Earlier this week, we reported that a 20-year-old Loyola student was diagnosed with a probable case of swine flu. He was later identified as Michael Hairsine of St. Louis.
His mom talked to the folks at MomLogic, and discussed her fears and the experience of being tossed into the middle of swine flu mania.
His mom talked to the folks at MomLogic, and discussed her fears and the experience of being tossed into the middle of swine flu mania.
Swine flu chat transcription
The Daily News hosted its first-ever online chat today. We asked Dr. Ron Hershow, an infectious disease expert at UIC, about swine flu, and readers had some great questions. Below is the chat.
12:01 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:01 PM
Hi everyone. I'm Alex Parker, public health reporter for the Daily News. We're lucky to have Dr. Ron Hershow, associate professor of infectious disease at the University of Illinois at Chicago, with us. He's going to be taking your questions about swine flu.
12:01 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:01 PM
Hi Everybody! Looking forward to taking your questions.
12:02 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:02 PM
Ron, we've heard a lot about swine flu recently. What are the major differences between this new strain and the regular flu?
12:04 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:04 PM
And just so our readers know, Dr. Hershow is typing his answers as he gets them, so please be patient.
12:04 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:04 PM
The regular flu is something that emerges every winter. It often bears a close resemblance genetically to strains that circulated in the previous season. The swine flu, however is a totally new virus that emerged recents probably from pigs. It is completely new to us, and therefore we have no immunity to it which gives it the potential (and we're not sure it will realize that potential) to spread widely and extensively around the globe--> pandemic potential
12:04 Comment From Peter Sachs
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:04 PM
Dr. Hershow, it appears so far that H1N1's mortality rate in Mexico is much higher than anywhere else. Why such a big difference?
12:06 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:06 PM
We are waiting for detailed data from Mexico. We certainly know that people have died in Mexico. What we don't know is the total number of people infected with the virus. Even garden variety season flu kill people--> 0.2-0.8 % mortality. Without knowing the total infected we can't calculate the mortality rate which would give us a sense of how deadly this strain is.
12:07 Comment From Ryan Ludwig
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:07 PM
Hi Alex, Dr hershow...is it known how swine flu was introduced to the illinois area?
12:08 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:08 PM
Not precisely. We know that this virus originated in Mexico and we know that due to Chicago's high Mexican-American population that travel and visit is frequent from Mexico. It seems likely that travelers from Mexico (either Mexicans or tourist [as was the case in New York school clusters] brought it with them.
12:09 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:09 PM
By tourists I mean American tourists.
12:09 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:09 PM
Ron, is the hype surrounding swine flu appropriate? We know the regular flu kills 36,000 Americans a year. We've had one death in the U.S. so far. Why are we so scared?
12:12 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:12 PM
We are concerned because influenza is so unpredictable. We know that at least once in history a new flu strain emerged that had a devestating global impact. The Spanish Flu of 1918-1919. The concern is that this strain will mimic that catastrophe. Without immunity to protect us, this strain could spread widely. We don't yet know how severe the disease caused by this strain will be, though. We have to monitor it carefully and get more information from the Mexican experience.
12:12 Comment From Laura
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:12 PM
Why isn't the media covering the important topic of nutrition?
12:14 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:14 PM
I don't think they have much information linking nutritional issues to the current evolving situation. One hypothesis to explain why flu was more deadly in Mexico (if indeed it was), would be that malnutrition may have been more common among affected people. Here again, however, this is just speculation. We need data from the Mexican experience.
12:14 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:14 PM
Ron, is there any misinformation about the virus out there? Any myths?
12:17 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:17 PM
We are just beginning to hear reports about the actual genetic make-up of this virus and comparisons with other strains of flu that have caused pandemic. To my mind, these data are very preliminary and until carefully sifted through by peer review, I would not rely to heavily on these reports. However, some preliminary information is reassuring, suggesting that this strain lacks some of the genetic signature sequence that seem to be necessary for lung penetration and severe disease. But again, I would advise caution before being reassured by this early data.
12:18 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:18 PM
We've got two travel/transit related questions from readers...
12:18 Comment From Peter Sachs
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:18 PM
The CTA is still only cleaning its trains/buses once every 14 days. Should they be doing it more often as a way to limit transmission paths for the virus?
12:18 Comment From Ryan Ludwig
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:18 PM
I fly quite frequently, is there anything to VP Biden's remarks about avoiding public transportation? Is this flu known to be any more infectious that the more common strains we encounter year to year?
12:20 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:20 PM
Peter, It's hard to know what an appropriate cleaning schedule would be. Given the volume of travel on CTA, it would be hard to keep up with the potential for contamination. More importantly, I think users should obey basic hygiene rules. Don't use public transport if you are ill, use hand sanitizer frequently, avoid touching your nose and mouth (easier said than done, admittedly).
12:22 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:22 PM
Ryan- I think VP Biden's remarks were either misunderstood or taken out of context. I think we are not at the point we're we are advising people to avoid air travel (except non-essential travel to Mexico) and other forms of public transportation. We do not yet know how transmissable this flu strain is. We need more time and data to assess that
12:22 Comment From Robin Phillips
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:22 PM
With this strain seemingly affecting young adults more than the traditional groups that are hit hard by flu, does it mean that fitness and general health are unlikely to be of much benefit in fighting off this virus?
12:22 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:22 PM
Great question, Robin.
12:25 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:25 PM
We'll take a few more questions for Dr. Hershow. So if you have any get them in now before we close shop.
And if you have more, you can email me at alex@chitowndailynews.org. I'll be doing some follow up on my blog, Chicago Health Matters.
12:25 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:25 PM
I believe that eating, sleeping well, exercising are all things that strengthen the immune system. In the Spanish Flu however, it was the immune system that was thought to contribute to the severity of the disease. In that singular example, young healthy people had an exaggerated immune response leading to general whole body inflammation that caused leaky blood vessels to cause respiratory failure. We have no evidence that this strain is acting this way, although again we need more data from Mexico where many people have died.
12:26 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:26 PM
In general, I believe that being in good health will be a good thing in this situation
12:26 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:26 PM
We know that two U of Chicago med center staffers had probable cases, so that's a good segue to this question?
12:26 Comment From Megan
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:26 PM
Are medical professionals at a greater risk for catching swine flu?
12:27 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:27 PM
And, FYI, Chicago Health Matters can be found at www.chicagohealthmatters.com.
12:28 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:28 PM
Yes, I believe they probably are. Some of the sketchy data from Mexico suggests that a fairly high proportion of cases were health care workers. Risk can be lessened through the prompt identification of patients, isolation precautions and wearing personal protective equipment (respirators)
12:28 Comment From Robin Phillips
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:28 PM
Is the name 'swine flu' a name that has been latched onto by the media rather than it being an accurate name? It seems to me that it is just a new strain of flu. Is that correct and why we are seeing the term H1N1 adopted instead?
12:29 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:29 PM
Yesterday, the WHO announced it would use the scientific name, as the pork industry was complaining about the use of "swine flu." Egypt slaughtered its entire pig population...even though you can't get the virus by eating pork.
12:30 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:30 PM
The strain identified from these early cases does have genetic sequence similar to known circulating strain that have affected swine populations. Again, the virology data is very preliminary though and we should wait until these data are exposed to the peer review process. It does appear though that the "swine" nomenclature may be appropriate
12:30 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:30 PM
Still, it hasn't stopped the media from using swine flu, which is admittedly sexier than H1N1.
12:30 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:30 PM
OK, last question here, and I think it's a good one.
12:30 Comment From Megan
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:30 PM
If Swine Flu becomes a pandemic, what will that mean for Chicago?
12:34 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:34 PM
It depends on the magnitude of affected cases, the severity of disease that results. It's really impossible to predict. It may mean that people just have to continue to obey these basic hygiene rules. We already know that it is leading to school closures. It may also disrupt businesses and services, banks post office, medical care faciltiies, grocery stores, etc. So on thing people can do is to make sure that you have a supply of your prescription medication. over the counter meds for fever, a two week food supply--> bottled water, ready-to-eat canned goods, etc. Radio with battery. It's impossible to say whether all this will be necessary, but it doesn't hurt to prepare.
12:34 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:34 PM
OK, that concludes this chat.
Thank you, Ron, for your time and great answers. And thank you, readers, for joining our first ever online chat and for posing some very good questions.
We hope you'll join us in the future, as we plan on doing more of these for our various beats, including health, public housing, education and labor.
12:34 Comment From Ryan Ludwig
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:34 PM
Thanks Alex, and Dr. Hershow.
12:35 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:35 PM
Your very welcome and Thanks for the great questions.
12:35 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:35 PM
Thanks again, everyone. If you have any feedback about this chat, feel free to email me: alex@chitowndailynews.org.
Remember, wash your hands, cover your coughs and sneezes, stay home when you're sick, and encourage others to do the same.
12:01 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:01 PM
Hi everyone. I'm Alex Parker, public health reporter for the Daily News. We're lucky to have Dr. Ron Hershow, associate professor of infectious disease at the University of Illinois at Chicago, with us. He's going to be taking your questions about swine flu.
12:01 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:01 PM
Hi Everybody! Looking forward to taking your questions.
12:02 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:02 PM
Ron, we've heard a lot about swine flu recently. What are the major differences between this new strain and the regular flu?
12:04 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:04 PM
And just so our readers know, Dr. Hershow is typing his answers as he gets them, so please be patient.
12:04 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:04 PM
The regular flu is something that emerges every winter. It often bears a close resemblance genetically to strains that circulated in the previous season. The swine flu, however is a totally new virus that emerged recents probably from pigs. It is completely new to us, and therefore we have no immunity to it which gives it the potential (and we're not sure it will realize that potential) to spread widely and extensively around the globe--> pandemic potential
12:04 Comment From Peter Sachs
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:04 PM
Dr. Hershow, it appears so far that H1N1's mortality rate in Mexico is much higher than anywhere else. Why such a big difference?
12:06 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:06 PM
We are waiting for detailed data from Mexico. We certainly know that people have died in Mexico. What we don't know is the total number of people infected with the virus. Even garden variety season flu kill people--> 0.2-0.8 % mortality. Without knowing the total infected we can't calculate the mortality rate which would give us a sense of how deadly this strain is.
12:07 Comment From Ryan Ludwig
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:07 PM
Hi Alex, Dr hershow...is it known how swine flu was introduced to the illinois area?
12:08 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:08 PM
Not precisely. We know that this virus originated in Mexico and we know that due to Chicago's high Mexican-American population that travel and visit is frequent from Mexico. It seems likely that travelers from Mexico (either Mexicans or tourist [as was the case in New York school clusters] brought it with them.
12:09 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:09 PM
By tourists I mean American tourists.
12:09 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:09 PM
Ron, is the hype surrounding swine flu appropriate? We know the regular flu kills 36,000 Americans a year. We've had one death in the U.S. so far. Why are we so scared?
12:12 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:12 PM
We are concerned because influenza is so unpredictable. We know that at least once in history a new flu strain emerged that had a devestating global impact. The Spanish Flu of 1918-1919. The concern is that this strain will mimic that catastrophe. Without immunity to protect us, this strain could spread widely. We don't yet know how severe the disease caused by this strain will be, though. We have to monitor it carefully and get more information from the Mexican experience.
12:12 Comment From Laura
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:12 PM
Why isn't the media covering the important topic of nutrition?
12:14 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:14 PM
I don't think they have much information linking nutritional issues to the current evolving situation. One hypothesis to explain why flu was more deadly in Mexico (if indeed it was), would be that malnutrition may have been more common among affected people. Here again, however, this is just speculation. We need data from the Mexican experience.
12:14 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:14 PM
Ron, is there any misinformation about the virus out there? Any myths?
12:17 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:17 PM
We are just beginning to hear reports about the actual genetic make-up of this virus and comparisons with other strains of flu that have caused pandemic. To my mind, these data are very preliminary and until carefully sifted through by peer review, I would not rely to heavily on these reports. However, some preliminary information is reassuring, suggesting that this strain lacks some of the genetic signature sequence that seem to be necessary for lung penetration and severe disease. But again, I would advise caution before being reassured by this early data.
12:18 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:18 PM
We've got two travel/transit related questions from readers...
12:18 Comment From Peter Sachs
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:18 PM
The CTA is still only cleaning its trains/buses once every 14 days. Should they be doing it more often as a way to limit transmission paths for the virus?
12:18 Comment From Ryan Ludwig
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:18 PM
I fly quite frequently, is there anything to VP Biden's remarks about avoiding public transportation? Is this flu known to be any more infectious that the more common strains we encounter year to year?
12:20 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:20 PM
Peter, It's hard to know what an appropriate cleaning schedule would be. Given the volume of travel on CTA, it would be hard to keep up with the potential for contamination. More importantly, I think users should obey basic hygiene rules. Don't use public transport if you are ill, use hand sanitizer frequently, avoid touching your nose and mouth (easier said than done, admittedly).
12:22 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:22 PM
Ryan- I think VP Biden's remarks were either misunderstood or taken out of context. I think we are not at the point we're we are advising people to avoid air travel (except non-essential travel to Mexico) and other forms of public transportation. We do not yet know how transmissable this flu strain is. We need more time and data to assess that
12:22 Comment From Robin Phillips
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:22 PM
With this strain seemingly affecting young adults more than the traditional groups that are hit hard by flu, does it mean that fitness and general health are unlikely to be of much benefit in fighting off this virus?
12:22 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:22 PM
Great question, Robin.
12:25 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:25 PM
We'll take a few more questions for Dr. Hershow. So if you have any get them in now before we close shop.
And if you have more, you can email me at alex@chitowndailynews.org. I'll be doing some follow up on my blog, Chicago Health Matters.
12:25 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:25 PM
I believe that eating, sleeping well, exercising are all things that strengthen the immune system. In the Spanish Flu however, it was the immune system that was thought to contribute to the severity of the disease. In that singular example, young healthy people had an exaggerated immune response leading to general whole body inflammation that caused leaky blood vessels to cause respiratory failure. We have no evidence that this strain is acting this way, although again we need more data from Mexico where many people have died.
12:26 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:26 PM
In general, I believe that being in good health will be a good thing in this situation
12:26 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:26 PM
We know that two U of Chicago med center staffers had probable cases, so that's a good segue to this question?
12:26 Comment From Megan
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:26 PM
Are medical professionals at a greater risk for catching swine flu?
12:27 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:27 PM
And, FYI, Chicago Health Matters can be found at www.chicagohealthmatters.com.
12:28 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:28 PM
Yes, I believe they probably are. Some of the sketchy data from Mexico suggests that a fairly high proportion of cases were health care workers. Risk can be lessened through the prompt identification of patients, isolation precautions and wearing personal protective equipment (respirators)
12:28 Comment From Robin Phillips
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:28 PM
Is the name 'swine flu' a name that has been latched onto by the media rather than it being an accurate name? It seems to me that it is just a new strain of flu. Is that correct and why we are seeing the term H1N1 adopted instead?
12:29 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:29 PM
Yesterday, the WHO announced it would use the scientific name, as the pork industry was complaining about the use of "swine flu." Egypt slaughtered its entire pig population...even though you can't get the virus by eating pork.
12:30 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:30 PM
The strain identified from these early cases does have genetic sequence similar to known circulating strain that have affected swine populations. Again, the virology data is very preliminary though and we should wait until these data are exposed to the peer review process. It does appear though that the "swine" nomenclature may be appropriate
12:30 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:30 PM
Still, it hasn't stopped the media from using swine flu, which is admittedly sexier than H1N1.
12:30 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:30 PM
OK, last question here, and I think it's a good one.
12:30 Comment From Megan
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:30 PM
If Swine Flu becomes a pandemic, what will that mean for Chicago?
12:34 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:34 PM
It depends on the magnitude of affected cases, the severity of disease that results. It's really impossible to predict. It may mean that people just have to continue to obey these basic hygiene rules. We already know that it is leading to school closures. It may also disrupt businesses and services, banks post office, medical care faciltiies, grocery stores, etc. So on thing people can do is to make sure that you have a supply of your prescription medication. over the counter meds for fever, a two week food supply--> bottled water, ready-to-eat canned goods, etc. Radio with battery. It's impossible to say whether all this will be necessary, but it doesn't hurt to prepare.
12:34 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:34 PM
OK, that concludes this chat.
Thank you, Ron, for your time and great answers. And thank you, readers, for joining our first ever online chat and for posing some very good questions.
We hope you'll join us in the future, as we plan on doing more of these for our various beats, including health, public housing, education and labor.
12:34 Comment From Ryan Ludwig
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:34 PM
Thanks Alex, and Dr. Hershow.
12:35 Ronald C. Hershow, M.D.
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:35 PM
Your very welcome and Thanks for the great questions.
12:35 Alex Parker
Friday, May 01, 2009 1:35 PM
Thanks again, everyone. If you have any feedback about this chat, feel free to email me: alex@chitowndailynews.org.
Remember, wash your hands, cover your coughs and sneezes, stay home when you're sick, and encourage others to do the same.
T-minus 15 minutes for Daily News online swine flu chat
Dr. Ronald Hershow, an infectious disease expert from the University of Illinois at Chicago, will be joining us virtually today at noon at the Chi-Town Daily News. He'll answer your questions about swine flu.
Please join the conversation at noon, Friday. We look forward to hearing your questions and Dr. Hershow's answers.
Please join the conversation at noon, Friday. We look forward to hearing your questions and Dr. Hershow's answers.
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