- Image by ~MVI~ (on disaster response mode) via Flickr
WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Barack Obama on Saturday declared the H1N1 flu outbreak that has claimed 1,000 lives in the United States – and nearly 5,000 worldwide – a national emergency, The New York Times reported.
That declaration “allows health care systems to quickly implement disaster plans should they become overwhelmed,” according to The White House blog. Such plans could include establishing alternate care sites and modifying patient triage protocols.
With the Rise of AI, What IP Disputes in Healthcare Are Likely to Emerge?
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
Officials said Obama’s action “did not signify any unanticipated worsening in the United States of the H1N1 outbreak,” the Times reported. But it seemed likely to “increase concerns, disruptions and at times, panicky reactions” to the disease. By way of example, the Times noted, “Amid growing fears, traditional Halloween parties, school events and birthday parties have been canceled.”
Information released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 46 states have reported widespread flu activity.
“Forty-six states having widespread transmission is the peak of flu season. To be basically in the peak of flu season in October is extremely unusual,” said CDC Director Thomas Frieden, according to The Wall Street Journal. “We expect this influenza will occur in waves. We can’t predict how high, how far, or how long the wave will go or when the next will come.”
More stories worth a read:
A Personalized Approach to Medication Nonadherence
At the Abarca Forward conference earlier this year, George Van Antwerp, managing director at Deloitte, discussed how social determinants of health and a personalized member experience can improve medication adherence and health outcomes.
- Hospitals clash with Ohio health officials over H1N1 vaccine (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
- Democrats are optimistic that public option will be approved (New York Times)
- Electronic medical records not seen as a cure-all (Washington Post)
- Making health care about health (Chicago Tribune)
- How an insurance mandate could leave many worse off (New York Times)
- Good news/bad news: Long lines for swine flu shots (White Coat Underground)
- How the AMA is playing healthcare reform (BNET)
- Pishkur: Cut from decisions (Tribune Chronicle)
- Milwaukee hospital names new president (Hospital Review Magazine)
- St. John’s builds home for breast cancer institute (St. Louis Business Journal)
