A recent review of randomized clinical trial data for the influenza neuraminidase inhibitor antiviral medications, and two related commentaries, raised questions about the value of antiviral medications for the prevention and treatment of influenza. On February 7, 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted a "Have You Heard?" piece in response. The CDC response states "After careful consideration of all available evidence, CDC guidance on the use of antiviral medications remains unchanged." CDC continues to recommend the use of neuraminidase inhibitor antiviral drugs (oral oseltamivir and inhaled zanamivir) as an important adjunct in the prevention and treatment of influenza.

Using commonly available mobile devices (e.g., iPhone, iPod touch), HANDI is a prime example of how we can use mobile technology in public health and emergency preparedness.

When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body's stored energy.

Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease. There is no cure, but there are safe and effective vaccines.

On Wednesday, December 14, CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H., charged the entire CDC community to become active participants in an intensified strategy to eradicate polio, worldwide. CDC's Emergency Operations Center has been activated for the agency's partnership engagement through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). GPEI is committed to eradicating polio by the end of 2012.

New Year's Resolution: Be Ready

Ticket for Two - Real-life Contagion: Part 2 - by Tyler M. Sharp, PhD

Infants less than one year old should never sleep in a cold room because they lose body heat more easily than adults. Unlike adults, infants are unable to make enough body heat by shivering.

Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease. There is no cure, but there are safe and effective vaccines. Therefore, the strategy to eradicate polio is based on preventing infection by immunizing every child to stop transmission and ultimately make the world polio free.

Ticket for Two - International travel during pregnancy - by Stacie Dunkle

Shivering is an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Keep warm by dressing in wool, silk, or polypropylene inner layers - these fabrics hold in more body heat than cotton.

CDC Situation Awareness - Foodborne Outbreak Syndication

New message on the administering Tdap during pregnancy.

Be Prepared For All Natural Disasters

Winter Weather Preparedness Means More than Just Grabbing Your Coat - by Ali S. Khan

Chainsaws can be very dangerous. Follow the instructions in the manual to safely operate the equipment. Wear protective equipment and never cut above your waist.

Always use portable generators, camp stoves, barbecue and charcoal grills outside and 25 feet away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent deadly CO poisoning.

Don't Feed The Animals - by Ali S. Khan

Make sure that you have a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio available to receive official instructions and updates from local authorities if the power goes out.

Make plans in advance to secure your home. Protect your windows by installing storm shutters or board up windows with plywood.