Bye-bye Swine Flu?

By Erica

Who could forget the April outbreak of the H1N1flu – more commonly known as “swine flu” – that swept the globe and left people around the world in a state of panic?  First reported in Mexico, spring breaks and honeymoons to the sunny vacation destination were cancelled as people feared they could be susceptible to this scary and fatal disease while traveling.  The virus continued to spread, and on June 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the swine flu a global pandemic.  

It is now known that the virus is spread through human contact and by many of the same avenues as the traditional, seasonal flu: coughs, sneezes or by touching infected areas and then touching your nose or mouth.  While many of the symptoms could be considered minor (fever, cough, headaches), those aged 65 years and older, kids under the age of five, pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease are at higher risk of more serious complications.

Not surprisingly, the New York Times reported that pharmaceutical companies are rushing to have a swine flu vaccine available for the fall flu season.  About 2,400 healthy adult volunteers will be tested in the first clinical trials to evaluate the vaccine.  Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is overseeing the trials and is quoted as saying, “[The trials are being conducted] in a compressed time frame in a race against the possible autumn resurgence.”  Is it just me, or does this seem a bit rushed? 

Of course I appreciate the need for the vaccine and given the high incidence of the flu in the fall, I understand the reasoning behind the timeline.  However, the fact that the physician overseeing the trial even says that this is a “compressed time frame” is a bit alarming to me.  I know I’d be pretty nervous to volunteer myself for a quick clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of a vaccine for a virus that swept the nation, leaving many gravely ill and killing others.  On the other hand, taking part in this trial, no matter the outcome, is a selfless act that could positively affects thousands of people.  Do you think the schedule for this clinical trial is too accelerated or do you believe it’s necessary to be completed by the fall?  Would you be willing to participate in a trial of this nature?

1 comment July 23rd, 2009