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New Urine Test Detects Chlamydia In Men
A new rapid urine test for chlamydia in men identified 84% of infections, according to a study of 1,200 men published Tuesday in the British Medical Journal, Reuters reports. Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection among women and can be treated easily with antibiotics. However, the STI often goes undiagnosed and causes no symptoms in 70% of cases. It can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. It also can make women more vulnerable to HIV.Rapid tests for chlamydia in men often have been inconclusive and uncomfortable, involving a painful swab of the urethra. The developer of the new test, Helen Lee of the University of Cambridge, said, "This has led to many cases of infection in men going undiagnosed and being transmitted to their female partners, with potentially more serious complications." The new test is "both accurate and swift, allowing men attending the clinics to be tested and treated on site in one visit," according to Lee. She said that the test already is approved in France and soon will be available in Italy, Spain, Portugal and other European countries (Reuters, 7/28).
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White House Reform Chief Was On Boards Of Health Companies With Suspect Practices
Before taking her job as the White House health reform director, Nancy-Ann DeParle earned more than $6 million serving on the boards of major health care corporations, some of which were accused of fraud, mismanagement and regulatory violations during her tenure, the Investigative Reporting Workshop at American University reports on MSNBC.com. Some critics say the corporate relationships could be a conflict of interest for DeParle. Also, while there"s no evidence DeParle was involved in or aware of allegedly fraudulent activities, in three cases, she served on board committees overseeing the companies" legal and regulatory compliance.
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Triglycerides Implicated In Diabetes Nerve Loss
A common blood test for triglycerides - a well-known cardiovascular disease risk factor - may also for the first time allow doctors to predict which patients with diabetes are more likely to develop the serious, common complication of neuropathy.
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Swine Flu In Somerset - Briefing Note, UK

Public health experts throughout the UK and Somerset are now implementing new national guidance regarding the treatment and management of swine flu in the UK. Up until last week, public health doctors in Somerset had seen few "confirmed" cases of swine flu (only eight confirmed cases by 1st July) and were still implementing a process called "containment". This involved isolating individuals who believed they might be infected with swine flu (asking them to remain at home); mouth swab testing them and sending their swab sample for laboratory testing and virus confirmation. Close contacts of anyone "confirmed" with the H1N1 swine flu virus were being offered the antiviral drug, Tamiflu as a precautionary measure. Symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing, sore throat, pain in muscles and joints, headache and chills. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea. Public health doctors are still stressing that in most confirmed cases of swine flu the patient has displayed only mild symptoms. The infection is "self limiting" and the majority of patients recover quickly after resting at home. Since Thursday 2nd July and following an announcement by the Secretary of State for Health, Andy Burnham and the Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, the Health Protection Agency and Somerset"s public health services are only implementing a "treatment" response to any clinically diagnosed cases of swine flu. ("clinically" diagnosed means a GP believes the symptoms shown by the patient look like swine flu) The "Treatment" Phase This "treatment" phase means that from now on: - GPs will be able to diagnose and treat swine flu on the basis of patients" symptoms rather having to waiting for "confirmation" via laboratory results - The routine tracing of people who have come into contact with confirmed cases of swine flu will end. However people considered to be at high risk by their doctor may still be offered antivirals in some situations as a preventive measure. - Schools and other institutions will close only if local circumstances warrant it, for example if a significant number of pupils or teachers are ill. Advice To The Public To Reduce The Spread Of The Swine Flu Virus - To help limit the spread of swine flu it"s important to make sure that if you have symptoms, you don"t leave the house - don"t visit your GP or hospital - you should phone your GP or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or go to the website http://www.nhs.uk - Hygiene measures are important to help to reduce the spread of all viruses, including the swine flu virus. This includes: * Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and using a tissue when possible * Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully * Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other people * Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product. - If you"re not poorly and do not have any symptoms there"s no reason that you shouldn"t continue to go about your daily routine. NHS


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