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Despite a detailed government ad initiative, CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook reports that information about the H1N1 virus is still confusing the general public.

Main Category: HIV / AIDS Also Included In: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs Article Date: 30 Oct 2009 A regional conference kicked off Wednesday in Moscow with experts calling on Russian authorities to change their approach to preventing the spread of HIV among injection drug users [IDUs], Deutsche Presse-Agentur/M&C reports .

Background: In February 2005, the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended the new meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) for routine use among 11- to 12-year-olds (at the preadolescent health-care visit), 14- to 15-year-olds (before high-school entry), and groups at increased risk. Vaccine distribution started in March; however, in July, the manufacturer reported inability to meet demand and widespread MCV4 shortages were reported. Our objectives were to determine early uptake patterns among target (11-12 and 14-15 year olds) and non-target (13- plus 16-year-olds) age groups. A post hoc analysis was conducted to compare seasonal uptake patterns of MCV4 with polysaccharide meningococcal (MPSV4) and tetanus diphtheria (Td) vaccines. Methods: We analyzed data for adolescents 11-16 years from five managed care organizations participating in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD). For MCV4, we estimated monthly and cumulative coverage during 2005 and calculated risk ratios. F

SAN DIEGO (MedPage Today) -- Clostridium difficile infection has spread from the hospital to the community but has proved manageable thus far, according to data reported here.

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius released a new report, Lower Premiums, Stronger Businesses: How Health Insurance Reform Will Bring Down Costs for Small Businesses. The report outlines the many ways health insurance reform will lower health care costs for small businesses and is available now at http://www.HealthReform.gov.

The number of swine flu deaths reported worldwide jumps by 700 in a week, latest World Health Organization figures reveal.

Grocery shoppers in a new study report that a one to 100-point food rating system would help them choose what goes into their carts. However, a nutrition index alone is not enough to change the buying and eating habits of U.S. consumers, said a health behavior expert who was not part of the study. About 800 adults participated in online marketing research and two-hour focus groups about the NuVal Nutritional Scoring System.

BIRADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) was developed by the American College of Radiologists as a standard of comparison for rating mammograms and breast ultrasound images. It sets up a classification for Level of Suspicion (LOS) for the possibility of breast cancer. Here is an explanation of each BIRAD classification.

The rule denying HIV-positive foreigners from entering the United States will soon be overturned, according to LGBT and HIV advocacy group Immigration Equality as reported by the South Florida Blade .

SAN DIEGO (MedPage Today) -- About 20% of 500 patients who received infliximab (Remicade) for Crohn's disease between 1998 and 2002 remained on the therapy after follow-up for as long as 10 years, investigators reported here.