January W. Payne

As National Influenza Vaccination Week approaches from Dec. 5 through Dec. 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning Americans to get vaccinated against influenza before the season kicks into high gear.

"Don't be fooled by the past few months. Flu is coming," Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, said at a Dec. 3 media briefing. "And in most years, flu is most active in the winter months." Last season was unusual, she said, because "by this time a year ago, we'd already seen a tremendous amount" of influenza due to the H1N1 virus. But in a typical season, influenza is most intense between January and March.

There are early signs that influenza spread is on the upswing, officials said. "Sharp increases" in influenza activity have been seen in the southeastern United States, Dr. Schuchat said, especially in Georgia and particularly among school-age children.

In the Southeast, where Georgia was the only one of the region's eight districts to report data, 19.3% of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness yielded positive tests for flu virus. The good news, Dr. Schuchat said, is that the circulating strain appears to be a good match to the influenza B strain contained in this year’s seasonal flu vaccine. CDC regional surveillance data is current for the past 3 weeks.

More than 12,000 people died from the 2009 H1N1 virus. This year, there has been at least one pediatric death from influenza, Dr. Schuchat said. Because of the potential for severe illness and death, it is that much more important to encourage people to get this year's seasonal influenza vaccine, which contains strains of the 2009 H1N1 A virus, the H3N2 influenza A virus, and influenza B, officials said.

A CDC telephone survey indicated that some people – but not all – have heeded the agency’s message for everyone with the exception of children under 6 months old to get vaccinated. The agency surveyed approximately 38,000 adults and 9,100 children through the second week of November, and found that about 33% of respondents reported having gotten vaccinated. About two-thirds reported getting vaccinated at a doctor's office, clinic, or hospital, about 16% were vaccinated at a supermarket, retail, or pharmacy clinic, and about 18% were vaccinated at their workplace or school, Dr. Schuchat said.

As National Influenza Vaccination Week approaches from Dec. 5 through Dec. 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning Americans to get vaccinated against influenza before the season kicks into high gear.

"Don't be fooled by the past few months. Flu is coming," Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, said at a Dec. 3 media briefing. "And in most years, flu is most active in the winter months." Last season was unusual, she said, because "by this time a year ago, we'd already seen a tremendous amount" of influenza due to the H1N1 virus. But in a typical season, influenza is most intense between January and March.

There are early signs that influenza spread is on the upswing, officials said. "Sharp increases" in influenza activity have been seen in the southeastern United States, Dr. Schuchat said, especially in Georgia and particularly among school-age children.

In the Southeast, where Georgia was the only one of the region's eight districts to report data, 19.3% of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness yielded positive tests for flu virus. The good news, Dr. Schuchat said, is that the circulating strain appears to be a good match to the influenza B strain contained in this year’s seasonal flu vaccine. CDC regional surveillance data is current for the past 3 weeks.

More than 12,000 people died from the 2009 H1N1 virus. This year, there has been at least one pediatric death from influenza, Dr. Schuchat said. Because of the potential for severe illness and death, it is that much more important to encourage people to get this year's seasonal influenza vaccine, which contains strains of the 2009 H1N1 A virus, the H3N2 influenza A virus, and influenza B, officials said.

A CDC telephone survey indicated that some people – but not all – have heeded the agency’s message for everyone with the exception of children under 6 months old to get vaccinated. The agency surveyed approximately 38,000 adults and 9,100 children through the second week of November, and found that about 33% of respondents reported having gotten vaccinated. About two-thirds reported getting vaccinated at a doctor's office, clinic, or hospital, about 16% were vaccinated at a supermarket, retail, or pharmacy clinic, and about 18% were vaccinated at their workplace or school, Dr. Schuchat said.

As National Influenza Vaccination Week approaches from Dec. 5 through Dec. 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning Americans to get vaccinated against influenza before the season kicks into high gear.

"Don't be fooled by the past few months. Flu is coming," Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, said at a Dec. 3 media briefing. "And in most years, flu is most active in the winter months." Last season was unusual, she said, because "by this time a year ago, we'd already seen a tremendous amount" of influenza due to the H1N1 virus. But in a typical season, influenza is most intense between January and March.

There are early signs that influenza spread is on the upswing, officials said. "Sharp increases" in influenza activity have been seen in the southeastern United States, Dr. Schuchat said, especially in Georgia and particularly among school-age children.

In the Southeast, where Georgia was the only one of the region's eight districts to report data, 19.3% of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness yielded positive tests for flu virus. The good news, Dr. Schuchat said, is that the circulating strain appears to be a good match to the influenza B strain contained in this year’s seasonal flu vaccine. CDC regional surveillance data is current for the past 3 weeks.

More than 12,000 people died from the 2009 H1N1 virus. This year, there has been at least one pediatric death from influenza, Dr. Schuchat said. Because of the potential for severe illness and death, it is that much more important to encourage people to get this year's seasonal influenza vaccine, which contains strains of the 2009 H1N1 A virus, the H3N2 influenza A virus, and influenza B, officials said.

A CDC telephone survey indicated that some people – but not all – have heeded the agency’s message for everyone with the exception of children under 6 months old to get vaccinated. The agency surveyed approximately 38,000 adults and 9,100 children through the second week of November, and found that about 33% of respondents reported having gotten vaccinated. About two-thirds reported getting vaccinated at a doctor's office, clinic, or hospital, about 16% were vaccinated at a supermarket, retail, or pharmacy clinic, and about 18% were vaccinated at their workplace or school, Dr. Schuchat said.

As National Influenza Vaccination Week approaches from Dec. 5 through Dec. 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning Americans to get vaccinated against influenza before the season kicks into high gear.

"Don’t be fooled by the past few months. Flu is coming," Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, said at a Dec. 3 media briefing. "And in most years, flu is most active in the winter months." Last season was unusual, she said, because "by this time a year ago, we’d already seen a tremendous amount" of influenza due to the H1N1 virus. But in a typical season, influenza is most intense between January and March.

There are early signs that influenza spread is on the upswing, officials said. "Sharp increases" in influenza activity have been seen in the southeastern United States, Dr. Schuchat said, especially in Georgia and particularly among school-age children.

In the Southeast, where Georgia was the only one of the region’s eight districts to report data, 19.3% of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness yielded positive tests for flu virus. The good news, Dr. Schuchat said, is that the circulating strain appears to be a good match to the influenza B strain contained in this year’s seasonal flu vaccine. CDC regional surveillance data is current for the past 3 weeks.

More than 12,000 people died from the 2009 H1N1 virus. This year, there has been at least one pediatric death from influenza, Dr. Schuchat said. Because of the potential for severe illness and death, it is that much more important to encourage people to get this year’s seasonal influenza vaccine, which contains strains of the 2009 H1N1 A virus, the H3N2 influenza A virus, and influenza B, officials said.

A CDC telephone survey indicated that some people – but not all – have heeded the agency’s message for everyone with the exception of children under 6 months old to get vaccinated. The agency surveyed approximately 38,000 adults and 9,100 children through the second week of November, and found that about 33% of respondents reported having gotten vaccinated. About two-thirds reported getting vaccinated at a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital, about 16% were vaccinated at a supermarket, retail, or pharmacy clinic, and about 18% were vaccinated at their workplace or school, Dr. Schuchat said.

As National Influenza Vaccination Week approaches from Dec. 5 through Dec. 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning Americans to get vaccinated against influenza before the season kicks into high gear.

"Don’t be fooled by the past few months. Flu is coming," Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, said at a Dec. 3 media briefing. "And in most years, flu is most active in the winter months." Last season was unusual, she said, because "by this time a year ago, we’d already seen a tremendous amount" of influenza due to the H1N1 virus. But in a typical season, influenza is most intense between January and March.

There are early signs that influenza spread is on the upswing, officials said. "Sharp increases" in influenza activity have been seen in the southeastern United States, Dr. Schuchat said, especially in Georgia and particularly among school-age children.

In the Southeast, where Georgia was the only one of the region’s eight districts to report data, 19.3% of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness yielded positive tests for flu virus. The good news, Dr. Schuchat said, is that the circulating strain appears to be a good match to the influenza B strain contained in this year’s seasonal flu vaccine. CDC regional surveillance data is current for the past 3 weeks.

More than 12,000 people died from the 2009 H1N1 virus. This year, there has been at least one pediatric death from influenza, Dr. Schuchat said. Because of the potential for severe illness and death, it is that much more important to encourage people to get this year’s seasonal influenza vaccine, which contains strains of the 2009 H1N1 A virus, the H3N2 influenza A virus, and influenza B, officials said.

A CDC telephone survey indicated that some people – but not all – have heeded the agency’s message for everyone with the exception of children under 6 months old to get vaccinated. The agency surveyed approximately 38,000 adults and 9,100 children through the second week of November, and found that about 33% of respondents reported having gotten vaccinated. About two-thirds reported getting vaccinated at a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital, about 16% were vaccinated at a supermarket, retail, or pharmacy clinic, and about 18% were vaccinated at their workplace or school, Dr. Schuchat said.

As National Influenza Vaccination Week approaches from Dec. 5 through Dec. 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning Americans to get vaccinated against influenza before the season kicks into high gear.

"Don’t be fooled by the past few months. Flu is coming," Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, said at a Dec. 3 media briefing. "And in most years, flu is most active in the winter months." Last season was unusual, she said, because "by this time a year ago, we’d already seen a tremendous amount" of influenza due to the H1N1 virus. But in a typical season, influenza is most intense between January and March.

There are early signs that influenza spread is on the upswing, officials said. "Sharp increases" in influenza activity have been seen in the southeastern United States, Dr. Schuchat said, especially in Georgia and particularly among school-age children.

In the Southeast, where Georgia was the only one of the region’s eight districts to report data, 19.3% of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness yielded positive tests for flu virus. The good news, Dr. Schuchat said, is that the circulating strain appears to be a good match to the influenza B strain contained in this year’s seasonal flu vaccine. CDC regional surveillance data is current for the past 3 weeks.

More than 12,000 people died from the 2009 H1N1 virus. This year, there has been at least one pediatric death from influenza, Dr. Schuchat said. Because of the potential for severe illness and death, it is that much more important to encourage people to get this year’s seasonal influenza vaccine, which contains strains of the 2009 H1N1 A virus, the H3N2 influenza A virus, and influenza B, officials said.

A CDC telephone survey indicated that some people – but not all – have heeded the agency’s message for everyone with the exception of children under 6 months old to get vaccinated. The agency surveyed approximately 38,000 adults and 9,100 children through the second week of November, and found that about 33% of respondents reported having gotten vaccinated. About two-thirds reported getting vaccinated at a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital, about 16% were vaccinated at a supermarket, retail, or pharmacy clinic, and about 18% were vaccinated at their workplace or school, Dr. Schuchat said.

As National Influenza Vaccination Week approaches from Dec. 5 through Dec. 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning Americans to get vaccinated against influenza before the season kicks into high gear.

"Don’t be fooled by the past few months. Flu is coming," Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, said at a Dec. 3 media briefing. "And in most years, flu is most active in the winter months." Last season was unusual, she said, because "by this time a year ago, we’d already seen a tremendous amount" of influenza due to the H1N1 virus. But in a typical season, influenza is most intense between January and March.

There are early signs that influenza spread is on the upswing, officials said. "Sharp increases" in influenza activity have been seen in the southeastern United States, Dr. Schuchat said, especially in Georgia and particularly among school-age children.

In the Southeast, where Georgia was the only one of the region’s eight districts to report data, 19.3% of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness yielded positive tests for flu virus. The good news, Dr. Schuchat said, is that the circulating strain appears to be a good match to the influenza B strain contained in this year’s seasonal flu vaccine. CDC regional surveillance data is current for the past 3 weeks.

More than 12,000 people died from the 2009 H1N1 virus. This year, there has been at least one pediatric death from influenza, Dr. Schuchat said. Because of the potential for severe illness and death, it is that much more important to encourage people to get this year’s seasonal influenza vaccine, which contains strains of the 2009 H1N1 A virus, the H3N2 influenza A virus, and influenza B, officials said.

A CDC telephone survey indicated that some people – but not all – have heeded the agency’s message for everyone with the exception of children under 6 months old to get vaccinated. The agency surveyed approximately 38,000 adults and 9,100 children through the second week of November, and found that about 33% of respondents reported having gotten vaccinated. About two-thirds reported getting vaccinated at a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital, about 16% were vaccinated at a supermarket, retail, or pharmacy clinic, and about 18% were vaccinated at their workplace or school, Dr. Schuchat said.

As National Influenza Vaccination Week approaches from Dec. 5 through Dec. 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning Americans to get vaccinated against influenza before the season kicks into high gear.

"Don’t be fooled by the past few months. Flu is coming," Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, said at a Dec. 3 media briefing. "And in most years, flu is most active in the winter months." Last season was unusual, she said, because "by this time a year ago, we’d already seen a tremendous amount" of influenza due to the H1N1 virus. But in a typical season, influenza is most intense between January and March.

There are early signs that influenza spread is on the upswing, officials said. "Sharp increases" in influenza activity have been seen in the southeastern United States, Dr. Schuchat said, especially in Georgia and particularly among school-age children.

In the Southeast, where Georgia was the only one of the region’s eight districts to report data, 19.3% of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness yielded positive tests for flu virus. The good news, Dr. Schuchat said, is that the circulating strain appears to be a good match to the influenza B strain contained in this year’s seasonal flu vaccine. CDC regional surveillance data is current for the past 3 weeks.

More than 12,000 people died from the 2009 H1N1 virus. This year, there has been at least one pediatric death from influenza, Dr. Schuchat said. Because of the potential for severe illness and death, it is that much more important to encourage people to get this year’s seasonal influenza vaccine, which contains strains of the 2009 H1N1 A virus, the H3N2 influenza A virus, and influenza B, officials said.

A CDC telephone survey indicated that some people – but not all – have heeded the agency’s message for everyone with the exception of children under 6 months old to get vaccinated. The agency surveyed approximately 38,000 adults and 9,100 children through the second week of November, and found that about 33% of respondents reported having gotten vaccinated. About two-thirds reported getting vaccinated at a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital, about 16% were vaccinated at a supermarket, retail, or pharmacy clinic, and about 18% were vaccinated at their workplace or school, Dr. Schuchat said.

As National Influenza Vaccination Week approaches from Dec. 5 through Dec. 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning Americans to get vaccinated against influenza before the season kicks into high gear.

"Don’t be fooled by the past few months. Flu is coming," Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, said at a Dec. 3 media briefing. "And in most years, flu is most active in the winter months." Last season was unusual, she said, because "by this time a year ago, we’d already seen a tremendous amount" of influenza due to the H1N1 virus. But in a typical season, influenza is most intense between January and March.

There are early signs that influenza spread is on the upswing, officials said. "Sharp increases" in influenza activity have been seen in the southeastern United States, Dr. Schuchat said, especially in Georgia and particularly among school-age children.

In the Southeast, where Georgia was the only one of the region’s eight districts to report data, 19.3% of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness yielded positive tests for flu virus. The good news, Dr. Schuchat said, is that the circulating strain appears to be a good match to the influenza B strain contained in this year’s seasonal flu vaccine. CDC regional surveillance data is current for the past 3 weeks.

More than 12,000 people died from the 2009 H1N1 virus. This year, there has been at least one pediatric death from influenza, Dr. Schuchat said. Because of the potential for severe illness and death, it is that much more important to encourage people to get this year’s seasonal influenza vaccine, which contains strains of the 2009 H1N1 A virus, the H3N2 influenza A virus, and influenza B, officials said.

A CDC telephone survey indicated that some people – but not all – have heeded the agency’s message for everyone with the exception of children under 6 months old to get vaccinated. The agency surveyed approximately 38,000 adults and 9,100 children through the second week of November, and found that about 33% of respondents reported having gotten vaccinated. About two-thirds reported getting vaccinated at a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital, about 16% were vaccinated at a supermarket, retail, or pharmacy clinic, and about 18% were vaccinated at their workplace or school, Dr. Schuchat said.

The Food and Drug Administration has declined to approve ezogabine, an investigational epilepsy medication intended as an adjunctive therapy for adults with partial-onset seizures.

The agency’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research issued a Complete Response Letter to GlaxoSmithKline and Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc., citing "nonclinical reasons" for the denial of approval, according to a statement released by GlaxoSmithKline. The two companies say they are evaluating the letter and plan to address the issues cited in the letter, aiming to respond to the FDA in 2011.

In August, an FDA advisory panel agreed that ezogabine had been shown to be effective but recommended that patients treated with the drug be closely monitored for the development of urinary retention. The agency’s Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee agreed by an 11 to 0 vote, with 2 abstentions, that the drug’s risk of urinary retention could be addressed by monitoring patients and educating clinicians about how to properly evaluate patients for changes in urinary symptoms.

None of the panel members thought that the urologic or other safety issues associated with ezogabine should keep the drug from being approved as an epilepsy medication. The panel was not asked to vote specifically on whether to recommend approval. If ezogabine is eventually approved, Valeant plans to market it as Potiga.

The Food and Drug Administration has declined to approve ezogabine, an investigational epilepsy medication intended as an adjunctive therapy for adults with partial-onset seizures.

The agency’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research issued a Complete Response Letter to GlaxoSmithKline and Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc., citing "nonclinical reasons" for the denial of approval, according to a statement released by GlaxoSmithKline. The two companies say they are evaluating the letter and plan to address the issues cited in the letter, aiming to respond to the FDA in 2011.

In August, an FDA advisory panel agreed that ezogabine had been shown to be effective but recommended that patients treated with the drug be closely monitored for the development of urinary retention. The agency’s Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee agreed by an 11 to 0 vote, with 2 abstentions, that the drug’s risk of urinary retention could be addressed by monitoring patients and educating clinicians about how to properly evaluate patients for changes in urinary symptoms.

None of the panel members thought that the urologic or other safety issues associated with ezogabine should keep the drug from being approved as an epilepsy medication. The panel was not asked to vote specifically on whether to recommend approval. If ezogabine is eventually approved, Valeant plans to market it as Potiga.

The Food and Drug Administration has declined to approve ezogabine, an investigational epilepsy medication intended as an adjunctive therapy for adults with partial-onset seizures.

The agency’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research issued a Complete Response Letter to GlaxoSmithKline and Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc., citing "nonclinical reasons" for the denial of approval, according to a statement released by GlaxoSmithKline. The two companies say they are evaluating the letter and plan to address the issues cited in the letter, aiming to respond to the FDA in 2011.

In August, an FDA advisory panel agreed that ezogabine had been shown to be effective but recommended that patients treated with the drug be closely monitored for the development of urinary retention. The agency’s Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee agreed by an 11 to 0 vote, with 2 abstentions, that the drug’s risk of urinary retention could be addressed by monitoring patients and educating clinicians about how to properly evaluate patients for changes in urinary symptoms.

None of the panel members thought that the urologic or other safety issues associated with ezogabine should keep the drug from being approved as an epilepsy medication. The panel was not asked to vote specifically on whether to recommend approval. If ezogabine is eventually approved, Valeant plans to market it as Potiga.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning Americans to get vaccinated against influenza before the season kicks into high gear.

“Don't be fooled by the past few months. Flu is coming,” Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, said at a Dec. 3 media briefing. “And in most years, flu is most active in the winter months.” Last season was unusual, she said, because “by this time a year ago, we'd already seen a tremendous amount” of influenza due to the H1N1 virus. But in a typical season, influenza is most intense between January and March.

“Sharp increases” in influenza activity have been seen in the southeastern United States, Dr. Schuchat said, especially in Georgia and particularly among school-age children.

In the Southeast, where Georgia was the only one of the region's eight districts to report data, 19.3% of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness yielded positive tests for flu virus. The good news, Dr. Schuchat said, is that the circulating strain appears to be a good match to 'the influenza B strain contained in this years seasonal flu vaccine. CDC regional surveillance data are current for the past 3 weeks.

More than 12,000 people died from the 2009 H1N1 virus. This year, there has been at least one pediatric death from influenza, she said. Because of the potential for severe illness and death, it is that much more important to encourage people to get this year's seasonal influenza vaccine, which contains strains of the 2009 H1N1 A virus, the H3N2 influenza A virus, and influenza B, officials said.

A CDC telephone survey indicated that some people – but not all – have heeded the agency's message for everyone with the exception of children under 6 months old to get vaccinated. The agency surveyed approximately 38,000 adults and 9,100 children through the second week of November, and found that about 33% of respondents reported having gotten vaccinated. About two-thirds reported getting vaccinated at a doctor's office, clinic, or hospital; about 16% were vaccinated at a supermarket, retail, or pharmacy clinic; and about 18% were vaccinated at their workplace or school, Dr. Schuchat said.

'Sharp increases' in influenza activity have been seen in the southeastern United States.

Source DR. SCHUCHAT

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning Americans to get vaccinated against influenza before the season kicks into high gear.

“Don't be fooled by the past few months. Flu is coming,” Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, said at a Dec. 3 media briefing. “And in most years, flu is most active in the winter months.” Last season was unusual, she said, because “by this time a year ago, we'd already seen a tremendous amount” of influenza due to the H1N1 virus. But in a typical season, influenza is most intense between January and March.

“Sharp increases” in influenza activity have been seen in the southeastern United States, Dr. Schuchat said, especially in Georgia and particularly among school-age children.

In the Southeast, where Georgia was the only one of the region's eight districts to report data, 19.3% of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness yielded positive tests for flu virus. The good news, Dr. Schuchat said, is that the circulating strain appears to be a good match to 'the influenza B strain contained in this years seasonal flu vaccine. CDC regional surveillance data are current for the past 3 weeks.

More than 12,000 people died from the 2009 H1N1 virus. This year, there has been at least one pediatric death from influenza, she said. Because of the potential for severe illness and death, it is that much more important to encourage people to get this year's seasonal influenza vaccine, which contains strains of the 2009 H1N1 A virus, the H3N2 influenza A virus, and influenza B, officials said.

A CDC telephone survey indicated that some people – but not all – have heeded the agency's message for everyone with the exception of children under 6 months old to get vaccinated. The agency surveyed approximately 38,000 adults and 9,100 children through the second week of November, and found that about 33% of respondents reported having gotten vaccinated. About two-thirds reported getting vaccinated at a doctor's office, clinic, or hospital; about 16% were vaccinated at a supermarket, retail, or pharmacy clinic; and about 18% were vaccinated at their workplace or school, Dr. Schuchat said.

'Sharp increases' in influenza activity have been seen in the southeastern United States.

Source DR. SCHUCHAT

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning Americans to get vaccinated against influenza before the season kicks into high gear.

“Don't be fooled by the past few months. Flu is coming,” Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, said at a Dec. 3 media briefing. “And in most years, flu is most active in the winter months.” Last season was unusual, she said, because “by this time a year ago, we'd already seen a tremendous amount” of influenza due to the H1N1 virus. But in a typical season, influenza is most intense between January and March.

“Sharp increases” in influenza activity have been seen in the southeastern United States, Dr. Schuchat said, especially in Georgia and particularly among school-age children.

In the Southeast, where Georgia was the only one of the region's eight districts to report data, 19.3% of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness yielded positive tests for flu virus. The good news, Dr. Schuchat said, is that the circulating strain appears to be a good match to 'the influenza B strain contained in this years seasonal flu vaccine. CDC regional surveillance data are current for the past 3 weeks.

More than 12,000 people died from the 2009 H1N1 virus. This year, there has been at least one pediatric death from influenza, she said. Because of the potential for severe illness and death, it is that much more important to encourage people to get this year's seasonal influenza vaccine, which contains strains of the 2009 H1N1 A virus, the H3N2 influenza A virus, and influenza B, officials said.

A CDC telephone survey indicated that some people – but not all – have heeded the agency's message for everyone with the exception of children under 6 months old to get vaccinated. The agency surveyed approximately 38,000 adults and 9,100 children through the second week of November, and found that about 33% of respondents reported having gotten vaccinated. About two-thirds reported getting vaccinated at a doctor's office, clinic, or hospital; about 16% were vaccinated at a supermarket, retail, or pharmacy clinic; and about 18% were vaccinated at their workplace or school, Dr. Schuchat said.

'Sharp increases' in influenza activity have been seen in the southeastern United States.

Source DR. SCHUCHAT

There has been “reasonable progress” in the United States toward testing the majority of adults and adolescents for HIV, a goal set in 2006, said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The information released today is good news. It shows that progress is possible and is being made … but it also shows how much more progress is needed, particularly in the health care setting,” Dr. Frieden said. The number of adults who reported having been tested for HIV reached a record high in 2009, he said.

About 1.1 million Americans have HIV; however, for every five Americans, one does not know he or she is infected. In 2009, 82.9 million Americans aged 18-64 years reported being tested for HIV – 11.4 million more than reported in 2006, according to the just-released CDC Vital Signs report. About 45% of adults reported having been tested for HIV at least once in their lives in 2009; that number had held steady at about 40% from 2001 to 2006, according to the CDC. Women were more likely than were men to have been tested (MMWR 2010 Nov. 30;59(Early Release):1-6).

The CDC recommended in 2006 that health care providers offer HIV testing as a routine part of medical care for adult and adolescent patients, and suggested that those at high risk of HIV be tested at least annually.

Although the new data show that some progress has been made, the fact that 55% of adults – including 28% of adults who are at high risk for HIV – have not been tested means that health care providers need to continue ramping up efforts to encourage patients to get tested.

“Because more people were tested, fewer people were diagnosed late with HIV,” Dr. Frieden said. “People who know they're [HIV] positive can get treatment … and also can prevent the development of AIDS.” Furthermore, “virtually all AIDS cases are preventable either by preventing HIV infection or by preventing progression of HIV to AIDS,” he said.

The CDC encourages HIV testing both inside and outside the health care system, and works with health departments and community organizations to offer testing. Widespread HIV testing is a worthwhile effort because for each infection that is prevented, more than $300,000 in lifetime medical costs is thwarted, Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the CDC's HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, said during the teleconference.

The ultimate goal is to see HIV testing become routine. “We would like to see HIV testing as commonplace as cholesterol testing,” Dr. Mermin said.

About 45% of adults reported having been tested for HIV at least once in their lives in 2009.

Source DR. FRIEDEN

There has been “reasonable progress” in the United States toward testing the majority of adults and adolescents for HIV, a goal set in 2006, said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The information released today is good news. It shows that progress is possible and is being made … but it also shows how much more progress is needed, particularly in the health care setting,” Dr. Frieden said. The number of adults who reported having been tested for HIV reached a record high in 2009, he said.

About 1.1 million Americans have HIV; however, for every five Americans, one does not know he or she is infected. In 2009, 82.9 million Americans aged 18-64 years reported being tested for HIV – 11.4 million more than reported in 2006, according to the just-released CDC Vital Signs report. About 45% of adults reported having been tested for HIV at least once in their lives in 2009; that number had held steady at about 40% from 2001 to 2006, according to the CDC. Women were more likely than were men to have been tested (MMWR 2010 Nov. 30;59(Early Release):1-6).

The CDC recommended in 2006 that health care providers offer HIV testing as a routine part of medical care for adult and adolescent patients, and suggested that those at high risk of HIV be tested at least annually.

Although the new data show that some progress has been made, the fact that 55% of adults – including 28% of adults who are at high risk for HIV – have not been tested means that health care providers need to continue ramping up efforts to encourage patients to get tested.

“Because more people were tested, fewer people were diagnosed late with HIV,” Dr. Frieden said. “People who know they're [HIV] positive can get treatment … and also can prevent the development of AIDS.” Furthermore, “virtually all AIDS cases are preventable either by preventing HIV infection or by preventing progression of HIV to AIDS,” he said.

The CDC encourages HIV testing both inside and outside the health care system, and works with health departments and community organizations to offer testing. Widespread HIV testing is a worthwhile effort because for each infection that is prevented, more than $300,000 in lifetime medical costs is thwarted, Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the CDC's HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, said during the teleconference.

The ultimate goal is to see HIV testing become routine. “We would like to see HIV testing as commonplace as cholesterol testing,” Dr. Mermin said.

About 45% of adults reported having been tested for HIV at least once in their lives in 2009.

Source DR. FRIEDEN

There has been “reasonable progress” in the United States toward testing the majority of adults and adolescents for HIV, a goal set in 2006, said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The information released today is good news. It shows that progress is possible and is being made … but it also shows how much more progress is needed, particularly in the health care setting,” Dr. Frieden said. The number of adults who reported having been tested for HIV reached a record high in 2009, he said.

About 1.1 million Americans have HIV; however, for every five Americans, one does not know he or she is infected. In 2009, 82.9 million Americans aged 18-64 years reported being tested for HIV – 11.4 million more than reported in 2006, according to the just-released CDC Vital Signs report. About 45% of adults reported having been tested for HIV at least once in their lives in 2009; that number had held steady at about 40% from 2001 to 2006, according to the CDC. Women were more likely than were men to have been tested (MMWR 2010 Nov. 30;59(Early Release):1-6).

The CDC recommended in 2006 that health care providers offer HIV testing as a routine part of medical care for adult and adolescent patients, and suggested that those at high risk of HIV be tested at least annually.

Although the new data show that some progress has been made, the fact that 55% of adults – including 28% of adults who are at high risk for HIV – have not been tested means that health care providers need to continue ramping up efforts to encourage patients to get tested.

“Because more people were tested, fewer people were diagnosed late with HIV,” Dr. Frieden said. “People who know they're [HIV] positive can get treatment … and also can prevent the development of AIDS.” Furthermore, “virtually all AIDS cases are preventable either by preventing HIV infection or by preventing progression of HIV to AIDS,” he said.

The CDC encourages HIV testing both inside and outside the health care system, and works with health departments and community organizations to offer testing. Widespread HIV testing is a worthwhile effort because for each infection that is prevented, more than $300,000 in lifetime medical costs is thwarted, Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the CDC's HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, said during the teleconference.

The ultimate goal is to see HIV testing become routine. “We would like to see HIV testing as commonplace as cholesterol testing,” Dr. Mermin said.

About 45% of adults reported having been tested for HIV at least once in their lives in 2009.

Source DR. FRIEDEN

There has been "reasonable progress" in the United States toward testing the majority of adults and adolescents for HIV, a goal set in 2006, said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The information released today [Nov.30] is good news. It shows that progress is possible and is being made ... but it also shows how much more progress is needed, particularly in the health care setting," Dr. Frieden said during a teleconference. The number of adults who reported having been tested for HIV reached a record high in 2009, he said.

About 1.1 million Americans have HIV; however, for every 5 Americans, 1 does not know he or she is infected. In 2009, 82.9 million Americans aged 18-64 reported being tested for HIV – 11.4 million more than reported in 2006, according to the just-released CDC Vital Signs report. About 45% of adults reported having been tested for HIV at least once in their lives in 2009; that number had held steady at about 40% from 2001 to 2006, according to the CDC. Women were more likely than were men to have been tested (MMWR 2010;59:1-6).

The CDC recommended in 2006 that health care providers offer HIV testing as a routine part of medical care for adult and adolescent patients and suggested that those at high risk of HIV be tested at least annually.

While the new data show that some progress has been made, the fact that 55% of adults – including 28% of adults who are at high risk for HIV – have not been tested means that health care providers need to continue ramping up efforts to encourage patients to get tested.

"Because more people were tested, fewer people were diagnosed late with HIV," Dr. Frieden said. "People who know they're [HIV] positive can get treatment ... and also can prevent the development of AIDS." Furthermore, "virtually all AIDS cases are preventable either by preventing HIV infection or by preventing progression of HIV to AIDS," he said.

The CDC encourages HIV testing both inside and outside of the health care system and works with health departments and community organizations to offer testing.

Widespread HIV testing is a worthwhile effort because for each infection that is prevented, more than $300,000 in lifetime medical costs is thwarted, Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the CDC's HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, said during the teleconference.

The ultimate goal is to see HIV testing become routine. "We would like to see HIV testing as commonplace as cholesterol testing," Dr. Mermin said.

There has been "reasonable progress" in the United States toward testing the majority of adults and adolescents for HIV, a goal set in 2006, said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The information released today [Nov.30] is good news. It shows that progress is possible and is being made ... but it also shows how much more progress is needed, particularly in the health care setting," Dr. Frieden said during a teleconference. The number of adults who reported having been tested for HIV reached a record high in 2009, he said.

About 1.1 million Americans have HIV; however, for every 5 Americans, 1 does not know he or she is infected. In 2009, 82.9 million Americans aged 18-64 reported being tested for HIV – 11.4 million more than reported in 2006, according to the just-released CDC Vital Signs report. About 45% of adults reported having been tested for HIV at least once in their lives in 2009; that number had held steady at about 40% from 2001 to 2006, according to the CDC. Women were more likely than were men to have been tested (MMWR 2010;59:1-6).

The CDC recommended in 2006 that health care providers offer HIV testing as a routine part of medical care for adult and adolescent patients and suggested that those at high risk of HIV be tested at least annually.

While the new data show that some progress has been made, the fact that 55% of adults – including 28% of adults who are at high risk for HIV – have not been tested means that health care providers need to continue ramping up efforts to encourage patients to get tested.

"Because more people were tested, fewer people were diagnosed late with HIV," Dr. Frieden said. "People who know they're [HIV] positive can get treatment ... and also can prevent the development of AIDS." Furthermore, "virtually all AIDS cases are preventable either by preventing HIV infection or by preventing progression of HIV to AIDS," he said.

The CDC encourages HIV testing both inside and outside of the health care system and works with health departments and community organizations to offer testing.

Widespread HIV testing is a worthwhile effort because for each infection that is prevented, more than $300,000 in lifetime medical costs is thwarted, Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the CDC's HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, said during the teleconference.

The ultimate goal is to see HIV testing become routine. "We would like to see HIV testing as commonplace as cholesterol testing," Dr. Mermin said.

There has been "reasonable progress" in the United States toward testing the majority of adults and adolescents for HIV, a goal set in 2006, said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The information released today [Nov.30] is good news. It shows that progress is possible and is being made ... but it also shows how much more progress is needed, particularly in the health care setting," Dr. Frieden said during a teleconference. The number of adults who reported having been tested for HIV reached a record high in 2009, he said.

About 1.1 million Americans have HIV; however, for every 5 Americans, 1 does not know he or she is infected. In 2009, 82.9 million Americans aged 18-64 reported being tested for HIV – 11.4 million more than reported in 2006, according to the just-released CDC Vital Signs report. About 45% of adults reported having been tested for HIV at least once in their lives in 2009; that number had held steady at about 40% from 2001 to 2006, according to the CDC. Women were more likely than were men to have been tested (MMWR 2010;59:1-6).

The CDC recommended in 2006 that health care providers offer HIV testing as a routine part of medical care for adult and adolescent patients and suggested that those at high risk of HIV be tested at least annually.

While the new data show that some progress has been made, the fact that 55% of adults – including 28% of adults who are at high risk for HIV – have not been tested means that health care providers need to continue ramping up efforts to encourage patients to get tested.

"Because more people were tested, fewer people were diagnosed late with HIV," Dr. Frieden said. "People who know they're [HIV] positive can get treatment ... and also can prevent the development of AIDS." Furthermore, "virtually all AIDS cases are preventable either by preventing HIV infection or by preventing progression of HIV to AIDS," he said.

The CDC encourages HIV testing both inside and outside of the health care system and works with health departments and community organizations to offer testing.

Widespread HIV testing is a worthwhile effort because for each infection that is prevented, more than $300,000 in lifetime medical costs is thwarted, Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the CDC's HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, said during the teleconference.

The ultimate goal is to see HIV testing become routine. "We would like to see HIV testing as commonplace as cholesterol testing," Dr. Mermin said.

There has been "reasonable progress" in the United States toward testing the majority of adults and adolescents for HIV, a goal set in 2006, said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The information released today [Nov.30] is good news. It shows that progress is possible and is being made ... but it also shows how much more progress is needed, particularly in the health care setting," Dr. Frieden said during a teleconference. The number of adults who reported having been tested for HIV reached a record high in 2009, he said.

About 1.1 million Americans have HIV; however, for every 5 Americans, 1 does not know he or she is infected. In 2009, 82.9 million Americans aged 18-64 reported being tested for HIV – 11.4 million more than reported in 2006, according to the just-released CDC Vital Signs report. About 45% of adults reported having been tested for HIV at least once in their lives in 2009; that number had held steady at about 40% from 2001 to 2006, according to the CDC. Women were more likely than were men to have been tested (MMWR 2010;59:1-6).

The CDC recommended in 2006 that health care providers offer HIV testing as a routine part of medical care for adult and adolescent patients and suggested that those at high risk of HIV be tested at least annually.

While the new data show that some progress has been made, the fact that 55% of adults – including 28% of adults who are at high risk for HIV – have not been tested means that health care providers need to continue ramping up efforts to encourage patients to get tested.

"Because more people were tested, fewer people were diagnosed late with HIV," Dr. Frieden said. "People who know they’re [HIV] positive can get treatment ... and also can prevent the development of AIDS." Furthermore, "virtually all AIDS cases are preventable either by preventing HIV infection or by preventing progression of HIV to AIDS," he said.

The CDC encourages HIV testing both inside and outside of the health care system and works with health departments and community organizations to offer testing. Widespread HIV testing is a worthwhile effort because for each infection that is prevented, more than $300,000 in lifetime medical costs is thwarted, Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the CDC’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, said during the teleconference.

The ultimate goal is to see HIV testing become routine. "We would like to see HIV testing as commonplace as cholesterol testing," Dr. Mermin said.

There has been "reasonable progress" in the United States toward testing the majority of adults and adolescents for HIV, a goal set in 2006, said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The information released today [Nov.30] is good news. It shows that progress is possible and is being made ... but it also shows how much more progress is needed, particularly in the health care setting," Dr. Frieden said during a teleconference. The number of adults who reported having been tested for HIV reached a record high in 2009, he said.

About 1.1 million Americans have HIV; however, for every 5 Americans, 1 does not know he or she is infected. In 2009, 82.9 million Americans aged 18-64 reported being tested for HIV – 11.4 million more than reported in 2006, according to the just-released CDC Vital Signs report. About 45% of adults reported having been tested for HIV at least once in their lives in 2009; that number had held steady at about 40% from 2001 to 2006, according to the CDC. Women were more likely than were men to have been tested (MMWR 2010;59:1-6).

The CDC recommended in 2006 that health care providers offer HIV testing as a routine part of medical care for adult and adolescent patients and suggested that those at high risk of HIV be tested at least annually.

While the new data show that some progress has been made, the fact that 55% of adults – including 28% of adults who are at high risk for HIV – have not been tested means that health care providers need to continue ramping up efforts to encourage patients to get tested.

"Because more people were tested, fewer people were diagnosed late with HIV," Dr. Frieden said. "People who know they’re [HIV] positive can get treatment ... and also can prevent the development of AIDS." Furthermore, "virtually all AIDS cases are preventable either by preventing HIV infection or by preventing progression of HIV to AIDS," he said.

The CDC encourages HIV testing both inside and outside of the health care system and works with health departments and community organizations to offer testing. Widespread HIV testing is a worthwhile effort because for each infection that is prevented, more than $300,000 in lifetime medical costs is thwarted, Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the CDC’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, said during the teleconference.

The ultimate goal is to see HIV testing become routine. "We would like to see HIV testing as commonplace as cholesterol testing," Dr. Mermin said.

There has been "reasonable progress" in the United States toward testing the majority of adults and adolescents for HIV, a goal set in 2006, said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The information released today [Nov.30] is good news. It shows that progress is possible and is being made ... but it also shows how much more progress is needed, particularly in the health care setting," Dr. Frieden said during a teleconference. The number of adults who reported having been tested for HIV reached a record high in 2009, he said.

About 1.1 million Americans have HIV; however, for every 5 Americans, 1 does not know he or she is infected. In 2009, 82.9 million Americans aged 18-64 reported being tested for HIV – 11.4 million more than reported in 2006, according to the just-released CDC Vital Signs report. About 45% of adults reported having been tested for HIV at least once in their lives in 2009; that number had held steady at about 40% from 2001 to 2006, according to the CDC. Women were more likely than were men to have been tested (MMWR 2010;59:1-6).

The CDC recommended in 2006 that health care providers offer HIV testing as a routine part of medical care for adult and adolescent patients and suggested that those at high risk of HIV be tested at least annually.

While the new data show that some progress has been made, the fact that 55% of adults – including 28% of adults who are at high risk for HIV – have not been tested means that health care providers need to continue ramping up efforts to encourage patients to get tested.

"Because more people were tested, fewer people were diagnosed late with HIV," Dr. Frieden said. "People who know they’re [HIV] positive can get treatment ... and also can prevent the development of AIDS." Furthermore, "virtually all AIDS cases are preventable either by preventing HIV infection or by preventing progression of HIV to AIDS," he said.

The CDC encourages HIV testing both inside and outside of the health care system and works with health departments and community organizations to offer testing. Widespread HIV testing is a worthwhile effort because for each infection that is prevented, more than $300,000 in lifetime medical costs is thwarted, Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the CDC’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, said during the teleconference.

The ultimate goal is to see HIV testing become routine. "We would like to see HIV testing as commonplace as cholesterol testing," Dr. Mermin said.

There has been "reasonable progress" in the United States toward testing the majority of adults and adolescents for HIV, a goal set in 2006, said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The information released today [Nov.30] is good news. It shows that progress is possible and is being made ... but it also shows how much more progress is needed, particularly in the health care setting," Dr. Frieden said during a teleconference. The number of adults who reported having been tested for HIV reached a record high in 2009, he said.

About 1.1 million Americans have HIV; however, for every 5 Americans, 1 does not know he or she is infected. In 2009, 82.9 million Americans aged 18-64 reported being tested for HIV – 11.4 million more than reported in 2006, according to the just-released CDC Vital Signs report. About 45% of adults reported having been tested for HIV at least once in their lives in 2009; that number had held steady at about 40% from 2001 to 2006, according to the CDC. Women were more likely than were men to have been tested (MMWR 2010;59:1-6).

The CDC recommended in 2006 that health care providers offer HIV testing as a routine part of medical care for adult and adolescent patients and suggested that those at high risk of HIV be tested at least annually.

While the new data show that some progress has been made, the fact that 55% of adults – including 28% of adults who are at high risk for HIV – have not been tested means that health care providers need to continue ramping up efforts to encourage patients to get tested.

"Because more people were tested, fewer people were diagnosed late with HIV," Dr. Frieden said. "People who know they’re [HIV] positive can get treatment ... and also can prevent the development of AIDS." Furthermore, "virtually all AIDS cases are preventable either by preventing HIV infection or by preventing progression of HIV to AIDS," he said.

The CDC encourages HIV testing both inside and outside of the health care system and works with health departments and community organizations to offer testing. Widespread HIV testing is a worthwhile effort because for each infection that is prevented, more than $300,000 in lifetime medical costs is thwarted, Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the CDC’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, said during the teleconference.

The ultimate goal is to see HIV testing become routine. "We would like to see HIV testing as commonplace as cholesterol testing," Dr. Mermin said.

There has been "reasonable progress" in the United States toward testing the majority of adults and adolescents for HIV, a goal set in 2006, said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The information released today [Nov.30] is good news. It shows that progress is possible and is being made ... but it also shows how much more progress is needed, particularly in the health care setting," Dr. Frieden said during a teleconference. The number of adults who reported having been tested for HIV reached a record high in 2009, he said.

About 1.1 million Americans have HIV; however, for every 5 Americans, 1 does not know he or she is infected. In 2009, 82.9 million Americans aged 18-64 reported being tested for HIV – 11.4 million more than reported in 2006, according to the just-released CDC Vital Signs report. About 45% of adults reported having been tested for HIV at least once in their lives in 2009; that number had held steady at about 40% from 2001 to 2006, according to the CDC. Women were more likely than were men to have been tested (MMWR 2010;59:1-6).

The CDC recommended in 2006 that health care providers offer HIV testing as a routine part of medical care for adult and adolescent patients and suggested that those at high risk of HIV be tested at least annually.

While the new data show that some progress has been made, the fact that 55% of adults – including 28% of adults who are at high risk for HIV – have not been tested means that health care providers need to continue ramping up efforts to encourage patients to get tested.

"Because more people were tested, fewer people were diagnosed late with HIV," Dr. Frieden said. "People who know they’re [HIV] positive can get treatment ... and also can prevent the development of AIDS." Furthermore, "virtually all AIDS cases are preventable either by preventing HIV infection or by preventing progression of HIV to AIDS," he said.

The CDC encourages HIV testing both inside and outside of the health care system and works with health departments and community organizations to offer testing. Widespread HIV testing is a worthwhile effort because for each infection that is prevented, more than $300,000 in lifetime medical costs is thwarted, Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the CDC’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, said during the teleconference.

The ultimate goal is to see HIV testing become routine. "We would like to see HIV testing as commonplace as cholesterol testing," Dr. Mermin said.

There has been "reasonable progress" in the United States toward testing the majority of adults and adolescents for HIV, a goal set in 2006, said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The information released today [Nov.30] is good news. It shows that progress is possible and is being made ... but it also shows how much more progress is needed, particularly in the health care setting," Dr. Frieden said during a teleconference. The number of adults who reported having been tested for HIV reached a record high in 2009, he said.

About 1.1 million Americans have HIV; however, for every 5 Americans, 1 does not know he or she is infected. In 2009, 82.9 million Americans aged 18-64 reported being tested for HIV – 11.4 million more than reported in 2006, according to the just-released CDC Vital Signs report. About 45% of adults reported having been tested for HIV at least once in their lives in 2009; that number had held steady at about 40% from 2001 to 2006, according to the CDC. Women were more likely than were men to have been tested (MMWR 2010;59:1-6).

The CDC recommended in 2006 that health care providers offer HIV testing as a routine part of medical care for adult and adolescent patients and suggested that those at high risk of HIV be tested at least annually.

While the new data show that some progress has been made, the fact that 55% of adults – including 28% of adults who are at high risk for HIV – have not been tested means that health care providers need to continue ramping up efforts to encourage patients to get tested.

"Because more people were tested, fewer people were diagnosed late with HIV," Dr. Frieden said. "People who know they’re [HIV] positive can get treatment ... and also can prevent the development of AIDS." Furthermore, "virtually all AIDS cases are preventable either by preventing HIV infection or by preventing progression of HIV to AIDS," he said.

The CDC encourages HIV testing both inside and outside of the health care system and works with health departments and community organizations to offer testing. Widespread HIV testing is a worthwhile effort because for each infection that is prevented, more than $300,000 in lifetime medical costs is thwarted, Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of the CDC’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, said during the teleconference.

The ultimate goal is to see HIV testing become routine. "We would like to see HIV testing as commonplace as cholesterol testing," Dr. Mermin said.

The Food and Drug Administration has announced recalls of three types of over-the-counter medications by McNeil Consumer Healthcare.

Consumers may continue to take previously purchased products, and no action is required by health care providers.

Three Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom liquid products sold in the United States (Daytime 8-ounce Citrus Burst liquid, Severe 8-ounce Cool Burst Liquid, and Nighttime 8-ounce Cool Burst Liquid) were recalled Nov. 24. No adverse events were reported, but the product labeling needs to be updated to more prominently note the small (less than 1%) presence of alcohol from flavoring agents as an inactive ingredient. This ingredient had been listed on the package but not on the front of the medicine bottle. Tylenol’s maker, McNeil Consumer Healthcare, began the recall after an internal company review identified this issue. The FDA says that health care providers do not need to take any action as a result of the recall, and consumers may continue to use the medicine.

McNeil also issued a voluntary recall of all product lots of Children’s Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Tablet in cherry and grape flavors that were sold in the United States, Belize, Barbados, Canada, Puerto Rico, St. Martin and St. Thomas, as well as all Junior Strength Motrin Caplets 24 count that were sold in the United States. These recalls, issued Nov. 15, are the result of a review that found insufficiencies in the development of the manufacturing process. Consumers may continue to use these products, and no action is required for health care providers, according to the FDA. There is no reason to believe that the products are unsafe, and no adverse events have been reported.

Questions about the recalls should be directed to the company’s Consumer Care Center at 1-888-222-6036.

The Food and Drug Administration has announced recalls of three types of over-the-counter medications by McNeil Consumer Healthcare.

Consumers may continue to take previously purchased products, and no action is required by health care providers.

Three Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom liquid products sold in the United States (Daytime 8-ounce Citrus Burst liquid, Severe 8-ounce Cool Burst Liquid, and Nighttime 8-ounce Cool Burst Liquid) were recalled Nov. 24. No adverse events were reported, but the product labeling needs to be updated to more prominently note the small (less than 1%) presence of alcohol from flavoring agents as an inactive ingredient. This ingredient had been listed on the package but not on the front of the medicine bottle. Tylenol’s maker, McNeil Consumer Healthcare, began the recall after an internal company review identified this issue. The FDA says that health care providers do not need to take any action as a result of the recall, and consumers may continue to use the medicine.

McNeil also issued a voluntary recall of all product lots of Children’s Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Tablet in cherry and grape flavors that were sold in the United States, Belize, Barbados, Canada, Puerto Rico, St. Martin and St. Thomas, as well as all Junior Strength Motrin Caplets 24 count that were sold in the United States. These recalls, issued Nov. 15, are the result of a review that found insufficiencies in the development of the manufacturing process. Consumers may continue to use these products, and no action is required for health care providers, according to the FDA. There is no reason to believe that the products are unsafe, and no adverse events have been reported.

Questions about the recalls should be directed to the company’s Consumer Care Center at 1-888-222-6036.

The Food and Drug Administration has announced recalls of three types of over-the-counter medications by McNeil Consumer Healthcare.

Consumers may continue to take previously purchased products, and no action is required by health care providers.

Three Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom liquid products sold in the United States (Daytime 8-ounce Citrus Burst liquid, Severe 8-ounce Cool Burst Liquid, and Nighttime 8-ounce Cool Burst Liquid) were recalled Nov. 24. No adverse events were reported, but the product labeling needs to be updated to more prominently note the small (less than 1%) presence of alcohol from flavoring agents as an inactive ingredient. This ingredient had been listed on the package but not on the front of the medicine bottle. Tylenol’s maker, McNeil Consumer Healthcare, began the recall after an internal company review identified this issue. The FDA says that health care providers do not need to take any action as a result of the recall, and consumers may continue to use the medicine.

McNeil also issued a voluntary recall of all product lots of Children’s Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Tablet in cherry and grape flavors that were sold in the United States, Belize, Barbados, Canada, Puerto Rico, St. Martin and St. Thomas, as well as all Junior Strength Motrin Caplets 24 count that were sold in the United States. These recalls, issued Nov. 15, are the result of a review that found insufficiencies in the development of the manufacturing process. Consumers may continue to use these products, and no action is required for health care providers, according to the FDA. There is no reason to believe that the products are unsafe, and no adverse events have been reported.

Questions about the recalls should be directed to the company’s Consumer Care Center at 1-888-222-6036.