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Every year in the United States, an average of 5 percent to 20 percent of the population comes down with seasonal influenza, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of that number, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from influenza-related complications, and about 36,000 people die from it.
Each year, the Food and Drug Administration clears a seasonal influenza vaccine formulation that protects people against the strains of influenza considered most likely to strike the Northern Hemisphere. Distribution of influenza vaccine begins in the fall. About 100 million doses of influenza vaccine are expected to be available for the 2006-2007 season--a record number.
The vaccine does not protect people against bird (avian) flu, which is caused by different strains of the virus. Scientists worldwide are working to develop vaccines that could be effective against avian influenza.
Public health officials urge those eligible for vaccination against seasonal influenza to receive it and remind people that although influenza vaccination begins in September or October each year, vaccine continues to be available in November, December, and later, and that immunization during those months is beneficial. For an in-depth look at the 2006-2007 seasonal influenza season, see our cover story titled "Influenza: Vaccination Still the Best Protection."
The FDA regulates products that represent almost 25 percent of all consumer spending. The total includes 80 percent of the nation's food supply and all human drugs, vaccines, medical devices, cosmetics, tissues for transplantation, radiation-emitting equipment, and animal drugs.
In order to accomplish this challenging task, other government agencies, health care providers, regulated industry, experts at colleges and universities, and consumers contribute their expertise and experiences to help the FDA tackle complex scientific issues.
"Our collaborations are an essential part of the FDA's long-term strategy to promote and protect the public health," says Acting FDA Commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D. We take a look at how the FDA collaborates with other organizations and individuals in our feature story titled "Advancing Public Health Through Partnerships."
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) developed in recent years are increasingly being used to safely and effectively control symptoms of arthritis, including inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain in dogs. The FDA considers approved NSAIDs to be safe and effective when used according to the label and when dog owners are informed about common NSAID adverse reactions. For more on the use of NSAIDs in dogs, see our feature titled "Pain Drugs for Dogs: Be an Informed Pet Owner."
We also take a look at a recent FDA survey that indicates benzene levels are not a safety concern for consumers, new measures taken by the FDA to protect people against counterfeit drugs, and a new vaccine that helps protect women against cervical cancer.
Raymond Formanek Jr.
Editor