Some doctors are more skeptical about the...

The most serious consequences associated with the virus are the result of pneumonia, and underused vaccines called Pneumovax can prevent or at least limit such complications in many patients. Vaccines made by Merck & Co, stimulates the body's ability to neutralize the bacteria responsible for many cases of pneumonia, and it has the potential to prevent about one third of pneumonia deaths related to swine flu. "We would certainly like to see the vaccine used more widely," said Dr. William Schaffner, chairman of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and president-elect of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. Schaffner was a member of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee of vaccines in early June, firmly established the current recommendations for those who get the vaccine. Normal target group for the pneumonia vaccine is a microcosm of these groups often die or suffer serious complications from flu, so most experts believe that the rights of people should receive Pneumovax depends on its ability to influence the current pandemic. But these recommendations probably flew largely unnoticed, said Schaffner. U.S. sales of Pneumovax not increased since June, according to John D. Grabenstein, senior strattera dosage director of adult vaccines for medical Merck vaccines and infectious diseases. Sales in Europe grew, however, in response to a similar recommendation by health authorities there. "Unfortunately, I think that too much emphasis was placed on inappropriate administration of [antiviral drug] Tamiflu, which has its side effects and, moreover, can cause resistance," said Dr. Len Horowitz, a specialist with Lenox Hill Hospital pulmonary in New York. "Most of my patients have pulmonary benefits [Pneumovax], but I am expanding my recommendations for other patients as well as a relatively harmless thing to do."

In addition, the vaccine provides protection against pneumonia to 10 years, there is a vaccine provides at least some protection not only this year but for the coming influenza season as well. Some doctors are more skeptical about the pneumococcal vaccine can limit flu death. "I think Pneumococcal vaccine is very important vaccine to be accepted by all who need it," said Dr. Aaron Glatt, president and CEO of New Island Hospital in Bethpage, New York, and press Secretary of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. "Perhaps he could play role in preventing complications of swine flu ... I do not think we know. "

The problem is that there are many causes of pneumonia, inflammation of the lungs that interferes with breathing and can be fatal. The influenza virus itself can lead to pneumonia, and many others. Or lung may be invaded by bacteria such as pneumococcus and Staphylococcus aureus when the patient is weakened virus infection. Pneumovax protects against 23 strains of S. pneumonia. .