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• New flu bug found in pigs Play Video

  August 13, 2012 10:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Flu season is almost here and there's a new concern: a strain of flu found in pigs. Doctors call it H3N2v flu. Health leaders in Louisiana are especially worried about this virus because the livestock showing season is about to start, the primary place this strain has... more »

• CDC: 158 cases of new swine flu strain from pigs

  August 9, 2012 12:48 PM

  ATLANTA - Officials say there's been a five-fold increase of cases of a new strain of swine flu that spreads from pigs to people. The case count jumped from 29 a week ago to 158 this week, thanks to a wave of new cases confirmed in Indiana and Ohio. The... more »

• WHO says swine flu pandemic is over

  August 10, 2010 9:08 AM

  The World Health Organization said the swine flu pandemic is over. WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said the world is now moving into the "post pandemic" phase. She told reporters on Tuesday that the pandemic has largely run its course." Last week, WHO said at least 18,449 people... more »

• FDA approves swine flu test for permanent use

  May 24, 2010 10:50 AM

  The Food and Drug Administration says it has approved the first diagnostic test for 2009 swine flu under its traditional approval system. The FDA previously cleared several tests on a limited basis for use during the declared public health emergency related to swine flu. The new Simplexa Influenza... more »

• H1N1 vaccinations available

  March 23, 2010 8:41 AM

  The Department of Health and Hospitals is making one last push to get people vaccinated for H1N1. Dr. Marilyn Reynaud with DHH sat down with John Pastorek to explain where you can get vaccinated this week. more »

• Swine flu losing ground

  February 5, 2010 9:12 PM

  Good news about the swine flu. Federal health officials say that for the fourth week in a row, no state had widespread flu activity. U.S. cases have been losing ground since late October. Officials say the virus has shown no signs of mutating and the vaccine against it is effective. more »

• Swine Flu Vaccine Locations

  January 7, 2010 4:35 AM

  East Baton Rouge, Ascension, and Iberville parishes Saturday, January 9 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. FREE Ascension Parish Health Unit 901 Catalpa Street Donaldsonville, LA 70346 (225) 474-2004 Ascension Parish Health Unit 1024 S. E. Ascension Complex Boulevard Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 644-4582 East Baton Rouge Parish Health Unit 353... more »

• Swine Flu claims another LA life

  January 6, 2010 8:23 PM

  Another person has died of swine-flu related illness, brining the state death toll to 41. State health officials say the adult female was from a four-parish region that includes New Orleans. 222,000 people state-wide have or have had the H1N1 flu. The swine flu vaccine is now... more »

• H1N1 vaccines now available to anyone

  January 4, 2010 6:25 PM

  The state health department says that swine flu vaccine is now available to anyone. Monday's announcement said people should call their regular medical providers for a vaccination appointment. Public providers can be found at the state Department of Health and Hospitals website . The Department of Health and Hospitals... more »

• 2 Your Health for Jan. 4

  January 4, 2010 5:47 PM

  Swine flu vaccines, the risk of diabetes for smokers trying to quit, and how volunteering may help seniors prevent frailty are all discussed in this 2 Your Health report. more »

• Swine flu vaccine to become more broadly available

  December 30, 2009 11:32 AM

  Swine flu vaccine is about to become more broadly available in Louisiana. State health officials say that, starting Monday, the H1N1 vaccine will be available to the general public - not just at-risk target groups. Since October, the vaccine has been available to those deemed at highest risk for complications... more »

• 2 Your Health for Dec. 23

  December 23, 2009 5:57 PM

  The flu shot and a link between Aspirin and children's behavior are discussed in this 2 Your Health report. more »

• La. received recalled doses of swine flu vaccine

  December 15, 2009 5:12 PM

  Update: The Department of Health and Hospitals just received word that Louisiana has received about 10,990 doses of the swine flu vaccine pre-filled syringes that have been recalled. DHH says that only 684 of these doses had been administered in state. Health officials are recalling hundreds of thousands of doses... more »

• Swine flu vaccines recalled

  December 15, 2009 10:40 AM

  Health officials are recalling hundreds of thousands of doses of swine flu vaccine after tests indicated they may not be potent enough to protect against the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notified doctors about the recall Tuesday. It involves about 800,000 doses made by Sanofi Pasteur. The... more »

• LA H1N1 death toll rises to 40

  December 14, 2009 4:39 PM

  A man from the New Orleans area has died of swine flu, marking the first swine flu death in Louisiana this month, and the 40th death this year. State health officials say there has been a drop in flu transmission in the past few weeks, but people still need... more »

• Swine flu shots available to students

  December 9, 2009 5:57 PM

  The Department of Health and Hospitals announced today 58 school districts across the state will administer the H1N1 vaccine in school to students for free. At least five school districts in the Baton Rouge area have already begun vaccinations with East Baton Rouge Parish scheduled to give shots in January.... more »

• 2 Your Health for Dec. 9

  December 9, 2009 5:34 PM

  The effectiveness of a popular flu medication and a new treatment for headaches are discussed in this 2 Your Health report. more »

• 2 Your Health for Nov. 30

  November 30, 2009 5:44 PM

  A promising new study on the treatment of autism, oral cancer in women, the link between swine flu and pneumonia, and a new seasonal flu vaccine are discussed in this 2 Your Health report. more »

• Swine flu vaccine pulled in Canada

  November 24, 2009 8:04 AM

  The pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline said Tuesday it has advised medical staff in Canada to not use one batch of swine flu vaccine for fear it might trigger life-threatening allergies. The company issued the advice after reports that one batch of the swine flu vaccine might have caused more allergic... more »

• 2 Your Health for Nov. 18

  November 18, 2009 5:46 PM

  This 2 Your Health report discusses Santas and the swine flu vaccine, a popular supplement that could raise your risk of cancer and electronic medical records. more »

• Swine flu deaths more prevalent than previously thought

  November 12, 2009 11:20 AM

  Federal health officials now say that 4,000 or more Americans likely have died from swine flu, about four times the estimate they've been using. The new, higher figure includes deaths caused by complications related to swine flu, including pneumonia and bacterial infections. Until now, the Centers for Disease Control and... more »

• Seasonal flu shots in short supply

  November 10, 2009 4:39 PM

  State health officials said demand for seasonal flu shots has been greater than expected this year, and it has resulted in mass vaccination clinics being postponed. The first was supposed to be held Friday at the East Baton Rouge Parish Health Unit, but it's been cancelled. State Health... more »

• Parents can't get swine flu vaccine

  November 5, 2009 10:32 PM

  Even though seven-year-old Aubrey Picou is terminally ill, her parents have not been able to get the swine flu vaccine. Joshua and Emily Picou were denied the shot because they're over the cut-off age for vaccinations. That's despite the fact that their seven-year-old suffers from Spinal muscular atrophy type... more »

• Doctors expect vaccinations to increase

  October 26, 2009 5:37 PM

  Doctors have only administered about eight percent of the nearly 190,000 swine flu vaccinations that Louisiana has on hand. Some clinics are calling patients to let them know the vaccine is available and will now be offered to a wider age group. "We anticipate giving out twice as... more »

• 2 Your Health for Oct. 23

  October 23, 2009 5:46 PM

  Free breast cancer screenings in Baton Rouge, misleading food labels, injectible diet drugs and swine flu parties are all discussed in this 2 Your Health report. more »

• 2 Your Health for Oct. 22

  October 22, 2009 5:40 PM

  Weight-loss surgery, guidelines for women with diabetes, a GPS device that tracks Alzheimer's patients and a robot that helps doctors diagnose swine flu are all discussed in this 2 Your Health report. more »

• President Obama gets a flu shot

  October 20, 2009 10:47 PM

  President Obama is leading by example when it comes to getting the seasonal flu shot. He got the shot Tuesday afternoon, according to an administration official. His family had already been vaccinated. No word on whether the President will get the swine flu shot. more »

• Swine flu still hardest on young

  October 20, 2009 8:25 PM

  Swine flu continues to be the most dangerous to kids and younger adults and is by-passing older Americans because they may have some built up immunity. Data from the CDC on 27 states shows more than half of the hospitalizations were people 24 and younger. However, more than two-thrids of... more »

• USDA confirms H1N1 in Minnesota pigs

  October 19, 2009 12:14 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture says at least one pig from Minnesota has tested positive for the H1N1 virus, the first case of a pig contracting the virus in the United States. The USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the presence of H1N1 after an initial test... more »

• Swin flu spreads, vaccines low

  October 16, 2009 8:44 PM

  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says swine flu is rampant in 41 states, including the deaths of children, 86 so far this year. The CDC also warned because of production delays, vaccine supplies will be even more scarce than expected through this month. Delays in manufacuring the vaccine... more »

• 2 Your Health for Oct. 16

  October 16, 2009 5:47 PM

  How experiencing nature can make you nicer, and the difference between flu symptoms and allergy symptoms are topics discussed in this 2 Your Health Report. more »

• La. receives first shipment of H1N1 vaccine

  October 9, 2009 1:39 PM

  The first shipments of the H1N1 vaccinations are now arriving in Louisiana. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals confirmed this morning that about 50 pediatric offices are receiving the initial shipments. The vaccines will mostly be available for target groups over the next few weeks. Target groups include health... more »

• Not all hospitals want swine flu vaccine spray

  October 8, 2009 10:56 AM

  Some hospitals in Mississippi and other states passed up the government's offer for the swine flu nasal spray for health care workers, choosing to wait for the injectable vaccine. Many cited usage restrictions on the spray, and the slim possibility it could transmit the virus to patients and others... more »

• Swine flu vaccine comes to Louisiana

  October 7, 2009 5:37 PM

  The first batch of the swine flu vaccine is expected to arrive in the Louisiana on Wednesday. The Department of Health and Hospitals said 26,000 doses of the vaccine were being distributed to 50 pediatricians around the state. It's in the form of a nasal spray called FluMist. Children... more »

• Swine flu vaccine comes to LA

  October 7, 2009 10:19 AM

  The swine flu vaccine is making its way to Louisiana. The Department of Health and Hospitals expects its first 26,000 doses of the vaccine today. According to DHH, the doses will be distributed to 50 pediatricians around the state. Children ages two to five are the first to get the... more »

• 1st swine flu vaccines coming to La.

  October 6, 2009 2:13 PM

  Louisiana expects its first 26,000 doses of swine flu vaccine on Wednesday, according to state health officials. About 50 pediatricians around the state will get the vaccine. The first shipment, which is a nasal spray, is targeted at children ages 2 to 5. Health officials say the injectable... more »

• Louisiana swine flu death toll rises to 14

  October 6, 2009 9:41 AM

  The state health department said three people died from swine flu in the past week, bringing Louisiana's death toll from the virus to 14. The Advocate reported that one victim was a woman from the New Orleans area. Another was a man from the department's Region 3, which... more »

• First batches of swine flu vaccine arrive this week

  October 5, 2009 5:46 AM

  Vaccinations against the swine flu become available this week, but the initial shipments are so small that they're reserved for health care workers and certain at-risk children. Full vaccinations won't gear up until mid-month, when at least 40 million doses to fight the H1N1 flu will have rolled out, with... more »

• Flu Spray to arrive next week

  October 2, 2009 11:11 AM

  Health officials say the first shipments of the swine flu vaccine should be given in some places early next week. The first 600,000 doses available will be all nasal spray according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An estimated 6 to 7 million doses are expected... more »

• Registration needed to give H1N1 vaccine

  September 30, 2009 5:49 AM

  The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals wants to remind doctors, hospitals, health departments and certified pharmacists that if they want to give swine flu vaccines, they must register with the state by 5 p.m. Friday. Louisiana expects to get the first shipment of H1N1 vaccine in mid-October. You can... more »

• Three swine flu deaths reported this week

  September 25, 2009 4:38 PM

  Three people in Louisiana have died from the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, in the past week. That's according to the state Department of Health and Hospitals. A female child and man from the Greater New Orleans area, and a man from the Lafayette area have died from the... more »

• 2 Your Health for Sept. 24

  September 24, 2009 5:47 PM

  A Tylenol recall, heat treatments for cancer, vitamin D deficiency and why hand washing offers little protection against swine flu are all discussed in this 2 Your Health report. more »

• East Baton Rouge Schools Update

  September 23, 2009 7:44 AM

  School is in, and the East Baton Rouge Parish Superintendent John Dilworth joined John Pastorek with his first report card on the job. He talked about Blue Ribbon schools, swine and regular flu, year-round school, and truancy. more »

• E-mail warns against swine flu vaccine

  September 22, 2009 1:01 PM

  An e-mail is circulating around LSU's campus. The e-mail states that the swine flu vaccine is dangerous and could cause auto immune disorders. The contents of the e-mail also suggest that vitamin D3 is your best protection against the swine flu. The e-mail originated with neurosurgeon Dr. Russell Blaylock,... more »

• Mississippi reports seventh H1N1 flu death

  September 22, 2009 10:18 AM

  The Mississippi Department of Health has reported another swine flu death in Jones County. That brings the total number of deaths caused by H1N1 influenza to seven in the state. It's the second death in Jones County. The number of confirmed cases of swine flu in Mississippi has risen... more »

• 2 Your Health for Sept. 21

  September 21, 2009 5:43 PM

  Flu shots for kids, emergency room visits, how aspirin can help fight colon cancer, and the spread of lung cancer are all discussed in this 2 Your Health report. more »

• U.S. orders more swine flu vaccine

  September 21, 2009 2:31 PM

  U.S. Health officials have ordered an extra 27.3 million doses of the swine flu vaccine, bringing the total to 251 million. Officials also ordered 29 million more doses of the nasal-spray version of the vaccine. The news came after officials said children 9 and younger will almost certainly... more »

• Neurosurgeon warns against swine flu vaccine

  September 21, 2009 1:06 PM

  Dr. Russell Blaylock, a board certified neurosurgeon, calls the swine flu vaccine dangerous and unnecessary. Dr. Blaylock's beliefs regarding the swine flu are being circulated through e-mail on LSU's Campus. The e-mail states an ingredient in the vaccine "has been shown to cause severe autoimmune disorders such as... more »

• Mississippi reports sixth death from swine flu

  September 21, 2009 10:16 AM

  Mississippi health officials reported the state's sixth death from swine flu, a woman from Jones County. They did not release a name or any details surrounding the case. The number of confirmed cases of swine flu in Mississippi has risen to 840. Health officials said symptoms of swine... more »

• La. doctors to offer H1N1 shots

  September 15, 2009 5:22 PM

  Anyone interested in getting vaccinated against the swine flu should go to their doctor according to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. The instruction comes after the federal Food and Drug Administration approved the H1N1 or swine flu vaccine earlier today. "Individuals should talk with their health... more »

• FDA approves new swine flu vaccine

  September 15, 2009 1:00 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - The Food and Drug Administration approved the new swine flu vaccine Tuesday, a long-anticipated step as the government works to get vaccinations under way next month. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced the vaccine's approval to Congress - and says she hopes to get... more »

• 737 cases of swine flu confirmed in Louisiana

  September 14, 2009 11:03 AM

  State health officials say at least 737 cases of the H1N1 virus known as swine flu have been confirmed in Louisiana this year. As with the seasonal flu, many people who get sick need to stay home and take medicine for their coughs, achy muscles, fever, sore throat or... more »

• Swine Flu Death

  September 12, 2009 9:58 AM

  A North Louisiana resident is the seventh person in the state to die from the H1N1 virus, or swine flu. That's according to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. DHH would only say the person was a male, living in the Shreveport area. No other details have been released.... more »

• Two La. Deaths From Swine Flu Complications

  September 9, 2009 7:41 PM

  The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals confirmed two additional deaths from complications related to the swine flu, bringing the total of swine flu related deaths in the state to six. The victims included a female child from the Greater New Orleans area and a female young adult from... more »

• Swine flu tests inaccurate

  September 8, 2009 4:23 PM

  The rapid flu test commonly administered in clinics and hospitals may not be the best tool to diagnose swine flu. "In adults you can have the H1N1 flu and test negative about 50% of the time," said Dr. Nelson Perret, an emergency room physician at Earl K Long Hospital.... more »

• Denham Springs High Disinfected

  September 7, 2009 5:57 PM

  Denham Springs High maintenance workers spent part of the day scrubbing down classrooms and other common areas, after 19 year old senior Taylor Brian died two days ago from complications assoicated with the swine flu. She hadn't been on the campus for nearly two weeks. The virus can only... more »

• Jindal on swine flu

  September 3, 2009 10:32 AM

  Governor Bobby Jindal will speak about the state’s swine flu preparation efforts today at 4 p.m. at the Governor's Office of Homeland Security in Baton Rouge. more »

• EBR Parish wwine flu plans

  September 1, 2009 8:59 AM

  East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President "Kip" Holden will announce the preparedness plans and report on the swine flu. There will be information on how to prevent the H1N1 infection, what steps to take if infected, and city-parish policies if they become necessary. more »

• Hi Tech Upgrade in Livingston Parish

  August 27, 2009 4:58 PM

  Livingston Parish's new Messenger System will allow the school system to quickly inform parents of absences, hurricane plans, weather closures or important deadlines. The computer notification system places phone calls or e-mails to parents. The system can call or e-mail about 2,400 people per hour. This week, it alerted... more »

• Southern swine flu plan updated

  August 26, 2009 4:24 PM

  Southern University plans on isolating students sick with the swine flu. As of now there are no reported cases of H1N1 on Southern's campus, but according to university officials, anyone sick will go into quarantine. "The health center will notify housing and they will move the ill student to... more »

• Swine Flu Plans

  August 26, 2009 10:11 AM

  With swine flu fears spreading like a pandemic, what are Baton Rouge's largest universities doing to protect students? Tonight on News Two at 5:00, Luke Margolis gets answers on what LSU and Southern are doing to keep their residence halls flu free. more »

• Swine Flu Precautions in Central

  August 17, 2009 5:59 PM

  After almost 30 football players contracted the H1N1 virus on Central High's football team, the school district is not taking any chances. Teachers and students will be educated on the best way to stay healthy. Students will wash their hands before eating lunch, learn to cover their mouths... more »

• First Swine Flu Death Confirmed in Louisiana

  August 13, 2009 2:00 PM

  The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals has confirmed the first death in Louisiana from complications from H1N1 flu (swine flu). The individual was identified as a 21-year-old woman from the Greater New Orleans area. There have been 346 confirmed cases of H1N1 in Louisiana since the virus... more »