the buzz log

Getting jabbed with a needle normally isn't something people look forward to. But, as H1N1 makes its way back to North America after a whirlwind global sweep, people have been scouring online to find where to get their dose of prevention. Even without a swine flu vaccine at the ready, the early awareness might help avoid the winter sniffles—or worse. Below, some signs of health:

Doing Shots  
Usually, searches for "flu shots" don't start until September, but quite a few people are spending their last days of summer looking for "flu shot clinics" and "flu shot locator," as well as updates on the "swine flu vaccine." Many had already checked government cautions (“cdc swine flu” and “flu.gov”) before President Barack Obama stepped in front of cameras Tuesday to remind people to wash their hands. (Yup, people already on top of that: "Hand sanitizer" queries are up 50%)

Could be too late for some:  Some are self-diagnosing and looking up details for “flu symptoms” (+69%), “early swine flu symptoms” (+52%), “signs of swine flu” (breakout) and “swine flu incubation period” (+60%).

Kids Tracking Swine
Normally mom, dad, and the school nurse worry about what's going around, but this time kids may be handling the situation themselves. Ages 12 and under—among the most vulnerable in this pandemic—have made up one out of four lookups for "swine flu vaccine on Yahoo! in the past 30 days. They also account for one out of 10 queries for "swine flu" (teens comprise another 13%). With all those school closures during the last H1N1 round, this crew's taking no chances. 

How Many Shots?
Exactly how many jabs to get this season? The latest regular flu shot (available now) covers three strains of the seasonal virus. News reports have been warning that people may need to double-dose for the H1N1 vaccine, with a three-week incubation period between shots. Stanford researchers, though, are tinkering with the dosage to see if they might stretch the current supply (about 45 million doses expected for October 15) closer to what the government wants (120 million doses).

So far, that's two to three shots. But, that's not counting the recommended inoculation for bacterial meningitis, also a danger preoccupying the Search box. Kids 11 and up (and younger if they travel overseas) might expect at least three, if not four, sharp pokes.

The New Flu Etiquette
Media reports have been talking up prevention, and AP and Fox News offer tips aplenty. But just to make the message more palatable, the goverment has sent out spokespeople to teach proper sneezing and handwashing techniques—Elmo for the kids and a giant Teddy Roosevelt head for the adults.

Roll up your sleeves: It's gonna be a long winter. Below, a message (of sorts) from Teddy.

Filed under: Medicine, Kids, Flu

As medical investigations continue into the death of Heath Ledger, searchers are focusing on the sleeping pills found in his bedroom. Queries on "ambien side effects" spiked during a month when prescription drug reactions have already stirred up buzz.

The brouhaha over a cholesterol study press release prompted lookups for "vytorin side effects" earlier this month. The drug makers' unusual decision to delay the results, then bypass medical journals for a PR announcement was more the heart of the controversy, but that was enough to cause anxieties to rise and stocks to fall.

Also, the January tradition of health resolutions spurred a close look at supplements, including a surge investigating what possible reactions aspartame or muscle milk could cause.

For more serious ailments, side effects may be the trade-off to cure greater evil. However, a major policy shift by the Food and Drug Administration could relieve one pressing concern: The government agency now requires suicidal impulses be studied during clinical trials.

The Search box has been one way to sift through the medical claims. The list details the top 20 check-ups on meds and supplements, treating everything from high cholesterol to anxiety to sexual performance.

Filed under: Health, Medicine, Government