Here is the latest about the novel A(H1N1) swine flu pandemic virus, and what we are doing about it. Also check out my new Ebook: “Swine Flu; the New Pandemic.”

The best way to decrease the amount of circulating AH1N1 flu virus is to vaccinate as many people as possible. This is known as herd immunity.

The current H1N1 though mild, has infected millions and hospitalized more than 10,000 here in the U.S., killing close to 1000, so mass vaccination is warranted.

Unfortunately, once the vaccination program starts, it will be TOO easy to blame ANY deaths on the vaccine. This happened in Great Britain with the HPV Vaccine, where Cervarix is expected to cut deaths from cervical cancer by 650 and 1.4 million women have already been vaccinated, the vast majority with no problems. Yet a single death which was later found to be unrelated to the vaccine caused hysteria.

Though the 1976 swine flu vaccine was linked to several hundred cases of Guillain Barre Syndrome (paralysis) for a pandemic that never happened, this time there is a real pandemic, and the vaccine has been well studied in clinical trials and found to be very safe and has not been linked to GBS.

This vaccine is made the same as the yearly flu vaccine, with hen eggs, and will be just as safe, with the major complication in the vast majority of cases being local irritation around the injection site.

In discussions with senior officials at the CDC I have determined that it is acceptable to give both the seasonal flu shot and the H1N1 swine flu shot at the same time.

The CDC also recommends H1N1 vaccines even for those who believe they have had the disease. Serological tests to confirm immunity are considered unreliable and are not readily available.

The flu mist inhaled vaccine is being released this week. Since it is using an attenuated (weakened) live virus, it should not be given to pregnant women, those with chronic conditions, or those who are immunocompromised. It has also not been tested in the elderly.

The injectable inactived H1N1swine flu vaccine will start becoming available in two to three weeks. It uses an inactivated (dead) virus, and can NOT give you the flu. It is safe in all except for those with severe egg allergies. It should be given first to health care workers, pregnant women, children, and those with chronic conditions. 250 million doses should be available by sometime in November, and I will be recommending it for all.

Swine flu parties are a bad idea. They are an example of deliberate infection to provoke immunization. Since flu is so easily transmissable, it can easily get beyond the party and spread to someone who is more likely to have a severe outcome, such as a pregnant woman, a young child, or someone with a chronic condition.

The risk of the flu is far greater at this point than the risk of the vaccine. It is still a very mild virus, but must be taken seriously, as flu is tricky, and can kill. Coming out of the southern hemisphere, whose winter just ended, the prevailing strain of H1N1 swine flu is a good match for the vaccine.

For daily updates on the H1N1 swine flu strain, twitter me at marcsiegelmd.  I will post my latest articles, updates, and answer questions.

Dr. Marc Siegel is an internist and associate professor of medicine at the NYU School of Medicine. He is a FOX News medical contributor and writes a health column for the LA Times, where he examines TV and movies for medical accuracy. Dr. Siegel’s new Ebook: Swine Flu; the New Pandemic, will be published in early October. Dr. Siegel is also the author of “False Alarm: The Truth About the Epidemic of Fear“ and “Bird Flu: Everything You Need to Know About the Next Pandemic.” Read more at www.doctorsiegel.com

Dr. Fulbright,
Are there any health risks or hazards associated the oral consumption of semen? Thank you so much and I hope that you have a wonderful day.
Sincerely,
—Zach

Dear Zach,
This is often a matter of debate for lovers, especially since oral sex has been misrepresented as a low risk form of sex. Anytime semen is deposited into the mouth, there is a risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection. Possible infections include gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, herpes, hepatitis B, human papilloma virus (HPV), and CMV. To reduce the risk of infection, a latex condom should be worn over the penis.

Do you have a question about sex? If so, foxnewshealth.com wants to hear from you! E-mail your questions to drmanny@foxnews.com

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”

The topic of anal cancer has gotten a lot of media attention lately because of Farrah Fawcett’s very public battle with the disease. And it’s raised a lot of important questions about advances in cancer treatment and the future for patients fighting the battle of their lives.

What is anal cancer and who is at risk for it?

Anal cancer is characterized by the growth of a tumor around the anus ― which is opening at the end of the intestinal tract — and it’s completely different from colon cancer. A large proportion of anal cancers have tested positive for human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted disease, but this isn’t the only cause.

Other patient populations at a greater risk for developing anal cancer include patients with multiple sexual partners, those who participate in anal intercourse, smokers, people with immunosuppressive diseases, such as HIV, and people with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.

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What is the treatment for anal or intestinal cancer?

If it’s caught early, the most common treatment for anal cancer is surgery. But in patients whose cancer affects the anal sphincter, having surgery to remove the tumor and cancerous cells can lead to fecal incontinence causing the need for a permanent colostomy. So often for these patients, radiation and chemotherapy may be the preferred course of treatment. For later stage anal cancers, doctors treat patients with a combination of radiation and chemotherapy.

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What is the cure rate for anal cancer?

Well ― like any cancer, early detection greatly increases the chance of survival. If it’s caught in the early stage, there is an 86 percent five year survival rate. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, the survival rate decreases to 54 percent. Up to 10 percent of patients treated for anal cancer will develop cancer elsewhere in the body.

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What kind of advances are we making in cancer research?

We have made advances with regard to the surgical treatment of cancers by offering minimally invasive surgeries. In some cases, we’re able to provide surgical treatments with less negative side effects and shorter recovery time. Clinical studies have shown that other treatments like radiation and chemotherapy may be just as effective as surgery without many of the negative side effects.

With regard to medical treatments, there have certainly been advances in the kinds of treatments we’re using. New medical technologies are making it possible for doctors to individualize a patient’s treatment by studying the genetic makeup of their particular cancer — ultimately decreasing the chances of recurrence or spread of the cancer, and increasing a patient’s survival outcome.

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What are the major milestones/accomplishments we’ve seen in cancer research recently?

Well again, one of the major milestones is being able to identify the genetic makeup of cancers individual to each patient.

The other advancement is the research that’s been done in molecular-targeted therapies. These therapies target the development of cancers by inhibiting the growth of the disease at the cellular level — which we hope will be able to limit or potentially even stop the cancer from spreading.

Molecular-targeted therapy is a more specific treatment than chemotherapy, because chemo treatment kills off not only the bad cells — but also the healthy cells in the body. So with a therapy that is very specific in its attack of cancerous cells, the hope is that it should more be effective in stopping the development of the cancer.

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What are some tips for preventing cancer?

We’ve all heard it time and time again — good health comes from making healthy choices. So my first tip would be stop smoking! I’m sure I don’t have to tell you, cigarettes are full of cancer-causing agents and have been linked to the development of many cancers in the body.

Second, everything in moderation including alcohol! If you’re the kind of person who enjoys a nice cocktail, make sure you do it in moderation, which means 1 or 2 glasses — preferrably of red wine — or else,  just avoid alcohol all together.

Make healthy dietary choices. Try to maintain a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fruits and vegetables. Both provide essential nutrients and antioxidants which help ward off disease. Limit the amount of read meat you consume, since high levels of it have been linked to certain cancers.

Recent studies have shown that vitamin D may play an important role protecting against the development of certain diseases. Because exposure to small amounts of sunlight causes the body to produce healthy amounts of vitamin D, people who live in cold environments or places with extended seasons of darkness may want to consider getting their vitamin D levels checked and taking supplements.

And finally — know your family history so you can better determine your risk for other cancers, because your screenings for certain cancers may start earlier than what is recommended to the general population, and preventive therapies may be an option for you.

Dr. Cynara Coomer is an assistant professor of surgery specializing in breast health and breast cancer surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. She is a FOX News Health contributor providing medical expertise on a variety of topics in cancer research with a focus on women’s health, breast diseases and tips for healthy breasts at any age.

With all the hype about fighting aging through Botox and cosmetic fillers, we sometimes forget that the heart of dermatology is based in addressing common skin concerns.  This blog entry will be high-level overview of these concerns and some common ways to treat them.

The top ten skin issues we see at Sadick Dermatology are:
 1. Acne
 2. Allergic Rashes
 3. Eczema/Psoriasis/Dry Skin
 4. Suspicious Moles/Skin Cancer
 5. Hair loss
 6. Warts
 7. Nail Fungus
 8. Rosacea
 9. Herpes
 10. Pigmentation

Acne
Acne is a skin disease that affects more than 85% of teenagers.  In many cases, acne diminishes with age, but some people continue to have breakouts in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Acne can be treated by a number of over-the-counter remedies that contain drying agents such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.  For more severe cases of acne, patients may opt for low-dose oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics, topical retinoids, phototherapy or laser treatments.

Allergic Rashes
These are changes of the skin, which change the skin’s color, appearance and/or texture.  Rashes may be localized or affect larger areas of the skin.  In many cases, patients complain of itchiness ― although not all rashes itch.  Obviously, not all rashes are the same and it is best to go to a dermatologist to identify the cause so that the best treatment regimen can be secured.  Learning the cause of the rash is the best way to prevent future breakouts.

Eczema/Psoriasis and Dry Skin
These are all somewhat related in that they are inflammatory, persistent skin issues that are tied to skin dryness and recurring skin rashes. They can be unsightly and annoying.  Treatments vary and a visit to the dermatologist is usually necessary.  Common treatments involve topical corticosteroids in the form of ointments, creams or lotions.  In severe cases, dermatologists may recommend photo/light treatments (PUVA or UVB) or systemic prescriptions such as biologics, cyclosporine, methotrexate or retinoids.

Suspicious Moles/Skin Cancer
Moles are another frequent skin issue.  With the increasing rates of skin cancer, patients should seek medical guidance when a suspicious mole appears.  For starters, moles are perfectly natural and can be influenced by genes or sunlight.  While moles are naturally occurring, it’s the appearance of the mole and its characteristics that distinguish benign moles from cancerous moles.  The four key criteria for moles relate to asymmetry, border, color and diameter. Sometimes evolving is added as a fifth criterion.  If a mole starts changing in size, color, shape or if the border becomes ragged or you notice bleeding, then it’s important to consult a dermatologist.  

Hair Loss
Many female and male patients come to visit my office to discuss hair loss which can be caused by a variety of issues.  The most common form is alopecia, a medical term for loss of hair from the head or body.  Alopecia can be a genetic phenomenon, hormone variation, or even a reaction to a hair treatment such as relaxers or hot hair irons.  In some cases it can be related to an iron deficiency.  For the best result, go to a dermatologist with a specialty in hair loss. This physician can determine the exact cause and provide a treatment that may include topical creams and ointments as well as special prescription shampoos and conditioners.

Warts
Warts are generally small in size and rough to the touch.  They appear most commonly on the hands and feet.  They are very common and are caused by a virus named HPV.  They are contagious when there is contact with the skin of an infected person.  You should also be aware that it is possible to get warts from using towels or other items used by an infected person.  In many cases, warts go away after a few months, but sometimes can last for years.  Treatments for warts vary from over-the-counter topical products, to prescriptions and cryosurgery.  While warts may be unsightly, they are not harmful and can be easily treated.

Nail Fungus
Many patients have concerns over nail fungus.  Onychomycosis is the medical term for a fungal infection of the nail.  This common condition impacts as much as 8% of the entire adult population.  It can appear on both finger and toe nails and is characterized by thickening and a yellow or cloudy appearance to the nail.  There is usually no pain associated with a nail fungus.  The treatment for nail fungus can be difficult because the infection is usually embedded within the nail and therefore difficult to heal with topical treatments.  The most effective treatments seem to be systemic antifungal medications.  These medications may have an impact on the liver and it is important to be followed by a physician.  Also note that it can take up to a year to clear up the nail fungus.

Rosacea
This is a widespread skin condition that usually affects Caucasians.  Rosacea patients have flushing and redness on their face and may also have small red bumps or pustules.  Rosacea can appear on both sexes but seems to affect people between the 30s and 60s.  Unfortunately, there is no consensus as to the cause of rosacea, treatments vary and a dermatologist should be consulted.  Some treatment tips are to avoid irritating topical lotions and cleansers and to use sunscreens with a minimum SPF 15.  Prescription treatments can include both topical and oral medications.  A dermatologist may recommend a photorejuvenation treatment.  Rosacea can be difficult to treat and many patients are encouraged to follow regimens and be patient.  It can take up to 1-2 years to get the disorder under control.

Herpes
Herpes simplex is a viral disease caused by the herpes simplex viruses.  Oral herpes, also called cold sores, usually infect the face and the mouth.  Infection of the genitals is also very common.    Herpes viruses have a cycle and there are periods where the virus is active and periods where the virus is inactive.  The active cycle can last between 2 and 20 days, during which sores appear and then disappear.  Recurrence times vary and there is no consensus on the triggers.  While there is no cure for the virus, there are treatments that can reduce outbreak frequency and duration.  Herpes is contracted through direct contact with an active lesion or the body fluid of an infected person.  Condoms are the best way to limit transmission because the virus cannot pass through latex.  The most common medications used to treat herpes include antiviral medications such as Zovirax, Valtrex and Famvir. 

Pigmentation Disorders
The final top ten skin concern that patients have relates to skin pigmentation.  Skin pigmentation disorders affect the color of skin.  The most common form of skin pigmentation that we see in our office is hyperpigmentation or the darkening of an area of the skin.  Hyperpigmentation may be caused by sun damage, inflammation or acne.  Individuals with Asian, East Indian and African skin tones seem to be more prone to hyperpigmentation.  Treatment for these darker areas includes medications that bleach or lighten the skin.  Common ingredients include hydroquinone, kojic acid, azelaic acid, ascorbic acid and retinoids. 

As in all cases, patients are encouraged to seek treatment and advice from a physician if there is a skin concern or issue.  In many cases, these conditions are covered by insurance and can be treated with either over-the-counter treatments or with prescription medications. 

Dr. Neil Sadick is one of the most renowned dermatologists and researchers whose multiple discoveries have strongly influenced and transformed the future of dermatology. He is a Professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and President of the Cosmetic Surgery Foundation. Dr. Sadick is author, or co-author, of more than 500 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has contributed more than 75 chapters of medical books. Read more at www.sadickdermatology.com.

Hi Dr. Yvonne,
If my girlfriend had HPV and had her precancerous cells removed by laser treatment, does she still have it? Can I still get the virus?

Al,
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a.k.a. genital warts, is a viral infection. This means that your partner will always have the virus. Unlike bacterial or parasitic STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), a sexually transmitted infection that’s a virus cannot be cured. So she will always be a carrier. And in some ways, you’re fortunate to know her health status as far as protecting yourself. Some people are carriers, but never show symptoms. So they don’t even know that they have the virus to pass on to others. Some people, on the other hand, only have an outbreak or two, while some may have several over a lifetime, depending on how they’re taking care of their health with things like diet and stress management.

Even though your girlfriend has had the precancerous cells – removed – if you are sexually intimate, you are at risk for being infected. What makes HPV more difficult than the other STDs when it comes to transmission is that it can be spread through simple skin-on-skin contact. Using a condom helps to reduce the risk of HPV, but is limited in not covering the entire groin.

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”