As many of you are probably aware, the cause of most upper respiratory tract infections (colds and flus) are viruses. The topic of virology is one of the many areas of infectious disease that is covered by the American Society of Microbiology (ASM). The ASM is the world's largest association of microbiologists and boasts over 40,000 members.
This site provides access to a large number of pages including a mission statement for the society, and a description of the society's national offices, as well as others. From their home page, one can access a list of ASM Programs, Products and Services. In addition, one can join ASM directly through this Web site, and obtain information about the costs of membership and the costs of subscribing to one of the society's large number of microbiology publications. A browser can even view the table of contents from each of the journals that ASM publishes.
In all fairness the ASM site, like many of the sites in microbiology, is really targeted for scientists and graduate students. Even the titles of the Journal of Virology articles will be difficult for most viewers to understand. Nevertheless, as a tool for virologists, this site is exceptional; it allows the reader to find information about the publication, its recent issues, and information for authors interested in submitting articles for scientific review.
Of interest to students and others with a better-than-average science background is the Introduction to Molecular Virology site by Ed Rybicki of the University of Cape Town. This virtual book includes hypertext links to various sites that describe particular viruses in great detail. For example, there is a fantastic, color-enhanced X-ray crytallographic image of human rhinovirus, the common cold virus.
Not all sites are of interest to only physicians and scientists. One site that is of interest to both health care professionals and to parents is the home page of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This home page has several items under construction which, when finally completed, should prove beneficial to parents. AAP's Information and Services for Parents pages has hypertext links to several items including a child vaccination site. Unfortunately this important link is not yet functional. However, there is a list of publications for parents that can be ordered directly via the Internet or can be obtained through the more traditional mail. Examples include videos, brochures, and books dealing with topics from avoiding poisoning to proper nutrition for children. A summary of these books, including prices and instructions for ordering, are located at the Information and Services for Parents Parent Guide Page.
There are also some good tips on general parenting questions. For example, there is a changing, monthly column that can be found through the parents page. The most recent example, "October is Child Health Month!" carries informative articles on childhood discipline, preparation for preschool and several other topics.
Quite possibly the most useful information through AAP is the pediatric referral page. One of the questions most frequently asked by parents when they move to a new area is the name of a good pediatrician. A possible resource might be the AAP Pediatrician Referral Service. Unfortunately, this page includes only the address to write for a referral. It would be handier if a request could be made via email. So, if anyone who belongs to AAP reads this article, see what you can do to make such a change.
It took me a long time to find a good page (for that matter, any page) that discussed childhood and adult immunizations. Finally, I found an excellent resource that would be of interest to both physicians and parents. This is a series of items maintained by the Guide to Clinical Preventive Services. This guide has over 60 items that include in- depth descriptions of various clinical preventive medicine services that are available. Most are descriptions of various screening tests that can be used for adults, and help physicians detect breast cancer, cervical cancer, and risk factors for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. These items are described through a number of pages called "Series." Series 56 and 57 are the immunization guides mentioned above. These topics are informative, include background information and are heavily referenced. Thus one can become informed about any service your physician might offer.
Another potentially useful site directly pertaining to adult and child health, including screening and immunization information is the section on Age-Specific Charts. This listing includes a number of charts from pregnant women through early childhood to older adults. The charts summarize the leading causes of death, proper preventive medicine such as immunization, diet, and even oral hygiene within each age group. The tables are grouped according to age group. Eight different age groups include the youngest children to those over age 65.
The only shortfall for this service is the lack of updating. This is based on a 1989 report and hasn't been updated since. For example, for childhood immunizations no mention is made of hepatitis B vaccination, now recommended as part of the childhood immunizations in the United States. Still, with the understanding that the information is somewhat "out-of-date," this is an excellent resource.
There is a real wealth of information for parents, parents-to-be, and even teenage children themselves on the Internet. Several of the most useful sites are described here. Try to remember this fall, as the sniffles strike you and your children, that not all microbial infections can be treated by antibiotics. Fully 90% of the infections that strike you and your children are viral and can't be treated by any medication other than bed rest, plenty of fluids, and good old chicken and noodle soup. Many of these can be prevented, however. Make sure all of your children receive the appropriate immunizations at the right times. Make sure you and your parents keep your immunizations up-to-date. Finally, if you are over the age of 50 or have severe respiratory problems, be sure to get the flu vaccine. All of these preventive measures will minimize your chance of a life-threatening infection.
Next month, we will turn our attention to a couple of viruses that are in the news and are of concern to most of us: HIV. In addition, to remain trendy, we will discuss the most recent outbreaks of two new and emerging illnesses: Hanta virus and Ebola virus.