Mesothelioma Asbestos Lawyer, DuBose Law Firm, PLLC

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Ben Dubose

Ben DuBose has over eighteen years of asbestos and serious personal injury litigation experience, successfully fighting for hundreds of mesothelioma victims in courts throughout the United States

Should a Mesothelioma Patient Receive the Flu Vaccine

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Since there are conflicting opinions on getting the flu vaccine, should a mesothelioma patient receive the flu vaccine? These patients in particular, along with the elderly, young children, and people living with some chronic health issues, should assess the pros and cons of receiving the vaccine.

What do the experts say?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu vaccines given with a needle cannot cause the flu. Even the vaccine given through a nasal spray, though it has a live virus, has been weakened and cold-adapted so it cannot infect a person as it would not survive the body’s warmth. Because there are a number of vaccines available, anyone with health problems should confer with their doctor to receive the correct one.

The CDC strongly encourages everyone to get the vaccine since flu is a serious, and sometimes deadly, disease. The risk of not getting the vaccine is greater than receiving it.

Currently, that means a shot or nasal spray every year as the virus is seasonal. Fortunately, there is a new type of vaccine on the horizon that may mean a vaccine only every few years.

The Universal Flu Vaccine

For decades, scientists searched for a universal vaccine that could eliminate the yearly shot and cover a variety of flu viruses. This is important, not only for patient convenience, but seasonal vaccine development means scientists have to guess what virus may be prevalent in any one year. A universal vaccine could eliminate that problem.

Currently, there are numerous vaccines in various stages of development. The one currently closest to release is the M-001 by BiondVax Pharmaceuticals Ltd. The company has recently enrolled its final participant so it can begin a Phase 3 trial.

Tamar Ben-Yedidia, the chief scientific officer at BiondVax, stated, “A universal flu vaccine is often referred to as “’The Holy Grail’ of influenza research, and like the Holy Grail, it is challenging to achieve.” He also said in a press release, “This challenging trial aims to show the extent to which M-001 protects people against influenza illness, regardless of the flu strain.” The M-001 vaccine is free of all viruses, but instead contains nine viral epitopes – the antibody binding sites on an antigen – which are recognized by the immune system.

Though the M-001 is currently furthest along in trials, all the flu vaccines use similar strategies. They target the least variable parts of the flu virus to produce immunity.

Why Should a Mesothelioma Patient Receive the Flu Vaccine?

As expressed by the CDC, a person with already weakened systems, such as the lungs, is more at risk of harm by getting the flu rather than getting a vaccine. Not only should the mesothelioma victim be vaccinated, but all those people normally around them.

Since a universal vaccine will mean a more successful and targeted answer to various flu viruses, chances of actually contracting the flu will be less. Those with mesothelioma already fight a serious disease and anything they can do to stay healthy will assist in that fight. This universal flu vaccine is one more tool to prolong life and ease the pain and discomfort of this detestable disease.

Johnson & Johnson Knew for Decades Talc Contained Asbestos

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Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder, a talcum powder product used by generations of parents and children, often contained asbestos, reports Reuters.  The same mines where talc is found are often contaminated with deposits of naturally occurring asbestos.   

A Reuters review of internal company documents, show that from at least 1971, Johnson & Johnson’s raw talc and finished powers sometimes tested positive for asbestos content.  The company’s lawyers & executives, however, were concerned about how to deal with the problem without disclosing the problem to the public.  

As the EPA considered regulating the use of asbestos in cosmetic products in the mid-1970s, Johnson & Johnson successfully avoided increased regulatory scrutiny by assuring the agency that no asbestos was detected in any sample of talc. This belied the reality that at least three internal tests in three years had found asbestos in its talc.  

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, is a deadly carcinogen.  Decades of scientific research establish that inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause an array of human injuries including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma – an incurable and fatal cancer.  The latency period, or time from exposure to diagnosis of an asbestos disease, can take decades: 30 or even 40 years is common.  

The Johnson & Johnson documents have recently come to light after years of legal claims brought by victims who alleged their injuries were caused by exposure to Baby Powder.  While most of these claims were brought by women with ovarian cancer,  more recent trials have involved mesothelioma victims – a signature disease caused only by asbestos.  

Johnson & Johnson states it will appeal the recent verdicts and maintains that its talc is safe, as shown by what the company views as the best available studies.  

Talc which studies showed sometimes contained small amounts of asbestos came from mines in Italy and Vermont.  Since 2003, talc in Baby Powder sold in the United States has been sourced from China.  

Talcum Powder a Carcinogen?

Low-Dose CT Scan Screening Can Reduce Mortality

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Lung cancer can often be treatable if found at an early stage – now low-dose CT scan screening can reduce mortality for those at high risk.

Much like a yearly mammogram, getting this low-dose CT scan can detect lung cancer before symptoms are evident. This is especially helpful for those who are high risk – over 55 years of age, formerly smoked, or are still smoking. The low-dose CT scan is the only test that can reduce mortality for these individuals according to a recent study.

How does the low-dose CT scan work?

The patient lies on a moveable table that slides in and out of a machine while a specialized type of X-ray takes photos of the lungs. These photos are combined into a detailed image via computer allowing doctors to view lung cancer at an early stage.

What will the scan show?

Positive: This means an abnormality was identified. From this information, the doctor may want additional tests.
Negative: No abnormal findings in the scan, however, the doctor may suggest additional scans in the future.
Indeterminate: While no abnormality was found, the doctor may recommend further imaging and follow-up at a later date.

Who can get this scan and what is the cost?

The American Lung Association (ALA) has a website page dedicated to answers on this as it differs according to the patient’s insurance, age, and smoking history. In general, the patient must be 55 or older, have a long history of heavy smoking, and no signs of lung cancer. When that criteria is met, there is no charge when using an in-network facility.

What should you do now?

Start by taking the ALA quiz that will identify issues and provide a document to take to your doctor. To prevent most lung cancers, if you are currently smoking, stop now. If you do not smoke, don’t start. If quitting is difficult for you, lung.org provides support through online programs and in-person support groups. You can also call the Lung Help Line at 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872).

This low-dose CT scan technology is not just a hope for the future – it is available now.

New Test for Cancer Diagnoses Shows Promise

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Currently, tests to determine if there are cancer cells in a person take at least a week before getting results, but a new test for cancer diagnoses shows promise with results seen in ten minutes.

What is this test?

This test is based on a discovery by researchers at the University of Queensland’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN). What they discovered is a one-of-a-kind DNA signature that seems to be common to all types of cancer. They found this unique DNA in intense clusters of methyl groups in certain locations.

One of the researchers at AIBN, Professor Matt Trau, explained, “Virtually every piece of cancerous DNA we examined had this highly predictable pattern. It seems to be a general feature for all cancer. It’s a startling discovery.” This discovery was followed by another showing that when these methyl clusters are inserted into a solution, the cancer DNA pieces fold into 3-dimensional nanostructures and, at that point, can stick to gold.

Once researchers found this, they created a test using gold nanoparticles that change color if 3D nanostructures of cancer DNA are present. “This happens in one drop of fluid. You can detect it by eye, it’s as simple as that,” revealed Professor Trau. This is basically the same technology as using strip indicators to test for pregnancy.

Cancer diagnoses benefits found so far:

• Works on all types of cancers tested to date
• Simple – no complicated and expensive lab equipment needed
• Fast – results in 10 minutes
• Portable – eventually could test via mobile phone
• Accuracy – as high as 90% in some cancers

Is there a downside?

This test is new. It is not perfect. Will it give too many false positive diagnoses? Does it truly identify all types of cancer – or were researchers just fortunate in which ones were tested? Only time will tell, but the future appears to be very promising.

What is the future?

This technology was tested on 200 samples using cells from various types of cancers as well as healthy cells, but a great deal more testing is needed before this is generally accepted and available.

The simplicity and affordability of this test could mean life or death for many. Researchers tested their discovery on multiple types of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma – all with good results. Hopefully it will soon be tested on asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma as a quick diagnosis could accelerate treatment.

Dr. Abu Sina, an AIBN researcher, said, ”It works for tissue derived genomic DNA and blood derived circulating free DNA. This new discovery could be a game-changer in the field of point of care cancer diagnostics.” That is the hope for all and a research worth watching.

Enjoy Your Holidays and Stay Safe!

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It’s that busy time of year with increased activities as preparations are made for decorating, gift-giving, and time with family; so take a moment to think how you can enjoy your holidays and stay safe at the same time. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind.

Fire

Check your smoke alarm before adding electrical decorations. Often lights are added during the holidays, both inside and outside of your home. This can put an added strain on breakers, but especially on outlet strips. Watch that these are not overloaded and be aware of any unusual odors or flickering that may signal an overheated strip of lights.

Keep candles unlit unless there is someone watching them and be sure they are not close to flammable materials.

Children – and adults – love to be close to a fireplace. Use a fire screen and check to see if clothing, especially pajamas, are fire-proofed. Outdoor fire pits can be especially enticing to children; be sure an adult monitors activity around the fire and discourages roughhousing in the area.

During gatherings of family and friends, there may be a number of people in the kitchen, including children. Keep pots on the back burners of the stovetop if possible to avoid burns from accidental bumping or little hands reaching.

Pets

While some pets may love the activity and attention, others may become agitated. Ensure there’s a safe place where your pet can relax and also where the pet will not be tempted to lash out at a child. Dropped food can turn a docile pet into one that will bite to defend its prize.

Trees, lights, ornaments, ribbons, wrapping paper, and food – chocolate and nuts especially – must be out of reach or watched closely so you don’t experience a late night trip to an emergency vet.

Shopping and traffic

This is the time of year when the “traffic is terrific” and can put a damper on trips to the mall or event venues. There is no avoiding it, unless all shopping is done online, but be prepared. If you can shop “off hours” you’ll have fewer issues. Check road conditions before leaving home and find the best route.

When you park, keep all packages in the trunk or other place where they cannot be seen. Always lock doors. When walking to and from a store, keep your eyes open and avoid looking at your phone. Take note of where you park so you can walk directly to your vehicle, keys in hand, when leaving the store or event. If you feel uncomfortable about any people in the parking lot, go back into the store and request an escort.

Hold purses or wallets and don’t leave in shopping baskets, even for a moment. Guard your cards and carefully input your PIN number in a manner that is not visible to others.

Drinking

This time of year is filled with parties and dinners where liquor is served. If you want to celebrate with drinks, there are ways to do it safely. If you have one drink, have it early and eat at the same time. Stay long enough to remove it from your system before driving. Otherwise, ride with a friend or take one of the car services to get home. Many holidays have been ruined because of one too many.

Enjoy your holidays!

These suggestions are common sense and take very little time, but they can save you from a holiday and lifetime of regrets. Enjoy your holidays and stay safe!

Have fun! Make memories! Celebrate!