Why bird flu has not caused a pandemic (Science Daily) Bird flu viruses would have to make at least two simultaneous genetic mutations before they could be transmitted readily from human to human, according to new research. [News Source]

Iraqi teen died last month of H5N1 bird flu -WHO (Tiscali) GENEVA (Reuters) - Tests carried out by a British laboratory on samples taken from a dead Iraqi teenager have confirmed that she had bird flu, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday. [News Source]

Last year’s flu shot may help ward off swine flu, study shows. People who received last year's seasonal flu vaccine may have gained some protection against the swine flu virus, according to a study presented Thursday at the 58th annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, in Washington, D.C. [News Source]

Less vaccine, but a lot of problems. When the nation's swine flu vaccination program began in early October, health officials predicted it was going to be "messy." They were right. [News Source]

As Yule approaches, Santas seek H1N1 help. Holiday season is colliding with swine flu season, and that has Santas concerned. The cheerful Christmas ambassadors come in contact with millions of children each year, and many are being advised to take special precautions. [News Source]

Deaths not linked to H1N1 vaccines. About 40 people have died after being inoculated against H1N1 pandemic flu, but investigations so far show the fatalities were not caused by the vaccine, the World Health Organisation said on Thursday. [News Source]

Mild asthma leads to higher risk of kids getting H1N1: Study. Even mild asthma increases a child's risk of being hospitalized with more severe H1N1 flu, researchers in Toronto are warning. [News Source]

US panel votes against new bug-based flu vaccine. More safety data would be needed before a new type of influenza vaccine made in insect cells should get approval, federal advisers said on Thursday. [News Source]

Bird flu human-to-human spread unlikely (UPI) LONDON, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Bird flu would need two simultaneous mutations to spread from human to human, British and U.S. researchers say. [News Source]