Articles tagged with Influenza
A recent study used genomics to unravel the immune response to the flu virus, finding significant and complex differences between those who got sick and those who remained asymptomatic. The research may lead to new therapies to prevent illness by detecting early warning signs of infection.
A new study by NIH-funded researchers found that a prime-boost mix of injected or spray flu vaccine provides the broadest immune response in young children. The study also found that nasal spray vaccine stimulates a wide array of immune T cells, which may be important for protection against diverse flu strains.
A newly discovered human antibody recognized multiple strains of the flu virus, providing a promising lead for developing a longer-lasting vaccine. The antibody, dubbed CH65, binds tightly to the receptor pocket on the influenza virus, making it less affected by mutations.
The INFORMS journal has announced a special issue on using logistics and analytics to improve responses to disasters and health crises. The studies featured include pre-positioning of emergency items, optimizing schedules for maritime humanitian cooperative engagements.
Researchers have developed a method to predict whether someone will produce high levels of antibodies against a flu shot, allowing for the rapid development of vaccines and monitoring of suboptimal immune responses in vulnerable populations. The test uses gene activity data to identify predictive signatures with up to 90% accuracy.
A new statistical method predicts the size of seasonal influenza epidemics by analyzing weekly CDC data. The analysis suggests that early circulation of one strain is associated with a reduced incidence of other strains.
A study found that infection with influenza likely increases the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Influenza infection may increase the short-term risk of bacterial invasion in individuals already colonized with Streptococcus pneumoniae, which causes IPD. This suggests that some cases of IPD could be attributable to inf...
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital discovered a previously unknown biological pathway explaining why influenza induces asthma attacks. Activation of natural helper cells presents a new set of drug targets for asthma.
The University Health System increased flu vaccinations rates from 59 percent to 77 percent through interventions including vaccine kits, educational conferences and a dashboard to track vaccination rates. The effort led to the hospital surpassing national average for healthcare worker vaccination rates.
Researchers found that exposed children were almost five times more likely to need intensive care and more than 11 times more likely to need intubation. Children's length of stay in the hospital was significantly associated with smoke exposure and chronic conditions.
A study found that flu vaccination in transplant patients lowers risk of organ loss and death. Vaccination is safe and effective, contradicting earlier concerns about its impact on transplanted organs.
Research suggests that combining standard vaccines with interleukin-12 (IL-12) can induce high levels of protection against respiratory pathogens, including influenza virus and pneumococcal bacteria. This method could provide a non-invasive alternative to injections, offering improved protection against flu and other diseases.
Researchers have found that flu virus infection is necessary for pneumococcal bacteria to efficiently spread between individuals. The study has implications for managing influenza pandemics and reducing pneumococcal infections in young children, who are highly susceptible.
Researchers developed a new approach to predict which flu strain will be prevalent in a given year by tracking pairs of genetic changes. This method offers insights into epistasis, where mutations interact with each other to affect the virus's fitness. By analyzing these interactions, scientists can gain early warnings of emerging muta...
Researchers found that implementing policies a few weeks into an outbreak is as effective as starting at the beginning in reducing flu impact. This approach can reduce societal costs and resurgence after intervention lifting.
Researchers used a novel technique to count disease-spreading events in a high school population of 788 volunteers. They found that most people had a fairly high number of person-to-person interactions, but there were no super-spreaders who stood out from the rest.
Research from the University of Rochester Medical Center reveals that gaps in seasonal influenza vaccination rates between elderly whites, African-Americans, and Hispanics widen when vaccine supply is delayed or decreased. The study found significant declines in vaccination rates among minority groups during years with shortages.
Researchers at NIAID envision a universal flu vaccine that elicits an unnatural immune response, protecting against multiple flu strains. By targeting a shared region of the flu protein HA, scientists hope to develop a broadly protective vaccine that could replace seasonal vaccines.
Scientists have developed a novel flu vaccine using bacteria, which triggers an immune response without the need for eggs. The study, led by John Treanor, showed that the experimental vaccine worked well in people, with about half of participants responding strongly to just one microgram of the vaccine.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that aerosol transmission of influenza may have occurred in a Hong Kong hospital. The authors identified an unbalanced indoor airflow that spread infectious aerosols across the ward, infecting nine patients.
Dr. Oliver Daumke has won the Bayer Early Excellence in Science Award for his work on G proteins, which play a crucial role in cellular signaling pathways and immune response. His research holds promise for developing new strategies to treat diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and flu.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center are using mathematical modeling to study potentially deadly flu viruses and develop new vaccines and therapies. The five-year contract aims to enhance human immune responses and identify areas for investigation into treatments for lethal viruses.
A recent report by the Nutrilite Health Institute found that Americans who don't meet their daily fruit and vegetable recommendations tend to have lower intakes of vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, and selenium. These nutrients are essential for a healthy immune system. The report suggests that incorporating more colorful plant-based foods i...
Researchers at Iowa State University and the Ames Laboratory discovered the flu virus uses a shuttle mechanism to relay protons through a channel, necessary for infection. This finding may lead to designing drugs that stop protons from moving through the channel.
A landmark trial will recruit 500 children to test a patented extract of North American ginseng called COLD FX, with 60% expected to develop an infection and be eligible for the study. The trial aims to provide safe and effective treatment options for parents struggling with pediatric cold and flu medicines.
Scientists from Brigham Young University and Florida State University have made a breakthrough in understanding the flu virus's structure, identifying a potential drug target. By mapping the M2 channel's atomic level details, researchers can now develop new treatments that can defeat the virus regardless of its mutations.
Researchers have mapped the atomic structure of the M2 channel, a key protein in the flu virus. By understanding how protons move through this channel, scientists can develop new drugs to block its reproductive role and combat influenza.
A new study published in Pediatrics suggests that increasing Medicaid reimbursement for administering influenza shots may boost vaccination rates among poor children. The research analyzed state-by-state data and found a strong correlation between flu vaccination rates and Medicaid reimbursement rates.
A 9-country study found that older people who choose not to have the flu vaccine often rely on indigenous health practices, good general health, and hand hygiene instead. Factors such as feeling vulnerable, trust in the vaccine's effectiveness, and cost also play a significant role in vaccination rates among this age group.
Researchers used the friendship paradox to study the 2009 flu epidemic among 744 students, finding that friends of central members were more likely to get sick earlier. This method can predict epidemics before they spread widely, allowing for an earlier and more effective response.
Research using satellite telemetry found that migrating birds have a short 'window' of 5-15 days when they can disperse the H5N1 virus over 500km. Asymptomatic infection is crucial, and individual birds must fly quickly and take shortest routes to spread the disease.
A study found that mass media coverage of flu-related topics significantly increases vaccination rates and prompts people to get their shots earlier. Researchers analyzed data from over 22 million individuals aged 65+ and found a strong correlation between news reports and vaccination rates, with spikes in activity following news stories.
Scientists uncover the flu's secret formula for evolving within host species: balance. The virus replicates with enough mutations to spread but not so many that it leads to its demise.
A study found that pregnant women with flu often experience symptoms like nausea and a rapid heartbeat. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications, according to the UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers.
An analysis of hospitalization records found that seasonal flu tends to peak earliest in western states like Nevada and later in New England states like Maine. The study identified patterns between peak timing and intensity of seasonal flu, enabling healthcare providers to prepare for outbreaks.
Research suggests that including both strains of influenza B in the seasonal flu vaccine could improve its effectiveness in preventing the disease. Studies found that vaccines containing only one strain of influenza B were less effective in protecting against the flu, particularly in children.
A study found that Ontario's universal flu vaccine campaign reduces influenza illness attack rates, morbidity, and mortality at a reasonable cost to taxpayers. The campaign prevented an estimated 34,541 cases, 111 deaths, and $7.8 million in healthcare costs per season.
The Regenstrief Institute is leveraging its Indiana Network for Patient Care to automate the disability case determinations process, reducing time and increasing completeness of medical data. This will facilitate faster decision-making and decrease the burden on healthcare providers.
A study found that rhesus monkey babies born to mothers with flu during pregnancy had smaller brains and brain changes similar to those in human patients with schizophrenia. This suggests a possible increased risk of schizophrenia in human babies whose mothers had the flu while pregnant.
A clinical trial in rural Canadian communities found that immunizing children against seasonal influenza significantly protects unvaccinated individuals via herd immunity. The study, conducted among Hutterite youth aged 36 months to 15 years, showed a 61% effective rate of indirect protection.
A new study published in Medical Care found that high hospital occupancy is associated with a 5.6% increased risk of patient death, while nurse staffing levels can decrease this risk by 6%. Weekend admissions also increase the risk of death by 7.5%, while seasonal flu raises it by 11.7%.
A new study published in PLoS Biology found that absolute humidity is the underlying cause of seasonal influenza outbreaks. The researchers used 31 years of observed data to drive a mathematical model of influenza and found that the model simulations reproduced the observed seasonal cycle of influenza throughout the United States.
A new Cornell study reveals that using kitchen spoons to measure liquid medicine can lead to significant inaccuracies. Participants under-dosed by an average of 8%, while those using larger spoons over-dosed by 12%. Experts recommend using precise measuring devices instead.
A new study reveals that nearly half of UK women have a genetic variation reducing their ability to produce sufficient vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a vital role in immune system strengthening and preventing infections. The study found that younger women are at particular risk, highlighting the importance of adequate diet for this nutrient.
A new study found that eight in 10 Americans are missing out on the health benefits of a diet rich in colorful fruits and veggies, resulting in a phytonutrient gap. Consuming a variety of colorful foods can support immune function and overall health.
A study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older patients with dementia are diagnosed with flu less frequently, have shorter hospital stays, but a higher rate of death. The study highlights the need for refined guidelines on flu immunization and treatment in this vulnerable population.
Despite high risk, older African Americans are less likely to get the flu vaccine due to lack of accurate information and lingering distrust from the infamous Tuskegee syphilis studies. This results in lower vaccination rates among this age group, with only 48% vaccinated compared to 65% for non-Hispanic white seniors.
A new study found that nearly half of high-risk American adults who intend to get vaccinated against seasonal flu actually do, but nearly 45% cite a perceived lack of need as the main reason for not being vaccinated. The researchers suggest that educating these individuals about the benefits of vaccination and making it more convenient...
A survey of 1,835 public health workers found that 16% would not report to work regardless of the severity of an outbreak. Belief in the importance of one's work was strongly associated with willingness to respond, with those who believed their role could have a positive impact being 31 times more likely to respond.
A new study found that fetal exposure to influenza B virus may lead to cognitive problems at age 7 among children later diagnosed with psychosis. The association was not observed in children who did not develop psychotic disorders.
IDO enzyme can hinder flu vaccine efficacy by suppressing T-cell response, researchers say. The team plans to block IDO using inhibitors to build better vaccines.
A new study by the University of Kansas and Gallup indicates that people are naturally optimistic, with 89% expecting their next five years to be better than current life. Optimism is highest in Ireland, Brazil, Denmark, and New Zealand, but demography has a minimal impact on individual levels.
A new study found that flu vaccines are no more effective in preventing hospitalizations in children with asthma than in those without the condition. The research suggests that vaccination may actually increase the risk of hospitalization among asthmatic children.
A new system could use simple icons on TV screens to warn of future phases of a pandemic outbreak. The researchers emphasize the importance of rapid response and early detection in reducing the impact of a pandemic.
A new study found that early prenatal exposure to the Hong Kong flu may have interfered with fetal cerebral development and caused reduced intelligence in adulthood. The study involved over 180,000 men born between 1967 and 1973 and showed a significant association between prenatal exposure to the virus and lower intelligence scores.
A recent study has identified a common attachment site on influenza A virus subtypes that can be targeted to develop a universal flu vaccine. This breakthrough discovery was made by researchers at The Scripps Research Institute and provides a blueprint for the development of new antiviral drugs.
A study by Ohio State University researchers suggests that the influenza virus can lead to excessive fluid buildup in the lungs, impairing oxygen supply. The research aims to develop a new therapy to address this issue, potentially reducing the need for ventilation.
Researchers found a significant correlation between low absolute humidity and increased influenza virus survival and transmission. The study, published in PNAS, suggests that absolute humidity is the key control for seasonal flu outbreaks.
Experts urge grocery stores to promote free flu vaccinations instead of free antibiotics during cold and flu season. A recent study shows that workers who received flu vaccine lost fewer days of work due to illness.
Workers aged 50-64 who received the flu vaccine lost fewer days of work and worked less time while ill compared to unvaccinated individuals. The study found a significant reduction in illness-related workdays and improved worker productivity after vaccination.