Articles tagged with Influenza
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A study found that when doctors spend at least 10 minutes with patients, inquire about immunizations before exams, have four staff members, and hold down waiting room time, over 90% of patients are properly vaccinated. Critical path analysis revealed the full sequence of events was more powerful than individual activities.
Sir John Skehel's 30-year research on the influenza virus has led to a deeper understanding of how it infects cells and evolves to evade the immune system. His discovery has helped develop antiviral drugs targeting viral surface proteins, saving millions from global flu outbreaks.
Using targeted antiviral prophylaxis (TAP) on close contacts of suspected flu cases can effectively contain an epidemic, with only 2% of the population becoming ill and a death rate of 0.04 per 1,000 people. TAP is nearly as effective as vaccinating 80% of the entire population, especially when used for eight weeks.
The study found that inactivated influenza virus vaccines are effective in protecting children against the flu, reducing hospitalization rates comparable to those of elderly people. Vaccinating children can also protect adults from getting infected and save money on treatment costs.
Researchers found that post-exposure oseltamivir prophylaxis significantly reduced virus transmission and illness in households. The strategy was more effective than treating the ill household member only, with a 63% protective efficacy rate.
This year's flu season is severe due to a mutated virus that has changed slightly since last year's vaccine was designed. Young children are at higher risk of getting seriously ill as they haven't encountered the virus before and lack immunity. Experts recommend vaccinating all children aged 6 months to 23 months to prevent complications.
Research found a 10-20% point gap in vaccination rates between blacks and whites, even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors. The study suggests that culturally appropriate messages and additional resources are needed to improve flu vaccination rates among underserved communities.
A study found that patient and doctor attitudes play a crucial role in influenza vaccination rates among older adults. A vaccination-friendly culture at veterans' hospitals exceeded the national goal of 90%, highlighting the importance of promoting preventive measures.
A new study by the American College of Physicians found that treating older adults with flu-like symptoms can be cost-effective, but preventing them through annual vaccinations is more beneficial. Vaccination decreases hospitalization needs and mortality rates, making it the best strategy for older adults.
Researchers created a technique using validation sets to verify epidemiological data, enhancing vaccine effectiveness studies. This approach helps address reporting bias and improves the reliability of many vaccine research outcomes.
A novel flu vaccine developed by The Wistar Institute has generated a strong antibody response in mice, offering hope for a more stable and effective vaccine. The vaccine targets a stable region of the virus, potentially providing long-term protection against flu strains.
The study found that vaccinated elderly patients were 48% less likely to die during the 1998-99 season and 50% less likely to die during the 1999-2000 season. Additionally, vaccinated patients were less likely to develop pneumonia, cardiac disease, and stroke, confirming previous VA research on flu shots' life-saving benefits.
A computer-intensive mathematical model simulated mutation in flu genetic units, revealing a secondary, non-specific immune response that gives people temporary protection against nearly all variants. This understanding could inform the development of more effective vaccines offering longer-term immunity.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that an anti-flu-virus drug can protect against pneumonia by blocking the activity of flu virus enzyme neuraminidase. This protection reduces illness and incidence of death from subsequent infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.
A Stanford researcher found that vaccinating the entire population and using antiviral medications on those who get sick benefits society. The study found vaccination strategies were optimal in 95% of runs, with treatment of flu patients also benefiting 85% of the time.
A new study found that flu vaccines can benefit healthy working adults aged 18-50 by avoiding lost work time and treatment costs. Hormone replacement therapy does not prevent or reduce the rate of developing heart disease, contrary to earlier studies.
Dr. Poland urges healthcare providers to improve influenza vaccination rates among the elderly, citing decades-long progress as 'unacceptably slow.' He proposes several strategies to achieve universal vaccination, including standing-order programs and reimbursement by Medicare.
Researchers at Princeton University developed a mathematical method to predict the coming year's flu strain based on previous years' genetic sequences. The approach identified clusters of genetically similar viruses that tend to dominate in each season, with an accuracy rate comparable to existing methods.
Two studies found that eating breakfast can reduce susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections, including colds and flu. Volunteers who reported multiple illnesses were less likely to eat breakfast and consume alcohol, suggesting that psychosocial factors play a role in illness susceptibility.
A new study has shown that the flu shot does not trigger asthma attacks in people with moderate to severe asthma. The study included 2,032 children and adults diagnosed with asthma, who received either a real or placebo flu vaccine, with all participants receiving the actual flu vaccine by the end of the study.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal article explores the pros and cons of Ontario's no-cost flu vaccine program, which aims to ease pressure on emergency services. Experts argue that while the program may be a step forward in influenza control, its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness are uncertain.
Emory University researchers suggest that glutathione could be used as a flu preventive by exposing it directly to the tissues lining the mouth and upper airway. Studies have shown that glutathione reduces cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen, but its effectiveness in preventing disease has been unclear.
A new study by University of Michigan professor Dr. Arnold S. Monto found that zanamivir, an antiviral drug, is 67% effective in preventing laboratory-confirmed clinical influenza infection. The drug was also shown to be 84% effective in preventing laboratory-confirmed illnesses with fever.
Healthcare professionals who received the flu vaccine lost significantly fewer days of work due to illness compared to those who did not receive the vaccine. The vaccine also reduced the rate of influenza type A and B infections among vaccinated individuals.
A new nasal flu vaccine has delivered good antibody responses and proven safe in children, offering a potential solution to stop the spread of the disease. The vaccine's effectiveness is now being analyzed in a larger study, which may lead to FDA approval starting in 1999.