Articles tagged with Influenza
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine discovered a new function of antibody-making B cells in response to flu infection. These cells produce a key signaling molecule called interleukin-1 beta, which is necessary for developing a robust immune response and forming optimal germinal centers.
Researchers developed a high-volume method to rapidly build and test large numbers of antibodies at once, accelerating antibody research and treatment development. The oPool+ display platform has potential applications in influenza vaccination research, infectious disease treatment, and cancer research.
Researchers investigated why harbor seals get sick from influenza, while gray seals don't. They found no difference in cytokine profiles between infected and non-infected gray seal pups.
The American College of Cardiology recommends flu, COVID-19, RSV vaccinations and others for adults with heart disease to reduce risks of infection, hospitalization, and death. Vaccination has been shown to be highly effective in reducing these risks, yet only 30% of primary care physicians assess patients' vaccination status.
A new study uses generative AI to quickly scan notes in electronic medical records and identify high-risk patients with potential H5N1 avian influenza exposure. The model detected 76 patients with high-risk exposures, including 14 confirmed cases of recent bird flu exposure.
Researchers identified key mutations in the H5N1 genome that enhance its human adaptive potential. The 2.3.4.4b clade has infected multiple mammalian species and is adapting to humans, posing a concern for increased mortality risk. Surveillance measures are recommended to counter this growing risk.
A new drug pairing of Theobromine and Arainosine has been developed to target the influenza virus's ion channel, effectively blocking its replication and spread. This breakthrough combo outperforms Tamiflu in fighting a range of flu strains, including drug-resistant versions.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that oseltamivir treatment during flu episodes was associated with a reduced risk of serious neuropsychiatric events. The researchers debunked the long-standing theory that flu treatment causes these events, and instead found that the infection itself is more likely to be the culprit.
A cohort study found that oseltamivir treatment during influenza episodes is associated with a reduced risk of serious neuropsychiatric events. This suggests that oseltamivir can be used to prevent these complications in children and adolescents.
A national study finds that the percentage of patients who wait four or more hours for a hospital bed has increased significantly, with even lower rates during non-peak months. The issue, known as 'boarding,' has become a major concern, putting patient safety at risk and straining emergency departments.
A Stanford Medicine-led report found that children with rare flu complications like influenza-associated acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) need prompt treatment to survive. The condition causes brain swelling and a runaway immune response, leading to fatal outcomes if left untreated.
A case series of children with influenza-associated acute necrotizing encephalopathy highlights the condition's severe impact on young, previously healthy children. The study emphasizes the need for prevention, early recognition, intensive treatment, and standardized management protocols to address this critical public health concern.
A multicenter study found influenza-associated acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality in children, with a 27% mortality rate. Survivors often experience neurological difficulties, emphasizing the need for rapid treatment and vaccination to prevent ANE.
Researchers found that common respiratory infections like COVID-19 and influenza can awaken dormant breast cancer cells in the lungs, leading to a massive expansion of metastatic cells. The study suggests that individuals with a history of cancer may benefit from taking precautions against respiratory viruses.
A retrospective study found that older adults hospitalized with RSV experienced significantly longer hospital stays, transfers to intensive care, and 30-day mortality compared to patients with other conditions. Additionally, RSV hospitalization was associated with higher rates of heart failure and atrial fibrillation post-discharge.
A new study from Cornell University researchers found that avian flu causes severe mastitis and decreased milk production in dairy cows. The economic loss is estimated to be around $950 per clinically affected cow, totaling approximately $737,500 for a single herd.
This study uses an analytical model to examine the effects of influenza vaccination on both vaccinated and unvaccinated populations. The results show that vaccination provides significant reductions in disease burden, even when vaccine effectiveness is low, but these benefits are limited in high transmission situations.
Researchers from University of Zurich and Basel decode historical specimen to understand how 1918-1920 influenza pandemic evolved in Europe. The Swiss genome reveals three key adaptations that made the virus more resistant to human immunity and more infectious.
Researchers found that T-bet expression is crucial for preserving the protective memory response in lung and lymph node memory B cells. Continuous T-bet expression in these cells enables their rapid differentiation into antibody-producing plasma cells upon a second flu virus infection.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has launched a critical care APP education and certification program, covering 11 topic areas including patient-centered care and pharmacology. The CCAPP Certification Exam is now available, with an August 5 deadline to apply for the 2025 exam.
A new study suggests that monitoring airborne fungal spore levels can predict short-term outbreaks of flu and COVID-19 infections. High levels of fungal spores were strongly linked to increases in flu and COVID-19 cases, particularly in the fall season.
A high-throughput neutralisation assay reveals how individual immunity gaps shape flu strain success, highlighting personalised immunity and its impact on virus evolution. The study used large-scale sequencing to quantify antibody responses against circulating H3N2 flu strains in children and adults.
A study found that adults hospitalized for RSV had significantly higher odds of cardiac events compared to those with COVID-19 or influenza. The findings suggest that preexisting cardiovascular risk patients should consider vaccination against respiratory viral infections.
The study found that mRNA-1083 induced higher immune responses than standard care influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, with an acceptable tolerability and safety profile. The vaccine met noninferiority criteria for all 4 influenza strains and SARS-CoV-2 across various age groups.
A Lehigh University researcher is developing a new platform to enhance flu forecasting through a human judgment temporal forecast system, which aims to improve evidence-based public health decision making. The system will collect unbiased opinions and forecasts from public health experts and the general public.
Researchers developed an antiviral chewing gum containing a natural protein that neutralizes viral loads of influenza A strains and two herpes simplex viruses. The gum, made from lablab beans, was found to be safe and effective in reducing viral loads by over 95%.
The American College of Chest Physicians' CHEST Critical Care and CHEST Pulmonary journals have been indexed in Elsevier's Scopus database. This achievement is a testament to the high-quality research published in these journals, which provide open access content in pulmonary and critical care medicine.
A new study by UNC Charlotte researchers reveals the H5N1 influenza virus is adapting to escape human immunity, increasing the risk of transmission in humans. The team's computational modeling finds a worsening trend in antibody affinity to more recent viral isolates, indicating a greater risk to human health.
Researchers at Aalto University and others have developed a model that shows smartwatches can accurately detect viral infections several days before symptoms appear. This early detection can lead to significant reductions in disease transmission and could potentially stop a pandemic before it starts.
Researchers discovered immune cells that can recognise influenza (flu) viruses even as they mutate, providing a potential solution to the annual updates of flu vaccines. The study found that certain T cells, which play a critical role in fighting infections, can detect multiple flu strains, even those that have evolved over a century.
Dartmouth researchers propose a new way of thinking about masking and social distancing rules using game theory, considering them as two distinct actions. The study finds that people respond differently to these measures based on their perception of the disease's severity, trending towards masking or no protective action over time.
The study analyzed antibody profiles from humans in three countries to reconstruct historical seasonal influenza patterns and individual lifetime infection histories. The findings revealed variation in incidence and antibody dynamics over the life course.
The study identified 97 potential therapeutic targets for SFJD, with 27 key targets involved in antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune regulation effects. Molecular docking results showed strong interactions between core active ingredients and these targets.
Researchers are creating microphysiological systems to simulate infection and treatment in vitro, linking human lung and brain tissue models. This project aims to explore the relationship between respiratory diseases and neurological symptoms, potentially leading to new treatments.
Researchers will showcase results of a randomized clinical trial demonstrating Biovanta's efficacy in reducing common cold symptoms by strengthening the respiratory barrier and controlling inflammation. The presentation will also include preclinical data on antiviral formulas targeting rhinovirus and influenza.
A Spanish study found that the influenza vaccination campaign for children aged 6-59 months was effective in preventing acute respiratory infections and hospitalization. The study estimated the vaccine to be 70% effective against any influenza type and 77% effective against severe cases.
New research suggests that exposure to vape and e-cigarette residue on surfaces during pregnancy can cause immune system damage in unborn babies. The study found that maternal third-hand exposure to e-vapour results in significant, long-lasting effects on lung and bone marrow immune cell responses.
A cohort study found a significant association between maternal influenza infection during pregnancy and an increased risk of childhood seizures. The study suggests that maternal influenza may affect childhood neurological development, particularly for febrile seizures, but not epilepsy.
Researchers developed artificial lymphoid organ-chips to recreate human immune system's response to booster vaccines. The technology could potentially be used to evaluate the likely effectiveness of new protein and mRNA-based booster vaccines for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that high-dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines provided better protection against flu symptoms and hospitalization for people 65 years and older during the 2022-2023 flu season. The study included nearly half a million participants and showed significant advantages of these vac...
A team of researchers, led by Jason Shoemaker, are studying the effects of hormones on the immune system's response to the flu. Their goal is to develop targeted therapies based on a person's sex or hormone levels. The study aims to identify the molecules or pathways that affect the cells and begin to develop personalized treatments.
A novel two-step vaccination strategy has been developed to combat seasonal flu, pairing an intramuscular injection with a nasal spray of a weakened live-virus. The approach resulted in a strong immune response and reduced shedding of the vaccine candidate from the upper respiratory tract.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed two nasal sprays, NanoSTING and NanoSTING-SN, to prevent respiratory virus transmission. NanoSTING is an immune activator that can protect against multiple viruses, while NanoSTING-SN is a pan-coronavirus vaccine that can prevent transmission to unvaccinated individuals.
A new study by Emory University researchers found that increased ventilation in childcare settings may not be effective in preventing flu virus spread. The team used a play-based model using ferrets to study the spread of flu viruses in a setting that closely mimics a childcare venue.
A new study reveals that blowflies in southern Japan are carrying the bird flu virus, which could lead to transmission through contaminated surfaces, food sources, and water. This finding highlights the need for effective countermeasures to prevent and control the disease in poultry farms.
Researchers found post-COVID conditions in primary care comparable to flu-like illnesses and lower than subspecialty and hospital settings. The study analyzed data from a national primary care registry and identified breathing difficulties, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and type 2 diabetes as common long-term health problems.
A recent study by Iowa State University researchers found that dairy cows have rich supplies of sialic acid, a sugar molecule that acts as a receptor for influenza. This discovery sheds light on how the virus attaches to hosts and raises questions about the risks of consuming raw milk from infected cows.
Researchers identified six priority pathogens for WWS during the Paris 2024 Games, including poliovirus, influenza A virus, and SARS-CoV-2. The study offers a model framework for context-specific WWS targets in mass gatherings.
Researchers tested hundreds of milk products from dozens of states and found no infectious H5N1 virus, but detected viral genetic material in 20% of samples.
A world-first study found that low-dose aspirin can create better blood flow to the placenta during pregnancy, potentially preventing complications caused by flu infections. The research also showed that mice treated with low-dose aspirin had improved fetal development and offspring survival.
Researchers found that H5N1 virus particles in unpasteurized milk can remain stable on metal and rubber components of commercial milking equipment for over an hour. This increases the potential for bird flu exposure among dairy farm workers and animal-to-animal transmission.
A new mathematical model suggests that waiting two days after symptoms arise for rapid COVID tests can increase accuracy by reducing false negatives. The model also recommends a 'test-to-exit' strategy to prevent infections and minimize inconvenience, which may be more effective than the five-day isolation policy.
A new study reveals that 96% of VA hospitals and 74% of non-federal hospitals mandate influenza vaccination or waivers for staff. This surge is largely attributed to the 2020 Veterans Health Administration directive. The increased mandates aim to reduce flu transmission among patients, as health systems strive to improve patient safety.
Scientists at Scripps Research have developed a potential drug-like molecule that blocks the first stage of type A influenza infection. The inhibitors target hemagglutinin, a protein on the surface of type A influenza viruses, and have shown improved cellular antiviral potency compared to previous compounds.
A study published in JAMA found that hospitalization for COVID-19 increased the risk of death more than seasonal influenza during the fall-winter 2023-2024 season. The research also highlights the importance of vaccination and public health measures to mitigate COVID-19-related mortality.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new vaccine strategy that targets the portion of the flu virus surface with less variability, aiming for universal and long-lasting protection. The experimental vaccine elicits an immune response focused on the stalk region, which remains consistent despite viral mutations.
Researchers at University of Florida discovered a Florida bottlenose dolphin infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV), the first reported case in a mammal in North America. The team analyzed tissue samples and confirmed the presence of HPAI A(H5N1) virus subtype 2.3.4.4b.
Researchers at UC Riverside demonstrate a new vaccine strategy targeting a common viral genome part, eliminating the need for annual booster shots. The vaccine uses small RNA molecules to boost the immune system, making it safe for babies and those with weakened immunity.
A newly developed compound called UH15-38 has been shown to safely and efficiently block necroptosis, a key receptor in lung cells causing excessive inflammation and lung damage. The study demonstrates that UH15-38 can prevent influenza deaths even when administered late in the course of an infection.
Researchers found a 32% vaccine uptake among patients asked about receiving the flu shot and a 41% uptake for those who received a pamphlet, watched a video, and were told about benefits. The study suggests a systematic approach to increase vaccine uptake among underserved populations.