Articles tagged with Influenza
Researchers have identified a new strategy to combat the seasonal flu by targeting sialic acids in the upper respiratory tract of infants. Using desialylated neuraminidase enzymes, they reduced mouse-to-mouse transmission rates of influenza A by over half, suggesting potential benefits for preventing flu spread in children.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine reveals that people hospitalized for seasonal influenza face increased risks of long-term health effects, including death, hospital readmission, and organ system problems. Long flu is more debilitating than initially thought, with patients experiencing health loss similar to tho...
Commercially available NPBI-based air purifiers significantly reduced airborne virus infectivity, eliminating up to 99.98% of COVID-19, flu and RSV viruses in real-world concentrations.
A new study reports that antiviral medications are largely underused in young children diagnosed with influenza, highlighting opportunities for improvement in prevention and treatment. The study found low rates of antiviral use across all age groups, including a significant disparity in geographic regions.
Scientists at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology have uncovered a group of T cells known as mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. These cells can recognize the same markers whether they come from humans or mice, opening up new possibilities for treating infectious diseases and improving cancer immunotherapies. The study also ...
Novel vaccine candidates using Computationally Optimized Broadly Reactive Antigens (COBRAs) protect against multiple influenza B strains, including those from different lineages. These vaccines show long-lasting protection, potentially reducing the need for yearly updates.
New research from MIT found that germicidal UV lights can produce potentially harmful compounds in indoor spaces. The study suggests that the lights should be used with appropriate ventilation to minimize health risks. Researchers emphasize that the new UV lights are not a replacement for ventilation but rather a complement to it.
Research finds that immune cells in older adults are similar to those in newborns and children, but less effective at recognizing infected cells. The study, published in Nature Immunology, suggests that tailored vaccines and therapies could be developed for different age groups based on the unique characteristics of killer T cells.
A study of over 15,000 individuals with chronic kidney disease found that young age, Black race, and low education and income were linked to lower flu vaccine uptake. The study suggests that targeted vaccination efforts could improve uptake among those with kidney disease.
A Phase 1 trial of FluMos-v2 has begun at the NIH's Clinical Center, evaluating its safety and immune response. The vaccine aims to provide protection against multiple flu strains, with the potential for less frequent dosing than traditional seasonal vaccines.
Scientists have found that lung-resident memory B cells, critical for pulmonary immunity, require interferon-gamma produced by T follicular helper cells to differentiate. These long-lived immune cells migrate to the lungs from draining lymph nodes and lie in wait to react quickly to future infections.
Researchers at University of California - Riverside uncover COVID's Achilles heel - its dependence on key human proteins. By understanding how the virus interacts with human cells, a new class of antiviral medication may be developed to block replication and treatment.
Researchers found that certain immune cells were associated with increased protection from flu symptoms, while others were linked to susceptibility. The study's findings have implications for developing tailored vaccine platforms and improving public health strategies.
Researchers found that dietary AHR ligands from cruciferous vegetables, such as kale and broccoli, maintain a healthy barrier in the lungs and prevent infection. The study shows that AHR activity is essential for lung barrier integrity during viral infections.
Researchers found that the flu blocks lung liquid secretion, allowing staph to infect lungs. Treatment with a CFTR-activating drug like ivacaftor restores liquid secretion and protects against staph infection.
A new study reveals that patients hospitalized with COVID-19 had a higher in-hospital mortality and persisted at 30 days, 90 days, and 180 days after discharge. The risk of death was nearly twice that observed in those who were discharged alive from an influenza-related hospital admission.
A WVU study found that U.S. cities with new professional sports teams saw increased influenza mortality rates, with the NHL teams causing the largest increase. The researchers analyzed data from 122 cities and controlled for factors like population and temperature to find a significant correlation between team arrival and flu deaths.
Researchers found serious neuropsychiatric side effects occur in both treated and untreated children with flu. The study highlights the importance of understanding these events in young children and those with underlying conditions.
Scientists have discovered how the PA-X protein degrades host cell RNA while leaving the virus intact, enabling it to infiltrate and replicate within cells. The findings provide new insights into how influenza A viruses evade the immune system.
A multinational study identified immune resilience as a critical factor influencing life span, HIV/AIDS, flu, sepsis mortality, recurrent skin cancer, and COVID-19 mortality. Individuals with optimal levels of immune resilience were more likely to resist infections and recover from inflammatory stressors.
Researchers used a multiomics approach to analyze changes in transposable elements after influenza A virus infection, identifying transcription factors contributing to individual responses. The study provides insights into the variable severity of illness among individuals infected with the same virus.
Research found that meeting both recommended weekly physical activity targets was associated with a nearly half the risk of dying from flu or pneumonia as those who met neither. Meeting only the aerobic activity target was linked to a 36% lower risk, while muscle strengthening activities showed no significant difference.
A clinical trial has started enrolling volunteers to test the experimental H1ssF-3928 mRNA-LNP vaccine, developed by NIAID's Vaccine Research Center, for its safety and ability to induce an immune response. The trial aims to find an optimal dosage and compare it with a current seasonal flu vaccine.
A new immunotherapy treatment developed by UCF researchers uses targeted IL-2 to fight respiratory viral infections with improved outcomes in animal studies. The treatment promotes an antiviral inflammatory response and reduces bronchial inflammation.
A new study by Texas A&M University researchers shows that exposure to ultrafine particles during pregnancy enhances the risk for respiratory viral infections, including influenza. Pregnant women are already at increased risk for severe flu, and air pollution exacerbates this vulnerability.
Researchers studied H7N9 epidemic waves in China from 2013 to 2017, analyzing gene sequences to build phylogenetic trees. They found the virus likely circulated in poultry for months before being detected, and suggest continuous monitoring of animal health is crucial
A new study by the Peter Doherty Institute found that First Nations populations are significantly more likely to be hospitalized and die from influenza compared to non-Indigenous populations. Influenza-associated hospitalization and mortality rates were consistently higher in First Nations communities globally.
A meta-analysis found that Indigenous populations in these countries face significantly higher rates of influenza-related hospitalizations compared to non-Indigenous individuals. The study highlights the increased vulnerability of Indigenous populations to severe influenza outcomes.
Adults hospitalized with Omicron had a higher death rate than those with seasonal influenza, even though Omicron is considered less virulent. The study found patients hospitalized with Omicron were older and had more underlying illnesses, which may contribute to the higher mortality rate.
Scientists have developed a device that can simultaneously detect the presence of COVID-19 and flu viruses at much lower levels and quickly, using graphene nanomaterials. The sensor returns results within 10 seconds, faster than conventional tests.
Researchers analysed wastewater from 10 cities to detect chemical and biological markers of health, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals and disease-causing viruses. The study found that analysing wastewater on a large scale could spot new outbreaks of diseases in communities early on.
A new subset of memory B cells, marked by the FcRL5 receptor protein, has been identified as a predictor of long-lived antibody responses to influenza vaccination. These effector memory B cells can be detected seven days after immunization and correlate with vaccine antibody responses months later.
UVA researchers discovered a metabolic pathway that can modulate COVID-19 inflammation, lung recovery, and host metabolic health. They suggest a potentially viable therapeutic agent that may be combined with existing anti-viral agents to treat severe COVID-19 in patients with underlying metabolic disease.
A web-based program educating mothers about reliable health information and vaccine-preventable illnesses was effective in persuading vaccine-hesitant mothers to vaccinate themselves and their infants. The study found that 82% of hesitant pregnant women received flu and Tdap vaccines after participating in the online intervention.
A study published in Nature found that a small group of neurons in the airway play a pivotal role in alerting the brain about flu infections. The researchers also identified a second pathway from the lungs to the brain that becomes active later in the infection, which may hold promise for developing new treatments.
A new study by Rice University and Houston Health Department shows that wastewater-based monitoring is an effective way to detect viral outbreaks in schools. The system allows for early detection of illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, enabling strategies to stop the onset of potential outbreaks.
A new model has integrated two classic approaches to improve disease spread predictions, accounting for age-specific contact patterns and location-specific data. The model outperformed previous approaches in simulation studies and case studies, providing valuable insights into disease prevention and control.
A new method for rapid and specific antibody detection has been introduced, using programmable gene circuits, cell-free transcription, and electrochemical detection. The system can detect antibodies in complex samples such as blood serum and is adaptable for a wide variety of other antibodies.
Research on COVID-19 variants reveals that infants and toddlers with co-infections are significantly more likely to need oxygen therapy and ICU-level care. Co-infection rates were highest during the delta variant, followed by omicron and alpha.
Researchers at UBC identified three compounds derived from natural sources that prevent COVID-19 infection in human cells. The discovery paves the way for developing new medicines using natural sources.
A new microresonator technology is being developed to analyze chemicals using light, enabling faster diagnosis of diseases like COVID and diabetes. The device can retain light waves for longer periods, amplifying optical fields and making nonlinear processes easier.
A new study reveals that long-lived germinal centers, which can last for six months, are maintained by a dynamic balance between founder B cells and newly introduced naive B cells. The research provides insights into the workings of these microscopic training grounds and could inform future vaccine design.
A study found that children exhale fewer small particles, which are less likely to spread diseases like COVID-19. Larger particles produced by adults and children can transmit infections equally well, highlighting the importance of wearing high-efficiency masks for disease prevention.
A research team at Penn Vet identified p63 as a key factor in inappropriate tissue regrowth after infection, which may lead to new treatments. By removing p63, basal cells can differentiate into functional alveolar cells, promoting lung recovery.
Researchers analyzed data from over 80,000 primary care physicians and found no clear connection between MIPS scores and clinical performance. Doctors with low MIPS scores performed worse on some process measures but better on others, suggesting that the system may prioritize paperwork over patient outcomes.
Princeton University researchers found that mask-wearing and social distancing reduce respiratory disease spread in the short term but do not guarantee long-term benefits. Vaccination successfully limits return epidemics, whereas sustained NPIs can lead to increased susceptibility and eventual outbreaks.
A new £2.9 million trial will recruit children and adults hospitalised with severe flu from 150 UK hospitals over two years. The adaptive platform trial will test multiple treatments, including anti-viral drugs and steroids, to determine the best use of NHS resources.
Researchers developed a multivalent mRNA-based vaccine protecting against all 20 known influenza subtypes, providing broad protection in animal models and paving the way for clinical trials.
A study found that people with COVID-19 infections are more likely to develop seizures or epilepsy within six months compared to those with influenza infections. The increased risk was particularly noticeable in children and those who did not require hospitalization for COVID-19.
A new study finds that children with severe forms of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome, are at high risk of seizures triggered by the flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine is recommended for these children to protect them from complications and prolong their survival.
Researchers discovered that a lipid called prostaglandin E2 weakens lung immune cells with age. This increased PGE2 production impairs alveolar macrophage health and leads to a suppressed immune response, making older people more vulnerable to flu infections.
Researchers at the University of Calgary found that vaccination against influenza significantly lowers the risk of stroke among adults. The study analyzed health records of over four million Albertans and showed that the risk of stroke was reduced in all age groups, not just those at high risk.
Researchers from McGill University found that pneumococcal vaccination uptake is low among adults at high risk in Canada. Despite the importance of pneumococcal vaccination to prevent pneumonia and other forms of pneumococcal disease, many people missed opportunities for vaccination.
Researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine discovered a high prevalence of COVID-19 co-infections with the flu during the 2021-2022 flu season, peaking at 48% in October 2021. Vaccinations against both viruses appeared to offer protection against co-infections.
The Regenstrief Institute and Indiana Department of Health are collaborating on an influenza surveillance data pilot study to analyze the spread of Influenza in Indiana. The partnership aims to identify patterns and hot spots throughout the state to inform public health strategies.
Researchers found that reduced NA activity enables HA mutations to become more neutral, and that this process is crucial for predicting future flu strains. The study aims to improve flu vaccine accuracy by understanding the interactions between HA and NA genes.
Researchers discovered that even short-term exposure to diacetyl can cause lung damage when paired with a second insult like the flu. Mice exposed to low-level diacetyl over five consecutive days then infected with flu showed significant impairment of lung function and airway repair.
Researchers identified TDRD7 as a key regulator against influenza A virus and found that inhibiting its function increases virus replication. The study's findings could inform the development of novel therapeutic interventions against influenza virus infection in humans.
A study found that the 2021/22 influenza vaccine had only 36% effectiveness against A(H3N2) in Canada, with a mismatch between the vaccine strain and the circulating virus. This suggests that the replacement of the vaccine strain for the upcoming season is necessary.
A new study reveals that exploiting mitohormesis, a biological phenomenon where mild cellular stress boosts health and viability, can induce tolerance to influenza infection. Researchers identified a novel molecule, 9-tert-butyldoxycycline, which triggers beneficial mitochondrial responses that reduce tissue damage and inflammation.