Articles tagged with Influenza
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 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.
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.
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.
Researchers uncover mechanism behind aspergillosis in critically ill patients with severe influenza or Covid-19, doubling mortality rate. The study found that immune cells and white blood cells are compromised, leading to fungal growth in respiratory tract and lungs.
A new poll shows that 61% of people over 50 who have already gotten at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine are very likely to roll up their sleeves for an updated booster shot. Health providers' recommendations will play a crucial role in increasing vaccination rates among older adults.
A new study found outliers in influenza-negative ILI cases in global surveillance networks 13.3 weeks before the first reported COVID-19 peaks in 16 countries. This suggests undetected spread of COVID-19 and highlights the importance of strengthening disease surveillance networks.
Researchers found that COVID-19 positive individuals had a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and ischaemic stroke compared to those who tested negative. The study also revealed increased risks for intracerebral haemorrhage and decreased frequencies for other neurodegenerative illnesses.
A new study from UTHealth Houston found that flu vaccination was associated with a 40% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in US adults over a four-year period. The study analyzed a large sample of patients and found that consistent flu vaccination every year had the strongest protective effect.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that physical activity can boost the body's immune response to influenza vaccination. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 individuals and concluded that regular exercise may provide better protection against the flu.
A team of researchers has found a way to block the replication of one strain of the influenza virus in human cells by inhibiting a specific protein modification process called SUMOylation. This breakthrough could lead to highly effective treatments for the flu and other respiratory viruses.
Leading ethicists argue that mandatory flu vaccination for healthcare staff is ethically justified due to the risks of nosocomial infections and staff shortages. In contrast, a COVID-19 vaccine mandate is considered unethical due to the low risk of serious illness among younger staff and concerns over coercion.
This study shows how specific brain regions control the immune response during acute stress, highlighting the detrimental effect on fighting off infection. Researchers found that acute stress prompts a major migration of immune cells, diminishing an immune response to viruses like COVID-19 and influenza.
Researchers linked dietary cholesterol to exacerbation of viral infections in mice, showing that high levels of cholesterol made mice sicker when infected with influenza. The study found that dietary cholesterol increased the number of cytokine-producing immune cells in the lungs, contributing to excessive inflammation.
A new grant will help Missouri parents make informed decisions about vaccinating their children against various diseases. The grant aims to provide factual, evidence-based information to address common concerns and promote public health outcomes.
A Spanish study found that adults hospitalised with COVID-19 were three times as likely to die within 30 days and 90 days compared to those hospitalised for seasonal influenza. The study also revealed that COVID-19 patients spent more time in the hospital, ICU, and required more expensive treatment.
A new study from George Mason University researchers highlights the use of artificial intelligence and seasonality to screen patients and identify the probability of COVID-19. The algorithm takes into account symptom clusters and age/gender differences, suggesting that fever is a stronger predictor of COVID outside of flu season.
A global trial found that people with heart failure who received an annual flu shot had lower rates of pneumonia and hospitalization on a year-round basis. The study also revealed significant reductions in major cardiovascular events during peak flu season.
Adults hospitalized with COVID-19 and flu have a higher risk of severe disease and death compared to those with COVID-19 alone. The study found that patients with both conditions were over four times more likely to require ventilation support and two-and-a-half times more likely to die.
A study by the University of Washington School of Medicine found that home-based flu tests are comparable in accuracy to rapid diagnostic tests. The tests enable earlier diagnoses and reduce time to care for patients.
Scientists at Hokkaido University developed a prototype sensor to rapidly measure adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and lactate levels in blood samples. The sensor's sensitivity allows for the accurate detection of these molecules, enabling rapid assessment of disease severity.
A computational study finds that Omicron's spike protein has evolved to evade multiple classes of antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2, even those from vaccinated individuals and monoclonal antibody treatments. The study suggests vaccines still offer protection due to the development of T cell immunity.
A large English study found that people hospitalized for COVID-19 are more than twice as likely to die or be readmitted in the next several months compared to the general population. These findings highlight the need for increased monitoring of COVID-19 patients after discharge and raise awareness of potential complications.
Scientists identify a new site of vulnerability on the influenza virus called the anchor, which has potential to recognize broad variety of flu strains. The discovery paves way for rational vaccine design and could lead to improved universal flu vaccines.
The study found that flu vaccination rates are significantly lower among individuals without regular healthcare providers compared to those with a provider. Vaccination rates increased with age and were higher among those with more medical conditions.
A new study at the University of Chicago has found that individuals of European and African genetic ancestry respond differently to influenza infection, with a stronger type I interferon pathway activation in those of European ancestry. This variation in immune response may contribute to disparities in influenza outcomes between differ...
Researchers discovered a correlation between simultaneous vaccination with the flu and shingles vaccines, resulting in reduced likelihood of administering a flu shot the next year. The study suggests that side effects from the shingles vaccine may be misattributed to the flu vaccine, contributing to this phenomenon.
A retrospective cohort analysis found that an algorithm-based automated text messaging system saved lives and reduced mortality rates by 68% among patients with COVID-19. The system, called COVID Watch, used text messages to monitor symptoms and escalate patients to healthcare providers for further care.
A study at the University of São Paulo found that Torquetenovirus (TTV) titer is higher in people infected by SARS-CoV-2, suggesting it could be a biomarker for COVID-19 severity. TTV load correlates with disease progression and outcome, and its measurement may support diagnosis.
A new poll reveals that most people over 50 have received or plan to receive flu shots, with a majority also planning to get additional COVID-19 vaccine doses. The poll highlights differences in vaccine attitudes among older adults of different age groups and backgrounds.
Researchers developed a viral panel that enables simultaneous testing for SARS-CoV-2 and common respiratory viruses, providing insight into coinfections and viral spread. The tool helps predict and mitigate future outbreaks by tracking novel viral variants and their patterns of spread.
Researchers identified a clear-cut seasonal pattern in respiratory viruses, with peaks in January and lows in June, affecting hospital admissions. The study found that babies born in severe peak years were more likely to be infected and hospitalized, highlighting the importance of planning ahead for high seasons of illnesses.
A new register study at Umea University found that people with psychotic or bipolar disorders are significantly more likely to die from influenza, pneumonia, or sepsis. The proportion of deaths due to these conditions was sixfold in certain age groups, highlighting the need for preventive measures.
Researchers have identified several commonly prescribed medications that can affect the flu virus's interaction with host cells. Some of these medications amplify the virus's effect, while others dampen it, depending on their target in the cells. Further research is needed to understand the consequences of these interactions for patients.
A recent review published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that flu vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in individuals with heart disease. Despite higher mortality rates from influenza, many Americans under 65 with heart disease have low vaccination rates.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to reduced influenza reporting, but vaccination and strengthened surveillance are critical for a possible resurgence. Research highlights the importance of flu vaccination and early testing for non-influenza respiratory viruses.
Researchers developed a new risk measure, Universal Influenza-like Transmission (UnIT) score, that outperformed existing models in predicting weekly case count forecasts. The model used 10 years of influenza hospitalization data to identify patterns and improve COVID-19 spread predictions.
Researchers at Columbia University predict a large-scale influenza outbreak in the US after lifting public health measures, followed by worsened seasonal flu outbreaks. The study suggests that greater population-wide immune susceptibility to influenza could lead to more severe outbreaks.
Researchers found that social distancing measures and masking were effective at stopping the spread of flu and RSV viruses. The study concluded that these measures are effective tools to reduce the rates of potentially serious infections like influenza and RSV in children.
Researchers developed a model using data from over 1.1 million volunteers to identify the 7 most informative symptoms for COVID-19 test allocation. The model predicted PCR positivity with high accuracy, resulting in potential 30% to 40% increase in eligible individuals and 70% to 75% detection of positive cases.
Researchers found that shrinking waveforms on electrocardiograms can help identify high-risk patients with COVID-19 or influenza, allowing for more aggressive monitoring and treatment. The study also showed that this technique may be particularly useful in overwhelmed systems where timely intervention is crucial.
CD8+ T cell priming in the spleen generates long-lived, stem-like memory T cells with enhanced ability to differentiate into T effector cells. Spleen-primed T cells have superior capacity to respond to rechallenge infection and expand into infection-fighting T effector cells.
This study analyzed data from 10 recent flu seasons to examine the rates of influenza-associated hospitalizations, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and in-hospital deaths among different racial and ethnic groups. The findings highlight disparities in flu-related healthcare outcomes across various populations.
New research finds that performance feedback at healthcare clinics significantly increases flu vaccination rates. Clinics that received performance rankings grew their flu vaccinations by 12%, outperforming control clinics by 23 percentage points.
A large retrospective cohort analysis of 74,754 patients found that flu vaccination significantly reduces the risk of stroke, sepsis, and DVT in patients with COVID-19. Patients who received the flu shot were less likely to visit the emergency department and be admitted to ICU.
Racial and ethnic disparities in vaccine uptake have persisted over the last decade, highlighting the urgent need to achieve equity in immunization rates. Concerted efforts are needed to address socio-economic disparities, particularly among adults 65 years or older.
The flu vaccine has been found to protect against severe effects of COVID-19, including ICU admissions, sepsis, and strokes. Patients vaccinated against flu were less likely to visit emergency departments and be admitted to ICUs.
A University of Arkansas researcher found that employed individuals are 35.3% more likely to be infected with the flu virus. The study considered individual characteristics and occupation-specific human exposure and interaction at work as potential mechanisms for contagion.
A population-based study published in JAMA found no association between maternal influenza vaccination during pregnancy and adverse early childhood health outcomes. The study followed over 28,000 children from birth to 3 ½ years old, indicating that flu vaccination during pregnancy does not increase the risk of immune-related or non-im...
A new study found that COVID-19 in children and adolescents produces more symptoms and complications than seasonal influenza, including asthma, obesity, and rare conditions. Fatality rates were rare, with most 30-day complications being hypoxemia and pneumonia.