Articles tagged with Influenza
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.
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 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.
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.
Researchers found a clear relationship between COVID-19 mitigation measures and reduced flu cases in countries like Canada, the US, Australia, and Brazil. The absence of a 2020-21 flu season demonstrates the effectiveness of hand-washing, masking, and social distancing in limiting virus transmission.
A new study finds that only half of adults with cardiovascular disease report getting a flu shot annually, highlighting the need for better vaccination efforts. Patients with certain conditions and those who attend college are more likely to receive a flu vaccine.
A major study reveals COVID-19 survivors have an almost 60% increased risk of death over six months compared to the general population. The research catalogued numerous diseases associated with long-term complications of COVID-19, pointing to a massive health burden.
The Centers for Excellence in Influenza Research and Response (CEIRR) will conduct studies on influenza-related research areas, including immune responses to vaccination and infection, and zoonotic transmission. The network will also study SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging viruses of pandemic potential.
A recent study found that people who received a flu shot last flu season were significantly less likely to test positive for COVID-19 and had fewer complications if they did. Researchers reviewed medical charts for over 27,000 patients and discovered a strong association between flu vaccination and reduced COVID-19 infections.
A University of Pittsburgh-led survey found US hospitals struggled with strain during the 2017-18 flu season, highlighting a need for pandemic planning. The study's findings suggest that lessons from past crises can inform better preparedness strategies.
A study conducted at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that COVID-19 cases resulted in significantly more hospitalizations, mechanical ventilation, and mortality rates than influenza cases, highlighting the severity of COVID-19 on patients and hospitals.
A comprehensive modeling study reveals that socioeconomic factors synergistically drive health inequities in influenza burden across the US. People of lower socioeconomic status bear a disproportionate burden of infection, with disparities arising from combined social-economic and healthcare factors.
Researchers developed an mRNA treatment that targets RNA molecules to destroy virus replication in lung cells. The therapy could be effective against 99% of flu strains and new coronavirus variants due to its flexible targeting sequence.
Adults born prematurely may be more susceptible to severe influenza infections due to disruptions in their lung biological clock, research in mice suggests. The study found that premature infants who received life-saving oxygen were more likely to develop long-term lung problems and increased flu risk.
A new study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity found significant racial and ethnic disparities in the uptake of seasonal flu vaccines among people aged 65 and over in the USA. Among those who received a vaccine, minorities were 26-32% less likely to receive the High Dose Vaccine, which is more effective in older adults.
A study published in Scientific Reports estimates that COVID-19 may have caused 20.507 million years of life loss worldwide, with a significant impact on younger and older populations. The authors found that 44.9% of the total years lost occurred among individuals between 55 and 75 years old.
A new study published in CMAJ found that COVID-19 is significantly more severe than seasonal influenza, with patients admitted to hospital for COVID-19 having a 3.5 times greater risk of death and longer hospital stays. Younger adults also accounted for a significant proportion of hospitalizations and ICU admissions.
Researchers found that early antiviral treatment reduces 30-day readmissions and length of hospital stay. Troponin studies identify patients at higher risk of mortality due to underlying cardiovascular disease issues.
COVID-19 cases and mortality rates are significantly correlated with temperature and latitude across 221 countries, according to a new study. The research suggests the disease may be seasonal, like the flu, and could help inform pandemic strategies.
A study by University of Georgia researchers found that state laws promoting flu vaccinations for hospital workers can substantially reduce the number of influenza-related deaths. States with vaccination mandates saw an average reduction in mortality of about two deaths per 100,000 persons, primarily among older adults.
Researchers at Columbia University Mailman School developed an early warning system that optimizes surveillance site selection and forecasts the geographic spread of influenza. The method can be applied to other respiratory outbreaks and diseases, providing cost-effective support for public health officials.
Researchers at the University of Basel have identified immune cells resident in the lungs that persist long after a bout of flu, improving the immune response to reinfection by different strains. The discovery could lead to longer-lasting vaccinations against quickly-mutating viruses.
Research suggests that state laws requiring flu vaccination for hospital workers can reduce pneumonia and influenza mortality rates, particularly among the elderly. A quasi-experimental study found a 2.5% reduction in monthly pneumonia and influenza mortality rates after law implementation, averting approximately 1,822 deaths.
A study analyzing Fitbit data and self-reported symptoms found that COVID-19 symptoms lasted longer and peaked later than those with the flu. The researchers also identified characteristic symptoms of COVID-19, such as shortness of breath and coughing, which were not present in individuals with the flu.
A comparison of data from over 130,000 hospitalised patients found that COVID-19 is associated with a higher death rate and severity of illness compared to seasonal influenza. The study also revealed that COVID-19 patients were more likely to require invasive mechanical ventilation and intensive care.
A new study analyzing federal data reveals COVID-19 is associated with an increased need for ventilators, longer hospital stays and nearly five times the risk of death than the flu. The research also found COVID-19 can damage other organs, increasing the risk of complications such as kidney and liver damage.
Implementing point-of-care testing in hospitals can lead to faster diagnosis, better treatment, and improved recovery for patients with acute respiratory symptoms. The study found that routine molecular POCT for influenza resulted in increased antiviral use, isolation facility use, and reduced mortality rates.
A study of older adults hospitalized with influenza during the 2011-2012 flu season found that functional decline was common and often persistent. Higher frailty at admission was associated with increased risk of catastrophic disability and death.
A recent study found that cancer survivors are more likely to be hospitalized or die from seasonal influenza and have a greater chance of severe COVID-19 outcomes. The researchers suggest that this group should be prioritized for vaccination against both diseases, with the risk persisting for at least 10 years after cancer diagnosis.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that hundreds of influenza introductions within a city drove the seasonal flu season. Transmission dynamics were linked to temperature, with elderly individuals primarily infected within their own networks, while school-aged children played a central role in spreading the virus.
A recent study found that a high-dose flu vaccine is equally effective to a standard dose in reducing the risk of death or hospitalizations from heart or lung-related illnesses in people with heart disease. Researchers enrolled over 5,000 participants and found no significant difference between the two vaccine formulations.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Washington University found that most adults with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 have a suppressed viral immune response, unlike flu patients. Steroids like dexamethasone are only effective in a small subset of patients with life-threatening hyperinflammation.