Articles tagged with Influenza
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.
A new study finds that most hospitalized COVID-19 patients do not have a 'cytokine storm', which was previously thought to be the cause of respiratory failure, but rather moderate inflammation. The researchers suggest that anti-inflammatory medications may benefit only a fraction of patients with severe disease.
Researchers at Princeton University found that non-pharmaceutical interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic may delay but not prevent future outbreaks of respiratory infections. These delays could lead to large outbreaks when NPIs are lifted, posing a significant public health risk.
A recent study reveals that only about 20% of young adults with a history of heart attack received an annual influenza vaccination, compared to 28% of those without heart attack. This finding highlights the importance of increasing flu vaccination rates among individuals with cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology developed an A.I.-powered forecasting tool that incorporates location data to predict influenza outbreaks up to 15 weeks in advance with an accuracy increase of 11%. The algorithm identifies hidden patterns by encoding flu infections as interconnected regional clusters, enabling better res...
A new study found that adults with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to be hospitalized for the flu, while those using CPAP therapy had a lower risk. The study also suggested that treating sleep apnea may have a beneficial effect on the immune system and reduce health care costs.
Researchers at the University of Arkansas are working on developing a computational framework for creating novel vaccines and therapeutics against the flu. By modeling the critical hemagglutinin protein, they aim to understand how it interacts with human cells and develop strategies to inhibit its activation mechanism.
UC Santa Barbara researchers modeled the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in different temperatures and relative humidities. They found that respiratory droplets can travel longer distances than recommended social distancing guidelines, especially in cooler environments. The study suggests aerosol transmission may be more significant in summer, re...
Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were more likely male, younger and had fewer comorbidities than those with influenza. Despite this, however, those with COVID-19 were seen to generally be healthier, with lower rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, and dementia.
A Danish study found that patients taking ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers had lower mortality rates from influenza and pneumonia. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 hospitalizations between 2005-2018 and showed a significant protective effect against severe illness.
Researchers have discovered two antibodies that shield mice from lethal influenza B virus infections, offering a promising basis for a new treatment. These broadly protective antibodies target the critical viral enzyme neuraminidase, which could help combat a more effective and widespread flu medication.
Researchers developed a T-cell-based vaccine strategy providing long-lasting, multi-pronged protection against multiple strains of influenza. The experimental vaccine administered through the nose delivered immune response by rallying T-cells in the lungs, offering potential for universal flu vaccine development.
A new Cleveland Clinic study of over 13,000 patients found no link between influenza vaccination and COVID-19 risk. The researchers strongly advise people to get their flu vaccines this fall to mitigate the risk of simultaneous viral infections and epidemics.
A new pre-clinical study suggests that the flu virus spreads throughout a pregnant woman's body, triggering a hyperactive immune response. The research found that the virus enters the circulatory system via blood vessels, leading to severe inflammation and reduced blood flow to the placenta.
Researchers predict COVID-19 will follow seasonal patterns in temperate regions when herd immunity is attained. The virus will continue to circulate year-round until then.
This observational study examines COVID-19 and seasonal influenza in US children, revealing distinct clinical features including fever, cough, and respiratory symptoms. The study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of both conditions in pediatric patients.
Researchers found no statistically significant differences in hospitalization, ICU admission, or mechanical ventilator use between the two groups. However, more patients with COVID-19 reported fever, cough, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, body ache, chest pain, sore throat, congestion, and shortness of breath at diagnosis.
A CDC study of over 80,000 adult patients hospitalized with flu found that sudden, serious heart complications occurred in 12% of patients, or 1 in 8. The study underscores the importance of getting a flu shot early to prevent these complications. Researchers recommend that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every flu season.
A large population-based study found that acute cardiovascular events are common among adults hospitalized with influenza, with older age and underlying cardiovascular disease significantly increasing the risk. Vaccination is crucial for these patients, particularly those with cardiovascular risk factors, to prevent such complications.
A city-wide school influenza vaccine intervention was associated with a decrease in influenza-associated hospitalizations and school absences. The study found that SLIV programs increased vaccination coverage and reduced influenza across communities.
A new study estimated that COVID-19 was widespread in Wuhan, China, and Seattle, Washington, weeks before lockdown measures were implemented. The researchers found that there could have been over 12,000 undetected symptomatic cases of COVID-19 in Wuhan.
Researchers found that influenza A virus (IAV) infection leads to changes in eosinophil surface markers, antigen presentation, and survival. Eosinophils play an active role in resolving viral infections by recognizing IAV antigens and inducing epigenetic changes in CD8+ T-cells.
A new study published at the 2020 Alzheimer's Association International Conference suggests that receiving at least one flu vaccination can lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease over a lifetime. The research found that people who received a flu vaccine were 17% less likely to get Alzheimer's disease.
Research finds flu vaccination significantly lowers risk of heart attack, TIA, death, and cardiac arrest in adults over 50 and high-risk groups. Vaccination rates are under-utilized, especially among vulnerable populations, emphasizing the importance of increasing flu vaccinations.
A single dose of baloxavir marboxil significantly reduced flu infections among household contacts, with only 1.9% developing the illness compared to 13.6% on placebo. The study supports the use of baloxavir for preventing influenza in high-risk settings like nursing homes and healthcare facilities.
A new single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of over 59,000 cells from COVID-19 patients and influenza patients reveals distinct immune responses to both diseases. The study suggests targeting the IFN-I signaling pathway as a potential treatment strategy for severe COVID-19.
A new influenza-monitoring system reveals critical biases in US disease surveillance, particularly among lower socioeconomic neighborhoods. The study suggests that these disparities are linked to reduced access to healthcare and increase the risk of hospitalization for flu-related complications.
A recent observational study found that COVID-19 patients have a higher risk of ischemic stroke than those with influenza. The study, published in JAMA Neurology, analyzed data from two New York hospitals and revealed significant differences between the two groups.
Researchers analyzed weekly changes in US deaths due to COVID-19 and found a significant increase, indicating an estimated 1.8 million excess deaths between March 2020 and May 30, 2020. The study used data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the National Vital Statistics System.
Researchers at UT Austin are developing a new sensor that can differentiate between COVID-19 and the flu, informing treatment decisions and infection control measures. The dual test is more convenient for patients and saves time for medical personnel, potentially reducing costs and workload.
A surge in flu-like infections in the US in March suggests more than 8.7 million new COVID-19 cases occurred, with 80% remaining unidentified. Surveillance networks for influenza-like disease offer a tool to estimate COVID-19 prevalence, which has been hard to pin down.
Researchers estimate that the initial COVID-19 infection rate was undercounted due to testing issues and asymptomatic individuals. They found that excess ILI data showed a nearly perfect correlation with the spread of COVID-19, suggesting a much greater undiagnosed population than originally thought.
A West Virginia University-led study found a significant increase in seasonal flu deaths in US cities with professional sports teams. Researchers analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and discovered that flu mortality rates rose by 5-24% during pro sports seasons, with the largest jump observed in NHL games.
Aging and immune response to viral infections play a crucial role in understanding COVID-19. Dysregulated inflammation is linked to higher mortality in older populations, according to researchers.
Researchers found that a newer flu treatment, baloxavir, can dramatically reduce the contagious period of infected patients, preventing millions of infections and saving thousands of lives. Early treatment with this drug could be crucial in controlling the spread of COVID-19.
As COVID-19 converges with the flu season, pulmonologist Dr. Benjamin Singer outlines four key factors that can influence the severity of the upcoming flu season: social distancing, vaccination, co-infection diagnosis, and addressing disparities in vulnerable populations.
A new study by the University of Washington finds COVID-19 infection is deadlier than the flu, with a national death rate of 1.3% compared to 0.1%. The study projects a grim future if the US doesn't take strong action against the virus.
A recent study analyzed publicly available data on COVID-19 and seasonal influenza deaths, comparing mortality rates between the two. The research found that while both viruses cause significant morbidity, seasonal influenza was associated with a higher number of deaths compared to COVID-19.
Researchers at University of Melbourne and Imperial College London tested baloxavir, the first new treatment for influenza with a novel action mechanism, against oseltamivir. Baloxavir significantly reduced transmission of the flu virus in ferrets under conditions mimicking household settings.
A new study found that high blood glucose levels may trigger a severe inflammatory response in flu patients, leading to hospitalization or death. Glucose metabolism is believed to contribute to various COVID-19 outcomes as both influenza and COVID-19 can induce a cytokine storm.
The article highlights the potential for COVID-19 to evolve into a chronic condition similar to influenza, with links to cardiovascular disease. Researchers warn of the risk of reemergence or emergence of other coronaviruses due to genetic recombination.
Researchers have developed a portable AI-powered surveillance device called FluSense that analyzes coughing sounds and crowd size to predict flu-like illnesses and trends. The device collects over 350,000 thermal images and 21 million audio samples from university clinic waiting rooms.
A ketogenic diet can lead to flu-like symptoms within the first few weeks, according to a new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition. The symptoms peak in the first 7 days and dwindle after four weeks, with common reported symptoms including fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and decreased energy.
Perturbation of gut microbiota by influenza virus promotes secondary bacterial superinfection in mice. Treatment with acetate corrects this sensitivity.
The study analyzed case definitions and symptoms to predict lab-confirmed-influenza cases in Catalonia. The WHO definition was found to be the most sensitive, with temperature being a key predicting symptom. Researchers also found that children under two are at higher risk of severe influenza, highlighting the importance of accurate su...
Researchers propose that certain nutraceuticals can reduce inflammation in the lungs and enhance the body's primary antiviral response. Studies suggest that supplements like NAC and elderberry extracts may shorten the duration of influenza and reduce its severity, with potential benefits for COVID-19 as well.
Researchers found that misinformation during epidemics of infectious disease could make those outbreaks more severe. Strategies to fight fake news, such as 'immunizing' people against bad information through better education, showed promise in reducing the impact of bad advice on disease outcomes.