Articles tagged with Influenza
Researchers discovered atomic-resolution structure of BM2, a key influenza B protein. This finding helps design drugs to block the protein and prevent viral spread. The study also revealed unique structural differences between influenza A and B proteins.
Researchers found that rapid weather variability, common in warming climates, can kick-start the flu season and lead to densely populated areas experiencing high contagion rates. The study suggests incorporating environmental factors into flu spread models may improve predictions of future epidemic severity.
Experts cite urgent need for influenza vaccinations to prevent outbreaks in detained migrants and asylum seekers. The logistics of vaccine administration are relatively straightforward, with a low risk of adverse effects.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Disease found that fully vaccinating children reduced the risk of hospitalization for influenza complications by 54%. The research, led by Dr. Hannah Segaloff and Prof. Mark Katz, validated guidelines recommending two vaccine doses for children under 8 who have never been vaccinated or recei...
A study found improved real-time prediction of influenza-like illness in five US states compared to current surveillance methods using de-identified data from wearable devices. The researchers used Fitbit data to identify abnormal resting heart rates and sleep patterns, which were linked to increased risk of flu.
Researchers found that injecting influenza vaccines into tumors increases the immune system's response, changing cold tumors to hot ones. This triggers an immune-stimulating effect, reducing tumor growth and improving survival rates. The study suggests that flu shots could be repurposed as cancer treatments.
A new study by UK researchers found that people with one virus are less likely to catch another common cold-causing virus. The interaction is thought to occur both at an individual and population level, which could help improve forecasting models and disease control strategies.
Researchers analyzed respiratory illness cases and found competition between respiratory viruses may explain declining common cold infections during winter. This finding can help improve forecasting and understanding of circulation trends and infection risks.
A new study found that only 24.5% of child care center directors reported having a flu vaccine requirement for children, and even fewer for adult caregivers. However, states with laws mandating flu vaccination for children in day care were more likely to have requirements.
A team of scientists at EPFL has designed a new material that can capture CO2 from wet flue gases more efficiently than existing commercial materials. The material uses a novel approach to overcome the competition between CO2 and water adsorption sites.
A new study suggests that immersive virtual reality can increase the acceptance of flu vaccinations among adults aged 18-49. The research found that participants who experienced a five-minute virtual reality simulation showed increased concern about transmitting flu to others and were more confident in the effectiveness of vaccination.
Researchers at Michigan State University have found that cellular RNA levels change significantly following infection or vaccination. The study's findings could help identify new targets for building better flu vaccines and aid in the design of a universal vaccine.
A new study from Yale University finds that a ketogenic diet can enhance the body's natural response to influenza by activating gamma delta T cells, which produce mucus in lung cell linings. The research suggests that the way the body burns fat may fuel the immune system's ability to fight flu infection.
A study found that almost 1 in 3 heart disease patients skip the flu shot, with uninsured individuals having the highest non-vaccination rate. Flu vaccinations are proven to prevent illness and death in people with heart disease, emphasizing the need for education and vaccination efforts.
A study by the Wellcome Sanger Institute and University of Amsterdam found that measles virus deletes part of the immune system's memory, removing immunity to other infections in humans and ferrets. This 'immunological amnesia' increases vulnerability to secondary diseases like flu, diphtheria, and tuberculosis.
A new study by University of Minnesota researcher Ryan Langlois provides insights into the immune response to influenza. The research found that infected cells in the lungs can survive the clearance process and actually divide faster than uninfected cells.
Emory researchers have secured a $15.89 million NIAID contract to test the antiviral drug EIDD-2801 in human trials. The goal is to develop a better drug against influenza, which kills an average of 20,000 people annually in the US. EIDD-2801 has shown promising results in animal models and is effective against multiple RNA-based viruses.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst has been selected as a CDC Influenza Forecasting Center of Excellence, receiving up to $3 million in funding to develop accurate flu forecasting models. The team will work closely with the CDC and collaborate with industry partners to improve public health response and communication.
Carnegie Mellon University has been designated as a CDC flu forecasting center of excellence, receiving $3 million in funding to develop more accurate forecasting tools. The new center will also explore how to effectively communicate forecast information to the public and leaders.
Scientists have discovered a new reaction to obtain water-soluble fullerene derivatives with high antiviral activity against flu viruses, HIV, HSV, and CMV. This breakthrough opens opportunities for developing effective antiviral drugs capable of suppressing untreatable infections.
A new needle-free flu vaccine patch has been developed that effectively stimulates the immune system without negative side effects. The patch uses a synthetic peptide to disrupt the skin barrier, allowing the flu vaccine virus to be delivered, and has shown promise in early human trials.
Researchers at Ohio State University have found a link between a genetic mutation and flu-related heart complications in mice. The study suggests that some people may be genetically predisposed to these complications, which could lead to new therapies.
A new study by Dolores Albarracin and Duo Jiang found that people with action-oriented goals are more likely to make purchases under time pressure. The research suggests that movement, whether walking or running, activates action-oriented concepts, promoting behavior change.
Researchers at OHSU are developing a new flu vaccine using the CMV-based platform, which has shown promise in fighting tuberculosis and an HIV-like virus. The goal is to create a longer-lasting, universally effective vaccine that could replace annual shots.
Researchers found that flu vaccination is associated with a 18% reduced risk of death from all causes, a 16% reduced risk of cardiovascular deaths, and a 10% reduced risk of heart attacks or strokes in patients with high blood pressure.
The American Academy of Neurology has issued a new guideline recommending that people with multiple sclerosis receive recommended vaccinations, including yearly flu shots. The guideline updates previous recommendations and emphasizes the importance of preventing infections through vaccine use in MS patients.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a method to transplant healthy lung cells into injured mice, improving blood-oxygen levels and promoting lung regeneration. The technique, using specialized alveolar type-two cells, showed promise in treating various models of lung injury.
A simple pamphlet about the flu given to parents in pediatrician's waiting room increased vaccination rates among young children. The study, published in Pediatrics, found nearly 72% of vaccinated children received the handout compared to around 65% without.
Researchers will follow children for 7 years to learn how their immune systems develop in response to both flu vaccination and infection. The study aims to understand immunological imprinting, which may impact the effectiveness of future flu vaccines.
Research in Tomsk, Russia found that school closures decrease student contacts by 53% and may worsen influenza spread. Computer simulations estimated a 33% rise in cases without such policies.
A team of McGill University Health Centre scientists identified a new role for the lipid mediator Leukotriene B4 in regulating the immune response to influenza infection. They found that LTB4 can reduce inflammation and enhance host survival, promising clinical implications for flu treatment.
Research suggests that e-cigarettes can diminish the body's ability to fight viruses, including those causing the flu. Cigarettes, on the other hand, appear to increase the risk of becoming sick from the flu due to different factors.
Researchers at Yale University have identified low humidity as a key factor in increasing flu virus transmission and severity. The study found that low humidity impairs the immune response, preventing cilia from removing viral particles and reducing airway cells' ability to repair damage.
A large study found Australian doctors are overprescribing flu antivirals to patients at low risk of complications, putting them at risk of unnecessary side effects. The indiscriminate use of antivirals can lead to increased risk of antimicrobial resistance, researchers say.
A $30 million federal grant will accelerate the search for a universal flu vaccine that can provide longer-lasting protection. The study, which involves over 2,000 sets of mothers and infants from the US and Mexico City, aims to understand how the immune system responds to first flu virus exposures.
A new AAP PROS study assesses influenza vaccine hesitancy among caregivers of children who received the first dose. Researchers found that over 90% of caregivers believed their child would be 'protected with only one flu shot,' and 12% had moderate/high vaccine hesitancy.
A new vaccine approach could protect against pandemic flu by teaching the immune system to recognize the shared 'cone' portion of the flu virus, rather than just the seasonal 'scoop'. Researchers have shown early promising results in lab animals.
Researchers found that a significant proportion of patients and healthcare workers shed the flu virus without displaying symptoms, making it difficult to control its spread. The study, conducted at a tertiary hospital in Zurich, tracked over 700 healthcare workers and inpatients during two consecutive influenza seasons.
A study suggests that tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) impairs immune function and makes flu shots less effective in mice. The findings could explain why seasonal influenza poses a major global health threat.
A new study found that the Affordable Care Act improved healthcare affordability and access for women, especially in low- and middle-income groups. The study demonstrated a significant increase in preventive care screenings and influenza immunization among women after the ACA's implementation.
A study published in Cell Host & Microbe found that antibodies from previous exposures to flu viruses can enhance the immune system's response to new strains, potentially reducing the need for annual vaccinations. The researchers discovered that more than 70% of persistent antibodies targeted invariant parts of the virus.
A study led by the University of Colorado found that choline supplements can prevent fetal brain developmental problems when a mother has the flu during pregnancy. Higher levels of choline in mothers also improved their children's ability to pay attention and regulate their behavior.
A University of Pittsburgh analysis reveals that waiting until October to get flu shots may save thousands of lives. The study found that compressed vaccination periods starting in October can prevent up to 22,062 cases of flu and save as many as 258 lives compared to status quo vaccination timing.
Researchers discover that targeting a specific protein called neuraminidase (NA) in flu vaccines can induce a broader protective response against influenza type B viruses. This finding suggests a potential way to boost the efficacy of current vaccines and develop a universal flu vaccine.
A study published in Scientific Reports analyzed forecasts from 14 predictive models submitted to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's influenza season forecasting challenge. The results show that teams with more experience and combined model approaches performed better, highlighting opportunities for future improvement.
A large study of nearly 30 million hospital records shows that people who got a flu shot while hospitalized had a 10 percent lower risk of having a heart attack compared to those who didn't get vaccinated. The findings suggest that getting a flu vaccine can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular problems.
Researchers developed AutoDet method for real-time surface contamination detection using AI and hyperspectral imaging. This enables targeted cleaning, reducing unnecessary disinfectant use and promoting sustainable cleaning practices.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that between 10-23% of respondents lied about their eligibility to participate in a survey when offered payment for flu vaccination status. The study suggests that offering money can encourage deception, and that lower payments may not prevent it.
Researchers found that packaging signals on the bird flu RNA genomes are incompatible with H3N2 viruses, limiting reassortment. However, low-level transmission of reassorted viruses was detected, particularly with H5N8 strains.
A recent study published in CHEST reveals that influenza vaccination can reduce hospitalizations among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by up to 38%. The study found that nearly two-thirds of COPD patients were not vaccinated, highlighting the need for improved vaccination rates and timely antiviral medication...
A team of researchers from the FluSight Network compared the accuracy of 20 flu forecasting models against a historical baseline. Most models showed higher accuracy than historical trends when forecasting incidence and timing of flu outbreaks. The ensemble model, combining individual forecasts, has helped the CDC plan responses.
A new study combines two forecasting methods with machine learning to estimate local flu activity, producing the most accurate estimates available, a week ahead of traditional healthcare reports. The approach, called ARGONet, outperforms earlier methods in more than 75% of states studied.
Researchers found that specific respiratory microbiome communities may be associated with lower risk of contracting flu. The study suggests that the nose and throat microbiome could play a role in the body's defense against influenza virus infection.
A new study found that flu vaccination is associated with a reduced risk of premature death and cardiovascular death in heart failure patients. The study analyzed data on 134,048 patients with newly diagnosed heart failure over a 12-year period.
The website tracks flu cases in Houston's eight-hospital system, offering real-time data on influenza A, B, RSV, and other pathogens. This tool helps physicians make informed decisions by providing timely information, often just hours or days before CDC data becomes available.
A new study found that underweight and morbidly obese individuals are at an elevated risk of hospitalization with influenza-like illness. The risk follows a 'U' shaped curve, indicating those at both extremes have a higher likelihood of developing severe symptoms.
Researchers are collaborating with AFRIMS to test FluChip-8G Insight system for rapid characterization of influenza virus subtype from human and animal-origin samples. The system has been installed at AFRIMS sites in Bangkok, Kathmandu, and Manila, and will conduct side-by-side performance comparison with real-time RT-PCR assays.
Researchers analyzed severe influenza cases in Catalan hospitals to study vaccination effectiveness in reducing ICU admissions and deaths. Vaccination showed 23% effectiveness overall, with 44% for those over 65.
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a novel nanopore-based sensor that can detect individual influenza virions with high accuracy. The sensor uses artificial intelligence to identify distinct physical features of the virus, making it suitable for point-of-care screening without specialized expertise.
Research suggests that all infectious diseases follow a seasonal cycle, with outbreaks occurring at specific times of the year. Seasonality is driven by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and vector-borne diseases like Zika, which is influenced by mosquito proliferation in algae-filled waterbodies.