Articles tagged with Influenza
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.