Articles tagged with Influenza
Researchers at Scripps Research have discovered a potential new approach to prevent influenza virus infections by tethering four antibodies together, showing cross-reactivity against all types of influenza. The therapeutic candidate has been shown to offer protection against multiple strains of the virus in mice.
A groundbreaking new study aims to understand the human immune system's response to influenza by analyzing gene regulation, microbiome influence, and other factors. Researchers will take comprehensive measurements from healthy participants who receive a standard influenza vaccination.
Researchers analyzed weekly flu incidence data from over 600 US regions to determine how city density and climate impact flu seasons. They found that cities with higher population density experience longer flu seasons, even in unfavorable weather conditions, due to the spread of infection through organized movement patterns.
Researchers found that combining electronic health records with traditional surveillance data improves flu season forecasting accuracy. The most predictive data sets came from the CDC's ILINet and clinical lab data, which were combined with athenahealth's data for improved results.
A new influenza drug, baloxavir marboxil, has been shown to significantly shorten the duration of flu symptoms in teens and adults, clearing virus more quickly than placebo. The drug's antiviral potency was found to be similar to that of a five-day course of oseltamivir, but with greater effectiveness and no significant side effects.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that unconventional T cells play a crucial role in protecting infants from severe flu complications by promoting lung cell repair. This immune response differs from adults and may provide a new target for therapies to ease flu symptoms in infants.
A modified RNA vaccine elicits protective response in mice to a conserved region of the flu virus, providing broad protection against various strains. The vaccine has shown promise as a universal flu vaccine candidate, which could be given multiple times over a lifetime for long-lasting protection.
A new study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases suggests that obesity may play a role in how the flu spreads. Obese adults infected with flu shed the virus for a longer time than non-obese adults, potentially increasing the opportunity for transmission to others.
A multi-year study of Nicaraguan households found that obesity extends the duration of influenza A virus shedding from infected adults by approximately 1.5 days, compared to non-obese adults. Chronic inflammation caused by obesity and increasing age are implicated as reasons for extended viral shedding.
Researchers at EMBL Grenoble investigate how Xofluza, a new anti-influenza drug, works and explore possible mechanisms for viral resistance. They found that a specific mutation in the virus's polymerase enzyme makes it less susceptible to the drug.
Researchers have identified a way to slow the spread of the flu virus by altering molecular interactions between the virus and host genes. Altering these interactions can stunt viral replication, according to new research published in Nature Communications.
A recent study found that half of ICU patients with severe influenza received false negative rapid influenza antigen test (RIAT) results, delaying antiviral therapy. The researchers suggest that testing lower respiratory tract samples is crucial for diagnosis and treatment in such cases.
Researchers found that airline passengers' bacterial communities have much in common with those surrounding people at home and office environments. The core airplane microbiome included genera Propionibacterium, Burkholderia, Staphylococcus, and Strepococcus (oralis).
A new study suggests that vaccinating asthmatic children against the flu could significantly reduce their risk of needing hospitalization for an asthma attack. The study found that kids with influenza or parainfluenza had a 37-per-cent or more chance of not responding to treatment, compared to 13 per cent for children without a virus.
Most non-VA hospitals now require flu vaccination, with nearly 70% of institutions mandating the shot. In contrast, only 4% of VA hospitals have a similar requirement. Vaccination mandates are more effective in reaching high vaccination rates among healthcare workers.
The Scripps Research team will expand studies on broadly neutralizing antibodies that can neutralize many strains of malaria and influenza. The grant aims to design promising vaccine candidates against these diseases, which kill millions globally each year.
University of Rochester researchers have developed a new live equine influenza vaccine that is safe and more protective than existing vaccines. The vaccine targets the H3N8 strain currently circulating in North America and Europe, and was shown to protect horses against the virus in a small study.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute discovered a new aspect of the flu virus and its interaction with antibodies in the lungs. They found that IgA antibodies can protect against infections through two different ways.
Researchers found that IgA1 antibodies can protect against flu viruses through two mechanisms: acquired immunity and innate immunity via sialic acids. This discovery could lead to more effective flu vaccines and treatments.
Researchers estimate the risk of infectious disease transmission on airplanes, finding that movement patterns can facilitate disease spread. Passengers seated within one row and two seats lateral to an infected individual have a high probability of infection, while others are at low risk.
Weekly mortality figures show a 12.4% rise in extra deaths in England and Wales during the first seven weeks of 2018 compared to previous years. Experts argue that health chiefs are failing to investigate the cause of this trend, which cannot be explained by normal ageing or weather conditions.
A new study analyzed 21,047 children and found no association between oseltamivir use and increased risk of suicide. The research used a novel study design to reduce statistical concerns and concluded that oseltamivir does not increase the risk of suicide in pediatric patients.
A multi-institutional study found that mandatory flu vaccines for health care workers increase participation by up to 30% and reduce absenteeism during critical patient surges. Vaccinated health care workers had a 30% reduction in absenteeism compared to non-vaccinated workers.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that employees with at least 10 paid sick leave days are more likely to get flu shots, check cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes screenings. Female workers need 6-9 paid sick days to see increased odds of getting a mammogram.
A new study found that obesity is not a risk factor for severe acute respiratory illnesses, including the flu, in children or adults. The study of 3,560 participants showed no increased risk for hospitalization based on weight.
Research analyzed six studies and found that getting the flu vaccine reduced the risk of dying from any cause by about half during flu season and by one-fifth during the rest of the year. Vaccination was also associated with a 22 percent reduction in the risk of being hospitalized for cardiovascular problems.
Massive data analysis reveals that seasonal flu outbreaks originate in the southern and southeastern US, moving northward. The models incorporate health claims, weather, geography, and Twitter data to track the spread of influenza.
Researchers at Columbia's Mailman School developed a method to forecast the spatial transmission of influenza in the US, improving accuracy by 35% compared to previous versions. The system accurately predicts local onset of flu six weeks ahead of time, informing decisions on vaccine distribution and public health measures.
A new model forecasts influenza spread based on commuter data, predicting disease onset weeks up to 6 weeks in advance. The method outperforms traditional models when analyzing state-level transmission, offering a promising approach for future outbreak prediction and real-time monitoring.
New research suggests that immune history with flu plays a significant role in vaccine effectiveness, rather than egg adaptations. The study found that antibodies produced from previous encounters with flu tend to take precedence over new vaccinations, making the vaccine less protective for those with a history of infection.
Researchers found that de-identified smart thermometer data was highly correlated with traditional public health surveillance systems, improving flu forecasting by up to four weeks. The data also revealed age-group specific incidence and estimated the duration of fevers during flu season.
Researchers discovered a specific protein that reduces lung inflammation and improves survival in mice with the flu. The study found that administering this protein after infection improved survival rates by 40% compared to untreated mice.
A new study at WashU Medicine identified specific features of the influenza virus genome that could improve surveillance for pandemic flu. The researchers found that certain strains of the virus require similar genetic material to recombine and create a new hybrid virus.
Researchers at ICES and PHO found a significant association between acute respiratory infections, particularly influenza, and acute myocardial infarction. The risk is higher for older adults, patients with influenza B infections, and those experiencing their first heart attack.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older hospitalized adults are less likely to have provider-ordered influenza testing than younger patients. The study included 1422 adults with symptoms of acute respiratory illness or non-localizing fever and found that only 28% were tested for influenza.
A new University of Maryland-led study reveals that people with the flu can generate infectious aerosols even when not coughing, and especially during the first days of illness. This finding suggests that airborne transmission may be a significant route of flu spread.
New research published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that certain flu virus mutations can restore fitness by adding a new sugar molecule to the hemagglutinin, enabling Goldilocks binding to the host cell. This understanding improves efforts to design more effective flu vaccines.
A new poll suggests that nursing homes should require flu shots for all staff and patients to protect vulnerable patients from serious complications. The majority of respondents (73%) also believe that non-medical staff should be vaccinated, while 71% think visitors should be required to get vaccinated before visiting loved ones.
Researchers at UMass Amherst, in collaboration with teams from Carnegie Mellon and Columbia universities, aim to predict regional flu outbreaks. By combining forecasting models and past performance data, they hope to provide better information for decision-makers.
A Canadian academic investigated the claim of man flu, suggesting adult men have a higher risk of hospital admission and influenza-associated deaths compared to women. Men also exhibit higher rates of complications and mortality from acute respiratory diseases due to their less robust immune system.
A study published in mBio reveals a strong connection between the onset and severity of acute infectious mononucleosis (mono or 'kissing disease') and the T-cell population, specifically those that react to both EBV and influenza A virus. Individuals with severe cases of mono have higher levels of cross-reactive T-cells, while those wi...
Researchers highlight the challenges of preparing seasonal influenza vaccines in eggs, citing reduced effectiveness rates of 40-60 percent. They also emphasize the need for targeted research on manufacturing strategies and vaccine antigens to improve vaccine efficacy.
Researchers at MIT found that two cholesterol molecules bind to a flu protein called M2, creating a wedge shape in the cell membrane that severs the viral buds. This discovery sheds light on how many other proteins interact with membrane cholesterol.
The study reveals that a human protein called TRIM25 acts as an early defense mechanism, recognizing the unique structure of the flu virus and preventing its replication. However, the NS1 protein produced by the flu virus blocks this function, enabling the virus to evade the immune response.
Researchers developed a 4-in-1 flu shot that provides broad protection against influenza by targeting ancestral genes of four major strains. The vaccine was shown to be effective in mice, with those receiving the highest dose not getting sick.
A survey of 1,914 healthcare professionals found that four in 10 opt to work while experiencing influenza-like illness, putting patients at risk. Hospital-based providers are among the most likely to do so, highlighting the need for updated paid sick leave policies and tailored strategies to promote healthy choices.
A study analyzed 300 seasonal influenza videos on YouTube, finding that most were created by healthcare providers (4.50 score) or professional societies (mean score of 3.52). Despite containing accurate information, these videos often failed to thoroughly educate patients, highlighting the need for improved online health resources.
Researchers have identified key pathways and mechanisms underlying viruses and infections, opening new avenues for treatment. The studies found that targeting the Hedgehog pathway may reduce severity of flu symptoms and could lead to effective treatments for anthrax infection.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that young leukemia patients who received the flu vaccine were still susceptible to flu infections, highlighting the need for additional measures to protect vulnerable individuals. Researchers emphasize the importance of hand washing and other precautions.
Researchers identified retrocyclin-101 (RC-101) as a potential protective agent against flu infection, showing improved symptoms and reduced mortality in animal models. RC-101 targets the influenza virus and inflammation, offering a new tool in the fight against this deadly disease.
A new study identifies RC-101 as a potential protective agent against flu and other infections. The protein targets the virus and inflammation, improving symptoms and mortality rates in animal models.
Research published in the European Respiratory Journal found that children under two years are more likely to be admitted to hospital with influenza if they have an older sibling. Vaccination can help reduce this risk.
Researchers found that flu viruses can evolve rapidly due to their ability to hijack host chaperone proteins, which help mutated viral proteins fold and function. Targeting these proteins could delay viral evolution and decelerate escape from existing drugs and vaccines.
A new study by University of Nottingham researchers found that a positive mood on the day of flu vaccination can significantly increase its protective effect. The study, which measured factors such as mood, physical activity and diet, showed that good mood was associated with higher levels of antibody after vaccination.
Researchers recommend expanding flu vaccine recommendation to middle-aged adults with chronic health conditions due to modest effectiveness of standard-dose vaccine. High-dose and recombinant trivalent vaccines show promise in providing better protection for high-risk patients.
A phase 1 clinical trial found radavirsen to be safe and well-tolerated in healthy individuals. The study suggests that radavirsen may be effective in treating influenza at a dose of 8mg/kg.
Guidelines recommending against routine PSA-based screening may be revised due to compatible evidence showing screening reduces prostate cancer mortality. The benefits of screening outweigh potential harms of overdiagnosis and overtreatment, but how to implement screening is still a question.
A European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control expert opinion supports the use of neuraminidase inhibitors in treating and preventing influenza. The most vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, are particularly eligible for treatment and prophylaxis.
A study by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory found that changes in tweet opinion and emotion can signal rising health issues. Researchers analyzed 171 million anonymous tweets to identify patterns that correlate with medical visits for flu-like illnesses.
A recent study from the University of Illinois sheds light on what may be happening in the brains of MS patients during upper respiratory infections. Researchers found an increase in glial activation and elevated levels of chemokine CXCL5, which could lead to a drug intervention to inhibit relapses.