Articles tagged with Influenza
Researchers found that differences in immune cell parameters correlate with an individual's immune response to the flu vaccine. People who show a better antibody response after vaccination have higher levels of specific proteins on dendritic cells and more B cells, indicating improved immunity against flu.
Researchers used cloud-based electronic health records (EHRs) to track flu outbreaks in real time, outperforming Google Flu Trends. A machine-learning algorithm accurately predicted national and local influenza activity, enabling timely preparedness for public health officials.
A study published in PLOS ONE identifies distinct patterns of seasonal influenza activity in the tropics and subtropics, grouping countries into eight geographical zones. These zones can inform targeted flu vaccination programs, providing valuable insights into optimal delivery timing and vaccine formulation.
Researchers found that morning flu vaccinations led to significantly larger increases in antibody concentration one month after vaccination, compared to afternoon vaccinations. The study suggests a potential strategy to improve vaccination efficiency without additional cost to the healthcare system.
A new Yale-led study finds that older adults are more susceptible to flu due to a reduced antiviral response, leading to increased inflammation and damage. Researchers propose targeting inflammation to combat flu in vulnerable patients.
Researchers at PolyU have developed a novel nano biosensor for rapid detection of flu virus using upconversion luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) process. The technology reduces testing duration from 1-3 days to 2-3 hours and costs around HK$20 per sample, making it a low-cost and efficient diagnostic tool.
Research led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that state laws mandating influenza immunization for health care workers increased their vaccination rates from 22.5% to 50.9% between 2000 and 2011. The study suggests that stronger laws, including mandates and education, lead to higher vaccination rates.
The researchers discovered that genetic variations in IGHV1-69 gene affect the immune system's ability to recognize and fight influenza viruses, leading to variable vaccine effectiveness across ethnic groups. The findings may lead to new tools for predicting individual responses to vaccines and development of universal flu vaccines.
A new study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found that early treatment with the influenza antiviral drug oseltamivir can shorten the time a pregnant woman spends in the hospital, especially for those with severe illness. Annual flu vaccination is also crucial to prevent complications and protect the newborn baby.
Researchers at Cornell University found a significant spike in flu-related deaths among people above 65 in areas with NFL teams that reached the Super Bowl. The study suggests disease transmission is driven by increased socialization and cramped spaces.
A Tulane University study found cities hosting Super Bowl teams experience a 18% increase in flu deaths among those over 65, due to increased transmission at social gatherings.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that estrogen may offer additional benefits to hormone replacement therapy or infertility treatment. The research found that estrogen dramatically reduced the amount of flu virus that replicated in infected cells from women, but not from men.
Researchers found that minor flu strains can replicate and evade immunizations, spreading the virus rapidly among individuals.
A person's first flu infection stimulates key antibody production, which later influences responses to other seasonal strains. Researchers found that early exposure, such as in childhood, can imprint the immune system and shape its response.
A recent survey found that only 42.7% of US hospitals require flu vaccination for all healthcare providers, leaving many staff members unprotected against the virus. This poses a significant risk to patients, particularly those with weakened immune systems.
A recent study identified 20 previously unknown host molecules that enable influenza A viruses to replicate and spread. Blocking these host proteins can inhibit viral growth and slow disease progression in mice. The researchers developed a public web portal to facilitate drug development and analysis of host-protein interactions.
A new randomized clinical trial found that acetaminophen does not provide benefits in fighting the flu or reducing symptoms. The trial involved adults with confirmed influenza infections, who were treated with paracetamol or placebo for five days.
Yale researchers developed a high-dose flu vaccine strategy that lowered infection rates by 64% among patients with immune system cancers. The novel dosing schedule improved protection against all flu strains in 66% of patients, offering promising results for cancer patient populations.
A research team developed predictive models of flu-like activity combining data from Google, Twitter, EHRs, and crowd-sourced flu data. Ensemble modeling outperforms individual data sources and rivals CDC's retrospective reporting accuracy.
A new study combines data from various sources to create more accurate flu forecasts. The ensemble models outperform traditional methods, including Google Flu Trends, and provide near-perfect correlation with CDC reports. Researchers hope to expand the model's capabilities to track other diseases.
Researchers found that statins may hinder immune response to flu vaccine and lower vaccine effectiveness in older adults, suggesting potential implications for flu vaccine recommendations and guidelines. The studies analyzed data from nearly 7,000 adults over 65 in four countries, including the US.
Researchers have developed a new way to enhance the effectiveness of antigen-based vaccines by mimicking the natural arrangement of multiple TLR agonists. This triply-linked activator more effectively triggers an immune response than mixing individual components, paving the way for improved vaccine design.
A new study found that high-dose flu shots significantly reduced hospitalizations among older nursing home residents during the influenza season. The study showed a 1.2% difference in admission rates between those who received high-dose vaccine and standard dose vaccine, resulting in thousands fewer hospitalizations.
A study published in JAMA found that patients with influenza-associated pneumonia are less likely to have received a flu vaccination compared to those with non-influenza pneumonia. The study estimated a 57% lower odds ratio of vaccination among cases hospitalized with influenza-associated pneumonia.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz and Brigham Young University have developed a novel method for multiplex fluorescence detection on a small chip, enabling the rapid detection and identification of different flu virus subtypes. The technique uses wavelength division multiplexing to create distinctive signals in an optical waveguide.
A study published in Neurology found that colds and flu may increase stroke risk in children, but routine childhood vaccines can decrease this risk. Researchers analyzed medical charts and conducted interviews with over 700 children to reach these findings.
A study found that counties with higher flu vaccination rates among adults under 65 had a 21% lower chance of elderly adults being diagnosed with flu-related illness. Community-wide vaccination may boost protection provided by individual vaccination.
A new study reveals how immune cells, such as neutrophils and T cells, coordinate their efforts to fight infections. By understanding this teamwork, scientists hope to develop new ways to control and improve the body's response to illnesses like multiple sclerosis and lupus.
A new Brown University study analyzed nursing home records to show that flu vaccinations significantly reduce deaths and hospitalizations among the elderly. The study found a 50-percentage point increase in match rate for A/H3N2 strain resulted in saving 2,560 lives and preventing 3,200 hospitalizations.
A recent study found that influenza vaccines offer moderate, sustained protection up to 6 months post-vaccination, suggesting yearly vaccination may be prudent. Administering vaccines early in the fall can still prevent the greatest number of infections.
Researchers developed a model that predicts personalized daily forecasts for each student, enabling early identification of at-risk individuals and encouraging them to stay home. The study used wearable devices and smartphone apps to collect data on students' interactions and health habits.
Researchers have discovered a way to trigger a preventive response to flu infections by boosting the level of IFITM3 protein in cells, preventing cell infection. The method involves inhibiting NEDD4 enzyme, which degrades IFITM3, allowing for sustained production and enhanced resistance to flu viruses.
Johns Hopkins researchers study nasal spray flu vaccine in human nasal tract cells to determine optimal weakening or strengthening of the virus. They find that by adjusting nine mutations, a stronger vaccine can be created for older adults while still protecting children under two, offering new hope for effective flu vaccines.
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology has developed a flu forecasting system that can predict the timing and intensity of influenza outbreaks in subtropical climates. The system was able to forecast peak timing and magnitude for 44 epidemics in 16 years, with an accuracy rate of 93%.
A new study found that UK investment in pneumonia research was less than £43.08 per death, despite rising substantially since 2010. Total funding for pneumonia between 2011-2013 exceeded total investment across the previous 14 years for tuberculosis and influenza.
A study in PLOS Medicine predicts that vaccinating Thai children with seasonal flu vaccine will reduce approximately 3,000 deaths annually. The policy is considered cost-effective according to WHO criteria.
A study led by Mount Sinai researchers compares flu viruses to the measles virus to identify key genes that can't be changed. This could lead to the development of universal flu vaccines and improved protection against emerging viral threats.
A new Veterans Affairs study found that the high-dose flu vaccine provides stronger protection against flu-related hospitalizations and deaths for those 85 and older, while standard vaccines may be effective for younger seniors. The study included over 165,000 patients and tracked hospitalization and death rates.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that children whose parents regularly used bleach to clean the home had higher rates of respiratory and other infections. The risk of flu, tonsillitis, and any infection was significantly higher among these children, with risks of 20% and 35% respectively.
Researchers discovered a rare genetic mutation that prevents certain children from producing a protein necessary to fight off the flu. This mutation can lead to life-threatening symptoms and has been found in only one case, but clinicians now have a potential treatment option for children with severe flu cases.
A new flu vaccine that includes four strains of inactivated influenza has been found to be more protective than a similar vaccine containing only three strains. The addition of the fourth strain increases the chance the vaccine will match the circulating flu B strains without compromising protection against other strains.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute analyzed two influenza strains, H10N8 and H6N1, and found that they have not acquired changes allowing them to infect humans easily. However, the viruses' versatility in attaching to host cells suggests continued caution against potential pandemics.
A new study suggests that adults over 30 only get the flu about twice a decade, according to researchers who analyzed blood samples from volunteers in Southern China. The study found that flu-like illnesses can be caused by many pathogens, making it difficult to assess infection frequency.
Research at Henry Ford Hospital found that patients whose physicians recommended flu vaccination were more likely to receive it, with higher rates among white and Asian patients. The study suggests that improving communication between doctors and patients about the benefits of flu vaccination is crucial.
Scientists at the University of Oxford have built a complete model of the outer envelope of an influenza A virion using a coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation. The simulation reveals various characteristics about the membrane components, including the separation of spike proteins and their interactions with host cells. This res...
UC San Diego researchers use social network analysis to combine Google Flu Trends' 'big data' with CDC data, improving predictions. The study refines Google's predictions by weighting them with a social network derived from CDC reports on laboratory-tested cases of flu.
A new analysis of human influenza B viruses sheds light on the pathogen causing seasonal flu, suggesting targeted vaccines and potential eradication of a slower-evolving lineage by expanding quadrivalent vaccine use.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a new class of antibodies that can neutralize a wide range of influenza A viruses, paving the way for a universal flu vaccine. The vaccine would only need to be given once and could protect against all strains of flu, even when the virus mutates.
Sepsis can be a complication of almost any type of infection, including influenza. Mayo Clinic expert Dr. Steve Peters explains the difference between severe sepsis and septic shock, symptoms to watch for, and treatment options.
A randomized controlled trial found the high-dose flu vaccine produced a stronger immune response in frail older adults living in long-term care facilities. The study suggests the high-dose vaccine may be the better option for this population to protect against flu.
Researchers have discovered a mutation in ferrets that shares similarities with humans, potentially leading to improved therapies for influenza and other diseases. This finding opens up a novel approach to tackling human diseases.
A study found that the high-dose flu vaccine significantly improves immune response to flu virus in frail, older residents of long-term care facilities. The vaccine provided superior protection against laboratory-confirmed influenza illness compared to the standard vaccine.
A University of Florida study found that vaccinating school-aged children from flu can protect other age groups, including non-school-aged residents, with significant reductions in influenza-like illness rates. This effect is profound, both on students and the community.
A Dartmouth/Univ. of Exeter study found that correcting myths about the flu vaccine did not effectively promote immunization among vaccine skeptics, and in some cases even reduced intention to vaccinate among those with high concerns about side effects.
A systematic review found that premature birth, neurological disorders, and multiple medical conditions significantly increase the risk of hospitalization in children with influenza. The study highlights the need for clearer guidelines on which children should be prioritized for seasonal flu vaccination.
A team of researchers has discovered that 'back boosting' the immune system by pre-emptively vaccinating against likely future strains of the influenza virus can significantly improve vaccine effectiveness. This approach would allow for more targeted and effective vaccination campaigns, potentially saving millions of lives worldwide.
A new algorithm called Above Local Elevated Respiratory Illness Threshold (ALERT) uses routinely collected data to signal the start of elevated influenza activity. The tool allows users to customize results based on their institution's historical data, helping them determine when to declare flu season and take extra precautions.
Hospital admissions for acute aortic dissection increased during peak flu season in the US, according to research. Researchers found a notable correlation between flu activity and AAD admissions from 2001-2013.
Researchers discovered flu infection prompts immune cells to migrate to gut, altering bacterial composition and causing inflammation that promotes tissue injury. Blocking inflammatory molecules or antibiotics attenuates intestinal injury, suggesting relief options for flu-induced gastrointestinal symptoms.
A new analysis of over 12,000 outbreaks affecting 44 million people worldwide reveals a rising trend in global infectious disease outbreaks, with 65% caused by zoonoses. Despite this increase, the impact of outbreaks is declining on a per capita basis.