Articles tagged with Pandemic Influenza
A study evaluated European countries' preparedness plans against WHO's checklist, finding that surveillance planning was good but maintenance of essential services, putting plans into practice, and public-health interventions were less well prepared. The implementation of these interventions was unclear in many plans.
A recent study by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found considerable gaps in pandemic preparedness across Europe. The report analyzed national plans and concluded that increased cooperation is needed to ensure effective response to a pandemic.
A survey of healthcare staff in the US found that over 40% would be unlikely to report to work during a flu pandemic, while 66% feared putting themselves at risk. The study also showed that many felt the need for additional training to prepare for such an event.
A study found that clinical staff, such as physicians and nurses, were more likely to report for work than technical or support staff. The willingness to report was strongest among employees who perceived an importance in their work during a pandemic, while technical workers felt they had little role to play.
The American College of Physicians emphasizes the need for a comprehensive healthcare response to pandemic influenza, highlighting the critical role of primary care physicians. The organization recommends hands-on clinical training for internists to address public health crises like pandemic influenza.
A large-scale model simulates the spread of a pandemic influenza virus in the US population, exploring the impact of interventions such as vaccination and social distancing. The study finds that stockpiling vaccines and implementing a combination of mitigation strategies could be effective in slowing the spread of the flu.
A study published in Nature found that cells deep within the human respiratory system have surface molecules that allow the avian flu virus to enter and infect cells, but not easily transmit between humans. The discovery provides a possible explanation for why bird flu is rarely transmitted among humans.
A survey of medical and non-medical experts predicts a high risk of avian flu pandemic, with only a 15% chance of the US having sufficient vaccines. The greatest hope for mitigation lies in heightened global surveillance, hand washing, mask wearing, and social distancing.
A new study describes the structure of an H5 protein from a highly pathogenic strain of H5N1 avian influenza virus, comparing it to other pandemic influenza A viruses. The research also discusses a potential route for H5N1 to mutate and acquire human specificity.
Two research papers, 'Characterization of the 1918 influenza virus polymerase genes' and 'Characterization of the reconstructed 1918 Spanish influenza pandemic virus', win Lancet's Paper of The Year 2005. The studies provide crucial insights into the 1918 pandemic, which is believed to have killed up to 50 million people.
Researchers use mathematical modeling to predict that flu outbreaks will emerge in multiple locations and that containment efforts will only buy time. The study suggests that a multi-pronged preparedness strategy is needed to effectively prevent pandemics.
A new influenza vaccine using a purified protein from the virus's surface has been developed, showing safety and immunity equal to traditional egg-based vaccines. The vaccine is expected to be produced within 4 weeks and at a cost comparable to traditional methods, providing a significant advantage in fighting potential pandemics.
A team at UC Irvine will receive a $1.5 million grant to develop computer-based simulations of pandemic flu and other infectious disease outbreaks. The research aims to improve understanding of how to prepare for and contain the spread of such diseases.
Researchers genetically engineered an adenovirus to produce a protein from the H5N1 influenza virus, protecting mice from death and weight loss when infected with the virus. The human adenovirus vaccine generated specific T cells that helped clear the virus, offering a viable option for potential pandemic vaccination.
Researchers used a popular internet game to study human travel patterns in the US, revealing statistical laws that can be applied to model infectious disease spread. The breakthrough model considers variables such as population density and transportation modes, offering improved predictions for future pandemics.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute used data from a popular internet game to analyze banknote movements, finding universal scaling laws that govern human travel behavior. These laws provide insight into the statistical rules governing the spread of diseases.
Researchers at UW-Madison have discovered a systematic mechanism for the influenza virus to package its genetic materials, enabling the development of new antiviral drugs and more efficient vaccine production. This finding has significant implications for addressing avian influenza pandemics.
A University of Illinois scholar warns that avian influenza poses a significant threat to international security, citing the potential for human-to-human transmission and widespread economic disruption. The expert emphasizes the need for global coordination and increased surveillance to prevent the spread of the virus.
A proposal has been developed by Drs. John L. Hick and Daniel T. O'Laughlin to set guidelines for triage of mechanical ventilators in a pandemic or bioterrorist attack. The guidelines aim to ensure equal allocation of scarce resources to patients most likely to benefit from them, promoting distributive justice.
The spread of avian influenza in Turkey highlights the need for increased global funding to combat bird flu and prevent human pandemics. Donors at the International Pledging Conference acknowledged that funds should be scaled up to address this failure, with estimated costs ranging from $1.2 billion to $1.4 billion.
Researchers found that two classes of antivirals prevented flu symptoms but not infection, and did not stop virus shedding. Dr. Tom Jefferson advises against using these drugs for seasonal influenza control, citing low effectiveness and potential adverse effects.
Leading NIAID researchers explore the complex relationship between influenza viruses and the human immune system. They explain how antigenic drift and shift impact vaccine development, highlighting potential vulnerabilities to flu pandemics.
The National Institutes of Health is testing avian influenza vaccines to prevent a possible pandemic. Saint Louis University School of Medicine is conducting a research study using a killed flu virus vaccine in children ages 2-9.
The threat of an avian influenza pandemic is growing, but health professionals can take measures to contain outbreaks and prepare for potential human-to-human transmission. Quarantining methods, antiviral medications, and international cooperation are key strategies that can help prevent or mitigate a pandemic.
A 15-point ethical guide recommends prioritizing health workers' duty to care, restricting liberty through quarantine measures, and allocating scarce resources such as medicines. The guide also emphasizes the need for transparent decision-making and support for those affected by quarantine.
Recent research findings on avian flu provide critical insight into the origin of pandemic influenza, highlighting two possible mechanisms: direct transmission from birds to humans or reassortment with human strains. This knowledge can help scientists track virus adaptation and inform global surveillance efforts and vaccine development.
Public anxiety about a human influenza pandemic can be stemmed by governments acting transparently and issuing guidance on disease protection. This approach enables people to trust their leaders and adhere to health advice during an outbreak.
A novel 'Flu Chip' developed at the University of Colorado at Boulder can determine the genetic make-up of influenza strains within 11 hours, significantly faster than current methods. The technology has shown over 90% accuracy in identifying flu subtypes and could aid global surveillance and vaccine development.
The Geneva summit aims to address critical issues in preventing the spread of H5N1 influenza, including early detection of new clusters, effective surveillance systems, and strategies to avoid resistance to antivirals. The event seeks to promote global cooperation and coordination in addressing this pandemic threat.
Wildlife Conservation Society's field vets collected samples from hundreds of wild birds affected by H5N1 strain, helping to develop a human pandemic influenza vaccine. The collaboration highlights the importance of protecting wildlife diversity and monitoring their health for potential benefits to humankind.
A team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Tokyo report a new way to generate genetically altered influenza virus. This technique improves upon a previous reverse genetics method by significantly reducing the number of plasmid vectors required, increasing the efficiency of virus production.
A 1960s tool, adapted for influenza planning, identifies strengths and opportunities for improvement in Thailand's preparedness efforts. The Haddon matrix lends itself to rapid decision making necessary for effective pandemic response.
Health officials should consider alternative options due to high flu virus resistance to Tamiflu, a key drug in pandemic preparedness. The discovery raises concerns about the effectiveness of stockpiled doses and may require reevaluation of global strategies.
The avian flu pandemic is a pressing global health concern that necessitates strong national and regional leadership to coordinate the response. Without it, the outbreak may be as deadly as the 1918-19 pandemic that killed 20-50 million worldwide.
Researchers reconstructed the 1918 flu virus using reverse genetics, a technique developed by Mount Sinai School of Medicine researchers. The study reveals that the virus is extremely virulent in mice and grows rapidly in human lung cells.
Goverments should stockpile zanamivir as part of their emergency plans to combat avian influenza. The new drug has a similar effectiveness to oseltamivir but fewer side effects and a more favorable resistance profile. Community-based healthcare personnel, such as pharmacists, may be better suited to handle antiviral distribution.
Researchers found that early intervention could slow the pandemic by reducing morbidity until a well-matched vaccine is produced. A combination of targeted antiviral drugs, quarantine, and prevaccination was effective in containing outbreaks with relatively moderate viral reproductive numbers.
A new computer model developed by Howard Hughes Medical Institute researchers can predict the spread of a potential influenza pandemic and identify effective containment strategies. The model uses demographic information and data on past influenza pandemics to simulate the virus's transmission and track its spread.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is conducting a Phase I trial to test the safety and immune response of an inactivated H5N1 avian influenza vaccine. The trial aims to prepare for a potential pandemic, following reports of human cases and suspected transmission.
The NIAID genome sequencing project aims to reveal the genetic blueprints of thousands of human and avian influenza viruses, providing valuable data for researchers studying the virus's evolution and potential targets for new vaccines. The publicly available sequence information will help epidemiologists and other researchers improve t...
Researchers are testing the effectiveness of both flu shots and nasal sprays to determine which one provides better protection against influenza. The study aims to gather valuable information for influenza pandemic planning and control annual outbreaks.
Researchers discover that adding a single gene from the 1918 virus to a benign strain of influenza can transform it into a highly virulent form. This finding supports the idea that the 1918 Spanish flu virus was inherently more dangerous and provides insight into its transmission among humans.
A study of Japanese children with influenza treated with oseltamivir found nearly 20% produced mutant drug-resistant viruses within four days. The study highlights the risk of rapid emergence of resistant flu viruses, threatening a line of defense against deadly diseases.
The NIAID Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Program supports the development and production of a candidate vaccine against H9N2 avian influenza. The vaccine will be produced by Chiron Corporation in Italy, with different dosages containing an adjuvant to boost its protective effect.
Researchers warn of the potential for human infection due to the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza strain, which has already been responsible for 32 laboratory-confirmed cases and 22 deaths. General precautions such as thorough hand washing and disinfection can help prevent transmission.
Using targeted antiviral prophylaxis (TAP) on close contacts of suspected flu cases can effectively contain an epidemic, with only 2% of the population becoming ill and a death rate of 0.04 per 1,000 people. TAP is nearly as effective as vaccinating 80% of the entire population, especially when used for eight weeks.
Researchers emphasize the need for adequate surveillance and pandemic planning to prevent further avian influenza outbreaks. The development of a vaccine against the H5N1 virus is crucial to mitigate this risk.
The study found that subtle alterations in the influenza virus's infectivity led to its deadly spread. The researchers determined that a key contributor was the hemagglutinin protein, which allowed the virus to bind to human receptors in an antigenically favorable way.
St. Jude experts highlight US vaccine production inadequacies and antiviral drug scarcity in responding to an outbreak, emphasizing the need for new technologies, international cooperation, and rapid testing.
The Flu Chip will enable doctors to swiftly diagnose respiratory illness, including influenza A, B and C, SARS, and other viruses. The technology uses DNA microarrays to provide genetic information, aiding in the management of local epidemics and worldwide pandemics.
Researchers have identified the crucial elements of the flu virus that activate the body's T-cells, enabling a new type of vaccine to be developed. This breakthrough could provide long-term protection against future pandemics.
Researchers uncover molecular signal critical for selective recruitment of viral RNA segments to form complete flu genome. This discovery may help develop new vaccines and antiviral drugs targeting the genetic trick used by the flu virus.
A team of scientists from Smithsonian and other institutions sequenced bird genetic material found in the 1917 collection, comparing it with the 1918 pandemic virus HA gene sequence. The comparison suggests that the pandemic viral HA gene was not derived directly from an avian source.
Researchers identified a hybrid gene in the 1918 flu virus that was produced from parts of two other influenza viruses through a process called recombination. This discovery suggests that the outbreak was triggered by the recombination, which increased the virus's virulence.