Articles tagged with Pandemic Influenza
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the annual circulation patterns of influenza and the common cold. Expanded genomic and clinical surveillance is necessary to understand post-COVID-19 transmission patterns of these pathogens.
Researchers found broadly neutralizing antibodies that target two conserved regions of the H1N1 influenza virus, which also neutralize various other strains. These findings suggest that vaccines targeting these regions could protect against a broader array of flu strains.
A global study reveals that physical activity levels dropped by 41% and mental well-being declined by 26% during pandemic-related restrictions. Exercise is known to boost immune function and reduce mortality risk, but too little exercise may contribute to premature deaths.
A new study shows that the pandemic has boosted older Canadians' willingness to receive the flu shot, with 20% of 50-64 year olds and 8% of those 65+ now more likely to get vaccinated. However, some respondents cited concerns about safety due to COVID-19 co-circulation or fear of exposure.
A new study analyzed over 800 coronavirus genetic samples to trace the path of the virus as it traveled across New York City during its deadly first wave. The research identified Queens and Brooklyn as major hubs of COVID-19 spread, with Queens playing a more significant role in viral transmission.
Mathematical models predict that COVID-19 severity will decrease as populations develop immunity, with mild cases becoming the norm. The research suggests adaptations in immune response over time rather than virus changes may drive this shift.
Researchers identified specific influenza targets to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from severe disease through a universal T cell-based vaccine. The study aims to harness immune responses to protect high-risk populations, including those with high HLA-A*24:02 protein prevalence.
Researchers urge universal recognition that respiratory infections can be prevented by improving indoor ventilation systems. The researchers propose a paradigm shift in combating airborne pathogens, demanding more action on controlling hazards of airborne transmission.
Researchers found a clear relationship between COVID-19 mitigation measures and reduced flu cases in countries like Canada, the US, Australia, and Brazil. The absence of a 2020-21 flu season demonstrates the effectiveness of hand-washing, masking, and social distancing in limiting virus transmission.
Researchers from the University of Melbourne have identified four specific types of cytokines that cause severe inflammation during influenza virus infection. This allows clinicians to predict whether a patient will become severely ill with influenza, enabling early interventions and improved outcomes.
A new UC San Diego study found that Republicans' willingness to get vaccinated increased over time, while Democrats' views remained stable. The study also showed that Republicans were less trusting of media and viewed the COVID-19 virus as less threatening than Democrats.
A new study published in BMJ Open suggests that COVID-19 symptoms are common in high-risk children, but may be related to unrelated upper respiratory tract symptoms. Researchers found that nearly two-thirds of participants experienced at least one symptom, with anxiety levels remaining consistently high throughout the 16-week period.
A new study suggests that lessons learned from past emergencies, such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, can inform improvements to the government's response to pandemics. By adopting a more centralized approach to procurement and communication, governments can achieve goals faster and more effectively.
The Centers for Excellence in Influenza Research and Response (CEIRR) will conduct studies on influenza-related research areas, including immune responses to vaccination and infection, and zoonotic transmission. The network will also study SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging viruses of pandemic potential.
New studies show a similar association between ambient air pollution and worse COVID-19 outcomes, with long-term exposure linked to increased risk of infection and death. The pandemic has highlighted the need for stricter air quality standards and improved respiratory health worldwide.
A new commentary examines links between air pollution and COVID-19 outcomes, finding associations between long-term fine particle exposure and increased mortality. Higher air pollution exposure also impairs the immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to viruses and more severe infections.
A new study from the University of California, Davis, found that COVID-19 cases are driven by emerging coronavirus variants. The researchers developed a metric called GENI to measure virus variation and its link to transmission rates, showing effective control of spread with measures like lockdowns and mask mandates.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer people with severe asthma attacks sought medical help or were hospitalized for asthma exacerbations. A combination of factors, including reduced air pollution and improved self-management, may have contributed to this reduction. Additionally, a study in South Korea found a decrease in hospital admiss...
Researchers have developed next-generation influenza vaccines that protect against a wide variety of seasonal and pandemic strains, including avian viruses H5N1 and H7N9. These nanoparticle-based vaccines spur strong immune responses in animal trials, potentially lowering the risk of bad flu seasons.
A University of Pittsburgh-led survey found US hospitals struggled with strain during the 2017-18 flu season, highlighting a need for pandemic planning. The study's findings suggest that lessons from past crises can inform better preparedness strategies.
A recent study from Washington State University found that doctor-patient communication plays a crucial role in building trust and increasing vaccination rates during a pandemic. By discussing the pros and cons of vaccines, doctors can help patients make informed decisions and ultimately receive vaccinations.
A new multicenter study published in Journal of Hospital Medicine found significant reductions in pediatric emergency visits and hospitalizations for common illnesses like asthma and pneumonia. The trend is attributed to public health measures such as masking, social distancing, and handwashing instituted during the pandemic.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports estimated that COVID-19 has caused a total of 20,507,518 years of life lost globally. The research found that this number is significantly higher than the average years of life lost due to seasonal flu or heart disease.
Researchers found that a child's first influenza infection can impact their immune response to future flu viruses, with varying degrees of protection against different strains. The study suggests that understanding the concept of "The Original Antigenic Sin" could inform age-based interventions and vaccination programs during pandemics.
A study found that pre-existing immunity against previous flu infections can protect individuals from airborne transmission of seasonal flu viruses. The researchers used the ferret model and discovered that even short exposure times can lead to efficient transmission, but prior immunity provides a significant barrier to infection.
Research from Michigan State University identifies four distinct waves of the 1918 flu virus, similar to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study reveals that a spike in cases may occur late 2021 or early 2022 due to remaining susceptible individuals and lack of vaccination.
Former UK health secretary Jeremy Hunt blames delayed NHS workforce expansion for the country's inadequate pandemic response. He advocates for urgent reform of workforce planning and calls for government publication of staff requirements each year.
Two scientists urge health agencies to invest in vaccine development based on broadly neutralizing antibodies against multiple virus variants and strains. This approach could provide immunity against emerging pandemics and serve as a pan-virus solution for prevention and treatment.
Researchers create epidemiological blueprint to decipher SARS-CoV-2 transmission, identify new variants, and understand reproductive rates. The blueprint enables better response to emerging threats, including potential 'spillback' from animals to humans.
A study analyzing Kaiser Permanente members found racial minorities more likely to test positive for COVID-19 than white patients, with Latino patients nearly 4 times as likely. Healthcare workers in Los Angeles expressed hesitancy about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, citing concerns over development and science.
The study found that the spread of Spanish flu differed depending on the region, with a decrease in infection numbers associated with public health measures. Delayed action at the start of the second wave was fatal, contributing to its severity and duration. The researchers compared historical data from 1918 and 2020 and found parallel...
A study of over 100,000 patients found a significant drop in asthma attack rates during the first Covid-19 lockdown, with milder attacks being reduced, but potential biases due to hospitalization data. The results suggest lower air pollution and fewer cold and flu infections may have played a role in the observed decrease.
Researchers found that nurses and females are most likely to experience psychological distress during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study also showed that health care workers who faced stigma experienced greater distress.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a novel antiviral property of thapsigargin, a plant-derived compound, which shows promise in treating COVID-19. The study found that thapsigargin triggers a highly effective broad-spectrum host-centred antiviral innate immune response against three major types of human respira...
Scientists from Chung-Ang University create a novel 3D nano-popcorn plasmonic substrate to improve SERS-based aptasensor detection. The system successfully detects different viral loads in 20 minutes and classifies influenza viruses accurately, with high reproducibility.
A growing body of evidence links poor gut health to severe COVID-19 prognosis. Studies show that altered gut microbiota can exacerbate the severity of infection by enabling the virus to access internal organs. Interventions like probiotics or fecal transplants may help patients, according to expert Heenam Stanley Kim.
Researchers found that individuals who enjoyed zombie and apocalyptic movies before the pandemic were better equipped to deal with it. Immersing oneself in fiction can serve as mental rehearsal for real-life events, according to the study published in Personality and Individual Differences.
A study by the University of Houston found that managers who followed CDC guidelines made employees feel grateful, while those who ignored recommendations enhanced fear and anger. This mixed messaging can have significant long-term negative consequences for both employees and organizations.
A chimeric hemagglutinin (HA)-based vaccine targets the proximal part of the HA protein, neutralizing diverse influenza virus strains. The vaccine has produced strong and durable results in early-stage clinical trials, eliminating the need for revaccination.
Researchers found that high concentrations of fine particles less than 2.5 micrometers in size can modulate the waves of SARS-CoV-2 contamination and explain the profile of the COVID-19 pandemic. Acute exposure to these particles aggravates respiratory, pulmonary, and cardiovascular issues, promoting severe disease progression.
USC researchers warn that COVID-19 could cause developmental difficulties and accelerated aging in the century ahead due to in-utero exposure. The study suggests that prenatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2 may have long-term impacts on childhood development and adult health.
Australian public attitudes and perceptions on pandemic measures reflected through Twitter data, influencing policy decisions, shows QUT research. Effective government social media use enhances public health education and awareness concerning social distancing restrictions.
A theoretical model shows that solar radiation, UV light, and antigenic shift/drift frequency drive the cyclicality of epidemics. The Italian team's work accurately reproduces seasonal patterns for various viruses, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2, and predicts high-intensity initial cycles followed by moderate-intensity annual cycles.
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology developed an A.I.-powered forecasting tool that incorporates location data to predict influenza outbreaks up to 15 weeks in advance with an accuracy increase of 11%. The algorithm identifies hidden patterns by encoding flu infections as interconnected regional clusters, enabling better res...
The study developed a unique method to forecast influenza epidemics using real episode data and consultations about symptoms, achieving accurate results for all seasons under stable conditions. The forecasts can help redistribute resources effectively during an epidemic, with potential applications in the ongoing corona pandemic as well.
The Vaccination Game, developed by University of Oxford researchers, challenges players to deploy limited doses of a virtual vaccine to control the spread of a disease modelled on influenza. By replaying the game, players can improve their strategy and save more lives.
A 2014 seal flu outbreak revealed how avian flu viruses can adapt to infect mammals. Researchers found that specific mutations in the hemagglutinin protein enabled the virus to become transmissible via air between ferrets and potentially other mammals.
Climate scientists analyzed an ice core to reconstruct WWI environmental conditions, finding unusual ocean air influxes caused torrential rains and cold temperatures. This may have accelerated the spread of the H1N1 influenza virus among humans by water contaminated with bird fecal droppings.
Researchers collected responses from over 50 participants, revealing fears, concerns, and conspiracy theories about COVID-19. The study found that perceptions of the virus as a biological agent versus a malicious actor may influence responses to the pandemic.
Researchers from Stanford University and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health propose a new method to accurately estimate COVID-19 mortality rates by measuring direct, indirect, and excess deaths. This approach could provide a more accurate picture of the pandemic's impact on human life.
Geographer Professor Jonathan Everts criticizes the lack of clarity in dashboard data compilation and its impact on understanding regional differences. He highlights the need for a more differentiated approach to indicators and dashboards during pandemics, considering social inequalities and long-term consequences.
Researchers compared COVID-19 excess deaths in New York to those during the 1918 influenza pandemic, finding a similar increase in mortality rates. The study aimed to provide historical context for understanding the current pandemic's impact.
A new study estimated that COVID-19 was widespread in Wuhan, China, and Seattle, Washington, weeks before lockdown measures were implemented. The researchers found that there could have been over 12,000 undetected symptomatic cases of COVID-19 in Wuhan.
A new study finds that dedicated clinics for treating influenza can limit disease spread and hospitalizations. By opening these clinics during peak prevalence periods, the number of infections can be reduced by 0.4-1.5% and peak prevalence can be flattened by 0.07-0.32%.
Researchers found a sharp increase in Google searches for financial distress and disaster relief during the early months of the pandemic, while searches for related to suicide decreased. The study suggests that financial stress may predict a future increase in deaths from suicide.
A UCLA-led study suggests that relaxing public health measures too soon may lead to a similar number of infections as if distancing had never been implemented. The researchers used mathematical models to analyze data from local and national governments, highlighting the dangers of premature relaxation of distancing measures.
A new study found a higher prevalence of neurological complications in COVID-19 patients, including delirium, brain inflammation, and strokes. The researchers identified one rare condition called ADEM, which appears to be increasing in cases due to the pandemic.
University of Massachusetts Amherst biostatistician Nicholas Reich has received significant grants from the CDC and NIH to enhance his groundbreaking pandemic forecasting work. The new funding will support the expansion of the COVID-19 Forecast Hub, which provides weekly projections for COVID-19 deaths in the US and by state.
Researchers isolated 179 swine influenza viruses from pigs in China, grouped into six genotypes, and found one (G4 EA H1N1) exhibiting features characteristic of the 2009 pandemic lineage. The virus showed high infectivity and transmissibility in ferrets, raising concerns about its potential for pandemic spread in humans.
Research suggests the UK's COVID-19 track and trace system should identify around 36 close contacts for every infected person and detect fewer than 1 in 6 untraced cases. However, it also predicts that a significant proportion of infected individuals may not be identifiable due to shorter encounters.