Scientists find minor flu strains pack bigger punch
Researchers found that minor flu strains can replicate and evade immunizations, spreading the virus rapidly among individuals.
Pandemic Influenza
Articles tagged with Pandemic Influenza
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Prime-boost H7N9 influenza vaccine concept promising in clinical trial
A prime-boost H7N9 influenza vaccine concept has shown promising results in a small clinical trial, demonstrating the potential for a single dose to provide protection. The vaccine, which combines a live but weakened virus with an inactivated booster, elicited a robust immune response in both young and older adults.
Could self-disseminating vaccines cut off emerging infectious diseases at source?
Experts identify self-disseminating vaccines as a potential solution to control emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) at their animal source. The vaccines use virus-based vectors to deliver vaccinations across populations, making it easier to inoculate animals and prevent disease transmission.
Schools are underprepared for pandemics and natural disasters: Study
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that US schools are not better prepared for pandemics than they were in 2011. Schools reported having less than half of the measured indicators for preparedness, with notable gaps in bioterrorism readiness and addressing student psychological needs.
Rapidly assessing the next influenza pandemic
A recent study by international researchers has developed a predictive tool to assess the likely impact of a new influenza pandemic. By analyzing clinical episode data from military personnel, they estimated key parameters such as transmissibility and severity, enabling early mitigation strategies.
School vacations and humidity linked to multiple waves of influenza in Mexico during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic
The study found that school breaks in Mexico were linked to two distinct waves of H1N1 influenza, with high humidity favoring rapid transmission in tropical states. The timing of these waves was influenced by regional variations in humidity and the reduction in transmission during summer break.
Computer model forecasts flu outbreaks in a subtropical climate
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School developed a computer model that can predict flu outbreaks in subtropical climates like Hong Kong with high accuracy. The system forecasted peak timing and magnitude for 44 epidemics caused by specific influenza strains, including seasonal and pandemic outbreaks.
Forecasting flu outbreaks in a subtropical climate
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%.
Virus-like particle vaccine protects mice from many flu strains
A new virus-like particle vaccine has been developed to protect against a wide variety of influenza viruses. The vaccine was shown to provide significant protection against many different flu strains, including avian H5N1 and H7N9 viruses, which have caused many human cases and deaths in recent years.
Universal flu vaccine in the works
Researchers create a virus-like particle vaccine cocktail that expresses different subtypes of the hemagglutinin protein, providing cross-protective immunity against multiple subtypes. The study shows that 95% of mice vaccinated with the investigational cocktail were protected against eight different influenza strains.
Early detection of highly pathogenic influenza viruses
A multidisciplinary research team has developed a tool to predict the pandemic risk of avian influenza viruses, including H5N1-type viruses. The tool uses a combination of computational techniques and experimental molecular virology methods to identify candidate pandemic influenza viruses.
The Lancet Respiratory Medicine: Current guidelines not clear on which children most at risk of severe flu complications
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.
In full view
Scientists have determined the complete structure of the influenza virus polymerase, a key machine that makes copies of the virus' genetic material and reads out instructions. The high-resolution structure reveals how the polymerase works as a whole, providing new insights into its function and potential targets for drug design.
Lessons from the 'Spanish flu,' nearly 100 years later
A Michigan State University study of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic offers insights into infection control measures for the flu and other epidemic diseases. The research found that locations close to an entry point will have extremely short windows of time to deal with a virulent pathogen, emphasizing emergency management.
Scientists 'must not become complacent' when assessing pandemic threat from flu viruses
Assessing pandemic risk from flu viruses is an enormous challenge due to the vast diversity of influenza viruses. Scientists call for better integration of experimental data, computational methods, and mathematical models to predict pandemic risk. They stress the importance of remaining vigilant against unknown high-risk viruses.
JAMA findings reveal vaccine approach to fight pandemic bird flu
Research finds that a vaccine protecting against an old avian flu strain primes the immune system for a rapid response when a new vaccine is given a year later. Combining this with an adjuvant, a lower dose of the new vaccine works better in triggering an immune response than a stronger dose without it.
Key to universal flu vaccine: Embrace the unfamiliar
A new strategy for generating broadly cross-reactive antibodies has been developed against the H5N1 flu virus. Researchers found that human volunteers immunized with the H5N1 virus generated antibodies against the stem region of the viral hemagglutinin protein, which could provide protection against a variety of flu strains.
CHEST releases new expert guidance in care of the critically ill and injured
The American College of Chest Physicians has released a consensus statement providing evidence-informed suggestions for preparing and managing the critically ill and injured during large-scale disasters and pandemics. The document aims to guide ethical decision-making, coordination of care, resource conservation, and research in crises.
Potential new flu drugs target immune response, not virus
Researchers have identified six potential therapeutics for H7N9 influenza by targeting the immune response rather than the virus. The study found that viruses causing severe illness trigger different gene expression signatures compared to milder infections.
Patient patience and pandemics
Researchers propose an incentive-based method to balance hospital capacity and patient choice during a pandemic, aiming for high efficiency and patient satisfaction. By using numerical modeling, they show that the patient choice of hospitals can match the desired resource utilization by the central health authority.
New analysis of 'swine flu' pandemic conflicts with accepted views on how diseases spread
A new study found that the H1N1 2009 pandemic was primarily driven by short-range travel, contradicting popularly accepted views on disease transmission. School-age children accelerated the spread of the pandemic through repeated transmission over short distances.
UMD-led public computational biology web service gains popularity
A UMD-led public computational biology web service, MolecularEvolution.org, has gained popularity by giving back to its users. The Lattice Project, built on the Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing, offers a service called GARLI, designed to reconstruct and predict genetic relationships between biological samples.
Genes found in nature yield 1918-like virus with pandemic potential
A team of researchers has identified eight genes from influenza viruses isolated from wild ducks that possess genetic similarities to the 1918 pandemic flu virus. The new study shows that these gene pools have the potential to cause a severe pandemic in the future if combined with other viral components.
Spanish flu-like virus with pandemic potential could emerge in bird populations
Researchers have discovered a bird flu virus with pandemic potential, closely related to the 1918 Spanish flu. The virus, composed of eight gene segments, can cause flu-like symptoms in ferrets and has the potential to spread efficiently among humans if it acquires key mutations.
Experiments using virulent avian flu strains pose risk of accidental release
Recent studies on transmissible influenza strains in mammals raise ethical concerns about the risks of accidental release. Researchers argue that alternative approaches using sequence analysis and molecular-dynamics modeling can generate results with similar public health benefits while minimizing risks.
Tip sheet from Annals of Internal Medicine May 20, 2014
The US Preventive Services Task Force found insufficient evidence to recommend for or against screening for suicide risk in adolescents, adults, and the elderly. However, healthcare professionals should consider referring patients with risk factors or high emotional distress for further evaluation. On the other hand, vaccination during...
Understanding the 1918 flu pandemic can aid in better infectious disease response
Researchers analyzed the 1918 pandemic in Labrador, Canada and Alaska, finding environmental, nutritional and economic factors influenced morbidity. Lessons learned from this study can aid in improving infectious disease response by evaluating healthcare access, housing conditions and contingency plans.
Mystery of the pandemic flu virus of 1918 solved by University of Arizona researchers
Researchers reconstruct origins of 1918 H1N1 influenza A virus, finding it arose from bird flu virus acquired by human H1 virus before 1918. Childhood exposure to previous flu strains may predict susceptibility to future strains and inform vaccination strategies.
Novel therapeutic agent for Tamiflu-resistant pH1N1 influenza virus discovered
Researchers identified a novel antiviral agent that blocks influenza infection in cell culture without developing resistance. The study suggests the potential of small molecule MK2206 as an effective treatment option for Tamiflu-resistant pH1N1 virus infections.
Ginseng can treat and prevent influenza and RSV, researcher finds
Research by Sang-Moo Kang of Georgia State University found that ginseng can improve survival rates of human lung epithelial cells infected with the influenza A virus. Red ginseng extract also reduced inflammation and improved immune response. Additionally, Korean red ginseng extract inhibited RSV replication and suppressed inflammator...
Tracking flu levels with Wikipedia
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a method to estimate flu levels in the American population by analyzing Internet traffic on specific flu-related Wikipedia articles. The model performs well during severe influenza seasons and H1N1 pandemics, providing accurate near-realtime information about disease burden.
McCullers reviews influenza, bacterial superinfections in Nature Reviews Microbiology
Dr. Jon McCullers reviews the co-pathogenesis of influenza viruses with bacteria, highlighting complex interactions leading to severe disease and increased morbidity. He calls for large-scale studies to unlock unanswered questions about co-infections and viruses to prevent future pandemics.
Insights into how a bird flu virus spreads could prevent pandemics
A recent study has identified five essential mutations allowing the H5N1 bird flu virus to spread through the air between ferrets. These findings could provide crucial insights for future surveillance and early warning systems, potentially preventing future pandemics.
National Institutes of Health awards Mount Sinai contract to further influenza research
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Mount Sinai a $26 million contract to support pandemic preparedness and advance the understanding of flu biology. Researchers will conduct animal surveillance studies, analyze virus-host interactions, and develop new vaccines.
Sea otters can get the flu, too
A USGS and CDC study found that Northern sea otters off Washington state's coast were infected with the pandemic 2009 H1N1 flu virus. The presence of antibodies in 70% of the sea otters suggests they were previously exposed to influenza, highlighting their susceptibility to the virus.
Tamiflu reduces risk of death by 25 percent in adults hospitalized with H1N1 pandemic influenza
A large meta-analysis involving over 29,000 patients from 38 countries found that antiviral drugs like Tamiflu reduced the risk of death from H1N1 influenza by 25% in adults hospitalized. Treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset was associated with a halved risk of death compared to later treatment or no treatment.
Three-quarters of people with seasonal and pandemic flu have no symptoms
A major study reveals that only 23% of seasonal and pandemic flu infections caused noticeable symptoms, with a staggering 77% remaining asymptomatic. The research, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, underscores the need for improved surveillance to accurately track disease burden.
Zoonotic diseases and global viral pandemics
Novel emerging pathogens often have significant impacts on human health, with RNA viruses being a major cause of these infections. Early detection and response are crucial for effective disease containment or mitigation, using tools like bio-surveillance, molecular diagnostics, and Next Gen sequencing.
Study on flu evolution may change textbooks, history books
A new study reconstructing the evolutionary tree of flu viruses challenges conventional wisdom, resolving mysteries surrounding historical outbreaks. The research provides the most comprehensive analysis to date, revealing how the virus evolves at different rates in various host species.
AAAS panel considers pandemic emergency response
A professor at Georgia Institute of Technology has developed software to help health officials respond to pandemics by combining biological and demographic data. The system uses social media and real-time information to inform decision-making, allocating medical resources and personnel effectively.
Indigenous groups more vulnerable in the fight against flu
A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that some Indigenous people have limited immunity response to flu effects. The research suggests ethnic differences in immune responses to the H7N9 virus, which can lead to severe outcomes.
Prediction of the future flu virus
A Russian research team studied the link between genetic shifts and antigenic drift in influenza viruses. They found that reassortments lead to increased rates of point mutations, which can result in highly virulent strains. This study may aid in predicting future flu outbreaks.
Better preparedness against Tamiflu-resistant influenza viruses
Researchers at Umea University found that Tamiflu's active metabolite can contaminate river water in Japan, making the virus resistant to antiviral medications. The team aims to develop a national knowledge center on antiviral drug effects and improve wastewater treatment to prevent pandemics.
TSRI scientists: Emerging bird flu strain is still poorly adapted for infecting humans
A recent study by TSRI scientists has found that the emerging bird flu strain H7N9 is still mainly adapted for infecting birds, not humans. The researchers analyzed virus samples from the Chinese outbreak and found that H7N9 viruses do not yet seem well adapted for binding to human receptors.
1950s pandemic influenza virus remains a health threat, particularly to those under 50
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found avian H2N2 influenza A viruses from the 1957-1958 pandemic can infect human cells and spread among ferrets, posing a risk to those under 50 who lack immunity to the virus
2009 pandemic flu death toll much higher than official worldwide estimates
A recent study estimates the global death toll from the 2009 H1N1 outbreak to be up to 203,000 respiratory deaths, significantly higher than the World Health Organization's initial count of 18,449 laboratory-confirmed cases. The pandemic disproportionately affected younger people and certain regions, such as the Americas.
In pandemic, parents who get reminders more likely to get kids vaccinated
A University of Michigan study found that reminder letters sent to parents of children with chronic conditions increased vaccination rates. The Michigan Care Improvement Registry was used to identify high-risk kids and prompt vaccinations during the 2009-10 H1N1 pandemic.
New SARS-like coronavirus discovered in Chinese horseshoe bats
Scientists have isolated a live SARS-like virus from Chinese horseshoe bats, providing evidence for direct transmission. The discovery highlights the importance of surveillance and research programs targeting high-risk wildlife groups to predict and prevent pandemics.
Research offers new insight in quest for single vaccine against multiple influenza strains
Researchers have discovered a novel way to generate antibodies that target multiple flu viruses, offering new hope for developing a single vaccine against all strains. The study used the immune suppressant rapamycin to shift the immune response and favor production of broadly specific antibodies.
'Reassuring' findings released in national study of influenza vaccine safety in pregnancy
Researchers found no evidence of an increased risk for specific major birth defects in mothers who received the flu shot. However, there was a slight increase in preterm delivery rates among vaccinated women during certain seasons.
Scientists closer to universal flu vaccine after pandemic 'natural experiment'
Researchers used the 2009 pandemic to study why some people resisted severe illness, finding that those with more virus-killing immune cells were protected. A vaccine targeting these cells could prevent flu viruses from causing serious disease.
University of Maryland researchers studying vaccine to prevent potential bird flu pandemic
Researchers at the University of Maryland are developing a vaccine to protect adults from the H7N9 influenza virus, which has caused 135 human cases and 44 deaths in China. The study aims to gather critical information on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine and its ability to induce an immune response.
NIH prepares by funding new bird flu vaccine studies
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is funding new bird flu vaccine studies to protect against a deadly strain that caused severe disease in China last spring. The study aims to fine-tune the process of creating an effective vaccine, with the goal of preventing future pandemics.
NIH clinical study establishes human model of influenza pathogenesis
A new study provides a clearer picture of how much time elapses between known infection, viral shedding, immune response, and onset of flu symptoms. Researchers found that a minimum dose of 10^7 TCID50 virus is needed to induce mild-to-moderate illness in 60% of volunteers.
Novel avian influenza A virus has potential for both virulence and transmissibility in humans
A novel avian-origin H7N9 influenza A virus has been found to attach moderately or abundantly to the epithelium of both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. This pattern suggests that the emerging H7N9 virus may transmit efficiently in humans and cause severe pneumonia.
New moms and obese people risk complications from influenza: McMaster study
A McMaster study found that new mothers and obese individuals are more susceptible to severe influenza outcomes, despite not being considered high-risk groups. The research highlights the need for precise definition of risk factors to optimize vaccine allocation during epidemics.
E-Health services ill-prepared for epidemics
E-health systems face a significant disruption due to inadequate adoption, leading to ineffective response to pandemic diseases like influenza. A multi-pronged approach is proposed to assess preparedness, identify gaps, and implement necessary technology and protocols.
Prior flu exposure dictates your future immunity, allowing for new, rationally developed regiments
Researchers at The Wistar Institute found that sequential vaccination with distinct influenza strains can stimulate immune responses against multiple strains. This approach offers an alternative to creating a universal flu vaccine by targeting conserved regions of the virus, potentially providing long-term immunity.
Study puts troubling traits of H7N9 avian flu virus on display
A new study reveals the H7N9 avian influenza virus can infect and replicate in human cells, suggesting it has pandemic potential. The virus also transmits efficiently in ferrets and other mammalian species, raising concerns about a potential global outbreak.
Behavior change may have the greatest influence on waves of influenza outbreak: McMaster study
Researchers found that changes in human behavior had the greatest influence on the three-wave shape of the 1918 influenza epidemic. Behavioral responses, such as avoiding large gatherings and keeping distance from others, reduced infectious contact rates when recent mortality was high.