Articles tagged with Swine Flu
Public Health Alerts provide concise, data-driven information on disease outbreaks and urgent health events. The new series, launched by NEJM Evidence and CIDRAP, offers expert-reviewed reports to support public health evidence-based care.
The study warns that connecting isolated habitats can lead to the spread of diseases and invasive species, while also increasing wildfire risks. To mitigate these effects, researchers recommend implementing cost-reduction strategies such as disease surveillance, habitat filters, and fire breaks.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has launched a critical care APP education and certification program, covering 11 topic areas including patient-centered care and pharmacology. The CCAPP Certification Exam is now available, with an August 5 deadline to apply for the 2025 exam.
The African Swine Fever virus has been in Europe since 2007, not recently introduced. Travel patterns within Europe are largely responsible for its current spread. The study found that the virus shares a common ancestor with those in Africa, but with no evidence of recent exchange.
The American College of Chest Physicians' CHEST Critical Care and CHEST Pulmonary journals have been indexed in Elsevier's Scopus database. This achievement is a testament to the high-quality research published in these journals, which provide open access content in pulmonary and critical care medicine.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered an antibody-like molecule, E10, that can protect mice from various influenza viruses. The molecule targets a conserved part of the virus's surface protein shared across multiple influenza types, providing effective protection against seasonal epidemics.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that IFITM3 deficiency increases the risk of flu infection by unfamiliar viruses, allowing them to adapt rapidly to human hosts. The study suggests that people with IFITM3 deficiency are a uniquely vulnerable population for new animal viruses entering humans.
Researchers found that H5N1 virus particles in unpasteurized milk can remain stable on metal and rubber components of commercial milking equipment for over an hour. This increases the potential for bird flu exposure among dairy farm workers and animal-to-animal transmission.
A study of hand sanitizer sales before, during and after the H1N1 swine flu pandemic found that supply and demand balances quickly, with retailers adapting to stockpiling behaviour. The research suggests there is no need for panic-buying and price gouging.
Researchers at NIH have identified antibodies targeting a hard-to-spot region of the influenza virus's neuraminidase protein head, known as the NA dark side. These antibodies could be used to develop new vaccine and therapeutic strategies, providing protection against influenza viruses with drug-resistant mutations.
A study found that pdm09 influenza A virus has crossed from humans to swine nearly 370 times since 2009, resulting in evolutionary changes and potential for zoonotic transmission. The analysis suggests managing human infection can help prevent pig-to-human transmission.
Nebraska scientists have made significant progress in developing a safe and effective long-lasting swine flu vaccine. The Epigraph algorithm enables the creation of a universal flu vaccine that protects against multiple types of influenza viruses for at least one year and is suitable for all age groups.
Researchers used simulations to study the movements of influenza virus proteins, finding that they can clump together and form large aggregates. This discovery could lead to improved vaccines and antiviral treatments by targeting these vulnerable states.
A new paper in the American Journal of Public Health suggests that a Paris Accord-style global agreement is urgently needed to address antimicrobial resistance. The authors argue that six key lessons from the Paris Climate Agreement should form the basis of any multi-country agreement or action plan on AMR, with binding rules and unive...
Dr. Edward Y. Lee, MD, MPH, receives the highest distinction from North America's first radiological society for his contributions to pediatric thoracic imaging and education. The ARRS Gold Medal honors his tireless efforts to advance radiology globally.
Researchers identified conserved parts of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu virus that triggered strong and effective immune responses. These responses can be harnessed for a universal flu vaccine targeting stable, conserved areas of the HA protein.
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 study in pig cells shows that prior infection with swine influenza virus (SIV) can protect against the development of porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCoV), with optimal protection observed when infections occur three days apart. The findings may have implications for human coronavirus and seasonal influenza virus co-infections.
Researchers have identified a novel autoantigen in narcolepsy, which mimics a protein from the H1N1 virus. Immune cells in narcolepsy patients mounted stronger responses against viral peptides and human proteins, leading to the discovery of a self-protein that triggers an autoimmune response.
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.
Researchers found that a combination of an immune receptor blocker and an antiviral agent improves survival in mice infected with lethal influenza. The treatment reduces lung pathology in swine-influenza-infected piglets, providing insights into optimal timing of treatment to prevent acute lung injury.
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.
Researchers have developed a vaccine that demonstrates promising signs of protection against more than a dozen swine flu strains and outperforms leading commercial vaccine. The Epigraph vaccine stimulates an immune response against multiple closely related viral strains, providing broader immunity and better cellular-level responses.
A novel algorithm, Epigraph, has been used to create a broadly reactive influenza vaccine for swine flu and may also be applicable to developing a pan-coronavirus vaccine. The immune responses to the vaccine showed promising breadth against diverse viral variants.
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.
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 new study links the 2019-2020 flu season to a more transmissible strain of Type B influenza virus. Younger individuals were disproportionately affected due to limited exposure to other B viruses, highlighting the need for targeted vaccination and preparedness strategies.
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.
Researchers found a significant association between COVID-19 infection and an increased risk of mortality due to blood clots. The study suggests that thromboembolism may be a critical factor in COVID-19-related deaths, particularly among hospitalized patients.
A large Swedish study found no association between H1N1 influenza vaccination during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder in the offspring. Researchers adjusted for potential confounders to minimize influence from other factors.
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 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.
Researchers found that one flu strain, H3N2, can mutate relatively easily to escape broad-acting antibodies, while another strain, H1N1, is more difficult to evade. The study highlights the challenges involved in designing a universal flu vaccine and suggests that further research is needed to develop an effective treatment.
Comparing lockdowns across nations reveals no consistent advantage of extreme versus limited social distancing measures, highlighting the need for a standardized approach. The study emphasizes the importance of balancing public health and socio-economic costs in reopening strategies.
A study published in The Lancet Public Health found that Hong Kong successfully controlled the first wave of COVID-19 without resorting to a complete lockdown. By implementing measures such as border entry restrictions, quarantine, isolation, and social distancing, the city was able to contain the outbreak and reduce transmission rates.
Researchers discovered that influenza H1N1 blocks protein degradation pathways, inducing alpha-synuclein and DISC1 protein aggregates. Increased expression levels of these proteins were found in murine brains after H1N1 infection.
A new study published in PLoS Pathogens found that a person's ability to fight off the flu virus is determined by the sequence of flu viruses they've been infected with throughout their lives. The study also revealed that people who were first exposed to the less severe H1N1 strain during childhood had extra protection against H3N2 lat...
A new study from McMaster University and Université de Montréal found that the first type of influenza virus exposed to in early childhood determines lifelong immunity. This phenomenon, known as antigenic imprinting, has important implications for pandemic and epidemic planning.
Research finds that exposure to one subtype of flu virus in childhood can grant extra protection against future infections, but not if the second strain is from a different group. This explains why some people fare better than others when infected with the same strain.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that a new flu drug, baloxavir, can drive drug resistance in H3N2 and H1N1 influenza viruses. The mutation occurred in nearly 23% of patients treated with the medication, but did not appear to affect its effectiveness against other virus-fighting drugs.
Researchers have isolated three broadly protective human antibodies targeting the influenza virus neuraminidase protein, providing strong protection against various strains in vitro and mice. These antibodies could inform the development of new antiviral treatments and HA-based vaccines with longer-lasting immunity.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center conducted a large-scale study comparing surgical masks to N95 respirators for flu and respiratory virus protection. The results show that there is no significant difference in effectiveness between the two types of masks, with medical masks being as effective as N95 respirators.
A Canadian study of over 100,000 children born to vaccinated mothers during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic found no association with increased risk of health problems. However, some slight associations were observed for gastrointestinal infections and asthma, but these were small and may be due to confounding factors.
A new analysis tool developed by Florida State University scientists can help improve understanding of population genetics and combat pathogens. The f-coalescent model, which incorporates fractional calculus, offers a promising method for analyzing the spread and distribution of disease vectors.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified a promising small molecule that targets the HA stem of influenza A group 1 viruses, demonstrating effectiveness against seasonal and pandemic strains in mice. The orally active compound, JNJ-4796, has the potential to be used as a treatment for flu sickness.
Researchers have identified a small molecule that mimics broadly neutralizing antibodies and provides protection against lethal doses of influenza. The discovery paves the way for a new class of 'antibody mimetic' drugs that could be used to neutralize various viral infections.
Women with severe influenza during pregnancy are more likely to have preterm birth and low birth weight infants. Pregnant women receiving the flu vaccine and those treated promptly with antiviral medications may reduce the risk of adverse infant outcomes.
The IDSA guidelines emphasize testing and treatment for pregnant women and those at high risk of complications, such as the extremely obese. These individuals should be provided with antiviral treatment as soon as possible if they are sick enough to be hospitalized or have severe symptoms.
Researchers have generated a new anti-flu antibody that offers long-lasting protection from various influenza viruses. The approach shows promise as a preventative measure for vulnerable populations like the elderly or immunocompromised.
Internal GlaxoSmithKline reports suggest a large discrepancy in adverse event reporting for Pandemrix compared to other GSK pandemic influenza vaccines. The BMJ investigation raises questions about the transparency of information surrounding the vaccine's safety, with significant implications for public health.
A synthetic DNA vaccine has been shown to produce broad immune responses against diverse H3N2 viruses, which have led to high morbidity and mortality in recent years. The vaccine was found to be more effective than traditional vaccines in protecting mice from lethal influenza A infection.
Researchers create FluVision technology to visualize influenza infection in real-time, observing differences between highly-pathogenic H5N1 and milder H1N1 strains. The tool reveals increased damage caused by H5N1, including pulmonary leakage and immune cell activation.
Researchers have identified influenza viruses jumping from pigs into dogs, increasing the risk of a future pandemic. The study found that these viruses can reassort with existing canine influenza viruses, producing new strains.
A Rice University study predicts the 2018 flu vaccine will have limited efficacy against the dominant circulating strain of influenza A due to viral mutations related to egg production. The pEpitope method accurately predicted vaccine efficacy rates for over 40 years of flu records and suggests a more accurate predictor than ferret tests.
Researchers found that influenza vaccines rarely induce antibodies against the neuraminidase protein, while natural infection does. This suggests that vaccines should be optimized to target NA for broad protection against diverse strains.
A team of researchers from James Cook University and Cardiff University have created a fully synthetic flu vaccine that protects mice from swine flu and works on human cells in the laboratory. The vaccine is hyper-stable, meaning it can survive stomach acid and human blood, making it suitable for oral administration.
Research found that flu strains H3N2 and H7N7 caused memory impairments and structural changes in the hippocampus of mice. The infections also activated brain immune cells and altered gene expression, suggesting a potential threat to healthy brain function.
A study by McMaster University researchers found that people born during previous pandemics were at higher risk of dying during subsequent outbreaks. The analysis suggests exposure to pandemic influenza early in life may be a risk factor for mortality.
Researchers at UGA and Sanofi Pasteur developed a broadly protective vaccine against multiple strains of H3N2 influenza, which neutralized 100% of the viruses over a five-year period. The vaccine has the potential to replace seasonal flu vaccines with year-round manufacturing, reducing production time.
A new flu forecasting tool combines data on virus spread with evolutionary analysis to predict the severity of upcoming seasons. By factoring in how much the virus has changed compared to recent years, the model can generate disease forecasts before the season begins, significantly earlier than existing tools.