Flu News and Research

RSS

Innovative ways to target antibiotic resistance in short term

There has been much recent talk about how to target the rising tide of antibiotic resistance across the world, one of the biggest threats to global health today.

3 Mar 2017

High-dose flu vaccine appears to be effective at preventing post-influenza deaths among older adults

The high-dose flu vaccine appeared to be more effective at preventing post-influenza deaths among older adults than the standard-dose vaccine, at least during a more severe flu season, according to a large new study of Medicare beneficiaries published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases.

2 Mar 2017

Workers without paid sick leave less likely to receive preventive health care screenings, study finds

More than 20 million Americans have gained health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act and do not have to pay for 15 preventive screenings recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

1 Mar 2017

Novel antiviral drug can protect transplant patients against CMV infections

In a significant advance in improving the safety of donor stem cell transplants, a major clinical trial led by researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital has shown that a novel agent can protect against the most common viral infection that patients face after transplantation.

24 Feb 2017

Research reveals workings of ‘hidden code’ within genome of Human Parechovirus

Scientists at the Universities of York, Leeds, and Helsinki say they are a step closer to cracking, what researchers have dubbed, the 'Enigma Code' of the common cold virus.

23 Feb 2017

Duke Health scientists identify proteins in mucous that confirm viral infection

It may seem obvious, but the key to confirming whether someone is suffering from a cold or flu virus might lie at the misery's source -- the inflamed passages of the nose and throat.

22 Feb 2017

Severe cuts in health and social care system linked to substantial increase in mortality

Researchers exploring why there has been a substantial increase in mortality in England and Wales in 2015 conclude that failures in the health and social care system linked to disinvestment are likely to be the main cause.

20 Feb 2017

Penn researchers find new way to track rare T cells in blood after annual flu vaccine

For most vaccines to work the body needs two cell types - B cells and T helper cells - to make antibodies. B cells are the antibody factories and the T helper cells refine the strength and accuracy of antibodies to home and attack their targets.

20 Feb 2017

New computer model recommends intervention strategies to mitigate pandemics

The 2016 Zika virus outbreak, along with recent outbreaks of SARS, bird flu, H1N1 and Ebola, underscore the importance of being prepared for and responding quickly to infectious diseases. Zika, in particular, poses unique challenges, since its associated birth defects and lack of preventive treatment currently threaten over 60 countries.

17 Feb 2017

Oral vitamin D spray offers better protection from colds and flu than tablets

More than three million people across the UK could fend off acute respiratory infections such as colds or flu every year if everyone took Vitamin D supplements, according to a new study published by the British Medical Journal.

From BetterYou Ltd 17 Feb 2017

Rutgers researcher to play key role in federal project aimed at designing TIPs to fight influenza virus

They're called TIPs and their task would be to infiltrate and outcompete influenza, HIV, Ebola and other viruses.

17 Feb 2017

Vitamin D supplements protect against cold and flu, study finds

The use of Vitamin D supplements can help to protect against acute respiratory infections, according to a new study. If everybody took the supplements, more than three million people could ward off colds and flu every year, say the authors of the world-wide, collaborative study.

16 Feb 2017

Vitamin D supplements protect against acute respiratory infections, study finds

Vitamin D supplements protect against acute respiratory infections including colds and flu, according to a study led by Queen Mary University of London.

15 Feb 2017

Researchers identify molecular signatures to predict efficacy of malaria vaccines

The acid test for a vaccine is: "Does it protect people from infection?" Emory Vaccine Center researchers have analyzed this issue for a leading malaria vaccine called RTS,S, and their results have identified candidate signatures, or biomarkers, in the blood of vaccinated subjects which predict the likelihood of success from vaccination.

13 Feb 2017

Sunburn and mosquito bites may ruin spring vacation in tropical locales

If the last blast of winter has you longing for sun-soaked beaches in tropical locales, be sure to stop at the drug store for sunscreen and insect repellant before leaving for spring vacation.

13 Feb 2017

News stories about public health can fall victim to third-person effect, study finds

"There has been a little flu, but there will be more...we have not seen the worst of it, flu usually peaks in February," said an article in The Philadelphia Inquirer in January.

10 Feb 2017

Parents can take eight steps to boost child's immunity, says family medicine specialist

No magic elixir can prevent children from developing occasional colds and viruses, but takings steps to boost their immune system can minimize their chances of catching every bug that winds its way through the daycare center or school.

3 Feb 2017

Most Americans believe preventive health benefits of childhood vaccines outweigh risks

Despite debate about the safety of childhood vaccines among some groups in the public, an overwhelming majority of Americans (82%) support requiring children attending public school to be vaccinated for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), according to a new Pew Research Center survey.

2 Feb 2017

Using common pain relievers during acute respiratory infection linked to increased heart attack risk

Widely used pain relievers may increase the risk of a heart attack when used during a cold or flu-like illness, according to a new study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.