ScienceDaily: Bird Flu News

Ferrets, pigs susceptible to H7N9 avian influenza virus

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:37:37 EDT

Chinese and US scientists have used a virus isolated from a person who died from H7N9 avian influenza infection to determine whether the virus could infect and be transmitted between ferrets. Ferrets are often used as a mammalian model in influenza research, and efficient transmission of influenza virus between ferrets can provide clues as to how well the same process might occur in people.

Boosting body's natural flu killers as way to offset virus mutation problem

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:30:30 EDT

The known difficulty in fighting influenza (flu) is the ability of the flu viruses to mutate and thus evade various medications that were previously found to be effective. Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have shown recently that another, more promising, approach is to focus on improving drugs that boost the body’s natural flu killer system.

Swine flu pandemic of 2009 more deadly for younger adults

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:03:03 EDT

As the world prepares for what may be the next pandemic strain of influenza virus, in the H7N9 bird flu, a new study reveals that the 2009 H1N1 swine flu pandemic was deadliest for people under the age of 65, while those 65 and over had greater immunity due to previous exposure to similar viruses.

Novel approach for influenza vaccination shows promise in early animal testing

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:03:03 EDT

A new approach for immunizing against influenza elicited a more potent immune response and broader protection than the currently licensed seasonal influenza vaccines when tested in mice and ferrets. The new vaccine concept represents an important step forward in the quest to develop a universal influenza vaccine -- one that would protect against most or all influenza strains without the need for an annual vaccination.

Low population immunity to new bird flu virus H7N9 in humans

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:15:15 EDT

The level of immunity to the recently circulating H7N9 influenza virus in an urban and rural population in Vietnam is very low, according to the first population level study to examine human immunity to the virus, which was previously only found in birds. The study has implications for planning the public health response to this pandemic threat.

Predicting infectious influenza

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:49:49 EDT

A new computer model could help scientists predict when a particular strain of avian influenza might become infectious from bird to human, according to a new report.

Expert questions US public health agency advice on influenza vaccines

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:54:54 EDT

The United States government public health agency, the CDC, pledges "To base all public health decisions on the highest quality scientific data, openly and objectively derived." But experts argue that in the case of influenza vaccinations and their marketing, this is not so.

H1N1 discovered in marine mammals

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:44:44 EDT

Scientists detected the H1N1 (2009) virus in free-ranging northern elephant seals off the central California coast a year after the human pandemic began.

Flu in pregnancy may quadruple child's risk for bipolar disorder

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:14:14 EDT

Flu in pregnant mothers has been linked to a nearly fourfold increased risk that their child might develop bipolar disorder in adulthood. The findings add to mounting evidence of possible shared underlying causes and illness processes with schizophrenia, which some studies have also linked to prenatal exposure to influenza.

Bird flu in live poultry markets are the source of viruses causing human infections

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:09:09 EDT

On 31 March 2013, the Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission announced human cases of novel H7N9 influenza virus infections. Scientists have now investigated the origins of this novel H7N9 influenza virus.

Potential flu pandemic lurks: Influenza viruses circulating in pigs, birds could pose risk to humans

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:02:02 EDT

In the summer of 1968, a new strain of influenza appeared in Hong Kong. This strain, known as H3N2, spread around the globe and eventually killed an estimated 1 million people. A new study reveals that there are many strains of H3N2 circulating in birds and pigs that are genetically similar to the 1968 strain and have the potential to generate a pandemic if they leap to humans. The researchers also found that current flu vaccines might not offer protection against these strains.

New test for H7N9 bird flu in China may help slow outbreak, prevent pandemic

Fri, 10 May 2013 13:43:43 EDT

Breaking research demonstrates that a recently developed diagnostic test can detect the new strain of influenza (H7N9) currently causing an outbreak in China.

Risks of H7N9 infection mapped

Fri, 03 May 2013 09:41:41 EDT

A map of avian influenza (H7N9) risk has just been completed. The map is composed of bird migration patterns, and adding in estimations of poultry production and consumption, which are used to infer future risk and to advise on ways to prevent infection.

Potential novel treatment for influenza discovered: Scientists pursue new therapies as deadly H7N9 flu spreads in China

Wed, 01 May 2013 15:44:44 EDT

An experimental drug has shown promise in treating influenza, preventing lung injury and death from the virus in preclinical studies, according to new research. The scientists found that a drug called Eritoran can protect mice from death after they have been infected with a lethal dose of influenza virus.

Flu and bacteria: Better prognosis for this potentially fatal combination

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:54:54 EDT

Scientists have provided insights into how much harm bacteria can cause to the lung of people having the flu. The results could prompt the development of alternative treatments for flu-related bacterial infections, to improve patient outcome and prevent permanent lung damage.

Insight on Pandemic Flu

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:12:12 EDT

Pandemic flu continues to threaten public health, especially in the wake of the recent emergence of an H7N9 low pathogenic avian influenza strain in humans.

Biogeographic barrier that protects Australia from avian flu does not stop Nipah virus

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:51:51 EDT

An invisible barrier separates land animals in Australia from those in south-east Asia may also restrict the spillover of animal-borne diseases like avian flu, but researchers have found that fruit bats on either side of this line can carry Nipah virus, a pathogen that causes severe human disease.

Positive results for Phase I clinical trial for an H5N1 vaccine

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:49:49 EDT

Medical researchers reported positive interim results from a Phase I clinical trial for an H5N1 Avian Influenza VLP vaccine candidate. The H5N1 vaccine was found to be safe and well-tolerated and induced a solid immune response exceeding the three Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use immunogenicity criteria for licensure of influenza vaccines.

Could new flu spark global flu pandemic? New bird flu strain seen adapting to mammals, humans

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 19:24:24 EDT

A genetic analysis of the avian flu virus responsible for at least nine human deaths in China portrays a virus evolving to adapt to human cells, raising concern about its potential to spark a new global flu pandemic.

Healthy doctors make healthy patients, study finds

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:32:32 EDT

Patients are more likely to follow preventive health practices like getting a flu shot or mammography if their doctors do likewise, researchers have discovered.

Bird flu mutation study offers vaccine clue

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:50:50 EDT

Scientists have described small genetic changes that enable the H5N1 bird flu virus to replicate more easily in the noses of mammals.

Cleverly designed vaccine blocks H5 avian influenza in animal models

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:56:56 EDT

Until now, most experimental vaccines against the highly lethal H5N1 avian influenza virus have lacked effectiveness. But a new vaccine has proven highly effective against the virus when tested in both mice and ferrets. It is also effective against the H9 subtype of avian influenza.

Protective properties of influenza vaccines revealed

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:40:40 EDT

Scientists have identified an important mechanism for stimulating protective immune responses following seasonal influenza vaccinations.

Two-pronged immune cell approach could lead to a universal shot against the flu

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:56:56 EDT

Influenza virus-specific CD8+ T cells or virus-specific non-neutralizing antibodies are each relatively ineffective at conferring protective immunity alone. But, when combined, the virus-specific CD8 T cells and non-neutralizing antibodies cooperatively elicit robust protective immunity.

Predicting hotspots for future flu outbreaks

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:13:13 EDT

A major pandemic could occur if bird flu were to become highly contagious among humans. Scientists are making sure we get a leg up on the threat by developing predictions about where outbreaks are most likely to begin.

Prediction of seasonal flu strains improves chances of universal vaccine

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:18:18 EDT

Researchers have determined a way to predict and protect against new strains of the flu virus, in the hope of improving immunity against the disease.

New clues to how flu virus spreads

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:06:06 EST

People may more likely be exposed to the flu through airborne virus than previously thought, according to new research. The study also found that when flu patients wear a surgical mask, the release of virus in even the smallest airborne droplets can be significantly reduced.

Fatty acids could lead to flu drug

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:39:39 EST

Flu viruses are a major cause of death and sickness around the world, and antiviral drugs currently do not protect the most seriously ill patients. A new study reveals that a compound derived from fats found in fish oils prevents death in influenza-virus-infected mice, even at advanced stages of disease. The study offers a promising strategy for the treatment of patients with severe influenza virus infections.

New tool better estimates pandemic threats

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:45:45 EST

A simple new method better assesses the risks posed by emerging zoonotic viruses (those transmissible from animals to humans), according to a new study. Scientists have shown that the new tool can produce transmissibility estimates for swine flu (the H3N2v-M virus), allowing researchers to better evaluate the possible pandemic threat posed by this virus.

Higher indoor humidity inactivates flu virus particles

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:34:34 EST

Higher humidity levels indoors can significantly reduce the infectivity of influenza virus particles released by coughing, according to new research.

Increased risk of sleep disorder narcolepsy in children who received swine flu vaccine

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:40:40 EST

A study finds an increased risk of narcolepsy in children and adolescents who received the A/H1N1 2009 influenza vaccine (Pandemrix) during the pandemic in England.

Influenza study: Meet virus' new enemy

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:42:42 EST

Virologists have discovered a new class of molecular compounds capable of killing the influenza virus. Working on the premise that too much of a good thing can be a killer, the scientists have advanced previous researchers' methods of manipulating an enzyme that is key to how influenza replicates and spreads. The new compounds will lead to a new generation of anti-influenza drugs that the virus' strains can't adapt to, and resist, as easily as they do Tamiflu.

New flu drug stops drug-resistant strains of virus in its tracks

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:39:39 EST

A new class of influenza drug has been shown effective against drug-resistant strains of the flu virus, according to a new study.

Reduced risk of preterm birth for pregnant women vaccinated during pandemic flu

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:13:13 EST

Pregnant women who received the H1N1 influenza vaccine during the 2009 pandemic were less likely to have premature babies, and their babies weighed more on average.

More severe flu seasons predicted due to climate change

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:28:28 EST

The American public can expect to add earlier and more severe flu seasons to the fallout from climate change, according to a new research.

Flu myths and legends: Five common flu misconceptions dispelled

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 11:38:38 EST

It seems you can’t go anywhere these days without hearing “the flu this” or “the flu that.” Unfortunately, this season’s influenza outbreak is one of the worst in years. And it’s not just the flu virus that’s causing problems; there are also many myths about the flu that are keeping people from doing more to prevent it.

Pandemic controversies: The global response to pandemic influenza must change

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 10:46:46 EST

"Evil" scientists, deadly viruses and terrorist plots are usually the preserve of Hollywood blockbusters. But when it comes to pandemic influenza, it is the stuff of real life. As controversy about H5N1 bird flu virus research continues, a new article argues for a new approach to pandemic preparedness.

At least one in five were infected in flu pandemic, international study suggests

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:40:40 EST

At least one in five people in countries for which data are available were infected with influenza during the first year of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, according to a new study.

Using Twitter to track the flu: Researchers find a better way to screen the tweets

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:32:32 EST

Computer scientists have developed a new tweet-screening method that not only delivers real-time data on flu cases, but also filters out online chatter that is not linked to actual flu infections.

Children with egg allergies can safely receive flu vaccine, multi-center study finds

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:13:13 EST

Egg allergic children, including those with a history of anaphylaxis to egg, can safely receive a single dose of the seasonal influenza vaccine, according to a new study.

Critically ill flu patients saved with artificial lung technology treatment

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 13:33:33 EST

In recent weeks, the intensive critical care units at University Health Network's Toronto General Hospital have used Extra Corporeal Lung Support to support five influenza patients in their recovery from severe respiratory problems.

How the flu virus tells time

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 13:29:29 EST

According to researchers, the flu knows how much time it has to multiply, infect other cells, and spread to another human being. If it leaves a cell too soon, the virus is too weak. If it leaves too late, the immune system has time to kill the virus.

H1N1 flu shots appear safe for pregnant women: Pandemic vaccination did not increase risk of fetal death

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 08:47:47 EST

Pregnant women who were vaccinated against pandemic influenza were not at increased risk of experiencing fetal death. However, pregnant women who contracted influenza had an increased risk of fetal death. This was found in a register study of women who were pregnant during the influenza pandemic in 2009.

Is your business ready for a flu outbreak?

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:37:37 EST

Flu is reaching epidemic levels this year. A flu outbreak affects more than individual's health. Communities, schools and businesses will all be impacted by the virus. Will your business be ready for a flu outbreak?

Flu means extra precautions for older people

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 19:57:57 EST

The flu could be especially severe for the 39.6 million older adults in the United States.

Children once in danger of flu shot can get vaccinated, experts say

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:12:12 EST

As many as two percent of children may not receive the flu vaccination due to an egg allergy. But according to a recent study, administration can be safe even in children with a history of a severe allergic reaction to eggs.

Game-based economics research explains why we roll the dice on flu shots

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 09:20:20 EST

Using an online computer game that simulates the spread of an infectious disease among its players, researchers learned more about what motivates people to protect themselves from infection – from the flu to whooping cough.

Flu vaccine rates in children remain lower than expected, despite recommendations

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 21:21:21 EST

This year’s flu season is in full swing with 41 states now reporting widespread illness. Unfortunately, not enough children are getting the flu shot even though health officials recommend that all children 6 months and older get the vaccine. According to a new study, less than 45 percent of children were vaccinated against the flu during a five-year study period.

Significant increase in flu cases as severe flu season gains momentum

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:26:26 EST

Infectious disease experts are urging the public to get vaccinated against influenza in one of the most severe and longest flu seasons in a decade.

Measuring genomic response to infection leads to earlier, accurate diagnoses

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 18:58:58 EST

Researchers are looking to genomic technologies -- not the isolation of bacteria or viruses -- to quickly detect and diagnose infectious diseases such as the flu and staph.

Consumers judge their risk of catching an illness by the cost of the cure

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 14:34:34 EST

Consumers make irrational inferences about their health risks based on the price of their medicine.

Pigs in southern China infected with avian flu

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 17:41:41 EST

Researchers report for the first time the seroprevalence of three strains of avian influenza viruses in pigs in southern China, but not the H5N1 avian influenza virus. Their research has implications for efforts to protect the public health from pandemics.

New process to make one-way flu vaccine discovered

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:19:19 EST

A new process to make a one-time, universal influenza vaccine has been discovered. Researchers found a way to make the one-time vaccine by using recombinant genetic engineering technology that does not use a seasonal virus. Instead, the new vaccine uses a virus' small fragment that does not vary among the different strains of flu viruses.

Viruses cooperate or conquer to cause maximum destruction

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:18:18 EST

Scientists have discovered new evidence about the evolution of viruses, in work that will change our understanding about the control of infectious diseases such as winter flu. Researchers conducted experiments to manipulate a virus to see if it could evolve the ability to switch its behavior according to how many other viruses infect a host.

Does changing the price of medicine influence consumers' perceived health risk?

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 13:03:03 EST

Consumers assume their risk of getting a serious illness is higher when medications are cheaper because they believe that prices for life-saving products are based on need and not profit, according to a new study.

Why is the flu more common during the winter season?

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 16:21:21 EST

Environmental engineers have shown for the first time the relationship between the influenza A virus viability in human mucus and humidity over a large range of relative humidities, from 17 percent to 100 percent.

College students report low flu vaccine rate

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 12:52:52 EST

College football and basketball games may provide more than a way for students to show school spirit -- they could help prevent the flu. According to a new study, colleges and universities should implement new or improved influenza vaccine strategies, such as giving flu shots at sporting events or during campus-wide, day-long campaigns, to increase the number of their students who get the annual flu vaccine.

Man's best friend: Common canine virus may lead to new vaccines for deadly human diseases

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:13:13 EST

Researchers have discovered that a virus commonly found in dogs may serve as the foundation for the next great breakthrough in human vaccine development.

Researchers explore social media as preventative method for infectious diseases

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:13:13 EST

When it comes to stopping illness, social media posts and tweets may be just what the doctor ordered. A research team is looking at social media as a tool to reduce and prevent diseases from spreading. Researchers are studying whether a well-timed post from a public authority or trustworthy person could be as beneficial as flu shots, hand-washing or sneezing into an elbow.

This week's forecast: Sunny with a 40 percent chance of flu

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 15:10:10 EST

Scientists have developed a system to predict the timing and severity of seasonal influenza outbreaks that could one day help health officials and the general public better prepare for them. The system adapts techniques used in modern weather prediction to turn real-time, web-based estimates of influenza infection into local forecasts of seasonal flu.