ScienceDaily: Cold and Flu News

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.

Level of dengue virus needed for transmission defined

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:28:28 EDT

Researchers have identified the dose of dengue virus in human blood that is required to infect mosquitoes when they bite. Mosquitoes are essential for transmitting the virus between people so the findings have important implications for understanding how to slow the spread of the disease.

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.

New tool for identifying powerful HIV antibodies

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:20:20 EDT

Scientists have developed a new tool to identify broadly neutralizing antibodies capable of preventing infection by the majority of HIV strains found around the globe, an advance that could help speed HIV vaccine research.

Don't be quick to toss your toothbrush after a sore throat

Sat, 04 May 2013 16:33:33 EDT

Word on the street has it you should replace your toothbrush after suffering from a cold, the flu or a bout of strep throat. That may not be necessary -- at least when it comes to sore throats, according to a new study.

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.

Tactics of new Middle East virus suggest treating by altering lung cells' response to infection

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:25:25 EDT

The deadly Human Coronavirus-Erasmus Medical Center, which first appeared April 2012 in the Middle East, is revealing its stronghold tactics. The virus dysregulates 207 lung cell genes to turn RNA levels up and down. The dysregulation makes it harder for cells to recognize the virus and also creates an environment for the virus to multiply. Currently available drugs are predicted to treat the infection by altering the infected cells' response, rather than killing the virus directly.

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.

Clues to making vaccine for infant respiratory illness

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:24:24 EDT

An atomic-level snapshot of a respiratory syncytial virus protein bound to a human antibody represents a leap toward developing a vaccine for a common -- and sometimes very serious -- childhood disease.

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.

Combating H7N9: Using Lessons Learned from recent studies on H5N1

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:10:10 EDT

Researchers have developed a series of messages for policy makers that are highly relevant to the current outbreak.

40 percent of parents give young kids cough/cold medicine that they shouldn't

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:20:20 EDT

Children can get five to 10 colds each year, so it’s not surprising that adults often turn to over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to relieve their little ones’ symptoms. But a new poll shows that many are giving young kids medicines that they should not use.

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.

Improved molecular tools streamline influenza testing and management

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:17:17 EDT

Over 40,000 people die each year in the United States from influenza-related diseases. In patients whose immune systems are compromised, antiviral therapy may be life-saving, but it needs to be initiated quickly. It is therefore crucial to diagnose and type the influenza rapidly. Scientists in the Netherlands have designed and evaluated a set of molecular assays that they say are a sensitive and good alternative for conventional diagnostic methods and can produce results in one day without the need for additional equipment.

Half of Tamiflu prescriptions went unused during 2009 H1N1 swine flu pandemic, UK sewage study

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:59:59 EDT

A new study concludes that approximately half of the prescriptions of Tamiflu during the 2009-10 influenza pandemic went unused in England. The unused medication represents approximately 600,000 courses of Tamiflu at a cost of around £7.8 million to the UK taxpayer. The finding comes from the first study of its kind to use sewage water to estimate drug compliance rates.

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.

Engineered small pox may kill liver cancer

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:33:33 EDT

As part of a multicenter clinical trial, researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine are evaluating Pexa-Vec (JX-594) to slow the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma or liver cancer. Pexa-Vec is a genetically engineered virus that is used in the smallpox vaccine.

Avian virus may be harmful to cancer cells

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:26:26 EDT

Researchers have discovered that a genetically engineered Newcastle disease virus, which harms chickens but not humans, kills prostate cancer cells of all kinds, including hormone-resistant cancer cells.

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.

On Twitter, anti-vaccination sentiments spread more easily than pro-vaccination sentiments

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:20:20 EDT

On Twitter, a research team tracked the pro-vaccine and anti-vaccine messages about a new vaccine for combating a virus strain responsible for swine flu, and then observed how Twitter users expressed their own sentiments about the vaccine. The results may help health officials improve strategies for vaccination-awareness efforts.

Human infection with influenza A(H7N9) in China

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 07:35:35 EDT

On April 3, 2013, the China Health and Family Planning Commission notified WHO of an additional four cases of human infection with influenza A(H7N9). The four patients are from Jiangsu province in eastern China. There is no link between the cases.

Newly approved blood thinner may increase susceptibility to some viral infections

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:20:20 EDT

A new study indicates that a newly approved blood thinner that blocks a key component of the human blood clotting system may increase the risk and severity of certain viral infections, including flu and myocarditis, a viral infection of the heart and a significant cause of sudden death in children and young adults.

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.

Pain reliever shows anti-viral activity against flu

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:19:19 EDT

The over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug naproxen may also exhibit antiviral activity against influenza A virus, according to a team of scientists. The findings are the result of a structure-based investigation.

Findings to help in design of drugs against virus causing childhood illnesses

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:32:32 EDT

New research findings may help scientists design drugs to treat a virus infection that causes potentially fatal brain swelling and paralysis in children. The virus, called enterovirus 71, causes hand, foot and mouth disease, and is common throughout the world.

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.

Study points to essential role of IL-22 in lung repair after the flu

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:15:15 EDT

Once the initial episode of influenza has passed, the chronic effects tend to be overlooked. The results of a new study indicate that the cytokine interleukin-22 (IL-22) plays a critical role in normal lung repair following influenza infection.

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.

New light shed on role of climate in influenza transmission

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:06:06 EST

Two types of environmental conditions -- cold-dry and humid-rainy -- are associated with seasonal influenza epidemics, according to an epidemiological study. The article presents a simple climate-based model that maps influenza activity globally and accounts for the diverse range of seasonal patterns observed across temperate, subtropical and tropical regions.

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.

Wolf in sheep's clothing: Uncovering how deadly bacteria trick the immune system

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:54:54 EST

A new study demonstrates how bacteria can pretend to be a virus and trick the immune system into sending out the wrong type of defense. Such manipulation sheds light on how the flu may make us more susceptible to pneumonia or as in the recent outbreak of TB in Los Angeles, possibly how the flu and other environmental factors could be used to the TB bacteria’s advantage.

Mutation altering stability of surface molecule in acid enables H5N1 infection of mammals

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:34:34 EST

A single mutation in the H5N1 avian influenza virus that affects the pH at which the hemagglutinin surface protein is activated simultaneously reduces its capacity to infect ducks and enhances its capacity to grow in mice, according to researchers.

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.

Virus shows promise as prostate cancer treatment

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:31:31 EST

A recombinant Newcastle disease virus kills all kinds of prostate cancer cells, including hormone resistant cells, but leaves normal cells unscathed, according to a new article. A treatment for prostate cancer based on this virus would avoid the adverse side effects typically associated with hormonal treatment for prostate cancer, as well as those associated with cancer chemotherapies generally.

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.

Diamond sheds light on basic building blocks of life

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 13:42:42 EST

The UK's national synchrotron facility, Diamond Light Source, is now the first and only place in Europe where pathogens requiring Containment Level 3 – including serious viruses such as those responsible for AIDS, Hepatitis and some types of flu – can be analyzed at atomic and molecular level using synchrotron light. Studying pathogens in this way has the potential to open up new paths for the development of therapeutic treatments and vaccines.

Vitamin C is beneficial against the common cold, review suggests

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 08:23:23 EST

According to an updated review on vitamin C and the common cold, vitamin C seems to be particularly beneficial for people under heavy physical stress. In five randomized trials of participants with heavy short-term physical stress, vitamin C halved the incidence of the common cold. Three of the trials studied marathon runners, one studied Swiss school children in a skiing camp and one studied Canadian soldiers during a winter exercise. Furthermore, in a recent randomized trial carried out with adolescent competitive swimmers, vitamin C halved the duration of colds in males, although the vitamin had no effect on females.

Patients can emit small, influenza-containing particles into the air during routine care

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:46:46 EST

A new study suggests that patients with influenza can emit small virus-containing particles into the surrounding air during routine patient care, potentially exposing health care providers to influenza. The findings raise the possibility that current influenza infection control recommendations may not always be adequate to protect providers from influenza during routine patient care in hospitals.

New insights into conquering influenza

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 10:02:02 EST

Researchers have discovered a new protein that protects against viral infections such as influenza.

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.

Potential benefits and threats of nanotechnology research

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 15:48:48 EST

A new article tackles the complex "dual-use" aspect of nanotechnology research.

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.

Disease outbreaks trackable with Twitter

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:23:23 EST

About 15 percent of Tweets can accurately be connected to state-level location data or better. Most of that data is parsed from users' public profiles. Such volume means Twitter could be used as an early-warning system to monitor spread of diseases.