Influenza

With the release of these guidelines and the US Health and Human Services canceling the mid-March FDA VRBPAC meeting to discuss these vaccine recommendations, Robert Hopkins Jr, MD, the medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), offers insight on these developments.

The most recent CDC report accounts for 33 million flu illnesses, 430,000 hospitalizations, and 19,000 deaths this flu season, with Influenza A(H1N1) and A(H3N2) as the primary strains.

The CDC tracks rising human infections linked to poultry and dairy exposure, while the USDA steps up with a comprehensive strategy to combat HPAI and stabilize egg prices.

Two cats became severely ill, and both owners declined to be tested.

A state official says the woman is hospitalized in another state, and had preexisting health conditions that can make people more vulnerable to illness.

The affected person had a mild case and is recovering.

The federal government is working on measures to mitigate the potential impact including looking at vaccines, therapies, and other strategies. Robert Hopkins, Jr, MD, medical director, National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), provides some insights on our preparation now and lessons learned from the pandemic.

The federal agency is asking hospitalists and labs to accelerate this process in order to know if they are dealing with avian influenza.

The Louisiana Department of Health announced the news late yesterday, and it is the first death in the US associated with the H5N1 virus.

Older males who had these infections had a statistically significant higher risk for physical and cognitive impairments.

The federal health agency stresses the importance of finding the balance between vigilance and enjoying normal activities.

New approach targets multiple strains, promising broad protection against human, avian, and swine influenza viruses.

Veterinary and public health officials share the important roles of surveillance and prevention strategies, insights on the virus's transmission pathways, historical context, the One Health approach, and highlights effective precautionary measures to mitigate H5N1 risks.

Important vaccine updates, including a second COVID-19 vaccine dose for adults 65 and older and immunocompromised individuals, a pneumococcal vaccine for adults aged 50 and older, and more.

People can now take the Healgen Rapid Check COVID-19/Flu A&B Antigen Test in their homes without a prescription.

The findings are from a National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) survey showing many Americans are not thinking about flu, COVID-19, RSV, or pneumococcal disease, and many respondents do not plan to get vaccinated this fall.

The federal agency gave the nod to FluMist nasal spray to allows individuals to administer the vaccine themselves and as a caregivers to others.

First case this year without a documented occupational exposure to infected animals.

As National Immunization Awareness Month concludes this August, it is a good time to review and update your vaccination schedules before the fall season begins.

Transmission to humans is limited in the US, but concerns linger, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The companies’ study met 1 of their 2 primary immunogenicity objectives.

Addressing this threat requires the development of effective vaccines and therapeutics specifically targeting evolving H5N1 viruses.

The individuals who worked in an egg layer facility in Colorado were confirmed to have H5N1 and they have reported mild symptoms without hospitalizations.

Paul Radspinner, MBA, president and CEO of FluGen, addresses the safety profile, noting the low adverse event rates highlighting the safety and tolerability of the H3N2 M2SR influenza vaccine.

Adults 65 and older account for 70–85% of annual influenza-related deaths in the USA, underscoring the need for improved vaccine options, as current injectable vaccines show modest efficacy in many seasons.