Respiratory Infections

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

A case series of 13 patients suggests that extended courses of Paxlovid could benefit some Long COVID patients, but the results are inconsistent.

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

Recent study highlights Paxlovid’s ability to reduce hospitalizations and mortality in high-risk populations, but underscores the need for personalized treatment.

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

Just 60% received detectable antibodies for 2 FDA-approved vaccines, possibly pointing out a need for additional doses to reach protective levels against disease.

Data detailing antibiotic choice and duration derived from electronic health records improved appropriate therapy use for community-acquired pneumonia.

Sequencing shows differing virus in the hospitalized patient in Louisiana, which the federal agency says is concerning.

As 2024 winds to a close, take a look back on some of the biggest stories Contagion was following around respiratory infections.

A recent study examined mortality outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients treated with remdesivir and dexamethasone vs dexamethasone alone, using data from the Omicron period.

6.4% of US adults experience Long COVID, with 19.8% reporting significant activity limitations, while the updated RECOVER study refines the classification index.

Governor Newsom declares support for state response as bird flu spreads across the US among dairy cows and humans, with California leading the nation in cases.

The PDUFA date is set for early June, and if approved, it would be the first and only single dose immunization for infants regardless of weight designed to protect them for the duration of their first RSV season.

Health officials are investigating an outbreak called "Dinga Dinga," which causes fever and uncontrollable shaking.

Study finds optimal timing of annual COVID-19 booster depends on regional transmission patterns and if/when breakthrough infection has occurred.

Sexual transmission was confirmed for nine of the 22 viruses studied, including Ebola, Zika, and mpox, making it a key factor in ongoing disease spread.

Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH, director of NIAID, discusses the mutation changes needed to make human-to-human transmission easier as well as infection prevention strategies.

Alba Azola, MD discusses the challenges of diagnosing and managing Long COVID and its overlap with ME/CFS, emphasizing the need for individualized care and ongoing research.

The federal agency stated there were cases of RSV lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) post-immunization for 2 of the company’s vaccines, mRNA-1345 and mRNA-1365.

Navigating the long road of Long COVID involves more than recovering from an infection; it requires specialized, multifaceted care to address ongoing and often invisible neurological symptoms.

The ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is affecting mostly very young children, and has investigators searching for answers.

If confirmed by the CDC, these cases would increase the national total of human infections to 60, with 58 already reported in various states.

Hospitalization rates for RSV in children under five are comparable to pre-pandemic levels, with the highest rates observed in infants aged 0-2 months.

With some young people still feeling the lingering effects of Long COVID years later, new data shows the value of COVID-19 vaccination to prevent the condition altogether.

Study finds antibiotic selection generally follows CAP guidelines but identifies determinants of frequently longer treatment durations.