Respiratory Infections

In models of air transportation networks during the early stages of an outbreak, disease spread could be reduced by up to 38% with improved hand washing at 10 major airports.

The CDC has confirmed an infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 in California in a person who reportedly did not have relevant travel history or exposure to another known patient with COVID-19

Among a cohort of 9 pregnant women who developed COVID-19 pneumonia, there was no evidence of vertical transmission to infants.

Based on data from 4112 children and adults, vaccine effectiveness was estimated to be 37% against influenza A and 50% against influenza B viruses.

Progression to lower respiratory tract disease was associated with higher total antibiotic-days, use of antibiotics with broad anaerobic activity, and use of cephalosporins with limited anaerobic activity.

Investigators recently mapped out influenza and pneumonia cases among residents of long-term care facilities. They found distinct regional variations.

Studies have shown that human coronaviruses can survive for days on certain surfaces. What does this mean for infection prevention efforts?

A commentary agrees with World Health Organization recommendations against routine use of corticosteroids in treatment of COVID-19.

Social and biological factors increase the risk of respiratory failure and death in vulnerable pre-term infants, a new study shows.

In a scenario where health care preparedness is key, what are the best strategies for US hospitals to pursue?

There could be viable options within a few months, but will it be in time to contain an outbreak?

When using ceftolozane/ tazobactam to treat patients with P aeruginosa respiratory tract infections, the use of extended or continuous antibiotic infusion and/or combination therapy with other active antibiotic agents should be considered, particularly if targeting higher MIC values.

With cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) increasing across the globe, why should we be paying attention to influenza—a respiratory illness that is seen year after year?

The fact remains that this strain of coronavirus is not highly contagious; it behaves very similarly to other infectious viruses by targeting mainly the weak and/or immunocompromised portions of the population.

Screening for 2019 novel coronavirus continues around the world. A new research letter on the clinical characteristics of 13 patients sheds light on the nature of cases outside of Wuhan, China.

The first strain of influenza virus a person is exposed to in early childhood impacts their ability to fight flu for life. The phenomenon is known as antigenic imprinting.

The US Department of Health and Human Services announced that it is expanding an existing collaboration with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in order to pursue a treatment for the 2019 novel coronavirus.

An article concludes that there has been human-to-human transmission among close contacts since the middle of December 2019.

Gilead Sciences is collaborating with Chinese, US, and global health officials in order to investigate the safety and efficacy of their investigational antiviral compound remdesivir against the novel coronavirus.

The WHO International Health Regulations Emergency Committee convened on January 22rd to discuss the status of the coronavirus outbreak. The committee was split on their decision and will reconvene on January 23rd.

The case has been confirmed in an individual in Washington State.

Jason Gallagher, PharmD, FCCP, FIDSA, BCPS, explains why everyone needs a flu shot and addresses skepticism toward the vaccine.

An international study offers new insight on cases of influenza hospitalization among pregnant women.

As of January 5, 2020 there have been 59 confirmed cases associated with the pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan city.

Women and adults aged 65 or older were particularly affected by the increased incidence of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease infections.

The Bacille Calmette-Geurin vaccine is typically administered intradermally, which may not generate enough T cells to elicit strong immune responses in the lungs to effectively protect against TB.