Influenza

A large European study looked at a modern-day communication method and its influence on a public health initiative to increase immunizations.

Since changes in vaccine composition can sometimes lead to confusion or misinformation, effective communication is crucial to promote vaccine uptake.

Public health strategy in navigating flu season.

A recent study reveals the QIV-HD vaccine significantly lowers hospitalization rates compared to the standard-dose vaccine (QIV-SD).

Phase 2 study for the investigational antiviral, ZSP1273 (onradivir), demonstrated safety and efficacy in reducing the time to resolution of symptoms in a multicenter trial.

Though more research is needed to determine reasons for the association, a study published in JAMA Network revealed the 2021-2022 influenza season was associated with a significantly higher household transmission risk compared to pre-pandemic seasons.

In 43 of 154 school weeks, air samples were positive for influenza A virus (IAV) while SARS-CoV-2 was positive in air samples in 101 of 154 school weeks.

Analysis of the NUDGE-FLU study reveals electronic nudges designed to boost influenza vaccination were more effective in older adults without diabetes, highlighting the need for tailored approaches in diabetes populations.

Last year was the fourth season to be classified as high severity since the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic.

Overall, the study authors concluded that the immunogenicity of QIV and TIV was similar for common influenza ingredients for children aged 6 to 35 months.

The interim analysis of its phase 3 study shows the company’s mRNA-1010 vaccine was efficacious against all 4 A and B influenza strains.

Aerobic activity and muscle strengthening exercises reduced the risk of pneumonia or influenza mortality, even when the exercises were completed less frequently than recommended.

Non-enveloped viruses were resistant to all types of wash products and duration tested, including synthetic soaps, such as the ones typically used in hospitals.

While COVID-19 patients had a higher risk of venous thromboembolic disease compared to influenza and sepsis patients, the risk of other adverse outcomes was comparable.

"It does take the immune system a while to build up antibodies and recover," said Madeline King-Patel, PharmD, BCIDP, "So you don't want to give the vaccines too close to each other, or you're not going to get the full benefits."

This study determined the efficacy of face masks at reducing exhaled particles in children, as well as whether the type of activity affected the concentration and size of particles.

People with COVID-19 who were hospitalized had a slightly higher rate of death than those with influenza. However, there were considerably more severe COVID-19 cases than the flu, leading to a much higher number of overall deaths associated with SARS-CoV-2.

Moderna announced new mRNA vaccine candidates to combat prevalent viruses, and is even developing their first-ever bacterial vaccine for Lyme disease.

"Antibiotics can safely be withheld in most patients with viral respiratory infections,” these study authors wrote.

New research suggests the majority of people hospitalized with influenza also had a chronic illness.

Hong Kong confirmed a case of a man critically ill with avian influenza. On the other side of the world, Colorado is reporting its worst-ever avian flu outbreak among birds of prey.

RSV cases spiked to unprecedented levels this season. Why were these infections so frequent and severe? Why has vaccine development taken so long?

“This was a total surprise,” said study lead author John Tsang, PhD.

All regions are experiencing influenza-like illness levels above the baseline, the CDC said.

Pediatric populations are disproportionately affected by influenza. The first cell-based quadrivalent flu vaccine offers potential for greater vaccine effectiveness.

The CDC is urging all eligible persons to receive a flu shot, but a new survey shows fewer adults are planning to get the vaccine this season.

A new study found that patients hospitalized with COVID-19 are at significantly higher risk for venous thromboembolism in the ensuing 3 months than are patients hospitalized with influenza.

The FDA has approved Baloxavir Marboxil (Xofluza) for children 5 years and older to treat and prevent influenza.

The report showed the protective benefits varied somewhat by cardiovascular disease subtype.

With the impending start to the 2022-2023 influenza season just a few months away, here is some information on what is being studied for vaccines as well as recommendations and new testing.