Influenza

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.

Data on hospitalizations of children during the pandemic highlighted the seriousness of MIS-C, particularly in children of color.

The company is utilizing this platform to address new COVID-19 variants, combination vaccines, and potentially prevent HIV.

A Colorado person tested positive for avian influenza. The patient worked closely with poultry, their only symptom was fatigue, and they have since recovered after a few days.

The investigational vaccine's findings from their phase 1/2 clinical trial were reported at the World Vaccine Congress.

The investigational shots utilizing their mRNA technology platform are being studied in adults in the US.

Patients scheduled for primary care appointments were more likely to get an influenza vaccine if they received a text message the night before indicating one was reserved for them, a new study shows.

Findings of JAMA Network Open analysis reveal effects of interventions designed to prevent spread.

This flu season, the CDC reported at least 2.4 million flu illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations, and 1,400 deaths from flu so far.

A recent study in Australia highlights the risk of severe influenza disease in infants younger than 6 months and the need for preventative measures to protect this vulnerable population.

Key signs and symptoms to help distinguish between the 2 respiratory illnesses.

A team of researchers sought to study the epidemiological characteristics of RSV in pediatric influenza-like illness cases.

A new study sought to address the association between a usual source of care and influenza vaccination rates among pregnant women.

No influenza-related hospitalizations of children were found in a nationwide study of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the 20/21 flu season.

A pregnant woman is reported to be the country’s first person to be infected simultaneously with COVID-19 and influenza.

Clinical and public health laboratories reported increased influenza virus detections over the past few weeks, but US cases remains comparatively low to previous flu seasons.

Individuals from European backgrounds had higher type 1 interferon pathway activity during early influenza infection than individuals with African genetic heritage.

Analysis documents 9% rise in shots distributed after federal officials pushed for vaccination.

The FDA has approved patients 6 months and older to receive Seqirus's first-ever adjuvanted, cell-based influenza vaccine.

The National Academy of Medicine released 4 reports with COVID-19-influenced recommendations to prepare and respond to an influenza pandemic.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to recommend hepatitis B, orthopoxviruses, and Ebola vaccines to certain populations, as well as approving 2022 immunization schedules for children, adolescents, and adults.

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) recently sponsored a media briefing addressing the risks of contracting influenza and pneumococcal disease in the midst of a still-flourishing COVID-19 pandemic.