Influenza News and Research

Latest Influenza News and Research

New nasal vaccine for COVID-19 shows promise in animal studies

A team of University of Maryland researchers developed a nasal spray vaccine that delivers the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein into cells of the airway in mice and hamsters, triggering an immune response that significantly reduced infection and spread of COVID-19.

6 Nov 2023

Avian flu decimates 5% of Peru's sea lions, sparking conservation alarm

Over 5,000 Peruvian sea lions, approximately 5% of Peru's population, succumbed to a mass mortality event linked to the avian influenza A(H5N1) virus, signaling an urgent need for research and conservation efforts to prevent further declines. The rapid spread of the virus among these colonially breeding mammals highlights potential risks of cross-species transmission and the necessity for heightened monitoring to avert new pandemics.

5 Nov 2023

Next-generation vaccine candidates protect against multiple strains of influenza and last longer

Recent preclinical results indicate novel next-generation vaccine candidates developed at Cleveland Clinic protect against multiple strains of influenza and last longer than vaccines currently in use.

31 Oct 2023

Human-to-lion COVID transmission confirmed: Singapore study rings alarm bells for endangered species

The study reveals that the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant was transmitted from humans to lions at a Singapore zoo, emphasizing the risk to captive and endangered animals. The researchers call for strict infection control measures and suggest vaccinations for susceptible animals to protect them from anthropogenic viral transmissions.

30 Oct 2023

Government updates regulations to support the ongoing delivery of Covid and flu vaccinations

The government has taken action to ensure Covid-19 and influenza vaccinations continue to be delivered safely and swiftly following widespread support in a public consultation.

30 Oct 2023

AI-nanopore platform can detect SARS-CoV-2 variants with high accuracy

A rapid, accurate way of testing for COVID-19 infection would be a big step in overcoming the virus' hold over our society.

27 Oct 2023

Study helps identify children at the highest risk of severe RSV infection

A new study helps to identify children who are at the highest risk of a severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and who would thus benefit most from new RSV prevention measures.

26 Oct 2023

New AI-nanopore platform could revolutionize COVID-19 testing

A rapid, accurate way of testing for COVID-19 infection would be a big step in overcoming the virus' hold over our society.

26 Oct 2023

Kids not the culprits: Low COVID-19 spread in U.S. child-care centers challenges closure norms

The study found that both children and care providers in U.S. child-care centers showed low rates of COVID-19 transmission, challenging the notion that these settings are high-risk environments for the virus. The results could have implications for revising guidelines on school and child-care center closures.

25 Oct 2023

Global clinical trial provides new evidence on simvastatin and vitamin C for COVID-19

The Global Coalition for Adaptive Research (GCAR) in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, on behalf of the REMAP-CAP Investigator Network, announce clinical trial results examining the use of vitamin C and simvastatin to treat severely ill patients with COVID-19.

25 Oct 2023

New insights into why obesity puts individuals at risk for severe influenza

The mechanisms underpinning severe cases of influenza among the obese population.

23 Oct 2023

CDC report highlights disparities in flu outcomes and vaccination coverage

Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults in the United States are more likely to be hospitalized with flu, as well as less likely to be vaccinated against flu, according to a new CDC Vital Signs report.

22 Oct 2023

Global surge of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1

A recent study published in Nature sheds light on the complex dynamics of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 since 2021, uncovering critical shifts in the virus's behavior and providing insights for more effective mitigation strategies. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding the ecological and virological factors driving the intensified global activity of HPAI H5N1 to better prepare for and manage future outbreaks.

22 Oct 2023

Are ecological and evolutionary shifts in highly pathogenic avian influenza pointing to another pandemic threat?

Researchers report significant changes in the ecology and evolution of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses.

20 Oct 2023

Children's immune system better prepared to defend against SARS-CoV-2, study finds

Why are severe courses of SARS-CoV-2 infection much less common in children and adolescents than in adults? Scientists at the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) have now discovered that the immune system in the upper respiratory tract is much more alert and active in children before infection than in adults and is therefore better equipped to fight the virus.

18 Oct 2023

New mRNA flu vaccine shows promise: Faster to produce, highly effective in mice

The study evaluates the efficacy of a new quadrivalent mRNA influenza vaccine, finding it to be highly immunogenic and protective in a mouse model. Compared to traditional vaccines, the mRNA-based option offers advantages like reduced production time and elimination of the risk of growth-promoting mutations.

15 Oct 2023

Is it time to rethink COVID-19 boosters? New study dives into variant-specific vaccines

The study explores the efficacy of variant-adapted COVID-19 booster vaccines, particularly against new strains like Omicron. It raises questions about the need for annual updates and the best technologies for long-term, durable immunity.

15 Oct 2023

Early and severe: Kids hit hard by 2022-23 flu season, vaccination rates drop

The 2022-23 influenza season saw a highly severe impact on U.S. adolescents and children, with early peaks in hospitalization rates and outpatient visits. The study underscores the importance of flu vaccination and antiviral treatment, especially as fewer hospitalized children were vaccinated compared to previous seasons.

15 Oct 2023

Are people with HIV at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes?

The research review indicates that people with HIV, especially those with low CD4 cell counts, face greater risks of severe COVID-19 outcomes and have suboptimal immune responses to SARS-CoV-2. Antiretroviral therapy aids in clearing infections, and a third vaccine dose reduces the risk of breakthrough infections among this population.

15 Oct 2023

New insights into coronavirus E channel could lead to antiviral drugs

The genome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus encodes 29 proteins, one of which is an ion channel called E. This channel, which transports protons and calcium ions, induces infected cells to launch an inflammatory response that damages tissues and contributes to the symptoms of Covid-19.

13 Oct 2023