Tag Archives: Influenza
CDC experts reassured by low levels of influenza infection
The low number of influenza cases reported in the United States is reassuring to public health experts after years of dealing with the H1N1 strain. Experts from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control were quick to point out, however, that … Read More
La Nina may increase likelihood of influenza pandemics
The La Nina phenomenon may increase the likelihood of influenza pandemics. Researchers in the United States recently found that the last four major flu pandemics occurred after La Nina events, which bring colder water than normal to the surface off … Read More
Harrington HealthCare System to require masks for employees who aren’t vaccinated
Harrington HealthCare System in Southbridge, Massachusetts, will require all physicians, volunteers and employees who do not receive the flu vaccine to wear surgical masks when in patient areas or within six feet of patients. Volunteers and workers who have not … Read More
Universal flu vaccine could be ready for trials next year
A universal influenza vaccine could potentially be ready for human trials as early as next year. In 2010, the U.S. National Institutes of Health estimated that, by targeting the portions of the flu virus that rarely mutate, a universal flu … Read More
Google may aid doctors in preparing for flu surges
The search engine Google may help physicians gauge when they should prepare to see a surge in flu cases. A team of doctors from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore recently compared Google Flu Trends, a service that … Read More
Study may increase the effectieness of flu shots
New engineering research from the University of Pittsburgh has the potential to aid in the development of a more effective flu shot. Read More
Chinese H5N1 traced to live bird markets
Sequences of the H5N1 virus from live bird markets in China have matched the sequences found in patients who had recently visited the markets, providing evidence of a long suspected molecular link. Read More
Cities may be sources of influenza epidemics
A new study has shown that tropical areas in Southeast and Eastern Asia are not the only regions that are a source for seasonal influenza epidemics. Read More
FDA approves Quidel’s influenza test
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the sale of Quidel Corporation’s next generation immunoassay analyzers for influenza. Read More
Additional swine-origin H3N2 influenza cases reported
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced the existence of two additional cases of swine-origin H3N2 influenza. Read More
