All influenza articles
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NewsA natural molecule present in the human body protects against the flu
A research team has demonstrated that dermcidin, an antimicrobial peptide produced constitutively by the human body, also exhibits antiviral activity against the influenza virus. People who do not develop flu-like symptoms have higher baseline levels of this molecule.
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NewsNew vaccine strategy could help extend immunity against evolving viruses
Researchers have identified a possible way to make longer lasting vaccines for respiratory viruses like influenza and the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
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NewsAging lung cells could be why COVID and flu are so dangerous to the elderly
Older adults are much more likely to become seriously ill from flu or COVID because aging lung cells can drive excessive immune responses, according to a new study led by researchers.
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NewsNew flu drug discovery could help fight future pandemics
Scientists say that new laboratory tests have revealed a new way to stop flu viruses, which could lead to better treatments and improved pandemic preparedness. The international team has developed experimental compounds that appear to block the virus more effectively than current medicines.
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NewsWhy is vaccination for target populations plummeting in the UK? Share your insights!
As a group of leading UK health experts launches a new Commission on Access to Vaccines to understand why access levels are falling across the UK, Applied Microbiology International is calling on members to share their insights on childhood vaccinations.
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NewsScientists discover a bacterium that protects against long Covid
Scientists have discovered the key role played by a bacterium, Dolosigranulum pigrum, that is naturally present in the respiratory microbiome. When present in greater numbers, these bacteria are associated with a reduction in the persistence of symptoms characteristic of long Covid.
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NewsSevere COVID-19 and flu facilitate lung cancer months or years later, new research shows
Severe COVID-19 and influenza infections prime the lungs for cancer and can accelerate the disease’s development, but vaccination heads off those harmful effects, new research indicates.
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NewsStudy reveals key differences in long-term brain effects of COVID-19 and flu
While both Covid and flu can leave lasting lung damage, only SARS-CoV-2 infection caused persistent brain inflammation and small blood vessel injury, even after the virus was no longer detectable, a new study has found.
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NewsMissed opportunity: Study shows low vaccination rates among expectant mothers in Norway against COVID-19 and influenza
A study of over 50,000 pregnant women in Norway during the 2023/24 influenza season found that only 29.9% were vaccinated against influenza and 12.1% against COVID-19 during pregnancy, remaining far below recommended targets.
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NewsUS study finds declining perception of safety of COVID-19, flu, and MMR vaccines
A sizable majority of Americans think the three vaccines that combat potentially deadly illnesses flu, Covid-19 and measles are safe to take, although perceptions of the safety of all three vaccines showed a statistically significant drop over the past three years.
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NewsWhy aren’t more older adults getting flu or COVID-19 shots?
This winter’s brutal flu season isn’t over, and COVID-19 cases have risen recently too. But a new poll taken in recent weeks shows that vaccination against both viruses lags among people 50 and over, and the US survey reveals key reasons why.
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NewsInstitut Pasteur issues statement on U.S. administration’s attacks against biomedical research, global public health action and vaccination
For several months now, the current U.S. administration has consistently attacked and endeavored to weaken biomedical research and public health action in the United States and worldwide with unparalleled vigor, the Institut Pasteur has said in a new statement.
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News‘Nudging’ both patients and providers boosts flu vaccine numbers
Patients were 28 per cent more likely to get a flu shot when they got a text message reminder and their primary care provider already had an order for the shot waiting, new research showed.
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CareersThe National Collection of Pathogenic Viruses (NCPV): a critical resource for virology and public health
It’s now 25 years since the National Collection of Pathogenic Viruses (NCPV) was founded as a dedicated, secure, and relevant national virus repository for the UK. Jane Burton, Teresa Ramalho and Tilly Maybery explore how the collection has evolved - and is tackling future global health concerns.
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NewsStudy: How can we stop the spread of flu?
Researchers wanted to find out how the flu spreads, so they put college students already sick with the flu into a hotel room with healthy middle-aged adult volunteers. The result? No one caught the flu.
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NewsBeyond gene scissors: New CRISPR mechanism discovered
Two studies describe how researchers found a novel CRISPR mechanism, Cas12a2, in a family of nucleases that exclusively cleave DNA. In contrast, Cas12a2 was able to broadly cleave both RNA and DNA.
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NewsResearchers watch live as influenza viruses enter human cells
Using a microscopy technique that they developed themselves, scientists can zoom in on the surface of human cells in a Petri dish, observing live and in high resolution how influenza viruses enter a living cell. They found the cells are not passive, but actively attempt to capture the virus.
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NewsTo treat long COVID, we must learn from historical chronic illnesses, medical researchers say
Scientists and doctors have highlighted the importance of studying long COVID in the context of other post-acute infection syndromes or chronic illnesses. By analyzing historical accounts of other epidemics, researchers can gain important perspective on the effects of these chronic illnesses.
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NewsPathogens are the biggest threats at festivals and mass gatherings
A comprehensive review led by public health experts reveals that infectious disease outbreaks and foodborne illnesses are the most common public health threats at youth-focused mass gatherings, ranging from music festivals and cultural celebrations to sporting and religious gatherings.
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NewsRebalancing lung repair with immune damage is key to surviving severe influenza
Recovery from deadly influenza infection may hinge on helping the lungs heal in addition to stopping the virus, according to a new study in mice, which shows that pairing modest antiviral therapies with immune modulation can restore damaged tissues and lung function, even after severe infection has taken hold.