September 12th 2024
The GSK reformulation induced acceptable immune responses for both influenza A and B strains, overcoming a setback earlier in the ability to successfully neutralize the latter.
ATS 2020: Novel At-home Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test Demonstrates Good Sensitivity, Specificity
August 11th 2020New research presented at the American Thoracic Society 2020 Virtual meeting showed the novel Theraflu Home FluTest demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity for influenza A and B viruses.
Influenza Season: 2010 Vaccines
October 6th 2010This year's influenza season is approaching fast. Although the World Health Organization officially declared an end to the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic in August, the H1N1 virus is still circulating and is likely to continue to cause serious disease in infants, young children, pregnant women, and other high-risk groups.
Influenza Season: 2010 Vaccination Guidelines
September 23rd 2010This year’s influenza season is approaching fast. Although the World Health Organization officially declared an end to the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic in August, the H1N1 virus is still circulating and is likely to continue to cause serious disease in infants, young children, pregnant women, and other high-risk groups.
Universal Flu Vaccine on the Horizon
July 16th 2010A universal vaccine that protects against all strains of influenza virus may eventually replace yearly seasonal flu shots. This vaccine has been shown to be effective in animals, report investigators from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
2009 H1N1 Influenza: Antiviral Use for Prevention and Treatment
February 18th 2010This discussion reviews the currently available antivirals and recommendations for their use in influenza prophylaxis and treatment. Because our understanding of 2009 H1N1 influenza is still evolving, some off-label use of medications is discussed and noted. Information on 2009 H1N1 is updated frequently, andreaders are encouraged to monitor advisories from federal, state, and local health agencies for up-to-date information. (Drug Benefit Trends. 2010;22:10-14)
Jab Away, Says CDC, More H1N1 Vaccine on the Way
October 29th 2009Tell patients who are clamoring for the H1N1 influenza vaccine that more doses will soon be available. At a recent press conference, Thomas Frieden, MD, Director of the CDC, had this message for health care providers: “Don’t reserve available vaccine; give it out as soon as it comes in, because more is on the way.”
Diagnostic Testing for H1N1 Flu: When and How
September 30th 2009Confirming the presence of the H1N1 influenza virus in patients with suspected infection is critical to public health efforts to track, study, and contain the disease-and to the ability of clinicians to provide optimal management. Appropriate diagnostic testing is key to this process.
H1N1 Influenza: Prevention and Treatment-How and for Whom
September 30th 2009Not all patients in whom infection with the H1N1 influenza virus is suspected or confirmed need to be treated. Many patients with mild disease can forgo pharmacotherapy. In fact, in many cases, it may even be prudent to discourage such patients from coming into their health care provider's office, in the interest of infection control. However, all patients with severe disease and those considered at high risk for complications from seasonal influenza should be offered therapy with antiviral agents.
The H1N1 Influenza Pandemic: Strategies for Controlling Its Spread
September 30th 2009Before considering the infection control strategies recommended during the current H1N1 influenza pandemic, it is useful to review the transmission characteristics of influenza viruses-including H1N1-that form the basis for these strategies:
Recognizing H1N1 Flu: An In-Depth Look at Its Clinical Characteristics
September 29th 2009The ability to recognize cases of the new H1N1 flu and distinguish these from seasonal influenza and other respiratory illnesses is perhaps the overriding concern of primary care practitioners. Prompt and accurate identification of this entity is the key to both effective management of individual illness and effective public health measures.