Statins are a class of drug widely used to treat high cholesterol, and new research suggests that they can significantly reduce the risk of death in individuals suffering from severe forms of the flu. A new study examining the mortality rate of patients hospitalized with influenza has found that those prescribed statins have a lower… [Continue Reading]
Statins Reduce Risk of Death from Influenza After Hospitalization
December 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Controlling Overactive Immune Response May Save Lives from Influenza
September 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Doctors used to think that the effect of the flu virus itself caused deaths, but research suggests that many of the harmful effects on the body after infection are actually caused by an over-activation of the immune system. Controlling the runaway signaling pathways in mice after infection with deadly strains of flu significantly improves survival… [Continue Reading]
New Antibody Targets All Flu Viruses
August 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment
In a big step forward toward a universal flu vaccine, researchers have developed a new antibody that recognizes all of the different strains of influenza virus. Experts say that a more effective vaccine that doesn’t need to be administered every year would save lives. The researchers generating the antibody have shown it is effective in… [Continue Reading]
Discovery of New Flu Antibody Boosts Hope for Universal Vaccine
July 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The development of a universal flu vaccine is an important goal of researchers, and a new discovery gives the effort a big boost. Scientists have identified an antibody that has a very broad specificity for different kinds of flu, and can prevent or cure the disease in animal models Annually changing flu vaccines with their… [Continue Reading]
Flu Vaccines During Pregancy Protect Infants
June 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment
New research suggests that getting the flu shot during pregnancy brings significant benefits for babies. The infants of women who got the shot are half as likely to be hospitalized from the disease, suggesting they receive immune protection thanks to the vaccine. Infants born to mothers who received the influenza (flu) vaccine while pregnant are… [Continue Reading]
Flu Vaccine Saves Lives of Transplant Patients
April 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Some reports have voiced concerns about how vaccines affect the immune system of transplant patients, where the immune system’s interaction with the transplanted organ is delicate and important. A recent study, however, shows that the flu vaccine improves the outcome for transplant patients and saves lives. Getting vaccinated against the flu lowers kidney transplant recipients’… [Continue Reading]
Jump in Efficiency of Nasal Spray Flu Vaccines
April 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Nasal sprays that contain vaccines are very efficient researchers have found, when combined with a protein that stimulates the immune system to respond. Although nasal vaccines are currently rare, the new research may allow scientists to develop a broad range of the vaccines, which are less invasive that shots and could be delivered to large… [Continue Reading]
New Model for Infectious Disease Spread Gives Insight to Flu Prevention
March 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Tracking how infectious diseases is key for public health, and new research has provided a new tool to more accurately do the job. Accounting for individual behavior, such as staying home and avoiding contact with others, can make models more realistic, helping public health officials design policies. When influenza pandemics arrive, the specter of disease… [Continue Reading]
Universal Flu Vaccine Could Be On Its Way
February 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment
New research moves us closer to having a long-lasting flu vaccine that is effective against multiple strains. Such a vaccine would relieve people from having to get a shot every year. A newly published study reports that by targeting part of a viral protein that is common to all flu strains, scientists have developed a… [Continue Reading]
Lessons from H1N1 Influenza Pandemic Used for New Flu Vaccine Development
January 10, 2011 By 1 Comment
Because the influenza virus mutates so quickly, it is necessary to get a vaccination every season. This year-to-year change leaves people at risk, and scientists have been searching for a way to create a vaccine that gives longer term and broader protection. Stimulating the body to make antibodies that fight different flu strains is a… [Continue Reading]