Influenza

Improving Efforts to Prepare for Influenza Epidemics

Although substantial emphasis is placed on vaccinations in considering how to limit the spread of influenza, simple hygienic methods have been found to be the most effective and should be more widely supported.

Latest News

CDC: Workplace Absenteeism High in 2017/2018 Flu Season

Workplace absenteeism during the high-severity 2017 to 2018 influenza season increased sharply in November and peaked in January.

Baloxavir Safe, Effective in Pediatric Influenza Study

Diana Ernst, RPh

According to results from the MINISTONE-2 trial, baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) was found to be safe and effective in children 1 to less than 12 years old with an influenza infection.

Hospital Staff Mask Protocols Reduce Nosocomial Influenza Transmission

Bradley van Paridon

Observations of 2 hygiene protocols undertaken by hospital staff found that the “Masks Save Lives” campaign is highly effective in preventing nosocomial influenza infection in clinical settings, according to data presented at American Society of Microbiology (ASM) Microbe 2019 held from June 20-24, 2019 in San Francisco, California. In 2018, the “Masks Save Lives” campaign…

2018 to 2019 Influenza Season in US Was Longest in 10 Years

Season was of moderate severity and lasted 21 weeks; illness mainly attributed to influenza A viruses

CDC Announce Number of Expired Flu Vaccines Administered Last Season

Steve Duffy

There were 125 reports of 192 patients receiving expired injectable inactivated influenza vaccines during the last flu season.

Although sensitivity is an important consideration when deciding among HIV tests, there are other factors to consider, such as test invasiveness, available resources, need for additional studies, and patient adherence.6 Serum- and plasma-based HIV testing is the most invasive and requires the most resources, such as access to a skilled clinician or phlebotomist and access to special equipment (eg, needles, biohazard containers, laboratory). Whole blood testing can be performed by venipuncture or finger-stick. When blood-based tests yield a sufficient specimen sample using venipuncture, additional studies can be undertaken, such as HIV subtyping and assessment for coinfections, including hepatitis or syphilis. In contrast, oral fluid tests do not require special equipment and can be performed in any setting, including at home, providing results in minutes. These tests also eliminate safety and biohazard concerns, such as needlestick injuries and sharps disposal.

Identifying Nosocomial Influenza A: Whole-Genome vs Hemagglutinin/Neuraminidase Sequencing

Sweta Gupta

Whole-genome sequencing was better at identifying nosocomial influenza A outbreak clusters than hemagglutinin (HA)/neuraminidase (NA) gene sequencing.

TransFLUas Study: Asymptomatic Influenza Transmission in Acute Health Care

Infectious Disease Advisor Contributing Writer

A significant number of asymptomatic people shed the influenza virus.

First Clinical Development Candidate of Cidara’s Influenza Program Announced

Bradley van Paridon

Data supporting the selection of the antiviral conjugate CB-012 as Cidara Therapeutics Incorporated’s first clinical development candidate from the company’s influenza program.

Twelve Percent of Caregivers Have Pediatric Flu Vaccine Hesitancy

Most hold inaccurate beliefs about flu, flu shots, including believing child will be protected with one shot

October May Be Best Time for Older Adults to Receive Flu Shot

October may be the best time for elderly patients to receive influenza vaccinations.

Efficacy of Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine in Young Children

Infectious Disease Advisor Contributing Writer

In children aged 6–35 months, vaccination with 2 doses of IIV4 can protect against influenza and reduces the frequency of severe outcomes.

AAP: Nasal Spray Vaccine Against Flu Acceptable in 2019 to 2020

Based on current data, AAP Board of Directors says either injection or nasal spray vaccination OK

CDC: Flu Season May Have Peaked

Milder strain of flu has been most common cause of cases this flu season

Antibody Response to Egg- and Cell-Grown Influenza A

Bradley van Paridon

Adults who received the flu vaccine in 2017 to 2018 had higher antibody titers against the egg-adapted vaccine and lower titers against circulating virus.

Oseltamivir Effective in Critically Ill Patients With Influenza A/H3N2

Infectious Disease Advisor Contributing Writer

Oseltamivir should be administered to treat critically ill individuals with influenza, particularly when A/H3N2 is circulating.

FDA to Review Baloxavir sNDA for Patients at High-Risk for Flu Complications

Steve Duffy

The Food and Drug Administration has accepted for review the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil; Genentech) for the treatment of influenza in patients at high risk of complications.