http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/cold_and_flu/ Latest medical research on cold and flu viruses, including symptoms, remedies, prevention and treatment. Learn how you can help protect yourself from cold and flu viruses, including swine flu and bird flu. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/cold_and_flu/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523161941.htm Mothers who had fevers during their pregnancies were more than twice as likely to have a child with autism or developmental delay than were mothers of typically developing children, and that taking medication to treat fever countered its effect. Wed, 23 May 2012 16:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523161941.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522134946.htm Getting a flu shot during pregnancy provides unanticipated benefits to the baby, according to the authors of a large population-based study examining the issue. Specifically, the study showed that H1N1 vaccination during the pandemic was associated with a significantly reduced risk of stillbirth, preterm birth and extremely small babies at birth. Tue, 22 May 2012 13:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522134946.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521163745.htm The pandemic 2009 H1N1 vaccine can generate antibodies in vaccinated individuals not only against the H1N1 virus, but also against other influenza virus strains including H5N1 and H3N2. This discovery adds an important new dimension to the finding last year that people infected with pandemic 2009 H1N1 virus produced high levels of antibodies that were broadly cross-reactive against a variety of flu strains. Mon, 21 May 2012 16:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521163745.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517143508.htm Innate differences in immunity can be detected at birth, according to new research. And babies with a better innate response to viruses have fewer respiratory illnesses in the first year of life. Thu, 17 May 2012 14:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517143508.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104949.htm Researchers are developing a way to 'barcode' viral diseases to rapidly test new outbreaks for potentially lethal mutations. Mon, 14 May 2012 10:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104949.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511104155.htm Scientists have for the first time, identified the molecular 'switch' that directly triggers the body's first line of defense against pathogens, more accurately known as the body's "innate immunity." Fri, 11 May 2012 10:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511104155.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508103927.htm Researchers have found a potential way to develop universal flu vaccines and eliminate the need for seasonal flu vaccinations. Tue, 08 May 2012 10:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508103927.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507141245.htm Oral zinc treatments may shorten the duration of symptoms of the common cold in adults, although adverse effects are common, according to a new study. Mon, 07 May 2012 14:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507141245.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506101543.htm For a virus like influenza, the key to success isn't in overpowering the immune system, it's in tricking it. Scientists have now identified a novel mechanism by which influenza viruses hijack key regulators of the human body's normal antiviral response in order to slip by it undetected. The results they describe have major implications for our understanding of the biology of the seasonal influenza virus and its pathogenesis. The research also suggests a possible target for a new class of antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs. Sun, 06 May 2012 10:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506101543.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502143852.htm After a marathon debate over a pair of studies that show how the avian H5N1 influenza virus could become transmissible in mammals, and an unprecedented recommendation by a government review panel to block publication, one of the studies was finally and fully published on May 3, 2012. Wed, 02 May 2012 14:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502143852.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425115548.htm Scientists are reporting that the mucus lining the stomachs of pigs could be a long-sought, abundant source of "mucins" being considered for use as broad-spectrum anti-viral agents to supplement baby formula and for use in personal hygiene and other consumer products to protect against a range of viral infections. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425115548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411131913.htm A new study shows that, for the first time since testing began several years ago, feral pigs in North Carolina have tested positive for Brucella suis, an important and harmful bacteria that can be transmitted to people. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411131913.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411102715.htm When swine flu struck Sweden in 2009, it was clear that certain age groups were more vulnerable than others. An epidemiologist is now planning to study immunity against influenza in children. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411102715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403193735.htm An intranasal vaccine that includes four weakened strains of influenza could do a better job in protecting children from the flu than current vaccines, new research shows. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403193735.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402162546.htm Stress wreaks havoc on the mind and body. Until now, it has not been clear exactly how stress influences disease and health. Now researchers have found that chronic psychological stress is associated with the body losing its ability to regulate the inflammatory response. The research shows for the first time that the effects of psychological stress on the body's ability to regulate inflammation can promote the development and progression of disease. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402162546.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402093151.htm Scientists have discovered that a mouse protein called IFITM3 contributes to defense against some types of viral infections by binding to an enzyme responsible for regulating the pH of a cell’s waste disposal system. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402093151.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329101804.htm Researchers have identified a number of tiny but powerful "genetic regulators" that are hijacked by avian and swine flu viruses during human infection. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329101804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327124858.htm Researchers have developed a rapid, low-cost, accurate, point-of-care device that matches the accuracy of expensive and time-consuming lab-based tests to diagnose influenza. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327124858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327094313.htm Cold-like infections make 'cough receptors' in the airways more sensitive, making asthmatics more prone to bouts of coughing and wheezing, reveal scientists. The work could lead to drugs that reduce virus-induced coughing in those suffering chronic lung diseases. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327094313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120325173138.htm A genetic finding could help explain why influenza becomes a life-threatening disease to some people while it has only mild effects in others. New research has identified for the first time a human gene that influences how we respond to influenza infection. Sun, 25 Mar 2012 17:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120325173138.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120320152003.htm In a surprising result, researchers looking at the effects of diet on bowel disease found that mice on a calorie-restricted diet were more likely to die after being infected with an inflammation-causing bacterial pathogen in the colon. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120320152003.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120316175148.htm Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that infects the lungs and breathing passage ways. Though it may only produce minor cold symptoms in adults, it can lead to serious illness in young children and those with compromised immune systems. Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120316175148.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120306073011.htm Recent research found that microneedle vaccine patches are more effective at delivering protection against influenza virus in mice than subcutaneous or intramuscular inoculation. A new, detailed analysis of the early immune responses helps explain why the skin is such fertile ground for vaccination with these tiny, virtually painless microneedles. Tue, 06 Mar 2012 07:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120306073011.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120306073007.htm In the controversy surrounding the newly developed strains of avian H5N1 flu viruses, scientists and policy makers are struggling with one question in particular: what level of biosafety is best for studying these potentially lethal strains of influenza? Experts now argue their different views of how to safely handle H5N1 flu viruses. Tue, 06 Mar 2012 07:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120306073007.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120227204725.htm A new study has put the accuracy of rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) under the microscope. The meta-analysis of 159 studies showed three key findings: that RIDTs can be used to confirm the flu, but not to rule it out; that test accuracy is higher in children than it is in adults; and that RIDTs are better at detecting the more common influenza A virus than they are at detecting influenza B. Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120227204725.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120227111536.htm Scientists have found that an emerging class of long-lasting flu vaccines called "universal" vaccines could for the first time allow for the effective, wide-scale prevention of flu by limiting the virus' ability to spread and mutate. A computational model showed that the vaccines could achieve unprecedented control of the flu virus both seasonally and during outbreaks of highly contagious new strains. Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120227111536.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120223103918.htm The debate about the potential severity of an outbreak of airborne H5N1 influenza in humans needs to move on from speculation and focus instead on how we can safely continue H5N1 research and share the results among researchers, according to experts. Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120223103918.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120222093503.htm Criminal gangs are increasingly using the internet to market life-threatening counterfeit medicines and some have even turned up in legitimate outlets such as pharmacies, according to a newly published review. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120222093503.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206174205.htm Using high-quality data about the incidence of influenza infections in Alberta during the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic, the researchers show that when schools closed for the summer, the transmission of infection from person to person was sharply reduced. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206174205.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131175729.htm Masks and hand hygiene could cut the spread of flu-like symptoms up to 75 percent, a new study found. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131175729.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131092748.htm Researchers have identified key peptides that could lead to a universal vaccine for influenza and would activate alternative mechanisms of the immune system. They have discovered a series of peptides, found on the internal structures of influenza viruses that could lead to the development of a universal vaccine for influenza, one that gives people immunity against all strains of the disease, including seasonal, avian, and swine flu. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131092748.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130093649.htm The vaccines of the future against infections, influenza and cancer can be administered using an electrical pulse and a specially produced DNA code, new research suggests. The DNA code programs the body's own cells to produce a super-fast missile defense against the disease, researchers say. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130093649.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127162749.htm Influenza virus can rapidly evolve from one form to another, complicating the effectiveness of vaccines and anti-viral drugs used to treat it. By first understanding the complex host cell pathways that the flu uses for replication, researchers are finding new strategies for therapies and vaccines, according to a new study. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127162749.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126224526.htm Researchers have demonstrated how a new virus evolves, shedding light on how easy it can be for diseases to gain dangerous mutations. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126224526.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126224311.htm Scientists have engineered a new strain of H5N1 (commonly known as bird flu) to be readily transmitted between humans. Two articles raise concerns about if and how this research should be continued, and how the data should be shared for the benefit of public health. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126224311.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124093132.htm Only about one in five young adults in their late 30s received a flu shot during the 2009-2010 swine flu epidemic, according to a report that details the behavior and attitudes of Generation X. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124093132.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122152536.htm Researchers have created synthetic nanoparticles that target lymph nodes and greatly boost vaccine responses. Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122152536.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118111021.htm Incomplete availability of data has hampered a thorough assessment of the evidence for using the anti-influenza drug oseltamivir, a Cochrane Review has found. However, after piecing together information from over 16,000 pages of clinical trial data and documents used in the process of licensing oseltamivir (Tamiflu) by national authorities, a team of researchers has raised critical questions about how well the drug works and about its reported safety profile. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118111021.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118101540.htm Two years after pharmaceutical giant Roche promised the British Medical Journal it would release key Tamiflu trial data for independent scrutiny, the safety and effectiveness of this anti-influenza drug remains uncertain, warn experts. A new report by the Cochrane Collaboration says Roche's refusal to provide full access to all its data leaves critical questions about how well the drug works unresolved. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118101540.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120116154457.htm Worldwide pandemics of influenza caused widespread death and illness in 1918, 1957, 1968 and 2009. A new study examining weather patterns around the time of these pandemics finds that each of them was preceded by La Niña conditions in the equatorial Pacific. Since the La Niña pattern is known to alter the migratory patterns of birds, the scientists theorize that altered migration patterns promote the development of dangerous new strains of influenza. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:44:44 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120116154457.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111134045.htm Promoting immunizations as a part of routine office-based medical practice is needed to improve adult vaccination rates, a highly effective way to curb the spread of diseases across communities, prevent needless illness and deaths, and lower health care costs, according to a new study. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111134045.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111103904.htm Humans are considered the hosts for spreading epidemics. The speed at which an epidemic spreads is now better understood thanks to a new model accounting for the provincial nature of human mobility, according to a new study. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111103904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109155511.htm Monitoring Internet search traffic about influenza may prove to be a better way for hospital emergency rooms to prepare for a surge in sick patients compared to waiting for outdated government flu case reports. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109155511.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105112158.htm Battling colds and doing (or pledging to do) more exercise are familiar activities for most of us in January. But different levels of exercise can actually significantly increase or decrease your chances of catching a respiratory infection, say experts. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105112158.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222152021.htm The flu shot, typically the first line of defense against seasonal influenza, could better treat the US population, thanks to new research. Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111222152021.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216112907.htm Statins, traditionally known as cholesterol-lowering drugs, may reduce mortality among patients hospitalized with influenza, according to a new study. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216112907.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212144238.htm A California hospital raised its employee influenza vaccination rate above 90 percent by shifting from a voluntary vaccination program to one mandating all healthcare workers either get vaccinated or wear a mask at work for the entire flu season (December through March). Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212144238.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208101756.htm Scientists have discovered that an antigen common to most influenza viruses, and commonly referred to as matrix protein 2, when administered under the tongue could protect mice against experimental infection caused by various influenza viruses, including the highly pathogenic avian H5 virus and the pandemic H1 virus. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208101756.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130100526.htm Researchers have identified the first gene associated with frequent herpes-related cold sores. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130100526.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122113205.htm Researchers have discovered how one of the most common household painkillers works, which could pave the way for less harmful pain relief medications to be developed in the future. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122113205.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116192801.htm Vaccinating children annually against influenza virus interferes with their development of cross-reactive killer T cells to flu viruses generally, according to a new study. The research points up potentially conflicting policy outcomes. Annual flu vaccines are effective against seasonal flu, but could leave people more vulnerable to novel pandemics. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116192801.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109131827.htm A natural lipid in the fluid lining the lungs inhibits influenza infections in both cell cultures and mouse models, according to researchers. These findings, combined with previous studies demonstrating effectiveness against respiratory syncytial virus, suggest that the molecule, known as POPG, may have broad antiviral activity. Supplemental POPG could be an important, inexpensive and novel approach for the prevention and treatment of influenza and other respiratory virus infections. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109131827.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102125346.htm With flu season just around the corner, scientists are reporting development of a new material for the fiber in face masks, air conditioning filters and air cleaning filters that captures influenza viruses before they can get into people's eyes, noses and mouths and cause infection. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102125346.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101130200.htm With cold and flu season almost here, the next time you're sick, you may want to thank your fever for helping fight off infection. That's because scientists have found more evidence that elevated body temperature helps certain types of immune cells to work better. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101130200.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101125812.htm New research has looked at whether social media could be used to track an event or phenomenon, such as flu outbreaks and rainfall rates. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101125812.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028082704.htm Researchers have identified a human chromosome containing a specific gene associated with susceptibility to herpes simplex labialis, the common cold sore. The study looks at how several genes may affect the severity of symptoms and frequency of this common infection. The findings, if confirmed, could have implications for the development of new drugs to treat outbreaks. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028082704.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025091642.htm People carrying extra pounds may need extra protection from influenza. New research shows that obesity may make annual flu shots less effective. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025091642.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006154904.htm Research from Sweden suggests a new method of diagnosing sinusitis. The results offer the potential to reduce the use of antibiotics and the costs of the disease to society. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006154904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005170719.htm Black nursing home residents are less likely than their white counterparts to receive flu shots, even within the same nursing home, a new analysis finds. Overall, vaccinations have yet to reach the 90 percent level sought by Medicare and Medicaid. In most cases patients go unvaccinated because they refuse the shots, suggesting that for some patients, homes may have to improve how they communicate the benefits of the flu vaccine. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:07:07 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005170719.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003195258.htm The immune response to an H5N1 avian influenza vaccine was greatly enhanced in healthy adults if they were first primed with a DNA vaccine expressing a gene for a key H5N1 protein, researchers say. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 19:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003195258.htm