https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/swine_flu/ Swine Flu. Read about the latest developments, scientific research and projections. en-us Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:56:04 EDT Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:56:04 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/swine_flu/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260313055130.htm A severe case of COVID-19 or influenza could increase the risk of lung cancer later on, according to new research. Scientists discovered that serious viral infections can alter immune cells in the lungs, leaving behind chronic inflammation that may help tumors develop months or years later. The increased risk was seen mainly after severe infections that required hospitalization. Vaccination, however, appears to prevent the dangerous lung changes. Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:56:17 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260313055130.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260222092258.htm Scientists at Stanford Medicine have unveiled a bold new kind of “universal” vaccine that could one day protect against everything from COVID-19 and the flu to bacterial pneumonia and even common allergens. Instead of targeting a specific virus or bacterium, the nasal spray vaccine supercharges the lungs’ own immune defenses, keeping them on high alert for months. In mice, it slashed viral levels, prevented severe illness, and even blocked allergic reactions. Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:45:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260222092258.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260210040608.htm Why does the same virus barely faze one person while sending another to the hospital? New research shows the answer lies in a molecular record etched into our immune cells by both our genes and our life experiences. Scientists at the Salk Institute have created a detailed epigenetic map of human immune cells, revealing how inherited traits and past exposures—like infections, vaccines, or even environmental chemicals—shape immune responses in different ways. Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:02:01 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260210040608.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207092906.htm New simulations reveal that both H1N1 and COVID-19 spread across U.S. cities in a matter of weeks, often before officials realized what was happening. Major travel hubs helped drive rapid nationwide transmission, with air travel playing a bigger role than daily commuting. Unpredictable transmission patterns made real-time forecasting especially difficult. The study highlights why early detection systems are critical for slowing future pandemics. Sat, 07 Feb 2026 10:02:31 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207092906.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204114343.htm As bird flu continues to circulate in animals and spill over into humans, researchers are racing to stop it before it adapts to spread widely between people. A new nasal spray vaccine showed strong protection against H5N1 in animal tests, outperforming traditional flu shots. Because it targets the nose and lungs, it may prevent infection at the earliest stage. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:43:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260204114343.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260110211204.htm In a striking real-world experiment, flu patients spent days indoors with healthy volunteers, but the virus never spread. Researchers found that limited coughing and well-mixed indoor air kept virus levels low, even with close contact. Age may have helped too, since middle-aged adults are less likely to catch the flu than younger people. The results highlight ventilation, air movement, and masks as key defenses against infection. Sun, 11 Jan 2026 02:45:57 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260110211204.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260105165818.htm A long-running debate over Tamiflu’s safety in children may finally be settled. Researchers found that influenza, not the antiviral medication, was linked to serious neuropsychiatric events like seizures and hallucinations. Even more striking, kids treated with Tamiflu had about half the risk of these events compared to untreated children with the flu. The results suggest the drug may be protective rather than harmful. Mon, 05 Jan 2026 20:48:09 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260105165818.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251204024226.htm Scientists have captured a never-before-seen, high-resolution look at influenza’s stealthy invasion of human cells, revealing that the cells aren’t just helpless victims. Using a groundbreaking imaging technique, researchers discovered that our cells actually reach out and “grab” the virus as it searches for the perfect entry point, surfing along the membrane. Thu, 04 Dec 2025 03:46:07 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251204024226.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251128050503.htm Researchers discovered why bird flu can survive temperatures that stop human flu in its tracks. A key gene, PB1, gives avian viruses the ability to replicate even at fever-level heat. Mice experiments confirmed that fever cripples human-origin flu but not avian strains, especially those with avian-like PB1. These findings highlight how gene swapping could fuel future pandemics. Fri, 28 Nov 2025 07:37:38 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251128050503.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124025654.htm Ultra-processed foods are rapidly becoming a global dietary staple, and new research links them to worsening health outcomes around the world. Scientists say only bold, coordinated policy action can counter corporate influence and shift food systems toward healthier options. Mon, 24 Nov 2025 03:07:46 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124025654.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251104094136.htm Researchers have, for the first time, estimated how quickly E. coli bacteria can spread between people — and one strain moves as fast as swine flu. Using genomic data from the UK and Norway, scientists modeled bacterial transmission rates and discovered key differences between strains. Their work offers a new way to monitor and control antibiotic-resistant bacteria in both communities and hospitals. Tue, 04 Nov 2025 23:25:35 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251104094136.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251020092841.htm Researchers discovered that avian influenza (H5N1) can survive in raw milk cheese made from contaminated milk, even after the 60-day aging process required by the FDA. However, highly acidic cheeses like feta showed no signs of the virus, suggesting acidity plays a crucial protective role. Animal tests revealed that while ferrets could be infected by drinking contaminated raw milk, eating raw milk cheese didn’t cause infection, possibly due to lower viral contact. Tue, 21 Oct 2025 03:31:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251020092841.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040323.htm UMass Amherst researchers have developed a groundbreaking nanoparticle-based cancer vaccine that prevented melanoma, pancreatic, and triple-negative breast cancers in mice—with up to 88% remaining tumor-free. The vaccine triggers a multi-pathway immune response, producing powerful T-cell activation and long-term immune memory that stops both tumor growth and metastasis. By combining cancer-specific antigens with a lipid nanoparticle “super adjuvant,” it overcomes key challenges in cancer immunotherapy. Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:03:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040323.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002074011.htm Flu detection could soon be as simple as chewing gum. Scientists have created a molecular sensor that releases a thyme-like flavor when it encounters influenza, offering a low-tech, taste-based alternative to nasal swabs. Unlike current tests that are slow, costly, or miss early infections, this method could catch the flu before symptoms appear. Thu, 02 Oct 2025 07:40:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002074011.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250908175434.htm Researchers have uncovered why older adults are more vulnerable to severe flu. The culprit is a protein called ApoD, which rises with age and disrupts the body’s ability to fight infection. This protein damages lung tissue and weakens immune defenses, leading to worse outcomes. By pinpointing ApoD as the driver, scientists now see a promising new treatment target that could protect elderly patients from life-threatening influenza and dramatically cut flu-related deaths. Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:45:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250908175434.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250818102957.htm A rare immune disorder has inspired a potential universal antiviral therapy. By mimicking the mutation s unique inflammation signature, researchers developed an mRNA-based treatment that stopped influenza and COVID-19 in animal trials. Mon, 18 Aug 2025 10:29:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250818102957.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803011820.htm Scientists have discovered that flossing between your teeth could one day help vaccinate you. By targeting a uniquely permeable gum tissue called the junctional epithelium, this new method stimulates immunity right where many infections enter: the mouth, nose, and lungs. Using dental floss on mice to apply a flu vaccine triggered a robust immune response—better than existing oral approaches and comparable to nasal vaccines, but without the risks. It even worked with mRNA and protein-based vaccines. Sun, 03 Aug 2025 03:57:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250803011820.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040508.htm Scientists in Switzerland have cracked open a century-old viral mystery by decoding the genome of the 1918 influenza virus from a preserved Zurich patient. This ancient RNA revealed that the virus had already adapted to humans at the very start of the pandemic, carrying mutations that made it both more infectious and more immune-resistant. By pioneering a new method to recover fragile RNA from preserved tissue, researchers gained rare insights into how flu viruses evolve. The study not only revives the history of one of humanity's deadliest outbreaks but also arms us with critical knowledge to face future pandemics with smarter, science-based strategies. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 12:13:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724040508.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250711224312.htm A team at Scripps Research has created a microchip that can rapidly reveal how a person's antibodies respond to viruses using only a drop of blood. This game-changing technology, called mEM, condenses a week’s worth of lab work into 90 minutes, offering a powerful tool for tracking immune responses and fast-tracking vaccine development. Unlike earlier methods, it needs far less blood and delivers more detailed insights, even revealing previously undetected antibody targets on viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. Sat, 12 Jul 2025 02:58:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250711224312.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250603114634.htm A new study shows how person-to-person variation in antibody immunity plays a key role in shaping which influenza (flu) strains dominate in a population. Tue, 03 Jun 2025 11:46:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250603114634.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124750.htm Hydrogen boride (HB) nanosheets can inactivate viruses, bacteria, and fungi within minutes in the dark conditions. By coating surfaces with HB nanosheets, it rapidly inactivates SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, and other pathogens. The nanosheets work by denaturing microbial proteins, offering a safe, effective, and versatile antimicrobial coating for everyday items. Wed, 21 May 2025 12:47:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124750.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515141541.htm Until now, most research has used either generalized cell samples or organoids made from just one type of tropical fruit bat, and only from a single organ. But a breakthrough has arrived: a research team has now created the world's most comprehensive bat organoid platform. These 'mini-organs' are grown from five common bat species found across Asia and Europe and represent four different organs -- airway, lungs, kidneys, and small intestine. Thu, 15 May 2025 14:15:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515141541.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250512133656.htm Cancer treatment with a cell-based immunotherapy causes mild cognitive impairment, a Stanford Medicine team found. They also identified compounds that could treat it. Mon, 12 May 2025 13:36:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250512133656.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122258.htm A research team has achieved a significant breakthrough in developing broadly protective, live-attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV). These innovative LAIV platforms offer potential to develop universal influenza vaccines that induce a more robust immune response against various virus subtypes, including both human and avian strains. Fri, 09 May 2025 12:22:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122258.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112443.htm The recent global monkeypox (mpox) outbreak, with a new and aggressive variant, has underscored the dire need for safe, broadly effective, and accessible vaccines. The LC16m8 vaccine, an attenuated vaccinia virus strain originally developed for smallpox, is a promising option for countering the mpox virus. Exploring this potential further, researchers employed a cross-species immunological analysis to provide new insights into LC16m8's immunogenicity and safety against mpox. The recent global monkeypox (mpox) outbreak, with a new and aggressive variant, has underscored the dire need for safe, broadly effective, and accessible vaccines. The LC16m8 vaccine, an attenuated vaccinia virus strain originally developed for smallpox, is a promising option for countering the mpox virus. Exploring this potential further, researchers employed a cross-species immunological analysis to provide new insights into LC16m8's immunogenicity and safety against mpox. Thu, 08 May 2025 11:24:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112443.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112429.htm Scientists have engineered a monoclonal antibody that can protect mice from a lethal dose of influenza A, a new study shows. The new molecule combines the specificity of a mature flu fighter with the broad binding capacity of a more general immune system defender. Thu, 08 May 2025 11:24:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508112429.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507130605.htm Influenza viruses are among the most likely triggers of future pandemics. A research team has developed a method that can be used to study the interaction of viruses with host cells in unprecedented detail. With the help of their new development, they have also analyzed how novel influenza viruses use alternative receptors to enter target cells. Wed, 07 May 2025 13:06:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507130605.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428221025.htm The influenza virus manipulates the body's gene regulation system to accelerate its own spread. A new study also shows that an already approved drug could help strengthen immune defenses -- though its effect in humans remains to be confirmed. Mon, 28 Apr 2025 22:10:25 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250428221025.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250425113801.htm A landmark study reveals that a single oral dose of baloxavir marboxil (baloxavir) significantly reduces the transmission of influenza within households, marking a major advancement in influenza management. The trial provides robust evidence that an antiviral treatment can curb the spread of influenza to close contacts. Fri, 25 Apr 2025 11:38:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250425113801.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423112651.htm A small study found that fatty buildup in the blood vessels of the neck (carotid arteries) may contain 50 times or more micronanoplastics -- minuscule bits of plastic -- compared to arteries free of plaque buildup. Wed, 23 Apr 2025 11:26:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250423112651.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250422132004.htm Antibodies are best known for their ability to latch onto and neutralize bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. But these immune proteins can do more than that: They also activate other components of the immune system, which then go to work to clear an infection. A new study explores the factors that influence how effectively antibodies engage specific immune cells. Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:20:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250422132004.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250422131245.htm A multi-state study reveals that many high-risk adults diagnosed with influenza (flu) in emergency departments and urgent care centers are not receiving timely antiviral treatment. Researchers found that only slightly more than half of these patients received antiviral prescriptions, and of those, only 80 percent were filled. This gap in treatment could increase the risk of severe flu complications, particularly for older adults and those with underlying conditions. Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:12:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250422131245.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250418112821.htm A team led by researchers say public ignorance and apathy towards bird flu (highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI) could pose a serious obstacle to containing the virus and preventing a larger-scale public health crisis. Fri, 18 Apr 2025 11:28:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250418112821.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250417145009.htm A vaccine under development has demonstrated complete protection in mice against a deadly variant of the virus that causes bird flu. The work focuses on the H5N1 variant known as 2.3.4.4b, which has caused widespread outbreaks in wild birds and poultry and other mammals. The vaccine is step toward more potent, versatile and easy-to-produce vaccines that public health officials believe will be needed to counteract evolving bird flu strains that grow resistant to existing vaccines. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:50:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250417145009.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250410130626.htm Dogs could help predict valley fever spread in humans. A new study finds a strong correlation between occurrence of dog and human disease. Thu, 10 Apr 2025 13:06:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250410130626.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409154634.htm In a new study, wastewater surveillance for multiple pathogens at five different sites identified local trends that were not captured in larger surveillance programs, and some sites used the data to inform efforts to prevent disease spread. Wed, 09 Apr 2025 15:46:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250409154634.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250408122112.htm Scientists have pioneered an influenza virus vector-based nasal spray vaccine platform and developed a nasal spray H5N1 avian influenza vaccine. During the early COVID-19 pandemic, this platform enabled the rapid development of a nasal spray vaccine in collaboration with mainland China's Wantai BioPharm. After completing Phase 1-3 clinical trials, it was approved in 2022 as the world's first nasal spray COVID-19 vaccine. Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:21:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250408122112.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250404201407.htm Low vaccination rates for influenza viruses and the lack of an HSV vaccine underscore the need for a new approach to reduce viral transmission. Researchers have now used a clinical-grade antiviral chewing gum to substantially reduce viral loads of two herpes simplex viruses and two influenza A strains in experimental models. Fri, 04 Apr 2025 20:14:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250404201407.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325120154.htm Early animal studies show that a single vaccine could protect the recipient from different variants of the coronaviruses that cause COVID-19, the flu and the common cold. In addition to creating antibodies that target a specific region of the spike protein that doesn't mutate, the vaccine removes the sugar coat from the virus that allows it to hide in the body. Tue, 25 Mar 2025 12:01:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325120154.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250317184329.htm Existing antivirals may be less effective against this H5N1 bird flu strain, and prevention measures, such as avoiding raw milk consumption and reducing exposure in dairy workers, may be the most effective way to protect against the virus. Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:43:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250317184329.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250313180452.htm Older adults who were exposed to seasonal flu viruses that circulated prior to 1968 are more likely to have some protection against H5N1, and children would benefit more from H5N1 vaccines. Thu, 13 Mar 2025 18:04:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250313180452.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250313130254.htm A discovery about how severe COVID-19 damages lung cells suggests that an existing drug could treat lingering respiratory problems not just from COVID but influenza and other respiratory infections. Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:02:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250313130254.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250307125723.htm Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (also known as bird flu) have created a need for rapid and sensitive detection methods to mitigate its spread. Now, researchers have developed a prototype sensor that detects a type of influenza virus that causes bird flu (H5N1) in air samples. The low-cost handheld sensor detects the virus at levels below an infectious dose and could lead to rapid aerosol testing for airborne avian influenza. Fri, 07 Mar 2025 12:57:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250307125723.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250304114040.htm Everyday smartwatches are extremely accurate in detecting viral infection long before symptoms appear -- now, research shows how they could help stop a pandemic before it even begins. Tue, 04 Mar 2025 11:40:40 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250304114040.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250303141305.htm As highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza continues to spread in the U.S., posing serious threats to dairy and poultry farms, both farmers and public health experts need better ways to monitor for infections, in real time, to mitigate and respond to outbreaks. Newly devised virus trackers can monitor for airborne particles of H5N1. Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:13:05 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250303141305.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250226175926.htm Pre-existing immunity against seasonal H1N1 flu might help explain why most reported human cases of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. have not resulted in lethal outcomes. Wed, 26 Feb 2025 17:59:26 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250226175926.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250224175741.htm Receptors on B and T cells hint at what the immune system is targeting. An AI approach called Mal-ID developed increases diagnostic accuracy, particularly for autoimmune diseases. Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:57:41 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250224175741.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250224122956.htm Knowing where, when and for how long mallard ducks -- natural carriers of avian influenza -- stop and rest as they migrate can help predict the probability that they will spread bird flu to backyard poultry flocks, according to a new study. Mon, 24 Feb 2025 12:29:56 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250224122956.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250210153934.htm Influenza A virus particles strategically adapt their shape -- to become either spheres or larger filaments -- to favor their ability to infect cells depending on environmental conditions, according to a new study. This previously unrecognized response could help explain how influenza A and other viruses persist in populations, evade immune responses, and acquire adaptive mutations, the researchers explain. Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:39:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250210153934.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250203182217.htm Long-term exposure to PM2.5, PM10, NO2 and ozone (O3) air pollution is associated with more hospital admissions for lower respiratory tract infections in adults. Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:22:17 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250203182217.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250131110653.htm Increased use of ventilation and air cleaners, designed to mitigate the spread of viral infections in hospitals, is likely to have unpredictable effects and may cause viral particles to move around more, according to a new study. Fri, 31 Jan 2025 11:06:53 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250131110653.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250130161626.htm The antibody targets a stable part of the bird flu virus, ensuring that the immune protection can resist new variants and offer long-term protection against the globally spreading airborne infection. Thu, 30 Jan 2025 16:16:26 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250130161626.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250115125058.htm Researchers have identified nine mutations in a bird flu strain from a person in Texas. Bad news: this strain is more capable of causing disease and replicates better in the brain. Good news: approved antivirals are still effective. Wed, 15 Jan 2025 12:50:58 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250115125058.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250102162519.htm Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza A virus (HPAI H5N1) remains a low risk to the general public, and public health experts in the United States believe that available treatments and vaccines, as well as those in development, are sufficient to prevent severe disease. Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:25:19 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250102162519.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250101132043.htm Researchers have come up with a new way to identify more infectious variants of viruses or bacteria that start spreading in humans -- including those causing flu, COVID, whooping cough and tuberculosis. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 13:20:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250101132043.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241223135334.htm A year after becoming available, vaccines to protect against RSV in newborns and older adults are being more widely accepted by the American public, according to a new health survey. Mon, 23 Dec 2024 13:53:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241223135334.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241219151655.htm Stitching together four molecules found in the standard flu vaccine ensures an immune response to all of them, scientists have shown. Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:16:55 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241219151655.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241218131313.htm A research team has taken a crucial step towards resolving a long-standing controversy -- was syphilis introduced to Europe from the Americas at the end of the 15th century, or had it been there all along? Ancient pathogen genomes from skeletons that pre-date 1492 confirm its introduction from the Americas, but its world-wide spread remains a grim legacy of the colonial period. Wed, 18 Dec 2024 13:13:13 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241218131313.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241217131104.htm Despite national medical guidelines supporting the use of antiviral medications in young children diagnosed with influenza, a recent study reports an underuse of the treatment. Tue, 17 Dec 2024 13:11:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241217131104.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241216125637.htm To fight the virus that causes influenza, one of the avenues being explored by scientists is the development of drugs capable of destabilizing its genome, made up of RNA molecules. But the challenge is daunting: each RNA molecule is tightly bound to an assembly of proteins which creates a double helix, forming a protective coat that is difficult to manipulate. Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:56:37 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241216125637.htm