Category: Flu Virus

A 9-year-old girl from Clermont County has died after contracting the influenza virus.

According to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), she is the states first flu-associated pediatric death of the 2023-24 flu season.

The death was reported Friday and is being investigated by Clermont County Public Health.

In Ohio, flu activity has been increasing since early December, the ODH says, with flu activity seeing peaks from December until February.

According to the ODH, there are generally between one and six influenza-associated pediatric deaths each year reported in Ohio.

If you havent gotten a flu vaccine, now is a good time, said ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff, M.D., MBA. We are in the heart of flu season, and a vaccine may help prevent you or your loved ones from contracting a serious case of the disease.

Flu vaccines are available at most healthcare providers offices, local health departments and retail pharmacies.

The Ohio Department of Health gives the following reminders on staying well this flu season:

More information about flu and flu activity in Ohio is available here.

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The first pediatric flu death of the 2023-24 flu season reported in Ohio, says Ohio Department of Health - News 5 Cleveland WEWS

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Syringes of COVID-19 vaccines in Spanish Fork, on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. Flu, COVID-19 and RSV activity have been increasing in Utah this year, and officials expect more hospitalizations and infections as winter continues.

| Dec. 28, 2023, 6:44 p.m.

| Updated: 6:45 p.m.

Respiratory virus season is in full swing, with rising COVID-19, RSV and flu activity, and state health officials predict more increases in infections and hospitalizations as we get deeper into winter.

This past week, health officials saw a rapid increase in flu activity. That means the number of people showing up to emergency rooms across the state with flu-like symptoms increased dramatically, outpacing both COVID-19 and RSV patients, according to the Department of Health and Human Services dashboard. Most of those visits were for patients between the ages of 5 and 24.

Despite the rapid increase, the current levels of flu-associated hospitalizations in the state are considered moderate and the levels of outpatient flu-like illness rate are considered low.

Health officials also saw increases in COVID-19 and and RSV activity.

Wastewater sites across the state 91.4% of them are showing elevated levels of the coronavirus, and 48.6% of sites are showing increasing levels, according to the Utah Wastewater Surveillance System. The only wastewater testing site showing low levels of the virus was in Coalville, in Summit County.

The weekly average for new hospital admissions rose nearly 12%, from 19.7 patients to 22. Three COVID-19 patients were reported to have died in the past week.

The best time to get vaccines to protect against COVID-19 and flu is now, health officials said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended those with an increased risk for severe RSV, such as adults over 60 and infants and young children, receive a vaccine.

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Utah flu, COVID-19 and RSV cases are rising - Salt Lake Tribune

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The NHS is facing a storm of pressure as the number of flu patients in hospital surges before the longest junior doctors strike on record.

As the health service battled industrial action ahead of Christmas day, a total of 942 people were in hospital every day last week with flu more than double the 402 recorded a fortnight earlier and up from 579 the week before.

Of these, there were 48 people in critical care beds, NHS England data shows. The total is six times higher compared to November, when just 160 beds each day were filled with flu patients, and represents the highest figure so far this winter.

Cases of Covid in hospitals are also creeping up, with an average of 3,631 patients in hospital each day last week compared to 3,248 the week before up from 2,294.

The NHS most senior doctor Stephen Powis said: These figures demonstrate the storm of pressure the NHS is facing, with huge rises in flu patients over the last few weeks and many more norovirus cases than we saw last winter, as well as the ongoing impact of Covid all on top of the added pressure of industrial action.

The figures come amid another spell of industrial action by junior doctors in England, with the 72-hour strike from 20 to 23 December due to be followed by a six-day strike in early January when thousands more appointments and operations are expected to be cancelled. The walkouts are part of a long-running dispute over pay.

On Wednesday, NHS England said 86,329 patient appointments and operations were rescheduled due to the junior doctors strikes.

Sir Stephen Powis, NHS Englands national medical director

(Getty)

Healthcare leaders have said they fear for patients safety during the next round of strikes, as it is held during what is traditionally the most pressured week for the NHS.

Sir Stephen warned the impact of next weeks six-day strike is likely to be much more severe, coming at a time when hospitals usually experience the most pressure with high demand and higher levels of virus admissions.

The data shows the winter viruses are affecting staffing levels, with an average of 2,597 employees off with Covid alone each day last week, up 51 per cent from November.

The Independent revealed warnings from top doctors last week over dwindling flu vaccination uptake among frontline NHS staff.

Although admissions to hospitals were up, ambulance pressures appear have improved on last year with 14,262 hours lost to ambulances being delayed outside of hospitals last week compared to 35,292 in the same week last year.

Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents NHS trusts in England, described the drop in handover delays as encouraging.

But he said the worrying winter virus figures demonstrated the scale of the challenge facing the NHS. We urge the government and unions to think afresh and find a way to resolve the damaging and demoralising industrial dispute which has caused so much disruption for patients. There is still time to head off the longest strike in the history of the NHS.

Norovirus levels, while high compared with last year, have also fallen in the latest figures, with an average of 451 adult hospital beds filled last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms.

This is down 20 per cent from 566 beds the previous week but still nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) higher than at this stage last year, when the average stood at 279.

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NHS facing 'storm of pressure' as flu cases surge - The Independent

If it appears that everyone around you is sick, the increase is due to a trio of illnesses spreading widely and sickening families across Southern California.

Dr. Ali Jamehdor at Dignity Health said there was a 33% increase in patients coming in with respiratory illnesses compared to the same time last year.

Nearly one in four L.A. County residents have fallen ill in December alone, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

This year, more than any other year, we are seeing more of influenza, RSV and COVID, higher than what weve seen in years past, explained Jamehdor.

Across the state, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes the level of flu-like illnesses, which include non-flu viruses such as coronavirus, is considered high.

Jamehdor says over 90 percent of adult patients checking in for a doctors visit are those with cold symptoms. Most have lost their voice and are testing positive for adult Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, according to the CDC.

People are out and about and theyre shaking hands or hugging, Jamehdor said. Theyre in closed quarters and theyre getting more colds, all viruses.

As for COVID-19, Jamehdor said infections are unfortunately on the rise again.

COVID is back, he said. People are having pneumonia from it, shortness of breath, and weve admitted more patients with pneumonia due to the COVID virus.

Across the nation, Jahmedor said COVID-19 remains one of the primary causes of hospitalizations and deaths.

To prevent contracting respiratory illnesses, healthcare workers recommend wearing facemasks in crowded places, washing hands frequently and maintaining physical space from others in public.

I think people want to move on with their lives and get past the lockdown situation, Jamehdor said. But I think having a little precaution in situations where youre in such close areas without any good ventilation, having a mask is not a bad idea.

The three major viral illnesses spreading around COVID, RSV and influenza have many overlapping symptoms, which can make it hard to properly diagnose without a test.

While cough and fever are common with all three, there are ways the viruses differ.

Sneezing is common with RSV, happens sometimes with COVID-19 and is rare with the flu, according to the Childrens National Hospital in Washington, D.C. Headaches and body aches are rare with RSV, happen sometimes with COVID-19 and are common with the flu.

Another thing to pay attention to is the onset of symptoms, said Childrens National. While COVID-19 and RSV both start gradually and then escalate, the flu usually hits hard and fast.

With RSV, symptoms often go away in about a week, according to the CDC. Symptoms persist longer with the flu, about one to two weeks, and can last even longer with COVID-19.

For those experiencing symptoms, Jamehdor recommends immediately testing for a specific illness, taking medications as prescribed by your doctor and getting plenty of rest and fluids.

Anyone with questions about the flu, RSV, or COVID-19, including where to get vaccinated and how or when to test for COVID-19, the L.A. County Public Health InfoLine is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week at 1-833-540-0473. More information is available online here.

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High levels of respiratory illnesses spreading across Southern California - KTLA Los Angeles

Rogue Valley Times staff report

Jackson County is seeing a high level of flu virus cases, leading to an increase in emergency room visits, particularly among children, Jackson County Public Health officials said Thursday.

The statistics of Jackson County emergency room visits among adults and children experiencing influenza-like illness were not shared in a news release issued Thursday afternoon, but Tanya Phillips, health promotion program manager for Jackson County Public Health, said in an interview that the visits are higher than expected.

Jackson County Public Healths announcement comes during a time of peak activity during the flu season and when Southern Oregon currently seeing the highest flu test positivity rate in the state, according to the release. The Oregon Health Authoritys Flu Bites latest report, spanning Dec. 10-16, shows Southern Oregon has a 12.3% test positivity rate, while all other regions of the state remain in the single digits.

In its Thursday news release, Jackson County Public Health offered four strategies to help combat the flu:

Take the time to get vaccinated.

Take everyday preventive actions that are recommended to reduce the spread of the flu.

Get tested for respiratory infections.

Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

The flu usually comes on suddenly, unlike the common cold, the release said. People who get it can feel some or all of these symptoms: fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue (tiredness), according to the release.

Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea if they get the flu, though this is more common in children than adults, the release said.

Most people who get the flu will experience a mild case, and no antibiotics are needed, according to Jackson County Public Health. Staying home and avoiding contact with others is the best care plan in these cases, the release said.

However, children and adults can experience any number of more severe symptoms that require immediate emergency care.

Jackson County Public Health encourages people of all ages to get their flu vaccine. You can find a clinic near you by logging on to vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/, or call 211.

This story first appeared in the Rogue Valley Times.

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Jackson County flu levels are 'high' - Ashland.news

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Researchers have identified a previously unrecognized class of antibodiesimmune system proteins that protect against diseasethat appear capable of neutralizing multiple forms of flu virus. These findings, which could contribute to development of more broadly protective flu vaccines, were published by Holly Simmons of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and colleagues in the open access journal PLOS Biology.

A flu vaccine prompts the immune system to make antibodies that can bind to a viral protein called hemagglutinin on the outside of an invading flu virus, blocking it from entering a person's cells. Different antibodies bind to different parts of hemagglutinin in different ways, and hemagglutinin itself evolves over time, resulting in the emergence of new flu strains that can evade old antibodies. New flu vaccines are offered each year based on predictions of whatever the most dominant strains will be.

Extensive research efforts are paving the way to development of flu vaccines that are better at protecting against multiple strains at once. Many scientists are focused on antibodies that can simultaneously protect against flu subtypes known as H1 and H3, which come in multiple strains and are responsible for widespread infection.

Simmons and colleagues homed in on a particular challenge in this endeavora small change found in some H1 strains in the sequence of building blocks that makes up hemagglutinin. Certain antibodies capable of neutralizing H3 can also neutralize H1, but not if its hemagglutinin has this change, known as the 133a insertion.

Now, in a series of experiments conducted with blood samples from patients, the researchers have identified a novel class of antibodies capable of neutralizing both certain H3 strains and certain H1 strains with or without the 133a insertion. Distinct molecular characteristics set these antibodies apart from other antibodies capable of cross-neutralizing H1 and H3 strains via other means.

This research expands the list of antibodies that could potentially contribute to development of a flu vaccine that achieves broader protection through an assortment of molecular mechanisms. It also adds to growing evidence supporting a move away from flu vaccines grown in chicken eggscurrently the most common manufacturing approach.

The authors add, "We need annual influenza virus vaccines to keep pace with continuing viral evolution. Our work suggests that the barriers to eliciting more broadly protective immunity may be surprisingly low. Given the right series of influenza virus exposures/vaccinations, it is possible to for humans to mount robust antibody responses that neutralize divergent H1N1 and H3N2 viruses, opening new avenues to design improved vaccines."

More information: Simmons HC, Watanabe A, Oguin III TH, Van Itallie ES, Wiehe KJ, Sempowski GD, et al. (2023) A new class of antibodies that overcomes a steric barrier to cross-group neutralization of influenza viruses. PLoS Biology (2023). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002415

Journal information: PLoS Biology

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New type of antibody shows promise against multiple forms of flu virus - Medical Xpress

A newly discovered class of antibodies in human blood can neutralize different types of the flu virus and could be key to the development of broadly protective vaccines against the seasonal viruses, scientists say.

Circulating flu viruses constantly mutate, so "we need annual influenza virus vaccines to keep pace with continuing viral evolution," the researchers behind the discovery said in a statement. "Our work suggests that the barriers to eliciting more broadly protective immunity may be surprisingly low," they said.

There are four types of flu virus, known as influenza A, B, C and D, with A and B being responsible for the seasonal flu epidemics in the U.S. every year.

Influenza A comes in many subtypes whose differences lie in two proteins that the virus uses to infect our cells: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). For example, H1N1 and H3N2 are subtypes of influenza A that routinely infect people.

Within each subtype are different "strains" that constantly tweak their genetic code. For example, a strain of H1N1 is currently the dominant virus causing flu in the U.S. Influenza B, meanwhile, is divided into two lineages Yamagata and Victoria and is typically responsible for a much smaller proportion of flu cases.

Making effective flu shots relies on harnessing the protective power of antibodies immune proteins that attack invading pathogens but the virus' ability to quickly mutate makes this challenging. Flu vaccines prime the immune system to produce specific antibodies that latch onto a flu virus and prevent it from infecting cells after it invades the body. However, these vaccines are formulated to target specific strains, and because those strains mutate year over year, people then need a new flu shot each year to keep up.

Related: 'Long flu' is real, and we've likely 'ignored it for a long time'

In the new study, published Thursday (Dec. 21) in the journal PLOS Biology, scientists described a newfound class of antibodies in human blood samples that target multiple forms of the influenza A virus.

The research was conducted only in the lab, so the scientists aren't sure exactly how these antibodies contribute to the body's flu shot response. However, one day, these antibodies could be used to develop vaccines that are more effective at protecting people from multiple strains of flu at the same time.

To guard against influenza A, conventional flu vaccines usually prompt the immune system to produce antibodies against the H protein on the surface of the virus. Antibodies have previously been discovered that target two main types of hemagglutinin, called H1 and H3, at the same time. However, they can only do this if there is a specific mutation in H1, namely the insertion of an amino acid in the outer edge of the protein that binds to a receptor on the outside of our cells. This consequently limits the antibodies' efficacy against different flavors of flu virus.

Through lab experiments, the study authors identified antibodies that are abundant in human blood and can bind to certain H1 and H3 strains of influenza A, whether or not this hemagglutinin mutation is present. This means that they'd theoretically be able to provide broad protection against both subtypes of virus, potentially even as circulating strains mutate over time.

The authors also looked at how well these antibodies targeted strains of H1 and H3 that have circulated in the past. The antibodies reacted with H3 strains from the late 1980s to late 1990s and H1 strains from the early 2000s through to 2015.

This suggests the patients whose blood was sampled originally made the antibodies in response to H3 strains of the virus. Then, after a later exposure to H1 strains at a later date through either infection or vaccination, the antibodies became primed to target H1 as well.

These findings may have important applications for future vaccine design.

"Given the right series of influenza virus exposures/vaccinations, it is possible for humans to mount robust antibody responses that neutralize divergent H1N1 and H3N2 viruses, opening new avenues to design improved vaccines," the authors said in the statement.

In other words, there may be a way to ensure vaccines trigger the production of these broad-acting antibodies, to ensure the shots guard against both subtypes of the virus equally well.

Ever wonder why some people build muscle more easily than others or why freckles come out in the sun? Send us your questions about how the human body works to community@livescience.com with the subject line "Health Desk Q," and you may see your question answered on the website!

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Never-before-seen antibodies can target many flu viruses - Livescience.com

The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has partnered with Georgia academic institutions to design a probiotic bacteria strain that can boost immune recognition of influenza in warfighters.

The project supports US Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) efforts to produce a more effective defense against the flu virus, preventing adverse impacts on military training and readiness.

Under the two-year initiative, experts from USAFSAM, Georgia Tech, and the Georgian Tech Research Institute (GTRI) will study the integration of influenza cells with a common bacteria found in the human gut microbiome.

The AFRL noted that this method can stimulate a greater immune cell response against the flu virus.

GTRI will work with Kennesaw State University on the projects proof-of-concept phase.

The idea is we can help the body recognize these pathogens, USAFSAM Senior Research Biologist Richard Agans explained.

Instead of treating the symptoms, say with [an over-the-counter decongestant], you might be able to treat it with something like this to aid in the development of an immune response.

AFRL wrote that influenza can increase yearly mortality by 52,000 and lead to hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations every year.

The projects resulting solution could be formulated into a capsule to enhance other flu vaccines and mitigate the wide-scale medical concern, as also found in a study published by GTRI.

The ultimate goal of where this could lead is augmentation of vaccine efforts where we can, but a potential alternative where necessary, Agans said.

We could potentially design and have a prophylactic [to prevent illness] that might be able to help reduce the severity of cases.

AFRL emphasized that the study will focus on how the future solution can augment and strengthen the human bodys resistance to flu proactively instead of replacing existing flu vaccines and corresponding post-infection treatment.

It is likely never going to be a replacement for the flu vaccine, given how vaccines work versus how our bodies handle bacteria, Agans stated.

I think its very much more of a prophylactic, but its very novel. We just dont know yet.

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AFRL, Georgia Institutions to Research Flu Virus Protection for Soldiers - The Defense Post

Note: Information in this article was accurate at the time of original publication. Because information about COVID-19 changes rapidly, we encourage you to visit the websites of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and your state and local government for the latest information.

As cold winter weather drives people indoors and flu, colds, and other seasonal respiratory viruses circulate, SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, has continued to mutate and spread. The latest strain to attract attention is called JN.1, and so far, it appears to be highly transmissible.

It can be difficult, if not impossible, to predict the evolution of the coronavirus and its descendants. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) projects that JN.1 cases will increase through the winter. The World Health Organization (WHO) also declared JN.1 a variant of interest.

We dont know much about this new subvariant just yet, says Heidi Zapata, MD, PhD, a Yale Medicine infectious diseases specialist.

There are other subvariants, too, including HV.1, which in early December was the dominant strain in the United States, causing over 29% of cases, more than any other subvariant. (EG.5, which had been the dominant strain since the summer, dropped to second place in November and, by mid-December, accounted for less than 10% of cases. HV.1 is an EG.5 descendant and is considered to be similar to it.)

So far there is no evidence that JN.1 causes more severe cases of COVID or poses any more of a risk to public health than other circulating variants, the CDC says.

At the same time, COVID cases are rising, notes Dr. Zapata. I would say the most important thing for people to know is that the virus is out there, as are respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] and the flu, she says. Any new subvariant is a sign that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is still evolving; its still here with us, and we cant ignore it.

Here, Yale Medicine answers three questions about JN.1.

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3 Things to Know About JN.1, the New Coronavirus Strain - Yale Medicine

Flu season is here once again. And many questions have formed over the last couple of years about how you can stay safe from both the influenza (flu) and COVID-19 viruses, as well as how to tell if your symptoms may be caused by seasonal allergies or a different virus instead.

UChicago Medicine infectious diseases experts are here to help address your concerns and offer up some key advice on how to stay safe this season.

Below, Allison Bartlett, professor at University of Chicago Medicine and associate medical director of pediatric infection control, answers commonly asked questions.

Either virus can make you very sick or lead to death, which is why its essential to get vaccinated and also to avoid close contact with others when sick. There are definitely populations that are more at risk for severe complications from each infection. Older adults and people with chronic underlying health conditions seem to be much more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19. And kids, especially infants under 1, and pregnant women are more likely to have severe infections with influenza.

Unfortunately not. Having one virus does not protect you from the other.

The best way to tell what kind of respiratory virus you have is to get tested. Symptoms can be nearly impossible to tell apart. This is especially true between COVID-19 and the flu, with the notable exception that some people with COVID-19 lose their sense of taste and smell. Add in the fact that people can have one of these two viruses without symptoms, and its basically impossible to tell one from the other on your own.

Testing determines the best treatment for your symptoms and how long you should stay home from work or school. The good news is that many health care providers who are doing coronavirus tests should be able to test you for the flu at the same time. There are many other viruses that can cause respiratory symptoms, so even if you test negative for COVID and flu, you should practice good respiratory hygiene: cover your cough, throw tissues away after use, wash your hands frequently.

Many of the steps we take to protect ourselves from the coronavirus are the same things we need to do to keep us safe from influenza. The most important thing you can do to keep yourself and those around you safe from both viruses is to stay up-to-date on your COVID-19and flu vaccinations.

You should get a flu shot even if youve already had the flu this season. The vaccine prevents against four different strains of the virus and we expect at least one more (Flu B) to be circulating later this season.

Practicing these good habits is also a great way to stay healthy:

The flu shot can help prevent people from becoming sick from influenza but wont provide specific protection against COVID-19. And the COVID-19 vaccine alone will not prevent you from getting the flu. It is strongly recommended that you receive both vaccines for maximum protection.

Tamiflu or a flu shot will not directly treat or lessen the symptoms of COVID-19. But you can get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19, which can help prevent an infection and lessen severity. And if you get sick with influenza or have been exposed to it, you can take antiviral medication like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) to prevent getting sick.

COVID-19 treatment options are available and vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and health history. Antiviral treatments can help prevent the virus from spreading and avoid serious illness.

If you have any symptoms, stay home, stay away from other people and try to isolate yourself to prevent the spread to others. Try to get tested within 48 hours of the start of your symptoms.

If its influenza, your health care provider can prescribe medication to help your symptoms improve faster.

If its COVID-19, your health care provider may recommend one of the treatment options referenced above.

The pneumonia vaccine helps protect against a variety of bacteria that can cause bacterial pneumonia. The pneumonia vaccine wont prevent flu or COVID-19, but it can help prevent complications that may come after.

We wish there were a list of things we could do to help our immune systems prevent us from getting sick with the flu or the coronavirus. But theres no magic immune-boosting drug only vaccination. Instead, focus on eating a healthy, varied diet and getting enough sleep. Also, make sure youve got any chronic medical conditions under control.

Once an exposure to COVID-19 has happened, theres not a lot we can do to modify who gets sick from it. If you have been exposed to influenza, your physician may give you some medication like Relenza (zanamivir), Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Rapivab (peramivir) within 48 hours of exposure. However, the best thing you can do is focus on avoiding exposure.

In 2023, there are finally ways to protect infants and loved ones from RSV during virus season. Nirsevimab is a newly-approved, one-time injection that provides immediate protection to infants 0 to 8 months old and reduces risk of RSV-related hospitalization significantly. All infants born at Comer Childrens and Ingalls Memorial during RSV season will be offered this injection. Infants less that 8 months old at the start of RSV season can receive nirsevimab from their pediatrician and it can be given along with other routine immunizations.

UChicago Medicine is also offering two newly approved RSV vaccinations to eligible adults. A vaccine known as Abrysvo is available to pregnant individuals between their 32nd and 36th weeks. UChicago Medicine patients over 60 can also receive an RSV vaccine known as Arexvy. These adult vaccinations are available duringphysician office visits and both provide key protection for those at highest risk of severe RSV symptoms.

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Is it COVID, flu, or allergies? How to protect yourself and loved ones this season - UChicago News