Category: Flu Virus

On 27 November 2023, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA)reportedthe first known human case of influenza A (H1N2)v in the UK, a variant of the influenza virus previously not known to cause infections in humans. Following detection, public health agencies in the UK are now working rapidly towards characterizing the pathogen and assessing the risk it may present to human health.

Several subtypes of the influenza virus are assigned according to combinations of mutations in the proteins on the surface of the virus -hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). The former binds to sialic acid receptors in the host. New influenza viruses can emerge through a process called reassortment where the co-infecting viruses could swap genomic fragments. Influenza A H1N2 is a subtype of influenza that is endemic in pigs and is rarely reported in humans. Swine influenza viruses normally do not infect humans, however, in rare cases, sporadic infections can occur especially with close contact with animals carrying the virus. In such occurrences, the infecting influenza strain is known as a variant virus denoted by adding v after the subtype.

The case of influenza A (H1N2)v was detected as part of the comprehensive national influenza surveillance in the UK led by UKHSA. The patient, a 75-year-old individual, who has now fully recovered, presented with mild respiratory and flu-like symptoms. Genome sequencing revealed that the virus belonged to a distinct clade 1B.1.1 of influenza viruses. While distinct from recent human cases of A(H1N2), its genetic makeup showed similarity to swine influenza viruses found in the UK and no other mutations of concern have been detected in this variant. Although the patient resides in an area in proximity to pig farms, no direct contact with animals could be established. Instances of human-to-human transmission of the virus have also not yet been detected, however, the detection of the virus in a case with no contact with animals could possibly mean that a limited and undetected human-to-human transmission may have occurred. But there is no definitive evidence, says the WHO.

Sporadic human infections with A(H1N2)v have been detected previously. Since 2005, almost 50 cases of human A(H1N2)v infections have been reported from across the world, however, this is the first time that a case has been reported from the UK. Recently in August 2023, a human infection was reported in the United States of America linked to an agricultural fair. Cases have also been reported in Austria, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Brazil, Canada, China and Australia. Infections with H1N2 variant viruses generally are similar in symptoms and severity to seasonal influenza viruses and there is limited evidence of human-to-human transmission. Current evidence suggests that these swine-origin influenza viruses have limited ability for sustained transmission among humans, theWHO says.

According to the UKHSA, the variant influenza virus presents a low risk to the general public. However, people with direct regular exposure to pigs may be at a higher risk of acquiring this virus. Influenza viruses have the potential to spill over into human populations and cause severe illnesses although the variant virus detected in the UK does not show any characteristics suggestive of pandemic potential. As public health authorities in the UK continue to follow up on the case, it is important to underscore comprehensive surveillance of pathogens, particularly rapidly evolving respiratory viruses like influenza and ability to rapidly characterize viral variants using genome sequencing forms the cornerstone of public health action and preparedness and our ability to mitigate the risk of a global outbreak.

(Bani Jolly is a senior scientist at Karkinos Healthcare and Vinod Scaria is a senior consultant at Vishwanath Cancer Care Foundation)

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Significance of an influenza A (H1N2)v case in the U.K. - The Hindu

With Canadas colder weather comes respiratory virus season, when influenza, RSV and other viruses circulate alongside the COVID-19 virus that remains with us. While Canadians learned a lot about how to protect themselves from illness over the course of the pandemic, new information from health care practitioners can help inform decisions, from availability of flu shots to any changes in COVID-19 protocols.

Well be publishing an update on respiratory virus season each week. Looking for more information on the topic that you dont see here? E-mail audience@globeandmail.com to see if we can help.

Long COVID survivor Sonja Mally poses for a portrait in Toronto, Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris YoungChris Young/The Canadian Press

Flu shot clinics and programs are ramping up across the country, with appointments being made available for anyone six months and older. Find out about clinics and availability for each of the provinces and territories here:

Newfoundland; Prince Edward Island; Nova Scotia; New Brunswick; Quebec; Ontario; Manitoba; Saskatchewan; Alberta; British Columbia; Yukon; Northwest Territories; Nunavut

The three authorized vaccines, manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Novavax, protect against the XBB.1.5 subvariant of COVID-19 and should provide good protection against the related EG.5 family. The reformulated mRNA shots from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are approved for anyone six months and older. Novavaxs shot is approved for those 12 and up.

COVID-19 vaccine information for the provinces and territories can be found here:

Newfoundland; Prince Edward Island; Nova Scotia; New Brunswick; Quebec; Ontario; Manitoba; Saskatchewan; Alberta; British Columbia; Yukon; Northwest Territories; Nunavut

The vast majority of flu cases in Canada are influenza A, and most of those are the H1N1 subtype. During the week that ended Dec. 9, there were 243 hospital admissions linked to the flu, 35 ICU admissions and under 5 deaths.

From Aug. 27 to Dec. 9, PHAC reports that there have been 152 ICU admissions and 38 deaths linked to the flu in Canada. Adults 65 and older and children under five accounted for the highest cumulative hospitalization rates in Canada, at 36 per 100,000 and 31 per 100,000, respectively.

The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that for the week ending Dec. 12, there was a slight increase in the number of beds occupied by patients in hospital as a result of COVID-19, going from 4,679 to 4,687. The number of COVID-19 patients in the ICU, 159, did not change from the previous week.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary, but generally include sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, feeling feverish, chills, fatigue or weakness, muscle or body aches, new loss of smell or taste, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhea. According to Health Canada, you may start experiencing symptoms anywhere from one to 14 days after exposure. Typically, symptoms appear between three to seven days after exposure.

Health Canada advises following the testing guidelines provided by your local public health authority if you have symptoms or have been exposed to a person with COVID-19. If you test positive, immediately isolate yourself from others, including those in your household, and follow the advice of your local public health authority on isolation requirements.

Respiratory viruses are spread from person to person or through contact with contaminated surfaces, so its important to protect against both forms of transmission. Health Canada recommends wearing a medical mask or respirator, washing your hands regularly or using hand sanitizer, covering your coughs and sneezes, and cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces and objects. If you feel sick, stay home and limit contact with others.

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The latest updates on flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses - The Globe and Mail

Japan said that the average number of influenza patients designated medical institutions nationwide had hit warning levels at their fastest pace in 10 years, it was reported. The spread of flu cases reflects lowered influenza immunity after cases had dropped in recent years amid anti-infection measures implemented against the coronavirus pandemic, Japan Times reported citing health experts. The influenza virus is spreading about a month earlier than normal, they said.

Across almost 5,000 institutions, 166,690 patients had been reported in the week through December 10, averaging 33.72 people per facility, Japan's health minister said. This has surpassed the warning level of 30, it informed. During the same period, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases estimated that the number of patients nationwide totaled around 1,118,000.

Coronavirus cases have also been increasing for the third consecutive week, authorities said. This means both the virus could spread further as year-end and New Year's social gatherings take place in the country. School and class-specific closures have been required at 6,382 educational facilities nationwide in the week through Sunday, authorities have said.

Influenza outbreaks typically occur in the winter and the end of spring but this year saw an unusual increase in cases from August. Flu cases were also seen in October as they exceeded the advisory level for that month of 10 people per institution.

"Individual measures for preventing infection are the same as those for COVID-19, including getting vaccinated, wearing masks, and avoiding crowded places," Nobuhiko Okabe, head of the Kawasaki City Institute for Public Health, said.

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Japan flu cases hit high levels at fastest pace in 10 years. What about Covid? - Hindustan Times

Influenza cases are on the rise in Taylor County, with an especially large spike seen in local figures after the Thanksgiving holiday.

As of Dec. 2, the number of positive cases of Influenza A and B in Taylor County was 166, with 79 cases of the A strain and 87 cases of Influenza B, said Summer Mitchell, the Abilene-Taylor County Public Health Districts epidemiologist.

Those figures are out of 2,751 tests, meaning about 6% of the flu-like illness patients that we're seeing are actually flu positive, Mitchell said.

Regular hand washing and a flu shot are still the best ways to protect oneself against the illness, she said.

It's not too late to get a flu vaccine, Mitchell said. That's one of the best things you can do to prevent getting the flu.

About Flu

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza is a potentially serious illness that can lead to hospitalization and even death for some, especially vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those who are immunocompromised.

Each flu season is different, but vaccination has been shown to have many benefits, including reducing risk of serious illness and potentially reducing the amount of time someone is sick if they do get the flu.

About Flu Shots

Vaccines are available through the Health District, Mitchell said. Chain or local pharmacies and physicians offices are other options.

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after you receive a shot, according to the CDC.

Seasonal vaccines are formulated to protect against the flu viruses research indicates will be the most common during an individual season.

Flu vaccines in the United States are quadrivalent, meaning they protect against four different strains of flu virus, two strains of Influenza A and two strains of Influenza B, the CDC said.

Personal responsibility

Mitchell said other ways to help stop the spread of flu include staying away from those who are ill and regular, thorough hand washing.

People who feel ill should avoid large gatherings to avoid spreading flu or other illnesses a message especially relevant to seasonal gatherings, Mitchell said.

You might get a lot of people sick, she said.

Those who suspect they have the flu should be tested to confirm the diagnosis, she said.

Other concerns

In addition to the flu, the Health District has seen a small uptick in respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, an illness that infects lungs and breathing passages.

Thats kind of consistent through the past few years in the kiddoes, Mitchell said.

Precautions and care are similar to the flu, including practicing good hygiene and keeping children at home if ill.

By the numbers

Local figures show a fairly steady bump in the number of positive cases, starting mid-September. A significant spike in cases happened around the Thanksgiving holiday.

Mitchell said as of Nov. 25, 2023, there were 1,048 confirmed cases of flu statewide, with the Influenza A strain of the virus responsible for about 54% of cases.

Local surveillance of the flu virus will continue through April, she said. Not every medical facility reports to the health department, so the reported figures do not represent a complete snapshot of the countys flu cases.

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Flu cases are on the rise in Taylor County, but vaccination and good hygiene can help you beat it - Abilene, TX

The age of extinction

Researchers warn of one of largest ecological disasters of modern times if the highly contagious disease reaches penguin colonies

Bird flu is spreading in the Antarctic, with hundreds of elephant seals found dead, and fears it could bring one of the largest ecological disasters of modern times if the highly contagious virus reaches the remote penguin populations.

The virus was first reported among brown skua on Bird Island, off South Georgia. Since then, researchers and observers have reported mass deaths of elephant seals, as well as increased deaths of fur seals, kelp gulls and brown skua at several other sites. Cases have been confirmed 900 miles (1,500km) west of South Georgia, among southern fulmar on the Falkland Islands.

Dr Meagan Dewar, chair of the Antarctic Wildlife Health Network, told the Guardian that the situation among southern elephant seals was concerning. At some sites weve had mass mortalities, where we are getting into the hundreds, she said. There is a likely chance it could be avian influenza.

So far tests have confirmed bird flu deaths at eight sites across the Antarctic, and the disease is suspected with confirmation from tests still pending at 20 further sites where animals have died.

Researchers reported that a number of elephant seals had been exhibiting symptoms of avian flu, such as difficulty breathing, coughing and accumulations of mucus around the nose. Lethargy, spasms and an inability to fly are symptoms in birds.

While a number of seabird cases have been confirmed, many including the elephant seals are still classed as suspected, pending lab results.

So far there are no recorded cases on the Antarctic mainland home to unique ecosystems that are some of the worlds most isolated but the disease is expected to arrive in the coming months as birds move.

Dewar said: Its devastating to watch that happen and recording all the cases were getting.

Penguins are starting to cluster together as the breeding season starts, and this close contact makes them particularly vulnerable. Previous outbreaks in South Africa, Chile and Argentina show they are susceptible to the disease.

If the virus does start to cause mass mortality events across penguin colonies, it could signal one of the largest ecological disasters of modern times, researchers wrote in a pre-print research paper last month.

Many species in the Antarctic are found nowhere else, so the consequences for the region of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) spreading are unknown.

The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research said recently: Given the dense breeding colonies of wildlife in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions, HPAI is expected to have devastating impacts on the wildlife and to lead to catastrophic breeding failure and mortality events in the region.

The virus has killed an estimated 20,000 sea lions in Chile and Peru. Dewar said: If we start to get outbreaks similar to what weve seen in South America that could have very big impacts. Emperor penguins and chinstrap penguins have been taking significant declines, so if we get large outbreaks in those species, that could cause further pressure on those colonies.

The current outbreak of the highly infectious variant of H5N1 which started in 2021 is estimated to have killed millions of wild birds. The strain spreading in Antarctica is clade 2.3.4.4b, which has decimated bird populations across the UK, continental Europe, South Africa and the Americas, with seabird colonies experiencing losses of 50% to 60%. The H5N1 strain has not yet reached Oceania

Dr Michelle Wille, from the University of Sydney, who is helping to record deaths, said: Its terrible news that its now in the sub-Antarctic, and we are very worried about viral spread into the Antarctic. In addition to negative affects on animals, the removal of vast numbers of animals from the Antarctic ecosystem may have long-term ecosystem effects.

Researchers from the British Antarctic Survey and the British governments Animal and Plant Health Agency are identifying possible cases, testing them and sharing data. It is challenging to record what is happening because of the size of Antarctica and the small number of people monitoring it. A number of reports of mass deaths have come through tour vessels.

Many places in South Georgia are now closed to tourists and even researchers have to go through a number of procedures to get there in a bid to stop the disease spreading, said Dr Michael Wenger, who trained as a marine biologist and has been working as a guide in Antarctica for 18 years.

He added: Its already hard to estimate numbers in normal situations, because the area is huge and there are a lot of animals. Now with the areas closed, its even harder.

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Mass deaths of elephant seals recorded as bird flu sweeps across the Antarctic - The Guardian

Try as you might, you may not be able to avoid getting sick during cold and flu season. After all, the influenza virus doesnt discriminate between healthy and unhealthy people, or old and young ones. Plus, the virus spreads easily through droplets in the air when someone who is infected coughs, sneezes, or even talks, so were all potential targets.

Plus, flu season is longer than you might think it runs through fall and winter and even into spring, peaking sometime between December and February so time isnt on your side.

Prevention is key. Getting an annual flu shot can help protect you from getting the flu. You may still get sick even if youre vaccinated, but flu symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, and body aches are likely to be less severe.

If you do get the flu, you may want to take an antiviral drug such as oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), or baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza)within two days of the onset of symptoms, especially if you are at high risk of flu complications. You may not be able to get rid of the flu in 24 hours, but these medications will help shorten the length of illness.

There are also home remedies, natural treatments, and other tactics that can help you feel a little better while your immune system fights the flu. Read on for eight strategies.

Getting sleep and taking time to recuperate is the best thing you can do for yourself, your coworkers, and your family, says Len Horovitz, MD, a pulmonary specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Sleep strengthens the immune system, he explains, and the truth is, when youre feeling sick, you wont feel like doing much else.

Sleep as much as you can and avoid contact with others until you have been fever-free (without taking any fever-reducing medication) for 24 to 48 hours.

While lying down, place an extra pillow under your head to help drain your nasal passages and make yourself more comfortable.

If you have a sore throat, gargle with water or salt water, Dr. Horovitz says. Gargling can help lessen inflammation and loosen mucus in the throat, he explains, clearing out irritants such as germs.

The immune system requires hydration in order to do its job. You have to stay hydrated so your cells are functioning as well as they can, says Christine Ryan, RDN, a registered dietitian-nutritionist in Seattle. Dehydration can delay your recovery.

For additional benefit, get your hydration from tea. Ryan recommends teas containing herbs, spices, or other flavorings known for their antiviral properties. Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, clove, black pepper, chamomile, eucalyptus, fennel, thyme, and pennyroyal can all help calm inflammation, according to Ryan.

A report published in 2020 inNatural Product Communicationslists even more antiviral herbs that are useful against cold and flu, such as peppermint leaf and oil.

Theres also green tea, which contains a type of antioxidant called catechins that may protect against a variety of viral illnesses, according to a study published in 2021 inMolecules.

Chicken soup isnt just warm and comforting. Research published in 2022 in Nutrients found that compounds in chicken soup called carnosine and anserine have excellent antioxidant and immunity-boosting effects that can help ease flu symptoms.

The National Library of MedicinesMedlinePlus website notes that chicken soup has been a popular home remedy for the common cold since at least the 12th century, and while its not a cure, it may relieve symptoms for a short time.

If youre stuffed up and feeling miserable, you might try using a neti pot a small teapot-like vessel with a long spout to flush mucus from your nasal passages twice a day, Horovitz says. This is done by placing a saline solution made with distilled, sterilized, or previously boiled water in the neti pot, and carefully following instructions for safe usage.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers a neti pot how-to on its website.

Taking a long steamy shower can help soothe irritated throat and nasal passages, while also helping clear them of mucus, says Neil Schachter, MD, medical director of the Mount SinaiNational Jewish Health Respiratory Institute in New York City and author of The Good Doctors Guide to Colds & Flu.

If the flu is making you feel lightheaded or weak, dont risk fainting in the shower; instead, simply turn on the hot water, find a place to sit in the bathroom, and inhale the steam for up to 10 minutes.

In recent years, elderberry (sambucus nigra) has been gaining attention as a possible natural flu treatment. Syrups, pills, and other products containing elderberry line the shelves at major retailers and pharmacies.

Scientists are still investigating the antiviral effects of elderberry extract and juices, says Ryan, but researchers theorize that elderberry can block HA glycoprotein spikes on influenza viruses, which prevents the viruses from duplicating. She adds that elderberry may also work by enhancing the effects of immune system proteins called cytokines, which help fight inflammation.

In a research article published in 2021 in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, researchers reviewed almost 1,200 records and five randomized trials on elderberry for the treatment or prevention of viral respiratory illness. They concluded that elderberry may be a safe option but stated that evidence on both benefits and harms is uncertain and information from recent and ongoing studies is necessary to make firm conclusions.

Some experts are proponents of zinc as an immunity booster that may help shorten the duration or severity of the flu and improve symptoms if used early on. I recommend using one or two lozenges per day, says Dr. Schachter.

Even though there is some research supporting this view, such as an investigation published in The Journal of Family Practice, study findings overall have been mixed on whether zinc can help fight respiratory infections. For instance, the results of a randomized controlled trialpublished in BMJ Open concluded that commercially available zinc acetate lozenges were not effective in treating the common cold. In an analysis of pooled data from 28 randomized controlled trials, also published in BMJ Open, scientists noted that many studies found zinc had only a modest effect or none at all on viral respiratory tract infections, especially in terms of easing daily symptoms.

Note that theNational Center for Complementary and Integrative Healthadvises checking with your doctor or pharmacist before taking zinc, as it may interact with antibiotics and penicillamine, a drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and a number of other conditions.

Its important to remember that the flu can have serious consequences, ranging from ear infections to pneumonia to worsening of chronic conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, and diabetes, according to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. In some cases, it can even be deadly.

If you have the flu, you should be feeling better within five to seven days, but if you are not and still have a fever or have started to feel badly again, be sure to call your doctor, Schachter says.

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Flu: Best Home Remedies and Natural Treatments to Relieve Symptoms - Everyday Health

With memories fresh regarding the outbreak of COVID-19 from Wuhan, China, it is not surprising that some are concerned about a substantial spike in hospitalizations due to cases of pneumonia among children in China.

Experts say, however, that this is likely not a possible pandemic but rather the result of a few predictable, non-worrisome factors.

This is Chinas first winter without COVID-19 protections in place since 2020, and Reuters reports that WHO China said Chinese health authorities advised that the current numbers they are observing is not greater than the peak in the most recent cold season prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some individuals have claimed the increase in pneumonia cases seen is due to immunity debt, the idea that children were not exposed to usual childhood infections during lockdowns, and will get those infections at a later date as they have not encountered those bacteria and viruses to build up an immunity to them.

However, it is not necessarily the case that they will experience a worse infection. A paper published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases in January 2023 attempted to quantify the scale of immunity debt on cases of respiratory syncytial virus, or R.S.V., a virus that causes common childhood respiratory infections.

However, it is an unproven concept which has been blamed for previous outbreaks, such as the hepatitis outbreak seen among children in the U.K. in spring 2022, and the outbreak of Group A Strep in many countries in winter 2022.

The common strain of pneumonia, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, that is currently widespread is a walking pneumonia that is not typically life threatening and can be treated with antibiotics.

There are also breakouts of M. pneumoniae in Denmark and the Netherlands.

Some U.S. news outlets have been reporting on a mysterious white lung pneumonia syndrome cropping up in children in Ohios Warren County in the U.S. as being connected to the Chinese pneumonia outbreak.

Experts agree that white lung syndrome, which is a medical buzzword to describe the way that affected lung look on an x-ray, is unconnected to what is going on in China.

White lung syndrome is not caused by a novel pathogen, can be treated with antibiotics, and most patients do not require hospitalization.

The recent surge in pneumonia cases among children in China is a concerning trend, said pediatrician Dr. Daniel Ganjian, as it has led to overcrowding in hospitals and strained healthcare resources.

However, it is important to note that this is not a new phenomenon; there have been similar spikes in pneumonia cases among children in previous winters, he reminded.

Dr. William Schaffner, professor of preventive medicine, also suggested there is little cause for alarm.

I think the communication between the Chinese public health authorities and the World Health Organization made clear that they have not discovered a distinctive new viral cause for this, rather than an array of viral and one bacterial pathogens are the causes, he told Medical News Today.

In addition to M. pneumoniae, cold and flu viruses and R.S.V., are the culprits in most recorded cases in China this winter.

Epidemiologist Dr. Zuo-feng Zhang predicted, If the Chinese children had had high vaccine coverage for COVID-19, flu, RSV [respiratory syncytial virus], and pneumonia there is no vaccine for mycoplasma the outbreak would not be so severe because a high proportion of the cases with mycoplasma have mixed infections with other respiratory infectious agents.

Respiratory virus expert Dr. Andrew Pekosz noted that A younger-aged population is protected from infection with a number of different viruses and bacteria during public health lockdowns.

When those lockdowns are removed, there is a larger portion of the population that lacks immunity to those pathogens and are therefore more susceptible to infection, he told MNT.

That children encounter so many common pathogens is not a bad thing. It helps them build much-needed antibodies that will serve them well throughout life.

Dr. Schaffner said that children acquire infections and spread them among themselves very readily because they play on top of each other, almost literally, and are not very hygienic. Children have the distribution franchise for the environment, and thats normal.

Even though Im a physician dealing with sick patients, I never got sick until our firstborn went to day care and brought home to daddy a whole series of viral infections, he said.

Children who have viral infections can also have complicated bacterial infections such as M. pneumoniae, although it is more common in a hospital setting.

In fact, The high incidence of pneumonia is probably due to the overloaded childrens hospitals. Since many sick children were in the crowded hospitals, there are opportunities for cross-infection, leading to mixed infections of respiratory agents. Both could lead to an increased incidence of pneumonia, said Dr. Zhang.

Dr. Schaffner said viruses create inflammation in the respiratory tract, and then the bacteria which you are normally carrying back in your throat can take advantage of that, get through the barrier of the mucus membranes, and get into the lung and cause pneumonia.

Dr. Ganjian addressed the possibility that in some cases, the under-treatment of viruses has resulted in pneumonia cases in China.

This is because parents may be more likely to seek medical attention for their children if they have symptoms of pneumonia, he said, which can be more severe than symptoms of a common cold or flu.

At the same time, M. pneumoniae does not require a preceding infection.

Mycoplasma pneumonia is everywhere and always has been everywhere, said Dr. Schaffner.

This is not something new. Its just not discussed as much. [In] the United States, [it is] certainly not one of the illnesses thats routinely reportable by state regulation to public health authorities. So we dont have as much data on mycoplasma pneumonia that usually comes from studies done by academic medical centers, he explained.

M. pneumoniae, similar to other infections, is becoming increasingly antibiotic-resistant.

A May 2023 study found that M. pneumoniae was between 70% to 90% resistant to one commonly prescribed type of antibiotics, macrolides, in Beijing.

We need to be worried about the high antibiotics-resistance rate of mycoplasma pneumonia globally. The resistance rate of mycoplasma to antibiotics in Asia is about 90%, but in the U.S. is about 10%, Dr. Zhang cautioned.

You have to go to alternate antibiotics, said Dr. Schaffner.

However, Dr. Zhang added that we do need to worry about potential transmission through international travel which might lead to an increased proportion of the mycoplasma-infected individuals with resistant strains and will be difficult to be treated.

Dr. Pekosz said that antimicrobial resistance was a major public health issue for a number of bacteria.

We need to invest in next-generation antibiotics that have broader activity, as well as be mindful of how antibiotics are being prescribed. We need to move forward on multiple fronts to stem the problem of antimicrobial resistance, he added.

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Childhood pneumonia outbreak: What's driving the surge in China? - Medical News Today

The first case of a new strain of swine flu has been detected in a human in the UK. The last swine flu pandemic killed 457 people in Britain alone. A leading testing expert says this strain looks to be very different but is urging Brits to take precautions.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has revealed a British person has contracted a new strain of so-called swine flu influenza A (H1N2)v. Its the first detection of this strain of flu ever found in a human in the UK, although it is similar to flu viruses currently circulating in British pigs.

The concern is that the patient is not known to have worked with pigs. The UKHSA says: As is usual early in emerging infection events,UKHSAis working closely with partners to determine the characteristics of the pathogen and assess the risk to human health.

Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan (MBChB), Clinical Lead atLondon Medical Laboratory, says:Its known this specific strain of swine flu can be passed from ill pigs to humans, but it would be rare for the H1N2 strain to be passed from human to human without initial exposure to pigs. The fact that the patient, who lives in North Yorkshire, has no known contact with infected animals is leading to a wider investigation.

Influenza A (H1N2)v is very different to the influenza A H1N1/09 strain of swine flu that killed 457 people in the UK back in 2009/10. Even so, close contacts of the patient are being followed up byUKHSAand partner organizations.The UKHSA says: The source of their infection has not yet been ascertained and remains under investigation.

For this reason, we recommend people who become unwell consider being tested, particularly if they have had direct or indirect exposure to pigs or contaminated environments.

In humans, the symptoms of swine flu to look out for include:

However, these symptoms are very similar to seasonal flu and also some strains of Covid-19 and to RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), the latter producing cold-like symptoms but generally not a high temperature.

Other symptoms of swine flu may include:

Pregnant women are considerably more likely to develop serious complications from swine flu. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that up to 10% of all hospitalized patients with swine flu are women who are more than three months pregnant.

The early identification of this British case underlines how vital routine testing for flu and Covid remains. The individual was tested by their GP after experiencing respiratory symptoms and the virus was identified as part of routine national flu surveillance undertaken byUKHSAand the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP). The UKHSAused polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a method of testing.

With health services under strain this winter, it is not always easy to access a flu test. However, it may be important for people to identify exactly which virus they are suffering from. Private tests are available, such as London Medical Laboratorys pioneering 4-in-1 Covid, RSV, influenza A and B test. This is particularly useful for people who wish to differentiate whether they are suffering from a strain of flu or Covid-19. Its still the recommendation of the NHS that people should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if they, or their child, have symptoms of Covid.

Remember, the current strains of flu that are circulating may produce only mild illness in one person but may cause severe symptoms and even prove fatal to others. This is particularly important in people with pre-existing health conditions and long-term diseases. Similarly, while the RSV virus may only produce chesty cold symptoms in some people, it can severely affect elderly people and children.

All of these viruses, including swine flu, display very similar initial symptoms to the common cold, but these symptoms may quickly escalate. For this reason alone, many people will want the peace of mind a test result can bring, ensuring they are not endangering anyone in their family this festive season.

The revolutionary Covid, RSV and flu A and B, 4-in-1 PCR Testcan be takenat one of over 95 selected pharmacies, drop-in clinics and health stores nationwide or, for convenience, at home through the post.

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New 4-in-1 test can differentiate between swine flu, COVID-19, RSV, and influenza - News-Medical.Net

October, which was a good time to get it, the best time to get vaccinated is as soon as you can after October. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images) Getty Images

It may be too late to dress up like Barbie or Ken for Halloween. It may be too late to dress up like Barbie or Ken for Thanksgiving dinner, too. But as long as its still either the fall or winter season, it is definitely not too late to get the flu shot. As long as you are somewhere in the October through March timeframe, you probably want to get vaccinated against influenza as soon as you can.

Thats because the influenza season in the Northern Hemisphere can extend all the way from as early as October to as late as May the following calendar year. In fact, until youve gotten well into the New Year, chances are you and everyone around you havent even seen the worst of the flu season yet. Flu activity is typically highest from December through February with peak influenza virus activity most commonly occurring in February. Thats why its good idea to always secure your protection well in advance of Valentines Day.

Now, flu activity can follow very different patterns each season. In the four decades from the 1982-1983 flu season through the 2021-2022 flu season, the peak of the flu season has been in February a total of 17 times. December has been the next most common peak month at seven times. January and March tied for third place at six times apiece. And October, November and April have been the peak months only once each, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Theres a saying among epidemiologists that if youve seen one flu season, youve seen just one flu season. Every year can be different from previous years. Unless you have a DeLorean that serves as a time machine or some other way of traveling to and from the future, its impossible to predict exactly what this current flu season will look like. You cannot be sure when peak flu activity will occur, how bad things will be or whether this will be the season when there is a surge in cases in the later spring.

If you havent yet been vaccinated, its a good idea to get the flu vaccine as soon as possible. Keep in the mind that the flu vaccine isnt like a trench coat and doesnt start protecting you the moment you get it. Your immune system has to first see the weakened or inactivated flu particles from the vaccine, essentially say, WTF is this? This doesnt belong in my body! and then mount an immune response against them, which can take up to two weeks.

This two-week lag time to protection is a big reason why its important to get the flu vaccine now without further delay. This will help protect you in time for the last two weeks of December, which may be filled with interactions with other people, objects and surfaces, especially if you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Years Eve, New Years Day and the annual unofficial holiday of going to stores to return all the presents that you didnt want but somehow received.

Late September to mid-October is typically the best time to get vaccinated against the flu to make sure you are protected before flu activity really starts to increase, as demonstrated by computer modeling studies published by our PHICOR Team in the scientific journals Vaccine, the American Journal of Managed Care and Medical Care. It is is possible to get vaccinated a bit too early, such as in August, since the protection offered by the flu vaccine may start waning after six months, leaving you less protected the following May when the flu may still be around.

Keep in mind that while the flu vaccine can offer good protection against the flu, it wont offer you 100% protection. Instead, its protection can vary from 30% to 60% depending on how well the flu virus strains put in the vaccines in the leadup to flu season end up matching the strains that actually circulate that season. So just because you got the flu shot already doesnt mean that you should stop washing your hands frequently and thoroughly, begin hugging and kissing people who may be coughing, sneezing, feeling run down or hot (hot temperature-wise, that is) and abandon all other infection prevention measures. Otherwise, your New Years Eve may turn out to be a Flu Years Eve.

Of course, reducing your chances of getting infected is not the only benefit of the flu shot. Even if you do end up getting infected, being vaccinated can significantly reduce the severity of your symptoms and your chances of getting hospitalized and dying. Most commonly, the flu will result in four to seven days of fevers, chills, coughing, a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea or other not very pleasant symptoms. They can be so unpleasant that you end up missing school or work.

Things can get even worse, though, especially if you have a weaker immune system. Each year from 2010 through 2022, somewhere between 9.4 million and 41 million people have gotten sick from the flu, between 100,000 and 710,000 people have been hospitalized and between 4,900 and 52,000 people have died. Catching the flu is not the same as catching the common cold. The flu could leave you a lot more sick with some potentially terrible consequences.

Finally, even if you think youve had the flu already this year, it is still a good idea to get the flu shot. Many different microbes can cause flu-like illnesses such as respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) and adenoviruses. So, unless you actually got tested for the flu, you cannot be sure if youve actually had the flu, meaning that its probably still worth a shot.

I am a writer, journalist, professor, systems modeler, computational, AI, and digital health expert, medical doctor, avocado-eater, and entrepreneur, not always in that order. Currently, I am a Professor of Health Policy and Management at the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Public Health, Executive Director of PHICOR (@PHICORteam) and Center for Advanced Technology and Communication in Health (CATCH), and founder and CEO of Symsilico. My previous positions include serving as Professor By Courtesy at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, Executive Director of the Global Obesity Prevention Center (GOPC) at Johns Hopkins University, Associate Professor of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Associate Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Informatics at the University of Pittsburgh, and Senior Manager at Quintiles Transnational, working in biotechnology equity research at Montgomery Securities, and co-founding a biotechnology/bioinformatics company. My work has included developing computer approaches, models, and tools to help health and healthcare decision makers in all continents (except for Antarctica). This has included serving as the Principal Investigator of over $60 million in research grants from a wide variety of sponsors such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), National Science Foundation (NSF), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UNICEF, USAID, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Global Fund. I have authored over 250 scientific publications and three books. In addition to covering health, healthcare, and science for Forbes, I maintain a blog "A Funny Bone to Pick" for Psychology Today, a Substack entitled "Minded by Science"and have written articles forThe New York Times, Time, The Guardian, The HuffPost, STAT, the MIT Technology Review and others. My work and expertise have appeared in leading media outlets such as The New York Times, ABC, USA Today, Good Morning America, Tamron Hall Show, BBC, The Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, CBS News, Businessweek, U.S. News and World Report, Bloomberg News, Reuters, National Public Radio (NPR), National Geographic, MSN, and PBS. Follow me on Twitter (@bruce_y_lee) but dont ask me if I know martial arts.

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Too Late To Get A Flu Shot? When You Should Get Vaccinated - Forbes

Taipei, Dec. 5 (CNA) Over half of the inbound travelers from China, Hong Kong and Macao who voluntarily took tests on arriving at one of four airports in Taiwan over the past week were positive for flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Tuesday.

Starting Nov. 26, arriving travelers from China, Hong Kong and Macao have been encouraged to take tests at airports in Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung and Kaohsiung if they display influenza-like symptoms.

Between Nov. 26 and Dec. 4, 68 of 88 arriving travelers who took tests were positive for respiratory illnesses, with 48 having contracted influenza and no cases of mycoplasma pneumoniae, the CDC said.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), provinces in northern China have reported a jump in influenza-like illnesses for consecutive weeks since mid-October, likely driven by a combination of mycoplasma pneumoniae, RSV, COVID-19 and seasonal flu.

The CDC said in addition to the 48 flu infections, the remaining 20 travelers tested positive for other diseases, including nine confirmed COVID-19 cases, six adenoviruses cases, two rhinovirus cases and one parainfluenza virus case, while one individuals contracted both flu and COVID-19.

According to CDC Deputy Director General Lo Yi-chun () at a weekly press briefing, so far the confirmed cases have been mild.

In addition, regarding the situation in China, Lo said according to data released by Chinese health officials last week, both northern and southern provinces have seen an increase in respiratory diseases.

Lo said that among the cases, the positivity rate for influenza has increased across the country, with the rate in the north jumping from 27.6 percent to 36.9 percent, and the figure in the south rising from 34.5 percent to 44.3 percent.

Lo added that influenza A virus H3N2, which is dominant in Taiwan, is also dominant in China, indicating that flu cases will continue to grow, though a decline has been seen in mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.

However, Lo said, as the temperatures drops more and more people in China could catch flu.

As a result, current tests implemented at airports in Taiwan for the diseases will remain in place, with health officials making adjustments to the policy depending on the evolving situation, Lo said.

Also at the briefing, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, CDC physician Lin Yung-ching () said a man in his 40s died six days after testing positive for the illness in mid-November.

Lin said the man developed cardiogenic shock and multiple organ failure after testing positive for the disease, and died four days after being hospitalized.

From Nov. 28 to Dec. 4, 31 people died of COVID-19, the highest weekly number in four weeks, Lo said.

According to CDC data, over 7,000 people have died from COVID-19 this year, making the disease the 7th leading cause of death for Taiwan nationals.

(By Tseng Yi-ning and Evelyn Yang)

Enditem/AW

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Half of inbound travelers tested at airports positive for flu: CDC - Focus Taiwan