Category: Flu Virus

With winter at the doorstep and most gatherings taking place inside, respiratory viruses have begun to spread more rapidly.

In Iowa, across the country, and around the world, flu, RSV, and COVID-19 numbers have risen drastically in recent weeks, which has only been intensified by gatherings for Thanksgiving.

Getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from this rapid spread.

The flu and COVID-19 have created major issues for countries around the world this year.

Earlier this month, the Puerto Rico department of health declared a flu epidemic after reaching 900 hospitalizations and 30,000 cases of the flu.

China has caught the attention of the World Health Organization as it experiences a surge in infections caused by an overlap in respiratory viruses like the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

In Iowa, flu and COVID-19 cases are rising sharply as the peak of respiratory season inches closer for the U.S. While Iowas numbers are not as high as the activity in southern states, Iowa currently has the most flu cases in the Midwest.

There is still time get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 to protect yourself from respiratory viruses this season.

Friday, Dec. 1, is the final day of UI Health Cares mandatory employee and volunteer flu vaccination campaign. Its quick and easy for employees and volunteers to receive their flu vaccination from the University Employee Health Clinic (UEHC) from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The flu vaccination is safe and effective. Thousands of UI Health Care employees have already joined the fight against the flu and COVID-19 by getting vaccinated this respiratory virus season.

Dont push off participating in this years campaign any longer, get vaccinated to become a 2023 Flu Fighter!

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Act now: Get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 - The Loop - University of Iowa Health Care

Ever since the outbreak of a mysterious respiratory illness thats affecting children in northern China, authorities there have been talking about a cocktail of viruses that are breaking out again after pandemic restrictions. One of the viruses in circulation is H9N2, a subtype of the Influenza A virus. It primarily affects birds with a high prevalence in poultry such as chickens and turkeys and can easily jump to humans. It is highly transmissible and while it is known to cause mild illness, sometimes it manifests as a severe infection that can result in complications.

A new study from researchers in China and Nottingham has discovered that a subtype of avian flu virus, endemic in poultry farms in China, is undergoing mutational changes, which could increase the risk of the disease being passed on to humans. Researchers also say that the findings raise concerns of a potential epidemic or pandemic in the making and that concerted research is necessary to closely monitor such viruses in poultry and humans. This has raised some concern given that the coronavirus mutation resulted in a pandemic. However, at the moment there has been no confirmation of a new strain and there is no need to panic.

Some strains do nothing. But when mutations happen, the virus can attack the lungs as well as the heart, liver and kidney and trigger a dysregulated immune response.

So far, the respiratory viral infections in China have been mostly mild and not that fatal. The cases are being controlled. And since they are affecting children more, chances are they will fight it better. Thats because new research by the US-based National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that children who had contracted SARS-CoV-2 had a strong, sustained antibody response to the virus and high levels of inflammatory proteins in the nose but not in the blood.

The infection is self-limiting and similar to any other flu virus, usually accompanied by pink eyes. The other symptoms include high fever, cough, sore throat, body and muscle aches, nausea, diarrhoea and a runny nose. Severe respiratory symptoms and conditions include shortness of breath, pneumonia and acute respiratory distress. In extreme cases, there might be seizures and septic shock.

Like all flu viruses, you should get tested after the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. A nasal and throat swab test helps in diagnosis.

Treatment is largely symptomatic with antivirals. Those with more severe symptoms may need nebulisation and steroids. Keep yourself well-hydrated, so drink plenty of fluids, take rest and wash your hands often, taking care not to pass on any germs. Do not self-medicate.

Those who have been near a poultry farm and have had contact with infected live or dead infected birds. Infected birds usually shed the virus in their saliva, faeces and mucus. The most vulnerable groups of people are pregnant women, those with co-morbidities and the elderly.

As the virus is present in droplets or dust, please wear a mask. Do not touch your face or nose cavity with your hands, which could be infected if you have touched somebody infected already. Go for properly processed poultry or meats but avoid eating anything that has raw poultry or blood. Avoid crowded places, especially farms and open markets, while travelling to other countries. For starters, we should resume airport screening for people coming in from affected countries.

The Indian Express Pvt Ltd

First published on: 30-11-2023 at 10:58 IST

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China respiratory illness: Whats the H9N2 avian flu outbreak there all about? - The Indian Express

Opinion

Another health advocate has said the phenomenon is genuine and take it from me, it is. But not in the way shes suggesting

You dont need a man to tell you man flu is real, although he still will. And now health advocates are agreeing with us: nutritionist Jenna Hope, author of the new book How to Stay Healthy, is perhaps the most recent to argue that men really do suffer more than women when theyre ill. When we look at the evidence we find that the female immune system is actually stronger than the male immune system, she told the Times. Women have higher levels of progesterone and oestrogen, she says, which tend to support the immune system, while men have higher levels of testosterone, which suppresses immunity.

But when we talk about man flu, are we really talking about an increased sensitivity to symptoms, or just a decreased ability to stop going on about them? The term man flu has always suggested exaggeration, not least because the illness in question is almost never flu; its usually just a cold.

The distinction seems important. If the hypothesis is that men suffer more than women when theyre under the weather, then Ive never experienced anything that would allow me to argue in favour of it. If the contention is that men make an unnecessarily big deal out of a few relatively minor symptoms, then Im living proof of its truth. Ive been doing that all morning.

The most often cited evidence of the existence of man flu is a 2017 British Medical Journal review that found a number of studies suggesting men have a weaker immune response to viral respiratory infection, resulting in longer lasting illness and symptoms. But your immune response is what makes you feel bad in the first place its what makes your throat ache and your nose run. A stronger immune system could arguably make you feel worse in the short term.

Its just as easy to find evidence to suggest man flu is a myth: a 2022 study into symptoms of acute rhinosinusitis (an illness that often gives rise to accusations of man flu) showed that although women recovered faster than men, women generally reported worse symptoms at the beginning of the illness.

In the end, there was little overall difference between the sexes in self-reported symptoms, assessed using the 22-question sino-nasal outcome test, otherwise known as SNOT-22. The hypothesis of a man flu should be disregarded, wrote the studys authors.

I think the real difference between the sexes is not about how severe they find the symptoms of a particular illness, but how interesting they find them. No matter how terrible my wife feels, she will generally run out of things to say about a bad cold after two or three days. I, on the other hand, will still have plenty to say on day eight. By day 10, if Im lucky, I will be coming down with something else.

Im not suffering more than my wife, or for longer; Im just suffering more presently. Theres nothing like a bad cold to enhance my normally limited ability to live in the moment, to lie back and think only: ow. People talk about being in touch with their feelings. Is this not what they mean?

It may still be true that men dont often talk about their feelings with each other, but we do talk about our symptoms, frankly and openly. At this time of year, we speak of little else.

Covid robbed us of the satisfactions of man flu for a time. When a virus features a range of symptoms that run from barely perceptible to death, it takes some of the joy out of comparing notes. Future studies may yet show that man flu is only a state of mind, but to me its more that that its a way of life.

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If man flu means men moaning on about minor symptoms, then yes: man flu is real - The Guardian

Flu or Influenza is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. It causes 20,000 to 50,000 deaths each year in the U.S.

The virus can cause severe illness, hospitalization, and death in people of all agesbut children under age two, adults older than 65, pregnant women, people with conditions such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, and people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable and more likely to get severely ill.

These groups and everyone older than 6 months, can get vaccinated to better protect themselves. "While the vaccine isnt perfect, its a good tool," Pavia says. "Weve been recommending the flu vaccine to all children for almost two decades to prevent serious illness and hospitalization."

According to Pavia, you become more vulnerable to flu as you ageyour risk of severe flu goes up substantially in your 50s and even more so in your 60s and on. The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu shot every year.

Read this article:

Three Viruses to Watch for in the Winter - University of Utah Health Care

Turkeys at a coop in Tsor'a in central Israel were found to be infected with bird flu, the Agriculture Ministry said Wednesday.

The coop houses 10,500 birds in four buildings. All coops within 10 km of the farm were placed under lockdown. The Agriculture Ministry called on Israelis raising pet birds and backyard poultry to keep the birds inside buildings.

The outbreak is the second reported in the past month and the fifth reported in Israel this season. The Agriculture Ministry said on Thursday that the birds were infected the H5N1 strain of the virus and that 43 birds had died.

Earlier this month, a case of H5N1 avian influenza was found in a marbled teal in the central Israeli city of Yehud.

The first outbreak of the season was reported in September at a petting zoo including over 200 peacocks, geese, ducks, guinea fowls, chickens, doves, and parakeets in Sde Ya'akov in northern Israel.

Between that outbreak and the latest outbreak, two additional outbreaks were reported, including an outbreak at a chicken coop containing 20,000 birds at Allonim in northern Israel, not far from Sde Yaakov. The second outbreak was reported on October 10, when a black stork was found to be infected at Ein HaMifratz between Haifa and Acre.

Since 2021, Europe, the Americas, and several other locations around the world have been suffering from a nearly continuous outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza which has been described as "the largest-ever" outbreak on the three continents. The virus has affected tens of millions of birds and thousands of mammals across the world.

Two weeks ago, the Wageningen Bioveterinary Research Institute at Wageningen University reported that a new variant of the H5N1 subtype of highly pathogenic avian influenza had been spotted in the Netherlands.

The variant was spotted in Renswoude in the central Netherlands. It is similar to other versions of the H5N1 subtype that has been spreading in Europe and the Americas since 2021, but includes a new version of the PB1 gene segment in the virus. The new PB1 segment seems to be the result of the virus mixing with a low pathogenic version of avian influenza, according to the research institute.

The new variant has also been spotted in several dead wild ducks and geese found in the Netherlands since November. It is unclear as of yet if the reassortment of the PB1 segment has changed any properties of the virus, such as pathogenicity, transmissibility, severity, etc.

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Bird flu found at turkey coop in central Israel - The Jerusalem Post

LINCOLN State officials are urging vigilance after a strain of deadly avian flu was discovered in a small backyard flock in Colfax County.

The warning from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture comes amid several confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the nearby states of Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota.

The deadly flu forced the slaughter of nearly 58 million birds last year, according to the Associated Press, though the death toll has been much smaller this year.

The loss of laying hens caused a spike in egg prices, which more than doubled in 2022.

Poultry producers need to continue to be vigilant in protecting their flocks, said State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley in a press release.

He urged good biosecurity measures to help prevent the spread of the disease.

Avian flu spreads easily among birds, according to the Ag Department, through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. Wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, can spread the virus to domestic flocks, but it can also spread via equipment, and clothing and shoes of caretakers.

Wild birds can carry the virus without becoming sick, the department said. while domesticated birds can become very sick and die. HPAI can survive for weeks in contaminated environments.

Poultry producers can get more information at https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/index.html which includes an updated map of HPAI cases in Nebraska.

Signs of HPAI or unusual deaths should be reported to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 402-471-2351 or the USDA at 866-536-7593.

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Warning issued after highly contagious avian flu detected in flock in ... - Nebraska Examiner

Flu season brings another (and maybe not as expected) threat: pink eye. That's because viruses that cause the flu, the common cold and even COVID-19 can manifest in the eyes. In addition to giving your eyes a pinkish or reddish hue,conjunctivitis(the technical term for pink eye) can cause other symptoms, like irritation, itchiness and discharge.

"When you have a viral infection, that can lead to eye-related symptoms, especially if you touch the eye or you're around someone that has it and they're coughing or sneezing," said Dr. Jennifer Tsai, an optometrist practicing in New York City. Pink eye can result from a virus spreading from your own mucus membranes that are currently under attack, or through exposure to someone with a respiratory infection.

Here are the types of eye infections to look out for this flu season, what to do for home relief, and when to see a doctor.

Read more: Your Eye Doctor May See Signs of Heart Disease. Here's Why

When caused by a virus, pink eye will typically resolve by itself within a couple of weeks. If you have a bacterial infection, you may be prescribed antibiotic eye drops.

The most familiar seasonal viruses (the common cold, the flu and now COVID-19) can all cause viral pink eye. Some research from 2021, for example, found that as many as one in 10 people with COVID-19 experienced eye symptoms, although the American Academy of Ophthalmology says conjunctivitis from coronavirus is much more common in children than it is in adults.

Tsai says that the most common cause of viral pink eye is infection with the adenovirus, a virus that causes mild cold or flu symptoms in most people, which also spreads more widely during flu/respiratory virus season. Lesser-known viral culprits of pink eye also include the herpes simplex virus, the virus that causes cold sores, Tsai said. This can spread if virus from a cold soretouches the eye, or it can reoccur in outbreaks.

Read more: 6 Eye Problems That Become More Common as We Age

In order to find the right relief for pink eye and learn if you'll need medical treatment, you need to find the root cause of your pink eye: is it bacterial or viral?

Viral pink eye symptoms, according to Tsai, commonly include an itching feeling in the eye, along with watery discharge. Other symptoms can include redness or burning.

Viral pink eye will also likely be present in both eyes; it may start in one eye but will quickly spread to the other, she says.

Bacterial pink eye is caused by an infection or injury to the eye, Tsai says, including infection from contact lenses. If you have bacterial pink eye, it's more likely you'll experience a thick, yellowish, or sticky discharge from your eye along with more eye pain and blurry vision. (The AAO notes that bacterial conjunctivitis doesn't always cause discharge.) A big clue that you're suffering from bacterial pink eye, according to Tsai, is that it's in one eye, though both eyes can be infected.

While pink eye from a viral infection can be managed at home in most cases (more on that below), and milder bacterial pink eye cases will also typically clear up, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you have eye pain, vision problems or other symptoms of a severe eye infection. Your treatment, or whether you can relieve pink eye at home, will also depend on the type of eye infection you have.

It's a good idea to avoid eye makeup and contact lenses while you have pink eye.

Most cases of viral pink eye are "self limiting," Tsai said, which means they'll probably resolve on their own within two weeks. But if you have bacterial infection, you'll likely be prescribed antibiotic eye drops to help kill the bacteria that's causing your symptoms.

Tsai said that no matter the cause or severity of your pink eye, it's a good idea to see an eye doctor just in case. If you have symptoms that affect or blur your vision, cause eye pain, light sensitivity or a feeling that something is stuck in your eye, get seen as soon as possible.

Because most pink eye cases caused by a virus will resolve at home, managing pink eye will be based on easing your itchy or irritating symptoms. Here are some tips from Tsai:

In acknowledgement of the eye drop recalls and safety concerns surrounding some brands of artificial tears, Tsai said to continue to avoiding drops that don't meet safety standards. She also advises people avoid Visine and Clear Eyes drops, because they contain ingredients that can constrict blood vessels in your eyes. For eye drop recommendations based on specific needs, you can read this CNETlist of eye drops.

To avoid spreading pink eye, follow these tips from the American Optometric Association and the American Academy of Ophthalmology:

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Here's What to Know About Flu Season and Pink Eye - CNET

Another massive flock of egg-laying hens in Iowa was recently found to be infected by a very transmissible and deadly version of avian flu, which has pushed the total number of affected birds this fall beyond last years casualties for the same time period.

The recent detection of avian influenza was in a flock of about 1.6 million birds in Sioux County, according to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Humans are seldom infected by the virus, but it can spread quickly in domestic flocks and is lethal to the birds. Entire flocks are culled to prevent the virus from spreading.

That incident more than doubled the total affected Iowa birds since mid-October. Infected sites now total 15 ranging from backyard flocks to immense commercial chicken operations with nearly 3 million birds.

So far, that is more than triple the rate of detections in October, November and December of last year in Iowa, which affected about 2.5 million birds. The final virus confirmation last year happened Dec. 12.

The death toll is largely driven by the type of facility that is infected. Iowa is the nations leading egg producer, and those chicken flocks can number in the millions. Commercial turkey flocks often have tens of thousands of birds. The smallest flock affected this fall a backyard group of different species had 23.

The virus is often transmitted to domestic flocks by wild, migrating birds that can be asymptomatic.

While the infections in Iowa this fall have been worse than last year, the state largely escaped infections during the spring migration, which was devastating last year. The total number of affected birds in 2022 in Iowa was about 16 million.

That led to the states lowest annual egg production in more than a decade, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data. Iowa produced about 12.2 billion eggs in 2022. That was down from 15 billion the year before and from a high of 17 billion in 2019.

Iowas second-lowest production total in recent years was in 2015, when there was also a widespread avian flu outbreak. That year the state produced 12.7 billion eggs.

This year, production has rebounded but will be short of 2021, before the latest outbreaks. Through October, Iowa has produced about 11.4 billion eggs this year and has averaged more than a billion each month, according to USDA data.

The other virus detections in Iowa this fall include:

Nov. 15: A mixed-species backyard flock in Benton County with about 86 birds. Nov. 13: A game bird hatchery inKossuth Countywith about13,000pheasants, quail and chukars. Nov. 13: A mixed-species backyard flock inCerro Gordo Countywith about75birds. Nov. 10: A commercial egg-laying facility inTaylor Countywith about1.2 millionchickens. Nov. 10: A backyard mixed species flock inJones Countywith23birds. Nov. 7: A game bird farm inKossuth Countywith about8,576pheasants, peafowl and chickens. Nov. 3: A commercial chicken breeding facility inHamilton Countywith about15,000birds. Nov. 3: A duck farm with a backyard mixed species flock inClay Countywith about7,361birds. Nov. 3: A duck farm inClay Countywith about8,270birds. Nov. 3: A duck farm inClay Countywith about1,700birds. Oct. 31: A commercial turkey flock inBuena Vista Countywith about30,000birds. Oct. 23: A commercial turkey flock inPocahontas Countywith about47,500birds. Oct. 23: A backyard flock inGuthrie Countywith about50birds. Oct. 20: A commercial turkey flock inBuena Vista Countywith about50,000birds.

Editors note: This article was updated to clarify a comparison of the rate of detections this fall compared with last year.

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Iowa's bird flu death toll this fall has surpassed last year - Iowa Capital Dispatch

China's mysterious pneumonia has led to surge in hospitalisation cases across the country with children experiencing fever and lung damage, but without the classic symptoms of pneumonia such as breathlessness, coughing among others. Close on the heels of this, a similar outbreak is now being reported in Ohio, US where a large number of children are being hospitalised with mysterious pneumonia. (Also read | What is White Lung Syndrome? Mysterious pneumonia fast striking children)

Ohio officials believe it isn't a novel respiratory ailment and are looking into the cause of the spike in infections. Experts feel this could be a result of multiple common viruses striking at the same time.

A rise in respiratory illnesses has been observed in children in the recent days and experts say that several factors from allergens, lifestyle changes to spread of viruses like RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) and influenza could be behind the surge.

"Several factors contribute to the rising prevalence of respiratory diseases in children. Environmental factors like air pollution, exposure to tobacco smoke, and indoor allergens can increase the risk of respiratory illnesses. Lifestyle changes, such as decreased physical activity and increased screen time, might also weaken children's immune systems. Moreover, the spread of viruses like RSV and influenza can lead to respiratory infections, especially in settings like schools or daycare centers where children gather closely. Changes in climate patterns may also play a role in altering the prevalence and spread of respiratory illnesses," says Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, Director & HOD, Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad.

Dr Satish, Consultant Pulmonology, CARE Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad shares common symptoms of respiratory diseases in children.

Dr Satish says respiratory illness could affect children due to viral infections, air pollution, sedentary lifestyle among other factors.

Dr Satish also sheds light on the common respiratory diseases that parents must be aware of to safeguard their children's health.

Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha shares tips to prevent pneumonia and other respiratory issues in children amid spike in infections.

1. Vaccinations: Ensure that children receive recommended vaccinations, including flu shots, pneumococcal vaccines, and any future vaccines developed for respiratory viruses like RSV.

2. Hygiene: Encourage regular handwashing, especially before meals and after coughing or sneezing. Teach children proper respiratory etiquette, like covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

3. Reduce exposure: Minimize exposure to tobacco smoke, air pollution, and indoor allergens like dust mites or pet dander.

4. Healthy lifestyle: Promote a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep to strengthen the immune system.

5. Avoid close contact: Encourage avoiding close contact with sick individuals, especially during peak seasons for respiratory illnesses.

6. Clean environment: Keep living spaces clean and well-ventilated to reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria.

7. Stay informed: Stay updated with health advisories and guidelines from healthcare professionals or public health authorities for specific preventive measures against prevalent respiratory illnesses.

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Respiratory illnesses in kids on rise: Common causes and preventive measures - Hindustan Times

PESHAWAR: The health department has issued guidelines to hospitals for management of influenza-like illness, which has infected more than 130,000 people during the past six months in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to a report, compiled by health departments Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System, public sector health facilities of the province recorded 130,284 patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) from May to October 2023.

An official told this scribe that health department received guidelines from National Institute of Health Islamabad and circulated the same among all districts of the province to prevent spread of contagious disease. He said that with the onset of winter season, people stood exposed to flu and required protection.

An advisory has been circulated for prevention and control of seasonal influenza, the uptick in which appears every year with varying level of its spread, timing, severity and length of the season, due to which we are monitoring the situation in all hospitals, Dr Irshad Ali Roghani, the director of public health at director-general health services, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, told Dawn.

Health dept issues guidelines for management of patients

He said that cases of seasonal influenza soared in December till February every year and more hospitalisations of patients with flu-associated issues were recorded. We have also allocated isolation beds for patients at the hospitals to contain the virus, he added.

Dr Irshad said that people having close contacts with patients, or had been in close contact with persons having ILI, should be go for frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water besides covering mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing. He also advised such people to take rest and avoid crowds.

He said that 28,402 people were affected by ILI in May and 19,520 in October in the province.

Dr Irshad said that Peshawar reported 3,230 patients, Upper Kurram 2,198, Swabi 1,974, Mansehra 1877, Haripur 1,836 and Battagram 1,476 while Malakand reported 1,177 cases.

According to the advisory, health facilities should stay alert for timely preventive and control measures as the seasonal influenza virus can cause mild to severe illness, particularly among high-risk individuals. The virus spreads from person to person through sneezing and coughing or touching contaminated surfaces.

The disease is self-limiting but can cause deaths in people of all ages, therefore, treatment is mainly supportive and guidelines have been issued to all district health officers and medical superintendents of hospitals for management of hospitalised patients, said Dr Irshad.

As per the recommendations of World Health Organisation, pregnant women, children from six to 59 months, elderly people and individuals with chronic medical conditions including chronic cardiac, pulmonary, renal, liver and other diseases should get vaccination for protection against seasonal influenza.

Samples from suspected patients should be sent to laboratory at 40C within four days with complete epidemiological data given to Public Health Reference Lab (PHRL) at Khyber Medical University to diagnose cases and take appropriate steps.

Dr Irshad said that PHRL, established by health department, was conducting tests for influenza free of cost. The laboratory, set up in collaboration with NIH and KMU, conducts all tests for notifiable diseases. It has enabled the province to cope with the public health issues.

These tests were previously sent to NIH but now these are conducted in KMU and the results are made available in short period of time. It helps in prevention of outbreaks of diseases, he said.

He said that National Institute of Health Islamabad wanted standardised surveillance across Pakistan to ensure that ILI, an acute respiratory infection with fever of over 38C (100.4F) temperature associated with cough, could stay under control and infected people were hospitalised.

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2023

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Seasonal influenza affects over 130,000 people in KP in six months - DAWN.com