Category: Flu Virus

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More US parents plan to vaccinate kids against RSV, flu than COVID … – University of Minnesota Twin Cities

November 21, 2023

A Texas A&M University survey of US parents finds that 41% already had or would vaccinate their children against COVID-19, 63% against influenza, and 71% against respiratory syncytial virus(RSV) this fall and winter.

The study, published late last week in Vaccine, involved 5,035 parents of children younger than 18 years surveyed on September 27 and 28, 2023.

In total, 40.9% of respondents said they had or would vaccinate their children against COVID-19, while 63.3% said they would do so against flu, and 71.1% said their children would receive the RSV vaccine.

Predictors of intent to vaccinate included concerns about diseases (average marginal effects [AME] for COVID-19, 0.064; AME for flu, 0.060; and AME for RSV 0.048), as well as trust in health institutions (AME for COVID-19, 0.023; AME for flu, 0.010; AME for RSV, 0.028). Parents who had previously vaccinated their children were also more likely to pursue vaccination (AME for COVID-19, 0.176; AME for flu, 0.438; and AME for COVID-19, 0.194).

Relative to men, women were less likely to say they would vaccinate their children against COVID-19 and flu (AME for COVID-19, 0.076; AME for flu, 0.047). Respondents who indicated that vaccines were important were more likely to pursue vaccination for COVID-19 and RSV (AME, 0.097 and 0.072, respectively).

Worries about a link between vaccination and autismwhich studies have disprovenwere statistically significant for only COVID-19 (AME, -0.030). Relative to political conservatives, liberals were more likely to vaccinate against COVID-19 (AME, 0.076).

The large number of unvaccinated children will likely lead to large numbers of excessive disease in children.

Compared with Democrats, Republications were less inclined to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 (AME, -0.060), and Democrats had higher odds of seeking RSV vaccination (AME, 0.151). The most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy were doubts about safety and the need for vaccination and a lack of information.

"The large number of unvaccinated children will likely lead to large numbers of excessive disease in children," the authors wrote.

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More US parents plan to vaccinate kids against RSV, flu than COVID ... - University of Minnesota Twin Cities

CBC Manitoba: Flu, COVID-19 numbers in kids rising, likely to ‘get … – UM Today

November 21, 2023

November 20, 2023

If youve noticed an uptick incolds, fluand COVID-19 among children in particular youre not alone.

The medical director at Health Sciences Centre Childrens Hospital emergency department in Winnipeg says theres an increase in cases of respiratory illnesses in kids showing up in the ER.

Rhinovirus, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], influenza all the respiratory viruses are really gathering steam, said Dr. Karen Gripp, a pediatric emergency physician and associate professor at the University of Manitoba.

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CBC Manitoba: Flu, COVID-19 numbers in kids rising, likely to 'get ... - UM Today

Surveilling wetlands for infectious bird flu — and finding it – Science Daily

November 21, 2023

Recently, morning omelets and holiday dinners have gotten more expensive. One likely cause is bird flu, outbreaks of which led to the deaths of millions of chickens and turkeys from infection or culling in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and which still demands rigorous monitoring of wild populations. Now, reporting in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, researchers have developed a method that detected infectious bird flu virus in wetlands frequented by waterfowl.

Wild birds represent a significant reservoir of avian influenza virus. While some viral strains don't cause disease, the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) form can spread quickly and is often fatal. It spreads from wild birds that shed the pathogen through their feces into the environment, including the wetlands they inhabit. Detecting bird flu in these waters has proven challenging because infectious virus concentrations are often too low to be detected by most methods, leaving a significant gap in our understanding of viral transmission. To address this problem, Laura Hubbard at the U.S. Geological Survey and colleagues devised a multistep process to concentrate and identify infectious virus in environmental samples.

They tested their protocols on surface water samples taken twice in the spring of 2022 from four wetlands and a lake in Iowa. The team identified strains of infectious virus in samples from all four wetland sites in April, but not from the lake. Detection rates were significantly lower, however, when they tested the water samples for viral RNA (11.1%) using standard diagnostic protocols than when the same samples were inoculated into eggs and avian influenza virus was isolated and confirmed (66.7%). The researchers say these results highlight the need for improved RNA detection techniques to reduce the risk of false negatives.

Sequencing showed that most of the detected viral strains present in the water samples had low pathogenicity. One sample included HPAI, however, marking the first time this strain has been detected in a U.S. waterway, the researchers say. Just five weeks later, though, they did not detect avian influenza virus in any samples from the same sites despite previous research that demonstrated viral persistence for months in similar environments. The researchers suggest that the apparent absence of virus could be due to many environmental factors, including fewer waterfowl being present in May and substantially warmer water temperatures influencing virus survival.

Although further research is required to better understand the persistence and potential transmissibility of bird flu in wetlands, the researchers say the detection of HPAI virus and other strains highlights possible risks to wild and domestic fowl, other animals and even humans, who use these waterways recreationally. They also suggest that regular monitoring and early detection could help mitigate costly viral transmission and the rising cost of eggs and poultry.

The authors acknowledge funding from the U.S. Geological Survey through the Biological Threats and Environmental Health Programs of the Ecosystems Mission Area and from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Influenza Division.

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Surveilling wetlands for infectious bird flu -- and finding it - Science Daily

China detects bird flu virus in duck feathers exported from Bangladesh – The Financial Express BD

November 21, 2023

Chinese authorities have detected bird flu virus in a batch of washed duck feathers exported from Bangladesh, said sources.

The Bangladesh embassy in Beijing has already notified Dhaka about the detection of "H5 Avian Flu Nucleic Acid" in a batch of washed duck feathers, suggesting scaling up quarantine and supervision measures for export consignments.

Wishing anonymity, a senior commerce ministry official acknowledged the receipt of the letter recently.

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza Type A viruses. These viruses naturally circulate among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to the letter sent by the Bangladesh embassy, the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China has requested Bangladesh to conduct a thorough investigation and provide feedback by December 10, 2023.

The Chinese customs has also recommended that Bangladesh take necessary steps to strengthen quarantine and supervision measures for products exported to China.

The Bangladesh embassy has recommended that the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) take strong measures to ensure the continued export of bird-related products to China.

Referring to the Chinese customs, the letter stated that the unqualified consignment of a Bangladeshi company with the unqualified goods had been destroyed.

A senior official from the commerce ministry confirmed that the ministry has received a letter from the Bangladesh Embassy in China and that the matter has been forwarded to the relevant authorities for further action.

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China detects bird flu virus in duck feathers exported from Bangladesh - The Financial Express BD

Study: Flu vaccination reduces risk of heart attack – University of Minnesota Twin Cities

November 21, 2023

A Texas A&M University survey of US parents finds that 41% already had or would vaccinate their children against COVID-19, 63% against influenza, and 71% against respiratory syncytial virus(RSV) this fall and winter.

The study, published late last week in Vaccine, involved 5,035 parents of children younger than 18 years surveyed on September 27 and 28, 2023.

In total, 40.9% of respondents said they had or would vaccinate their children against COVID-19, while 63.3% said they would do so against flu, and 71.1% said their children would receive the RSV vaccine.

Predictors of intent to vaccinate included concerns about diseases (average marginal effects [AME] for COVID-19, 0.064; AME for flu, 0.060; and AME for RSV 0.048), as well as trust in health institutions (AME for COVID-19, 0.023; AME for flu, 0.010; AME for RSV, 0.028). Parents who had previously vaccinated their children were also more likely to pursue vaccination (AME for COVID-19, 0.176; AME for flu, 0.438; and AME for COVID-19, 0.194).

Relative to men, women were less likely to say they would vaccinate their children against COVID-19 and flu (AME for COVID-19, 0.076; AME for flu, 0.047). Respondents who indicated that vaccines were important were more likely to pursue vaccination for COVID-19 and RSV (AME, 0.097 and 0.072, respectively).

Worries about a link between vaccination and autismwhich studies have disprovenwere statistically significant for only COVID-19 (AME, -0.030). Relative to political conservatives, liberals were more likely to vaccinate against COVID-19 (AME, 0.076).

The large number of unvaccinated children will likely lead to large numbers of excessive disease in children.

Compared with Democrats, Republications were less inclined to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 (AME, -0.060), and Democrats had higher odds of seeking RSV vaccination (AME, 0.151). The most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy were doubts about safety and the need for vaccination and a lack of information.

"The large number of unvaccinated children will likely lead to large numbers of excessive disease in children," the authors wrote.

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Study: Flu vaccination reduces risk of heart attack - University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Avian flu expands across B.C., endangering poultry, birds of prey and other wildlife – CBC.ca

November 21, 2023

British Columbia

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Posted: November 17, 2023

As bird flu devastates a growing number of poultry farms in B.C., wildlife experts are raising the alarm about the deadly virus' impact on wild animals andpossible threat of it turning into another pandemic among humans.

The virus, known as avian influenza or H5N1, has spread to some birds of prey inthe province, as well as skunks, experts say.

One Abbotsford, B.C., wildlife rescuer said her centre has been inundated by calls to help an overwhelming number of birds recently with rigorous disinfecting measures significantly raising costs and workload.

"The symptoms are horrible for these guys, and there's so many dead and dying all over the place," Elizabeth Melnick, founder of Elizabeth's Wildlife Center, told CBC News inside her rescue clinic. "It is really bad."

So far, she's only seen geese and ducks carrying the virus, but the B.C. Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) says the current strain hasbeen seen in skunks, foxesand marine animals.

Little can be done to help birds brought into her care, Melnick noted, except euthanizingthem.

"There's nothing you can do.There's not a treatment," Melnick said. "Just as you get everything all changed and thrown away and sanitized, the phone rings and you've got to start over again.

"It just goes on and on."

WATCH| Avian flu has struck millions of birds across Canada:

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According to the BCCDC, North America's current avian influenza strainis a contagious viral infection that mainly impacts birds "but can infect humans and other mammals."

The agency said itspreads through direct contact with infected animals or remains. But so far, it emphasized, H5N1 has not spread to anyBritish Columbians.

"While avian influenza viruses usually do not infect humans and cannot spread easily from person-to-person, we are monitoring closely," the BCCDC said in a statement Friday.

As the virusspreadsmore widely among birds and mammals, however, the agency said it is being vigilant about"the potential for human exposure," as well as "concernsthat the virus could adapt to infect humans more easily."

The rising number of cases is also alarming for researchers and government officials, who are collaborating and sharing information through the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) a cross-Canada network of experts that also partners withthe country's five veterinary colleges and the British Columbia Animal Health Centre.

While millions of birds have had to be killed, humans have so far been "really lucky," CWHCCEO Damien Jolysaidin an interview from his home in Nanaimo, B.C.

"But every time there's a human that is exposed to this virus, we run another chance of the virus evolving and adapting to be able to spread in humans," the wildlife biologistsaid. "It has that potential."

In addition to its obvious threat to millions of farm poultry and the risk of it mutating into a human pandemic, he saidwildlife researchers are also deeply concerned about wild species at risk.

Although there is no vaccine or cure for infected animals, an experimental immunization has been attempted on endangered California condors one of the raptors so far known to be at risk of infection.

"It's an experiment, so we'll see how it goes," Joly said.

But even if a vaccine is effective"it's just not something that we would be able to to implementon any kind of scale." Instead, the solution is stricter security measures to keep farm animals away from wildlife, he said.

According to the B.C. Poultry Association, a non-profit which represents more than 500 chicken and turkey operations in the province, the virus is spreading quickly.

In just the last month, 32 poultry farms have been hit by the virus affecting chickens, ducks and turkeys. Most are in the Fraser Valley, where migrating waterfowl are often the source.

"We're in peak fall migration right now so as they come through the Fraser Valley, they are spreading the virus," associationspokesperson Amanda Brittainsaid in an interview Friday. "If avian influenza is found on a farm, it is quite devastating."

She said the virus is fatal for all infected birds, and entire flocks must be culled to prevent its spread. Once an infection is reported, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency takes over.

Not only does the farmer lose their entire flock, Brittain said, but all traces of the virus must be eliminated before any new birds can replace the culled ones.

"I can't even describe the devastation of losing all your flock," she said. "It is mentally very difficult and financially challenging.

"Farmers that have not been personally impacted by the virus, their anxiety and stress levels are through the roof as they're trying to keep the virus out of their barns."

But Brittain said that, thanks to rigorous regulations, consumers need not fear catching the virus from poultry on the butcher or grocery shelves.

"I don't want to downplay it for the individual farmer it is devastating but for the average consumer they're not going to see much difference at the grocery store," she said.

Solving the problem is a vexing one for both farmers and wildlife experts.

For rescuers, like Melnick, it's a taxing and seemingly intractable problem.

"I don't know if anybody really knows what the solution is," she said. "Our resources are extremely limited."

David P. Ball is a multimedia journalist with CBC News in Vancouver. He has previously reported for the Toronto Star, Agence France-Presse, The Globe & Mail, and The Tyee, and has won awards from the Canadian Association of Journalists and Jack Webster Foundation. Send story tips or ideas to david.ball@cbc.ca, or contact him via social media (@davidpball).

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Avian flu expands across B.C., endangering poultry, birds of prey and other wildlife - CBC.ca

Global Canine Flu Therapeutics Industry suggests it will attain US … – PharmiWeb.com

November 21, 2023

Canine Flu Therapeutics Industry

The global canine flu therapeutics industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2023 to 2033, reaching a value of US$ 3.06 billion by 2033, while the market is likely to reach a value of US$ 2.04 billion in 2023. The market is driven by a number of factors, including the rising prevalence of canine flu, increasing pet humanization, and growing awareness of the importance of canine healthcare.

Canine flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A viruses. It is transmitted through direct contact with an infected dog or through respiratory droplets. The virus can also survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours, making it easy for dogs to become infected.

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Symptoms of canine flu can include fever, cough, runny nose, lethargy, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, the virus can cause pneumonia and death. Most dogs recover from canine flu within two to three weeks, but some may develop chronic lung problems.

There is no specific treatment for canine flu. Treatment is typically supportive and includes rest, fluids, and medications to relieve symptoms. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent secondary bacterial infections.

The canine flu therapeutics market is expected to grow steadily in the coming years. This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including:

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Key players in the canine flu therapeutics market include:

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A recombinant option for flu pandemic – Deccan Herald

November 21, 2023

A recombinant option for flu pandemicThe inevitability of a future flu pandemic is a grim reality, exacerbated by increasing globalisation, global warming, urbanisation, and mobility.

Last Updated 19 November 2023, 03:48 IST

In 2018, the world marked the centenary of the devastating1918-19 influenza pandemic, which claimed over fifty millionlives. Today, as we grapple with the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issues stark warnings about the looming threat of another influenzapandemic. Recent history bears witness to influenza pandemics in 1957-58, 1968-69, and 2009-2010. The inevitability of a future flupandemic is a grim reality, exacerbated by increasingglobalisation, global warming, urbanisation, and mobility.

These pandemics stem from the influenza virus capacity toinfect multiple species and occasionally recombine, creatingnew infectious strains to which humans have little immunity.

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Heightened concerns about potential human-to-humantransmission arise from increasing H5N1 avian-origininfluenza cases among mammals, (biologically closer tohumans than birds).Influenza pandemic in the future is a real risk, when is the big question, says Dr Sylvie Briand Director of the Pandemicand Epidemic Diseases Department at the World HealthOrganisation.

Influenza viruses have circulated for centuries, causing severe illnesses, particularly among children, the elderly, pregnantwomen, and those with underlying health conditions.Globally, influenza results in an estimated one billion human cases and 2,90,000 to 6,50,000 annual fatalities.

To combat the threat of influenza, Professor RaghavanVaradarajan of the Molecular Biophysics Unit at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) collaborates with Dr GauthamNadig as co-founders of Mynvax. Together, they aredeveloping recombinant vaccines with improved efficacycompared to current vaccines and enhanced breadth ofprotection.

Since 1973, the World Health Organisations Global InfluenzaSurveillance and Response System (GISRS) has defined thecomposition of the seasonal influenza vaccines. Expertconsultations occur biannually in February and September for the Northern and Southern hemispheres respectively, leadingto annual vaccine updates.

When is flu season?

The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) NationalInstitute of Virology (NIV) in Pune, a WHO-designatednational influenza centre, has diligently monitored influenzaand other respiratory infections since 2004. NIV has identified two distinct peaks of influenza activity: one during monsoon(June-September) and another during winter (November-January). Dr Varsha Potdar, Influenza group leader at NIV,reveals that despite Indias northern hemisphere location, cities with temperate seasonality benefit from vaccinations inSeptember-October, while cities experiencing flu peaks duringthe monsoon season, benefit from April-May vaccinations.Traditional flu vaccines rely on an egg-based manufacturing process, used for both inactivated (killed) vaccines (flushots) and live attenuated vaccines (the nasal spray flu vaccine). However, inactivated vaccines developed duringthe Covid pandemic did not stimulate a robust immunogenicresponse. These vaccines lack the virus-killing potentialmediated through a type of white blood cell called TLymphocytes, according to Dr Satyajit Rath, an immunology expert and emeritus professor at the Indian Institute ofScience Education and Research (IISER) in Pune. Professor Jeffrey Almond, a vaccine expert from Oxford,notes that current flu vaccines offer limited protection (around50-60%), contrasting with vaccines for diseases like mumpsand measles, which boast of efficacy rates around 90%. Thislower efficacy contributes to lower vaccine uptake in manycommunities.

Egg-based vaccines, while reliable, face challenges due to themassive quantities of hen eggs required, and this could getmore challenging considering climate change, fears DrShahid Jameel, a noted virologist. Cell culture vaccines, theother vaccine platform, are expensive. Thus, developing arecombinant vaccine based on a single protein that can bescaled up during a pandemic is worth pursuing, pending efficacy studies. Explaining the technology behind their recombinant vaccinedevelopment, Dr Nadig and Prof Varadarajan elaborate thatthey first obtained the virus gene containing the geneticinstructions for making HA (Haemagglutinins). HA is anantigen, a feature of the flu virus, which triggers the humanimmune system to create antibodies that specifically target thevirus.

The HA gene is combined into a baculovirus, a type of virusthat infects invertebrates. This HA-containing baculovirus isused to infect a particular type of insect cell line where itrapidly produces HA antigens in bulk, collected, and purified.

Thus, baculovirus is only used to deliver genetic instructions for making HA antigens in the cell, and the vaccine does notcontain any virus in it.

Dr Satyajit Rath commends Mynvaxs earlier success increating a temperature-stable Covid-19 vaccine formulation,now applied to influenza. A stable vaccine at extremetemperatures would be invaluable from an Indian perspective, states Dr Jameel.

Extensive analysis of 75 years of virus sequences from thedatabase has led to the design of a conserved HA region.Coupled with strategies to enhance antigen yield and the useof an adjuvant (an ingredient used in vaccines to increase the response), this development is expected to result in a moreeffective vaccine.

The developers of the Mynvax vaccine are optimistic about itspotential. Animal studies have demonstrated protectionagainst diverse viruses dating back to 1934. Moreover, therecombinant vaccine overcomes limitations associated with relying on hen eggs, which could face shortages during a pandemic, and with the virus undergoing adaptation in the eggpotentially reducing vaccine efficacy. Phase 1 trials arescheduled to commence in Australia later this year, with phase 2 and 3 trials planned in India for the following year. While a universal influenza vaccine remains a distant goal,achieving an average protective efficacy of about 70-80% against seasonal influenza would be a significantachievement, says Prof Varadarajan.

Prof Almond envisions that a more effective vaccine could boost vaccine production and uptake several billion dosesseasonally, with a market reach of up to 30 to 40 billiondollars, potentially benefiting lower-income countrieseventually.

(The author is a consultant haemato-oncologist with aspecial interest in stem cell transplantation at RoyalWolverhampton NHS Trust, UK. He can be reached at praveen.kaudlay1@nhs.net)

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A recombinant option for flu pandemic - Deccan Herald

Dont Let Your Protection Fade Its not too late – News – Public Health Scotland

November 21, 2023

Those eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines this winter are urged to come forward for vaccination.

With more than one million COVID-19 vaccines administered so far this winter, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is encouraging eligible people to take up the offer of their COVID-19 and flu vaccines as soon as possible.

During the colder winter months when people stay indoors for longer, and in larger groups, there is an increase in the number of people experiencing coughs, colds and flu-like illnesses.

Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself against flu and COVID-19 and we strongly encourage eligible people to take up the vaccination offer now, to help avoid missing out on socialising with friends and family over the peak winter season.

This years winter vaccination programme is focused on protecting those most vulnerable to flu and COVID-19. In particular, people with underlying health conditions, such as heart conditions or liver disease, that put them at greater risk of severe illness from flu and COVID-19. Pregnant women are strongly recommended to take up the vaccines, as these give them and their babies the best possible protection against serious illness from the viruses.

All frontline health and social care workers are eligible for the free flu and COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccines offer protection against the most likely circulating strains.

This weeks Viral respiratory diseases report shows that the winter vaccination programme for 2023 is well underway, with Health Boards across Scotland delivering flu and COVID-19 vaccines at pace to those eligible this season.

While many eligible people have booked their vaccination appointment, those that havent should do so as soon possible. There is now increased availability, so anyone who previously had difficulty getting an appointment on the booking portal is encouraged to please try again. Alternatively, look at whether your local Health Board is running drop-in clinics where an appointment is not necessary.

If you think you may be eligible for either a flu or COVID-19 vaccine this winter (or both) you can check using our self help guide at http://www.nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines and book an appointment.

Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Health Science, PHS said:

"Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and others and were pleased to see so many people coming forward to take up the offer.

"Evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccine protection fades and the flu virus changes over time. The vaccinations offered this season top up your protection against severe illness from COVID-19 and flu.

"Those that have not yet received their vaccinations are encouraged to come forward and make an appointment or check local arrangements. There are a range of vaccination sites available in each Health Board, with some now offering drop-ins too."

Professor Sir Gregor Smith, Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, said:

"Flu and COVID-19 can still be serious, and can result in hospitalisation. The vaccines are the best protection we have against the viruses, and its important that all those who are eligible get vaccinated as soon as possible. This is especially true for pregnant women and people with underlying conditions, who are at increased risk from the viruses.

"Anyone who is eligible and who hasnt yet been contacted about their vaccines can book an appointment using the online booking portal or by calling the vaccination helpline. If you are unsure about your eligibility, or that of your child, you can use the self-help guide on NHS inform. If youve been given an appointment for a time, date or location that doesnt suit, you can also use the online portal to book a more suitable appointment.

"The flu virus changes every year and protection from the COVID-19 vaccine fades over time, so its important you get the winter vaccines when offered. Id like to thank everyone who has already come forward for vaccination and would urge all those who are eligible and have still to be vaccinated to ensure they are protected ahead of winter.

Justine Craig, Chief Midwifery Officer for Scotland, said:

"If youre pregnant, youre eligible for both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines this winter. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended in pregnancy by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and the Royal College of Midwives.

"The vaccines are the best way to help protect pregnant women and their babies against the known risks of flu and COVID-19 in pregnancy. They can be given at any stage during pregnancy and are safe if youre planning on breastfeeding.

"If you need information about the winter vaccines, you can speak to your midwife, who will also be able to advise you on how to get vaccinated."

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Dont Let Your Protection Fade Its not too late - News - Public Health Scotland

Crying fowl: As Thanksgiving nears, bird flu outbreaks keep farmers … – Greensboro News & Record

November 21, 2023

JOSH FUNK Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. Nearly five million chickens, turkeys and other birds have been slaughtered this year because of a persistent bird flu outbreak that began in 2022, but as big as that number may sound, its far less than the number of birds killed last year which means consumers aren't seeing as much impact on poultry and egg prices.

The 4.6 million birds killed this year compares to the nearly 58 million birds the U.S. Department of Agriculture said were slaughtered last year in the first year of the outbreak. While that decline is welcome news, the fact that infections continue is a worrisome indication that unlike earlier outbreaks, the current virus has found a way to survive through the summers, and poultry will likely always be at risk of the disease.

The key problem with bird flu is that the highly contagious virus is spread easily by wild birds through droppings and nasal discharges, and it mutates over time. Despite the best efforts of farmers, it is hard to keep the virus out.

The industry is definitely on really high alert, said veterinarian Denise Heard with the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association trade group.

As geese and ducks have started to head south for the winter, cases of bird flu have predictably begun popping up primarily at farms in Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota along one of the major flyways for migrating birds. Most of those cases involve only tens of thousands of birds, but 1.2 million birds at one Iowa egg farm and another 940,000 chickens at one Minnesota egg farm had to be slaughtered last week after the disease was found.

Still, only a small portion of the total flock nationwide has been affected this year, allowing prices to fall closer to where they were before the outbreak began.

Egg prices peaked at a nationwide average of $4.82 per dozen in January more than double the $1.93 per dozen charged a year earlier before the first bird flu case was confirmed in Indiana in February of 2022. They remained at $2.07 per dozen last month, according to new numbers released Tuesday.

Turkey and chicken prices also spiked over the past two years, but bird flu wasn't the only factor as feed, fuel and labor costs also soared as part of the widespread inflation that weighed on the entire economy.

The average price per pound of a whole chicken has climbed pretty steadily since it was at $1.62 in January 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics latest consumer price data. But it was only at $1.93 per pound in October, up from $1.86 a year ago. Chickens raised for meat haven't been hit as hard by bird flu because that industry is focused in the southeast where there haven't been as many cases, and because those chickens don't live as long before they're killed for meat so there's less chance of infection.

Retail turkey prices aren't tracked the same way, but USDA reports show that wholesale frozen turkey prices averaged $1.15 per pound in October, down from last year's $1.79 per pound and the previous year's $1.35 per pound. And many of this year's turkeys are already in cold storage, so even if more turkey farms get hit by the virus the current holiday supply won't be affected.

Plus, as the National Turkey Federation trade group points out, many retailers like to discount turkey prices heavily in the hopes that consumers will buy the rest of their Thanksgiving fixings at their stores, so consumers might find even lower prices.

Were in a really good spot for Thanksgiving turkeys, said Jada Thompson, an agricultural economist at the University of Arkansas. I think there should be a lot of relief coming in the holiday season.

A combination of factors contributed to the sharp drop in bird flu cases this year. Perhaps the most important is that the number of virus cases the USDA has been finding among wild birds has dropped precipitously, suggesting that some ducks and geese may be developing immunity. But farmers also redoubled efforts to keep the virus from infecting their flocks by tightening up biosecurity practices.

Farmers have gone to great lengths by requiring workers to shower and change clothes before entering barns, sanitizing trucks that enter a farm and investing in separate sets of tools for every barn. Some farms have even upgraded barn ventilation and installed laser systems to discourage wild birds from congregating.

The biggest thing, of course, that we would stress from here is biosecurity, biosecurity, biosecurity, Heard said.

The USDA says the response to the outbreak has cost the government $757 million so far with most of that going to compensate farmers who have to destroy their flocks. Agriculture economists estimate that the industry has also suffered at least another $1 billion in damages from lost sales and other costs though the total cost to the industry hasn't been tallied up.

This outbreak is more widespread than the last big one in 2015 that killed about 50 million chickens and turkeys in 15 states, but it remains less costly as the industry and government apply the lessons learned from that experience.

Officials say bird flu doesnt represent a significant health threat. Human cases are extremely rare and none of the infected birds are allowed into the nations food supply. Properly cooking poultry and eggs to 165 degrees Fahrenheit will also kill any viruses.

Bird flu vaccines are being developed and might help in the future, but at this point they remain impractical. Export markets might not accept vaccinated birds, every bird would have to get shots individually and costly testing would be needed.

Its not economically feasible right now. And not just from the trade aspects, but just for the whole administration of it to the surveillance of it and the cost of all of that, said John Clifford, who advises the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council on trade issues as the former chief veterinary officer for the United States.

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Crying fowl: As Thanksgiving nears, bird flu outbreaks keep farmers ... - Greensboro News & Record

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