H1N1 News

H1n1 In The News

• Key Peptides Identified That Could Lead To A Universal Vaccine For Influenza - Researchers at the University of Southampton, University of Oxford and Retroscreeen Virology Ltd have discovered a series of peptides, found on the internal structures of influenza viruses that could lead to the development of a universal vaccine for influenza, one that gives people immunity against all strains of the disease, including seasonal, avian, and swine flu. Influenza, an acute viral infection, affects hundreds of thousands of people a year and puts an enormous strain on healthcare providers globally... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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• Researchers identify key peptides that could lead to a universal vaccine for influenza - (University of Southampton) Researchers at the University of Southampton, University of Oxford and Retroscreen Virology Ltd have discovered a series of peptides, found on the internal structures of influenza viruses that could lead to the development of a universal vaccine for influenza, one that gives people immunity against all strains of the disease, including seasonal, avian, and swine flu. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)
• A case of novel swine influenza A (H1N1) pneumonia complicated with virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome - Abstract  Influenza related to complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis have sporadically been reported. However, influenza A (H1N1)-virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS) has rarely been reported. A 39-year old woman complained of high fever and was referred to us. Chest infiltrations in both lungs and a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for novel swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) specimen was confirmed and she was diagnosed with influenza A (H1N1) pneumonia. Pancytopenia was found, and hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) was diagnosed by bone marrow aspiration. Following intravenous administration of antiflu drug and combination therapy of steroid pulse and erythromycin IV, the patient’s respiratory dysfunction a...
• Older adults may be vulnerable to new swine flu virus - There may be a lot more vulnerability in the population to a new swine influenza virus than was first thought, new Canadian research suggests. (Source: CTV Health)
• Cross-reactive antibody to swine influenza A(H3N2) subtype virus in children and adults before and after immunisation with 2010/11 trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in Canada, August to November 2010 - (Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

US Government Feed

• WHO Landmark Global Agreement on Flu Virus Sharing Improves Global Preparedness for Influenza Pandemics - After a week of negotiations continued through Friday night and into Saturday morning, an open-ended working-group meeting of Member States successfully agreed upon a framework to ensure that in a pandemic, influenza virus samples will be shared with partners who need the information to take steps to protect public health.
• U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)Funds Advanced Development of New Influenza Antiviral - A contract has been awarded to develop a long-acting single-dose antiviral drug for use in the United States, the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) announced today.
• New Consumer-Focused Immunization Website, www.vaccines.gov - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today unveiled an innovative new website to help parents and other consumers learn about the most effective way to protect themselves and their children from infectious diseases and learn about immunization.
• Guidance for the Prevention and Control of Influenza in the Peri- and Postpartum Settings - Guidance for the Prevention and Control of Influenza in the Peri- and Postpartum Settings
• Research Shows Single Change in H1N1 Virus Makes the Virus Bind More Easily to Human Cells and Transmits the Virus More Efficiently in Ferrets - The 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus continues to circulate among the human population as the predominant H1N1 subtype.

UN Feed

• Influenza update - 03 June 2011
• Influenza update - 20 May 2011
• Influenza update - 06 May 2011
• Influenza update - 21 April 2011
• Influenza update - 08 April 2011

Medical News

• Panel Speaks Out on Flu Censorship Controversy - The recommendation to redact two studies on the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus was “unprecedented” in the life sciences, according to the panel of scientists who made the suggestion.
• Bird Flu Research Debate Leaves Docs Up in the Air - What should be done about controversial research on the H5N1 avian flu that some think should be suppressed and others think has important benefits that should be pursued?
• Time in ER Sends Infection Back to Nursing Home - An emergency department visit may triple the risk of respiratory and GI infections for nursing home residents, researchers found.
• Flu Researchers Will Halt Controversial Studies for 60 Days - Scientists involved in controversial influenza research say they'll halt such studies for 60 days to allow discussion of how their findings should be reported.
• New Analysis Challenges Tamiflu Efficacy - A new review of the influenza drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu) has raised questions about both the efficacy of the medication and the commitment of its maker to supply enough data for claims about the drug to be evaluated by independent experts.