Flu Vaccine May Protect Against Guillain-Barré Syndrome
A new simulation study that evaluated the relationship between Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) risk and influenza vaccine and illness suggests that the vaccine reduces the risk for GBS.
Influenza Detection Test Receives FDA CLIA Waiver
The Alere i influenza A and B test developed and marketed by Alere Inc. has been granted a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waiver by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Study Outlines Barriers to and Facilitators of Flu Vaccine Decisions
According to the 2013 National HealthInterview Survey, the most recent report used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 29.6 percent of adults ages 18 to 48 receive the flu vaccine, and that number increases to 46.5 percent for adults ages 50 to 64and 67.9 percent for adults over 68.
Influenza Often Overlooked with Bacterial Coinfection
A new study has found that many influenza-positive patients, including those with high-risk conditions, go undiagnosed in favor of a diagnosis of bacterial disease coinfection.
2014-15 Flu Vaccine Efficacy Low, But Still Recommended
At the end of February, the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention (CDC)reported that the 2014-15 seasonal influenza vaccine was just 18 percent effective against the dominant strain of flu.
CDC Announces Recent Flu Season Numbers
The Centers for Disease Control andPrevention (CDC) has released the nation’s numbers for the 2013-2014 influenza season, which show Americans were hit particularly hard due to the return of the H1N1 virus that caused the 2009 swine flu pandemic.
Origin of Deadlines of 1918 Flu Virus Is Found
Researchers at the University of Arizona say they may have discovered both the origin of the influenza pandemic of 1918 that left 50 million dead worldwide.
Flu Vaccine May Work Better in Women
New research shows that women have a stronger immune response than men when given the flu vaccine, which may mean vaccinated women are better protected against catching the flu than vaccinated men.
Flu Vaccine Decreases Risk of Premature or Low-Birth-Weight Babies
A Canadian study showed that pregnant women who are vaccinated against the flu are significantly less likely to deliver premature or low-birth-weight babies compared with unvaccinated expectant mothers.
Climates Associated with Seasonal Flu Epidemics
Two types of environmental conditions — cold-dry and humid-rainy — are associated with seasonal influenza epidemics, according to an epidemiological study led by researchers at the National Institutes of Health’s Fogarty International Center.
