Flu

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an infectious disease of birds and mammals caused by an RNA virus of the family Orthomyxoviridae, the influenza viruses. In people, common symptoms of influenza are fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, and weakness and fatigue.

Flu articles

Cholesterol lowering drugs statins may help hospitalized influenza patients
The two main ways to prevent and control influenza today are annual immunization and antiviral drugs. A team of investigators has found that statins, cholesterol-lowering drugs, may offer an additional treatment to complement these approaches and reduce mortality among patients hospitalized with influenza.

10% of ADHD patients linked to GMR gene variants
Pediatric researchers analyzing genetic influences in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have found alterations in specific genes involved in important brain signaling pathways.

People with early Alzheimer's disease may have lower BMI
People in the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease are more likely to have a lower body mass index (BMI). A new study examined 506 people with advanced brain imaging techniques and analyses of cerebrospinal fluid to look for biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, which can be present years before the first symptoms begin.

Financial reimbursement increases cardiac stress tests in patients
Financial reimbursement and ownership of cardiac imaging equipment appears to influence physicians' use of cardiac stress testing. The study finds that doctors who are reimbursed for both performing the test using their equipment and then interpreting the results were 50 to 100 percent more likely to order cardiac imaging tests on their patients than those who don't bill the fees.

Chloroflouorocarbons OTC asthma inhalers will no longer be made or sold in US
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says users of epinephrine inhalers containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) should plan now to get a prescription for a replacement product because these inhalers will not be made or sold after Dec_31, 2011.

Bird Flu rears its head again
UN FAO recently urged heightened readiness and surveillance against a possible major resurgence of the H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza amid signs that a mutant strain of the deadly Bird Flu virus is spreading in Asia and beyond, with unpredictable risks to human health.

mChip can revolutionize medical care around the world
New low-cost diagnostics like the mChip can revolutionize medical care around the world, revealed by researcher in US. Microfluidics-the manipulation of small amounts of fluids-and nanoparticles can be successfully leveraged to produce a functional low-cost diagnostic device in extreme resource-limited settings.

Genetic changes may lead to Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer
Mutations in three genes have been identified that are more prevalent in patients with esophageal cancer and Barrett esophagus, a premalignant metaplasia (change in cells or tissue) caused by chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), according to preliminary research reported in the July 27 issue of JAMA.

16 month olds infer causes of failed actions
Using a very small amount of statistical information, 16-month-old infants can distinguish between the influence of their own actions and the impact of the outside world, new research concludes. The findings, published in this week's journal Science, give researchers insight into how infants integrate prior knowledge with a handful of statistical data to make accurate inferences about the causes of a failed action.

Social status affects the way our brains respond to others
Our own social status influences the way our brains respond to others of higher or lower rank, according to a new study reported online on April_28 in Current Biology, a Cell Press publication.

Swine flu vaccine causing sudden sleep disorder narcolepsy in children
A swine flu vaccine which has been given to thousands of children in Britain may cause the sleep disorder narcolepsy. Symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness and nodding off suddenly without warning.

Potential Alzheimer's disease diagnostic test using spinal fluid
Researchers at the University of Kentucky are working on a potential diagnostic test for Alzheimer's disease, based on biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid.

New GM-SCF therapy to defeating flu shows promise
New research on mice has shown that pulmonary administration of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) significantly reduces flu symptoms and prevents death after a lethal dose influenza virus.

Stem cells take cues from CSF fluid in brain
Proteins in fluids bathing the brain are essential for building the brain, revealed by researchers in the journal Neuron. The finding promises to advance research related to neurological disease, cancer and stem cells.

New treatment for severe 2009 H1N1 infection
Convalescent plasma therapy-using plasma from patients who have recovered from an infection to treat those with the same infection-has been used to treat multiple diseases.

Preventing future bird flu epidemics - GM chickens
Chickens genetically modified to prevent them spreading bird flu have been produced by researchers at the Universities of Cambridge and Edinburgh. They developed a new gene coding that controls bird flu virus progress.

Incontinence after prostate surgery reduced with behavioral therapy
For men with incontinence for at least one year following radical prostatectomy, participation in a behavioral training program that included pelvic floor muscle training, bladder control strategies and fluid management, resulted in a significant reduction in the number of incontinence episodes.

Protein hydrolysate based infant formulas found better
New findings from the Monell Center reveal that weight gain of formula-fed infants is influenced by the type of formula the infant is consuming. Commonly available infant formulas are cow's milk-based, soy-based and protein hydrolysate-based.

Walnuts and walnut oil can reduce cholesterol and blood pressure
A diet rich in walnuts and walnut oil (containing polyunsaturated fats) may prepare the body to deal better with stress, also influence blood pressure at rest and under stress.

HIV virus hides in the brain
Studies of the spinal fluid of patients given anti-HIV drugs have resulted in new findings suggesting that the brain can act as a hiding place for the HIV virus.

Immune responses during pregnancy linked to schizophrenia among offspring
Infections like the flu are common occurrences during pregnancy, and research has shown that children born to mothers who suffered from flu, viruses and other infections during pregnancy have about a 1.5 to 7 times increased risk for schizophrenia.

New docs linked to death spike in July
Are new medical residents a threat to patient health? According to sociology professor David Phillips and his student Gwendolyn Barker from the University of California, San Diego, fatal medication errors peak in July in counties with teaching hospitals, which coincides with the yearly influx of new medical residents who are given increased responsibility for patient care.

New target for antidepressants for depression and anxiety
University of Michigan scientists have provided the most detailed picture yet of a key receptor in the brain that influences the effectiveness of serotonin-related antidepressants, such as Prozac.

Long term use of heartburn drugs linked to fractures
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers and health care professionals about a possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine with high doses or long-term use of a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors.

Universal influenza vaccine possible in future
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have developed a new influenza vaccine that brings science one step closer to a universal influenza vaccine that would eliminate the need for seasonal flu shots.

Symptom patterns differ between pandemic, seasonal flu in Singapore
In a tropical environment, influenza A(H1N1) appeared milder than seasonal flu, was less likely to cause fever and upset stomach and more likely to infect younger individuals, according to a report in the May 24 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

H1N1 may cause serious health risks for pregnant women
Pregnant women who contract the H1N1 flu strain are at risk for obstetrical complications including fetal distress, premature delivery, emergency cesarean delivery and fetal death, according to a report in the May 24 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Fluctuating blood pressure increases cerebrovascular disease risk
The risk of cerebrovascular diseases appears to be higher among individuals with fluctuating blood pressure in addition to high blood pressure, according to a report in the May issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Ulcer medicines may lead to infections and fractures
Proton pump inhibitors, medications that suppress acid in the stomach, appear to be associated with fractures in postmenopausal women and bacterial infections in many patients, and higher doses do not appear any more beneficial for treating bleeding ulcers.

Drug resistant tuberculosis now at record levels, says WHO
In some areas of the world, one in four people with tuberculosis (TB) becomes ill with a form of the disease that can no longer be treated with standard drugs regimens, a World Health Organization (WHO) report says.

Virus hybridization could create pandemic bird flu
Genetic interactions between avian H5N1 influenza and human seasonal influenza viruses have the potential to create hybrid strains combining the virulence of bird flu with the pandemic ability of H1N1, according to a new study.

Vaccinate against H1N1 Flu and Seasonal Flu
It is not too late for those who have not been immunized against the novel H1N1 influenza A virus or seasonal influenza to protect themselves from a potentially serious and possibly fatal illness.

Do not rely upon kitchen spoons when measuring liquid medicine
A new research led by Dr. Brian Wansink, director of the Cornell Food and Brand Lab, shows we should not rely upon kitchen spoons when measuring liquid medicine. The study shows we pour too little or too much medicine, depending on spoon size.

Insect cells provide the key to alternative swine flu vaccination
Scientists in Vienna have developed a new technique for producing vaccines for H1N1, 'swine flu', based on insect cells. The research, published today in the Biotechnology Journal, reveals how influenza vaccines can be produced faster than through the traditional method of egg-based production, revealing a new strategy for the fight against influenza pandemics.

H1N1 influenza severity linked to Streptococcus pneumoniae
The presence of the Streptococcus pneumoniae in samples that can be easily obtained in clinics and emergency rooms may predict risk of severe disease in H1N1 pandemic influenza.

Children more likely to catch swine flu or pandemic H1N1 virus
Young people aged under 18 years are more likely than adults to catch swine flu from an infected person in their household, revealed by researchers in a recent study.

H1N1 vaccine clinics open to all, Oklahoma
The Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD) is offering extended hours and days for both H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccinations at the main building at 921 NE 23rd Street in Oklahoma City.

Human protein may prevent H1N1 influenza infection
Howard Hughes Medical Institute researchers have identified a naturally occurring human protein that helps prevent infection by H1N1 influenza and other viruses, including West Nile and dengue virus.

H1N1 vaccination to include all patients in Pennsylvania, US
Certified healthcare providers who have already immunized patients most at risk of complications from the H1N1 flu virus may now offer the vaccine to anyone who wants it, the Department of Health announced today.

H1N1 flu toll rose to 92 in Pune, India
H1N1 swine flu toll in the Pune city of Maharashtra state in India rose to 92 after a nearly 6 month pregnant woman succumbed to the H1N1 flu infection in a hospital last night.

H1N1 Flu Vaccine to all Illinoisans, US
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold announced that beginning Tuesday, December_15, 2009, all Illinoisans will be eligible to receive an H1N1 flu vaccination.

177 new cases of H1N1 flu, 4 schools shut in Delhi
H1N1 flu or swine flu cases are continued to rise in New Delhi, capital of India. 177 people were tested positive for the H1N1 virus.

Kalbitor, ecallantide, approved for treating hereditary angioedema
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Kalbitor (ecallantide) to treat sudden and potentially life-threatening fluid buildup that can occur in people with a rare genetic condition known as hereditary angioedema (HAE).

Novartis' Agriflu seasonal influenza vaccine approved in US
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Agriflu for people ages 18 years and older to prevent disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and B.

Novartis inaugurates influenza vaccine manufacturing facility
Novartis inaugurated the US's first ever large-scale flu cell culture vaccine and adjuvant manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, North Carolina.

Human swine influenza virus mutation found
The Hong Kong's Public Health Laboratory Service Branch (PHLSB) had detected one human swine influenza (HSI) virus which had the same mutation as the one detected in Norway recently.

Measuring and modeling blood flow in malaria
When people have malaria, they are infected with Plasmodium parasites, which enter the body from the saliva of a mosquito, infect cells in the liver, and then spread to red blood cells.

Safety of pandemic H1N1 vaccines monitored by WHO
WHO estimates that around 80 million doses of pandemic vaccine have been distributed and around 65 million people have been vaccinated. National immunization campaigns began in Australia and the People's Republic of China in late September.

Asthma complicates H1N1 in children
Asthma is a significant risk factor for severe disease in children with pandemic H1N1 compared with the seasonal flu, revealed by Canadian researchers.

Previous seasonal flu infections may provide H1N1 immunity
Previous influenza infections may provide at least some level of immunity to the H1N1 "swine" flu, revealed by researchers at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology, US.

Prevacid clinically proven to treat frequent heartburn
Novartis announced the availability of Prevacid 24HR (lansoprazole delayed-release capsules 15 mg/acid reducer) over-the-counter in pharmacies and retail stores across the US to treat frequent heartburn.

New H1N1 flu cases reduced in UK
The number of estimated new swine flu cases has fallen significantly in the past week, the Health Protection Agency has announced. The consultation rate for flu-like illness in England from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) scheme decreased to 36.0 per 100,000 in week 45 compared to 37.7 in week 44.

H1N1 vaccines to include infants and children
US FDA has approved the use of the CSL Limited's 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine to include children ages 6 months and older. This vaccine was previously approved only for use in adults, ages 18 years and older.

Many parents, high priority adults didn't get H1N1 vaccine
In US, majority of adults who tried to get the H1N1 vaccine for themselves or their children have been unable to do so, revealed in a poll from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH).

H1N1 hospitalization can occur at all ages
In contrast with some common perceptions regarding 2009 influenza A(H1N1) infections, an examination of cases in California indicates that hospitalization and death can occur at all ages. About 30 percent of hospitalized cases have been severe enough to require treatment in an intensive care unit.

H1N1 flu vaccination begins for school children in US
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in the 2009 H1N1 press conference that H1N1 2009 vaccine levels are increasing but are still short of expected levels.

WHO reviewed pandemic vaccine policies and strategies
The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization, which advises WHO on policies and strategies for vaccines and immunization, devoted a session of its 27–29 October meeting to pandemic influenza vaccines.

H1N1 virus pandemic lessons shared by Australia and New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand sharing the lessons learned in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) across these two countries on the impact of the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. The information being shared with countries in the Northern Hemisphere to help them prepare for their upcoming flu season.

Eight more H1N1 flu deaths, toll reaches 359 in India
Influenza A H1N1 claimed eight more lives across the country raising the total number of deaths to 359 till now. And 185 fresh H1N1 flu cases have been reported, reaching to 11253 positive cases of swine flu in India.

Americans would not take an H1N1 flu vaccine
A new survey hinted that the majority of Americans would not take an H1N1 flu vaccine or drug additive authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration.

H1N1 vaccine Focetria receives positive opinion from CHMP
Novartis announced that Focetria, the Novartis Influenza A(H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine, has received a positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA).

Pregnant women should get flu shots
Pregnant women should be sure to get all their flu shots as soon as the vaccines become available this year to protect them against both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 (swine) flu.

H1N1 flu vaccines to be used in 2010 influenza season
Pandemic influenza A H1N1 viruses are becoming much more common than the current seasonal influenza. WHO health experts have recommended that vaccines for use in the 2010 influenza season (southern hemisphere winter) contain the following:

H1N1 flu drug Fluvir available in India
Fluvir -- the first anti-swine flu Influenza A H1N1 Oseltamivir drug is launched in the retail markets in India. Till date H1N1 virus has claimed 257 lives and affected 8,153 people in the country.

H1N1 flu vaccine donations for developing world
WHO applauds and welcomes the announcement of donations of pandemic H1N1 vaccine made by the United States of America, in concert with Australia, Brazil, France, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

New research could dramatically reduce spread of swine flu
The spread of swine flu and other infectious diseases could be dramatically reduced by revolutionising the way that the places we live in are designed and built.

2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines in healthy adults - early results
There are encouraging reports emerging from various clinical trials of 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines, conducted by various vaccine manufacturers. Additional companies are expected to announce their preliminary trial results shortly.

H1N1 flu vaccine could control swine flu pandemic
An aggressive vaccination program that first targets children and ultimately reaches 70 percent of the U.S. population would mitigate pandemic influenza H1N1 that is expected this fall, revealed by researchers.

Eating late night snack causes weight gain, obesity
Eating at irregular times - the equivalent of the middle of the night for humans, when the body wants to sleep - influences weight gain, revealed by researchers at the Northwestern University.

Homeopathy Arsenic 30 preventive for H1N1 flu, says CCRH
The Indian Department of AYUSH (alternative systems) has released a press note suggesting use of Arsenic alba 30 one dose for three consecutive days as preventive for Swine flu.

iPhone locates H1N1 swine flu and infectious diseases
A new iPhone application, created by researchers at Children's Hospital Boston in collaboration with the MIT Media Lab, enables users to track and report outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as H1N1 (swine flu), on the ground in real time.

Swine flu cases decreasing in UK
The weekly number of new swine flu or Influenza A H1N1 cases in the UK continues to fall, the Chief Medical Officer said in his latest pandemic flu update. Sir Liam Donaldson said that in the week to August 27 there were an estimated 5,000 new infections, down from 11,000 the week before.

Homeopathy medicines and H1N1 - a rational approach needed
H1N1 numbers are increasing in India, and a new picture is emerging of its spread. The cumulative laboratory confirmed deaths reported by the Indian Govt as on 26th August 2009 is 75.

US to improve monitoring for H1N1
A Presidential advisory group of the US' leading scientists and engineers released a new report assessing the Obama Administration's preparations for this fall's expected resurgence of 2009-H1N1 flu and outlining key steps officials can take in the coming weeks and months to minimize the disease's impact on the nation.

New learning guidance in case of Flu outbreak, US
US Department of Education is suggesting to help education stakeholders start planning and acting now for the impact that seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza could have this fall and winter on schools and the learning process.

CDC guidelines for seasonal and swine flu vaccines questioned
With the seasonal flu season approaching and uncertainty over whether swine flu will become more severe, new research published by Yale School of Public Health has found that more people are likely to avoid illness if vaccines are given out first to those most likely to transmit viruses, rather than to those at highest risk for complications.

Microneedle patch would replace injections and needles
An array of microneedles could be coated with medicine and act as a painless drug delivery system for flu vaccines, diseases of the eye and more, revealed by researchers.

India H1N1 flu update - 1927 positive for H1N1 virus
Health screening of passengers coming from affected countries is continuing in 22 International airports. 42,024 passengers have been screened on 16.8.2009 of which 30,644 passengers were from affected countries.

Is influenzinum right homeopathic remedy for H1N1 flu?
There is no doubt that swine flu or Influenza A H1N1 cases are rising in India. Most worrying point is that number of deaths from swine flu also increasing suddenly inspite of all screenings at airports and sea-ports.

Swine flu vaccine trials under way, UK
UK's first swine flu vaccine trials, led by the University of Leicester and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, are taking place at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Avian influenza increases Parkinson's disease risk
At least one strain of the H5N1 avian influenza virus leaves survivors at significantly increased risk for Parkinson's disease and possibly other neurological problems later in life, according to new research from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

New decisions for tackling H1N1 in India
Indian Minister for Health and Family Welfare reviewed the situation of the Influenza A H1N1 outbreak in the country. The Cabinet Secretary also attended the review meeting.

Update on Influenza a H1N1 in India
Health screening of passengers coming from affected countries is continuing in 22 International airports. 42,103 passengers have been screened on 9.8.2009 of which 34,366 passengers were from affected countries.

Another test for 2009 H1N1 influenza virus
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for a another diagnostic test for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, whose spread has caused the virus to be characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization.

Genetic link to placebo response in depression
In people suffering from major depressive disorder, depression or MDD, genes that influence the brain's reward pathways may modulate the response to placebos, revealed by researchers.

Fish and Omega 3 decreases dementia risk in older people
Experts estimate that over 24 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, and many of these people live in low- and middle-income countries. Recently, there has been growing interest in whether dietary factors, particularly oily fish and meat, might influence the onset and/or severity of dementia.

US to launch clinical trials to test 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine
Scientists in a network of medical research institutions across the United States are set to begin a series of clinical trials to gather critical data about influenza vaccines, including two candidate H1N1 flu vaccines.

Biomarkers may help predict risk of Alzheimer's disease
Several cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers showed good accuracy in identifying patients with mild cognitive impairment who progressed to Alzheimer's disease, revealed by US researchers in JAMA.

Seasonal influenza vaccine for 2009-2010 approved by US
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it has approved a vaccine for 2009-2010 seasonal influenza in the United States. The seasonal influenza vaccine will not protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.

298 positive for Influenza A H1N1 recorded in India
Health screening of passengers coming from affected countries to India is continuing in 22 International airports. 50,858 passengers have been screened on 18.7.2009 of which 40,675 passengers were from affected countries.

Influenza patients may get Shionogi's Peramivir soon
BioCryst Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: BCRX) announced positive results from two Phase 3 studies of intravenous (i.v.) peramivir in patients with seasonal influenza.

$884 million to purchase H1N1 vaccine, US
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that the health department will commit $884 million to purchase additional supplies of two key ingredients for potential H1N1 vaccine to further prepare the nation for a potential resurgence of the 2009 H1N1 virus.

US preparing for fall flu season and H1N1 virus
In US, the Obama Administration sent a strong message to the nation that it is time to start planning and preparing for the fall flu season and the ongoing H1N1 flu outbreak.

Influenza a H1N1 update - 158 cases in India
Health screening of passengers coming from affected countries is continuing in 22 International airports. 45,107 passengers have been screened on 7.7.2009 of which 34,233 passengers were from affected countries. 224 doctors and 112 paramedics are manning 81 counters at these airports.

Sanofi's Multaq approved to treat heart rhythm disorder, US
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Sanofi's Multaq tablets (dronedarone) to help maintain normal heart rhythms in patients with a history of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter (heart rhythm disorders or arrhythmia).

India got 4 new cases of H1N1 today
Health screening of passengers coming from affected countries is continuing in 22 International airports in India. 51,648 passengers have been screened on 27.6.2009 of which 39,181 passengers were from affected countries.

Swine influenza a H1N1 - 80 cases in India
Health screening of passengers coming from affected countries is continuing in 22 International airports in India. 51,140 passengers have been screened on 25.6.2009 of which 29,550 passengers were from affected countries.

Michael Jackson King of Pop passed away
Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture.

4 new cases in Delhi, 1 in Mumbai, 1 in Pune, India
63 swine influenza cases are notified in India till date. Health screening of passengers coming from affected countries is continuing in 22 International airports. 44691 passengers have been screened on 21.6.2009.

59 tested positive for Influenza A H1N1, India
Health screening of passengers coming from affected countries is continuing in 21 International airports. 46661 passengers have been screened on 20.6.2009.

100 Flu articles listed above.

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What is Flu
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an infectious disease of birds and mammals caused by an RNA virus of the family Orthomyxoviridae, the influenza viruses. In people, common symptoms of influenza are fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, and weakness and fatigue.

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