Frontpage
|

"Seqirus Media Monitoring" 9th Jan 2019

Seqirus mentions

No News Recorded

Industry News
Report: Flu shot more effective than nasal spray
Flu season is picking up and new research says getting a flu shot is more effective than the nasal spray. Researchers used previous studies for their report and found that the shot is about 51-percent effective, while the nasal spray is only about 26-percent effective. The CDC urges anyone over 6 months old who hasn't been vaccinated to get the shot right away.
New Drug May Be Hard to Get as Flu Season Heats Up
The number of US states reporting high influenza like illness activity doubled during the week ending December 29, and a spot-check of major drug chains revealed that only one had a recently approved antiviral medication in stock. Baloxavir may be difficult to obtain, based on telephone calls to major drug chains in six locations last week, according to a report by WebMD. Of stores in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, Minneapolis, Atlanta, and Kankakee, Illinois, the store in Minneapolis was the only one that had baloxavir in stock.
Novavax: Positive Phase II NovaFlu Results Make The Stock Undervalued
Novavax reported top-line phase II clinical trial results of its phase II NanoFlu clinical study on January 3, 2019. All formulations of NanoFlu reported strong immune responses to the several strains, while Matrix-M adjuvant resulted in better immune responses compared to the unadjuvanted formulation. Novavax is well positioned to disrupt the global flu vaccine market with its NanoFlu product. It shows significantly better results than traditional egg-based vaccines on the market.
Novavax Announces Positive Phase 2 NanoFlu Results in Older Adults
Novavax announced recently of top-line results of its Phase 2 clinical trial of NanoFlu. The trial compared the safety and immune responses of various quadrivalent formulations of NanoFlu, with or without Novavax’ Matrix-M adjuvant, with two U.S.-licensed influenza vaccines in 1,375 healthy adults 65 years of age and older. As Novavax previously announced, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration acknowledged that the accelerated approval pathway may be available for NanoFlu
Flu vaccine could save lives of people with heart failure
A new study by University of Copenhagen in Denmark has examined just how much of an impact a flu shot can have on the survival rate of people diagnosed with heart failure. “While this research only looked at patients with newly diagnosed heart failure, the protection from a flu shot likely benefits any patient with heart failure.” said cardiologist Daniel Modin.
Pandemic Influenza News
Close flu vaccine supply gaps to ease flu seasons, make pandemics less deadly
U.S. flu vaccine distribution logistics could use an update, according to Pinar Keskinocak. The researcher at the Georgia Institute of Technology co-led a recent study that compared the current approach with a proposed allocation method calculated to save many more lives in a pandemic. The study's main recommendation, which applies to resupplying vaccine stocks during a running outbreak, boils down to this: To put a bigger dent in the spread of flu, replenish vaccine stocks in regions where they are being used up and don't replenish them in areas where vaccines are just sitting on shelves because few people are getting flu shots there.
Academic studies
Hospitalized Patients Can Safely Receive Flu Vaccine
Hospitalized patients who received the flu vaccine had no increased risk of outpatient visits or hospital readmission within seven days of discharge, according to a Kaiser Permanente study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. The study also showed that vaccinating hospital patients did not increase the risk of fever or rates of laboratory evaluations for infection. It also showed that the vast majority of patients who were not vaccinated during their hospital stay remained unvaccinated for the full flu season.
Clinician Perspective: The Benefit of Prompting Patients into Flu Vaccination
With flu vaccination continuing to be reported at suboptimal rates, researchers are seeking new ways to encourage patients to get vaccinated. One such measure—a recent clinical trial assessing the influence of patient appointment times and an active electronic reminder for scheduling their vaccination on their adherence—looked at a different dimension of the physician-patient vaccination dynamic. In a recent interview with MD Mag, lead author Susan Day, MD, MPH, explained the idea behind her team initiating prompts or “nudges” to providers, which would remind them about the annual flu shot in hopes of improving patient vaccination rates.
Flu shot crucial for those with COPD
If you suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a flu shot can be a lifesaver. But many of the millions with the lung condition don't get it, researchers report. COPD causes inflammation in the lungs and it can flare up when triggered by the flu, making the infection worse, explained lead researcher Dr. Sunita Mulpuru. She is an associate scientist at Ottawa Hospital in Canada.
Pediatric influenza news
This little girl died within 48 hours of showing flu symptoms — doctors explain why
Flu season is well underway in the U.S., and the virus has already claimed the lives of 13 children so far, according to recently released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among them is 6-year-old Allison Eaglespeaker, who died of the flu on Dec. 1. Eaglespeaker’s mother, Crystal White Shield, told WCVB5 that her daughter — who suffered from mild asthma — first showed signs of being sick just 48 hours before she died.
Hospital bans young visitors during flu season
The Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin has announced a temporary ban on visitors under the age of 12 in the hopes that it will help stop the spread of the flu virus. According to the hospital’s press release, the ban will take effect on Wednesday and last “for the remainder of this flu season.” The ban comes days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released their weekly surveillance report which saw two additional pediatric deaths reported to the agency, bringing the total to 13 so far this season.
First New Jersey child dies of flu this season
A child from Central Jersey has died due to complications from the flu, the first pediatric death since the flu season began in late October. The child died in late December, according to the New Jersey Department of Health, which confirmed the death Tuesday. It’s not too late to get a flu shot — the best way to prevent contracting the virus — as the flu season will run through March
Flu, strep throat keeping kids sick
According to the CDC, Florida is one of the states where flu is widespread. Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital has reported that their flu numbers have quadrupled recently. Strep throat is also continuing to make the rounds, and Dr. Lou Romig with After Hours Pediatrics says the majority of the sore throats they are seeing are viral.
Flu cases starting to surge, with kids and teens especially vulnerable: doctors
Cases of influenza are continuing to ramp up across Canada, with kids and teens bearing much of the brunt of the dreaded winter bug, say infectious diseases experts, predicting that the peak of the season is likely still several weeks away. This year’s flu season has a far different profile than last year’s: it began earlier and the predominant circulating A strain is H1N1
Parents request later start date for Georgian schools due to swine flu
Parents of Georgian schoolchildren have requested the winter-spring school session commence later than scheduled to the spread of the acute respiratory illness H1N1, also known as the swine flu, Trend reports referring to Agenda.ge . A total of 158 cases of H1N1 have been reported in the country this winter – the illness has claimed ten lives.
Over 65’s influenza news

No News Recorded

General Influenza News
Doctors have warned of the complications of the flu
The risk of flu in Ukraine is dominant strains of type A is that it causes primary viral pneumonia, which causes high mortality. This was announced by chief infectionist of the Ministry of health of Ukraine Olga Golubovska. In addition, influenza a(H3N2) causes secondary pneumonia. For H1N1, at risk are people suffering from diabetes, cardiac problems, asthma.
Don’t be complacent, vaccination centre urges, as flu season approaches its peak
This year’s flu season is hitting the country at an accelerated rate. With the peak still to come, the medical director of the Canadian Center for Vaccinology is urging people to be prepared. “This year is worse than last year so far, and we won’t know how much worse until the end of the year because one can only predict what’s going to happen, but one doesn’t know when the peak is going to be,” explained Dr. Scott Halperin.
St. Jude flu expert: Flu season is ramping up
As peak flu season begins, Richard Webby, Ph.D., a member of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Infectious Diseases Department, warned the American public today that the flu season is likely to get worse before it gets better. Webby advises the public to prepare now for a potentially extended 2019 season. He also reminded Americans that the flu vaccine is still effective, and it is not too late to get the full benefits of a flu shot during this year’s flu season.
H1N1 Identified as Primary Flu Virus in San Diego
Pandemic H1N1 is the primary influenza virus circulating this season in San Diego and across most of the U.S., according to the County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). Of 1,730 lab-confirmed influenza cases reported so far this season in San Diego, nearly 94 percent are influenza A. The CDC has investigated why H1N1 virus affects more young people compared to children and older adults, who are typically hit hardest by other flu strains
Peak flu season starting now and may last longer, says doctor
Peak flu season is starting now, and doctors say to get ready for a potentially extended season. “Flu activity has taken off our projection is that it's going to continue to increase, probably for the next few months,” says Dr. Andrew Walshak with Presbyterian/ St. Luke’s Medical Center. Dr. Walshak says it's not too late to get the flu shot
Antiviral drugs prevent swine flu deaths: DAK
With seven deaths due to swine flu so far this season in Kashmir valley, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Tuesday called for early use of antiviral drugs for swine flu patients. “Doctors should prescribe antiviral medication to flu patients as soon as possible and should not wait for the test results as delay could be fatal,” advised Dr Nisar.
Is it flu or a cold? Your symptoms might tell you, but your coworkers don't care
If you catch the flu, how long you keep yourself quarantined should not be dictated by your mood, degree of cabin fever, or even your symptoms. As Quartz at Work reported during last year’s flu season, if it indeed is a flu, you will probably be contagious for seven days, though your symptoms may disappear in less time. On a positive note, this year’s flu season is expected to be less deadly than 2018’s, since the strain that’s dominated so far is not as dangerous by comparison.
More local hospitals enforce flu restrictions after increased illnesses
Two more local hospitals are now beginning flu restrictions. Due to high levels of respiratory viruses in the community, Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital have implemented seasonal influenza precautions. Visitation restrictions will be in place during peak flu season, which generally lasts through the first of April
Swine flu warning: Do your eyes look like this? Signs you must know after virus hits UK
Swine flu is caused by a strain of viruses, known as the H1N1 flu virus, according to the NHS. After the virus was diagnosed in the UK last week, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of swine flu. One of the more common warning signs of the infection is having particularly red eyes, it’s been claimed.
Seasonal flu takes toll on Alberta, most confirmed cases located in Calgary zone
Alberta Health Services says more than one million influenza vaccines have been administered in Alberta since the end of August and there have been more than 4,600 confirmed cases of influenza in that time. According to AHS’s 2018/2019 Influenza Season report, there have been 1,185,890 flu vaccines administered (502,339 in the Calgary zone) between August 26, 2018 and January 3, 2019 and there have been 4,607 laboratory confirmed cases (1,870 in the Calgary zone) in that time.
Flu bug is crawling around. Here's how to avoid getting sick during peak season
The flu was recently considered widespread in Pennsylvania by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. There are ways in which people can avoid catching the flu, the first being vaccination.
Flu symptoms: Four things you must do to avoid catching the flu
As people return to work after the festive season, they are given a few tips on how to avoid catching bugs, especially the flu. Getting a flu vaccine is one of the tips given here
'Tis the season for hospital overcrowding – but the flu isn’t to blame
In this opinion piece, Andre Picard writes that "The holidays are over. And in Canada, that means it’s now officially “hospital ERs are bursting at the seams because of the flu” season. After all, every year around this time, hospitals from coast to coast are beset with an “unexpected surge” in patients. Just one thing: There is nothing unexpected about it. It’s not a surge so much as it is an entirely predictable increase in demand that has an entirely predictable affect on an overburdened, mismanaged system." He adds: "In the short-term, we need to get our act together on hospital and clinic staffing during the holidays. Maybe we need temporary urgent-care centres to cope with flu season. But the ultimate solution: a serious rethinking of the system. What the “flu surge” reminds us each year is that we have a chronic capacity problem."
Flu season hits South Georgia
Flu season is on the rise in South Georgia. Officials with the Georgia Department of Public Health are asking citizens to take extra precautions as the peak of flu season is now underway. The CDC called 2018 a severe season for the flu, and local officials are hoping that will lead to more people getting the flu vaccine.
Burden of disease
France: flu arrives, slowly
In France, the flu season begins slowly, and five regions are in the pre-epidemic phase. 260 people have been hospitalised as a result of the infection. One of the reasons for the slow start to the flu season seems to be a higher flu vaccination uptake in the country.
Santa Clara County resident dies from flu-related complications
A 39-year-old Santa Clara County resident recently died from the flu, making them the first person under the age of 65 to die from flu-related complications this season, according to officials from the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. Director of the Public Health Department Dr. Sara Cody said that the patient had underlying health issues that put them at an increased risk of complications from the flu. It is unclear whether the patient was vaccinated.
The H1N1 strain of the swine flu is back — here's what you need to know
In 2009, Ontario was hit with a strain of swine flu called H1N1. It triggered widespread vaccinations. More than 120 people died in the province. Now it's back and appears to be hitting children harder than the flu usually does. Dr. Bryna Warshawsky, a medical director with Public Health Ontario, tells us what we need to know about this year's strain.
Swine flu claims three more lives in Rajasthan
Swine flu claimed three lives in Rajasthan on Tuesday taking the total toll to 14 in the first eight days of the year, said Rajasthan health officials. Government officials tested 221 swine flu samples on Tuesday out of which 57 tested positive. Rapid response teams are being sent to the areas highly affected by the virus
Tri-Cities has its first flu death of the season
A Benton County man in his 70s is the first confirmed flu fatality in the Tri-Cities so far this season. He died last week, the Benton-Franklin Health District reported. It’s unclear if he was vaccinated against the flu. He had underlying health issues.
H1N1 Claims Lives of 10 People in Georgia
Swine Flu, H1N1, has killed 10 people in Georgia, says the Director of the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and Public Health, Amiran Gamkrelidze. Gamkrelidze noted that the number of virus cases has decreased in January, noting there were 277 cases in late December while now there are 256 cases of influenza in the country.
At least two flu deaths reported, but Ottawa's flu season less severe than some — so far
While parts of the country are struggling with a tougher than usual flu season, especially for young children, Ottawa so far seems to be experiencing a less severe season — so far. Ottawa Public Health officials warn that flu has not yet peaked and the level of influenza being seen in other parts of Canada could be coming to Ottawa.
Euskadi: first four flu deaths recorded
In Spain's Euskadi region, between 24th and 30th December, there were 97.4 flu cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Four people have died as a result of the flu there since the start of the season.
Benton County man dies from flu complications
In Washington State, a Benton County man has become the first person from the area to die from the flu this year, according to health leaders. The man was in his 70s when he died January 1, the Benton-Franklin Health District said. Health Officer for Benton and Franklin Counties Dr. Amy Person recommends people get vaccinated.
‘Flu ramping up’ in upstate NY
The latest weekly report from New York state health officials shows flu cases up nearly 50 percent statewide — an upward trend that is expected to continue. “We are seeing flu ramping up,” said Mary Beer, Ontario County Public Health director. Flu season hasn’t peaked locally — it’s much more active downstate, Beer said in an email. But with kids back in school from holiday break, it presents a perfect storm for the annual scourge of flu.
Arizona flu cases ramp up in the new year, still time to get vaccinated
Flu season is starting to ramp up in the state, according to Arizona Department of Health Services data. The agency’s website shows that the highest number of flu cases reported in a week occurred last week at 1,196, up from the previous week’s 831.
Flu cases on the rise across North Texas
Flu cases are rising in North Texas and so is the number of patients in emergency rooms. The flu virus thrives in cold temperatures, but experts say don't be deceived by warm days. The number of flu cases is up in many areas and is expected to get worse before it gets better. Doctors say it's not too late to get the flu vaccine, adding that this year's vaccine seems to be working very well.
Flu Surveillance in Animals
Poultry infected with bird flu in province near Saigon
Thousands of poultry are infected with H5N1, otherwise known as bird flu, in a province near Saigon. Last Thursday 3,600 ducks belonging to Nguyen Thi Anh Hong and Nguyen Thi Le Thuy in Long Son village in Long An Province’s Can Duoc District were found dead. Tests showed they had died of influenza A subtype H5N1, media reports said.
More crows found dead in Patna, Siwan and Muzaffarpur
In Patna, bird flu scare persisted after several crows were found dead in different parts of the state, including Digha area in Patna, on Monday. Senior animal husbandry department (AHD) officials said experts as well as sanitization workers were sent to all the three places. “After taking samples for H5N1 test at Regional Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory (RDDL), Kolkata, the dead crows were buried scientifically"

Contact Us

Quick Links