Metformin: update on mechanisms of action and repurposing potential
Cold And Flu News
Is It COVID-19 or the Flu? New Sensor Could Tell You in 10 SecondsMar. 28, 2023 — Have a cough, sore throat and congestion? Any number of respiratory viruses could be responsible. Today, scientists report using a single-atom-thick nanomaterial to build a device that can ...
How the Brain Senses InfectionMar. 8, 2023 — Researchers discovered specific airway neurons in mice that alert the brain about the ...
Enhancing at-Home COVID Tests With Glow-in-the Dark MaterialsMar. 7, 2023 — Researchers are using glow-in-the-dark materials to enhance and improve rapid COVID-19 home ...
The Achilles Heel of the Influenza Virus: Ubiquitin Protein May Be an Approach for Future MedicinesFeb. 24, 2023 — Influenza viruses are becoming increasingly resilient to medicines. For this reason, new active ingredients are needed. Important findings in this regard have been provided: for the virus to ...
A New Tool in the Arsenal Against COVID-19 Is Being Put to the TestFeb. 14, 2023 — A new class of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies has been shown to neutralize multiple variants of the virus, providing hope for a better antiviral medication to prevent and treat COVID-19 symptoms in at-risk ...
New Compound Inhibits Influenza Virus ReplicationFeb. 9, 2023 — Viruses use the molecular repertoire of the host cell to replicate. Researchers want to exploit this for the treatment of influenza. The team identified a compound that inhibits the body's own ...
New Vaccine Targets Life-Threatening Fungal Infections, a Growing Health ConcernJan. 31, 2023 — A new vaccine could be the first clinically approved immunization to protect against invasive fungal infections, a growing concern as antifungal drug resistance increases. Fungal infections cause ...
Machine Learning Identifies Drugs That Could Potentially Help Smokers QuitJan. 30, 2023 — Medications like dextromethorphan, used to treat coughs caused by cold and flu, could potentially be repurposed to help people quit smoking cigarettes, according to a new study. Researchers developed ...
New Vaccine Platform Could Ease Development, Delivery of Virus-FightersJan. 30, 2023 — By repurposing one of the human body's natural cargo transports, a research team has developed a vaccine platform that could curb certain engineering challenges, storage demands and side effects ...
Highly Accurate Test for Common Respiratory Viruses Uses DNA as 'Bait'Jan. 16, 2023 — A new test 'fishes' for multiple respiratory viruses at once using single strands of DNA as 'bait', and gives highly accurate results in under an ...
Developing Mucosal Vaccines for Respiratory VirusesJan. 11, 2023 — Vaccines that provide long-lasting protection against influenza, coronaviruses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have proved exceptionally difficult to develop. Researchers now explore the ...
Does COVID Change the Body's Response to Other Threats? Depends on Your Sex, Study FindsJan. 4, 2023 — Researchers have found that immune systems of men who had recovered from mild cases of COVID-19 responded more robustly to flu vaccines than women who had had mild cases or men and women who had ...
When the Body's B Cell Training Grounds Stay Open After HoursDec. 26, 2022 — While most germinal centers shut down after a few weeks, some stay in business for more than six months. A new study helps explain ...
Acids Help Against Airborne VirusesDec. 21, 2022 — A new study shows that aerosols in indoor air can vary in acidity. This acidity determines how long viruses remain infectious in the air -- with profound implications for virus transmission and ...
Scientists Uncover Biological Explanation Behind Why Upper Respiratory Infections Are More Common in Colder TemperaturesDec. 6, 2022 — A newly discovered immune response inside the nose is suppressed by colder temperatures, offering evidence for why colds, flu and COVID-19 are more common in cooler ...
Scientists Develop 20-Subtype mRNA Flu Vaccine to Protect Against Future Flu PandemicsNov. 25, 2022 — An experimental mRNA-based vaccine against all 20 known subtypes of influenza virus provided broad protection from otherwise lethal flu strains in initial tests, and thus might serve one day as a ...
Risk of Seizures Is Higher After COVID-19 Than After Influenza, Study FindsNov. 16, 2022 — People who have a COVID-19 infection are more likely to develop seizures or epilepsy within the next six months than people who have an influenza infection, according to a new ...
Children With Severe Form of Epilepsy Should Receive Flu Vaccine Due to High Seizure Risk After Influenza Infection, Study FindsNov. 16, 2022 — Children with a severe form of epilepsy should be vaccinated against the flu due to the high risk of seizures being triggered by an influenza infection, according to a new ...
Flu Shots Can Protect Patients With Heart Failure from Early DeathNov. 15, 2022 — The study showed that over the entire year the influenza vaccine reduced pneumonia by 40 per cent and hospitalization by 15 per cent in patients with heart failure. During influenza season in the ...
Video Surveillance, Now for VirusesNov. 10, 2022 — Researchers have captured the first real-time footage of viruses on the move, right before they hijack a ...
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Excess Flu Deaths In England Highlight The Importance Of Vaccination, According To UKHSA
Excess deaths associated with flu highest in 5 years, according to UK Health Security Agency. REUTERS/Yuriko NakaoThe UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released a new interim analysis revealing a concerning increase in excess deaths associated with flu infection in England. The report indicates that the number of excess deaths in the 2022-2023 flu season reached 14,500, surpassing the five-year pre-pandemic average of 13,500.
These figures represent the highest since the severe 2017-2018 season, which saw 22,500 excess flu-related deaths. The analysis sheds light on the impact of the dominant circulating strain, the role of reduced population immunity due to pandemic-related measures, and the effectiveness of flu vaccinations in preventing severe illness and hospitalisation.
The report notes that the flu season in England began earlier than usual in the winter and reached its peak quickly. Hospitalisations across all age groups were higher than average, partly due to increased testing by the National Health Service (NHS) compared to previous winters.
The reasons behind the elevated number of deaths and hospitalisations are likely multifaceted, with the dominant circulating strain playing a significant role. Influenza A(H3N2), the predominant subtype during the 2022-2023 season, is known to be more severe among older age groups.
The analysis suggests that lower population immunity resulting from reduced flu circulation due to social distancing measures during the pandemic contributed to the population's increased susceptibility to catching the flu. This vulnerability likely influenced the timing, shape, and scale of the influenza season. The absence of significant flu activity in previous seasons may have led to a larger number of individuals contracting the flu in a condensed timeframe once the virus returned.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the report highlights that the flu vaccines used in the 2022-2023 season were well-matched to the circulating strain. Analysis of vaccine effectiveness against hospitalisation revealed consistent results with previous seasons.
The study found that vaccination reduced the risk of hospitalisation due to flu by 25 per cent in adults aged 65 years and older, 33 per cent in other adults, and two-thirds in children. These findings, combined with the collective protection resulting from reduced flu transmission due to vaccinations, indicate that flu vaccination played a crucial role in preventing serious illness and alleviating pressure on healthcare systems.
Dr Conall Watson, a Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, stressed the impact of the flu's return after being mitigated by COVID-19 control measures. Lower population immunity following the absence of significant flu activity likely contributed to the early onset of the season and a higher number of people contracting the virus within a short timeframe. The strain on the healthcare system was evident, with numerous severe flu cases requiring hospital care and individuals seeking advice from NHS 111 services.
Dr Watson emphasised that getting vaccinated ahead of the winter season provides the best protection against severe illness and hospitalisation. The evidence from last season's vaccine programme indicates that vaccinations helped prevent a potentially worse flu season. As plans for this winter's flu vaccine programme are underway, it is strongly advised that all eligible individuals take advantage of the vaccination offer.
The UKHSA's interim analysis of the 2022-2023 flu season in England highlights the concerning increase in excess deaths and hospitalisations associated with flu infection. The dominant circulating strain, reduced population immunity due to pandemic-related measures, and the early onset of the season are factors contributing to these outcomes.
However, the report also underscores the importance of flu vaccination in preventing severe illness and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. The findings provide a clear message that vaccination remains a crucial tool in safeguarding public health and should be embraced by eligible individuals to mitigate the impact of future flu seasons.
How To Use Essential Oils For The Flu
Essential oils may not heal a case of the flu, but inhaling certain ones, like eucalyptus or peppermint, may help to relieve certain symptoms, like congestion and headaches.
Overview
In most cases, having the flu means increasing self-care as you wait for the infection to run its course. One effective method of self-care is using essential oils as a topical rub or for aromatherapy. These strongly scented oils can help alleviate your flu symptoms, especially by clearing your nasal passage and reducing headaches. Some oils may even have antiviral benefits to help treat infections and reduce fever. Keep reading to learn how to use these oils and which ones to use for the flu.
Inhalation is the most beneficial way to use essential oils for a flu. You can inhale essential oils by sniffing the bottle directly or adding a few drops of oil to a cotton ball or handkerchief. This method helps clear your nasal passages so you can breathe better. The oils may also help you sleep better and destress.
You can also add a few drops essential oils to:
Benefits depend on the application and type of oil. For example, the menthol and cooling effects of peppermint oil may work better in a chest rub than in a diffuser. With topical applications, be sure to dilute the oil before applying it to your skin. You can use an ounce of carrier oil, such as coconut oil, for every few drops of essential oil.
Read more: Natural antihistamines to try »
Potency: Essential oils are extremely potent. Avoid taking essential oils by mouth. You also shouldn't use a concentrated amount. If you don't dilute the oils, they may irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. You can dilute essential oils with carrier oils such as coconut oil, avocado oil, castor oil, or others. Dilute a few drops of essential oil with an ounce of carrier oil. Depending on the essential oil, the ratio can vary. Do a patch test on the inside of your forearm to check for any skin sensitivities.
Quality: Be sure to buy your essential oils from a reputable source. They should ships your oils in glass bottles. Plastic bottles increase the risk of contamination and decrease the shelf life the oil.
Pregnancy: Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about essential oil use. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you may want to avoid using essential oils. There's not enough research about the safety of essential oils for children or pregnant women. It may be toxic in large doses.
There is limited research on essential oils and the flu, especially in humans. Some studies show that essential oil have properties that can fight viruses, alleviate flu symptoms, and increase comfort during the illness.
A 2010 study looked at a commercial essential oil blend of clove, wild orange, and cinnamon. Its application reduced in vitro viral particles by 90 percent. The oil blend also decreased infection.
A 2014 review of essential oils recognized the health benefits of essential oils. They also noted antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and other properties that may have applications for human medicine.
While essential oils can help fight the flu and decrease your symptoms, you shouldn't rely on them as your only treatment. Over-the-counter medications work better and may even decrease your recovery time. Most of these medications have side effects such as drowsiness or alertness, but you can try:
Limit what medications you take to avoid overloading your system. Seek medical attention if you have symptoms for longer than three days or if they are getting worse.
Read more: Drugs and treatments for the flu »
Learn the symptoms of the flu so you know when to start your essential oil treatment. You can begin using essential oils immediately when you feel flu symptoms coming on. Add a few drops to your bath, diffuse them into the air, or mix them with a carrier oil for a rub.
You can find essential oils online or at a health store. Keeping a few basic oils around, such as tea tree, peppermint, and lavender, can be helpful, even if you're not sick. They can also help with stress or pain.
To prevent yourself from getting the flu, keep your immune system strong by eating a healthy diet and getting your annual flu vaccination.
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