Flu

The only major change is in the included strain of influenza A/H2N2 virus, which has been updated for both the egg-based and the cell- and recombinant-based vaccines.

A district leader at CVS Health emphasizes that patients should get tested, be up to date with immunizations, and staying home and reach out to health care professionals when experiencing symptoms.

The decisions were made amid the United States worst flu outbreak in over 2 decades.

The data were released in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Pharmacists play a crucial role in understanding and responding to these developments, ensuring patients remain informed about the latest advancements and potential threats.

Research suggests H5N1 may be spreading undetected among humans, particularly in veterinarians with frequent animal exposure.

Investigators noted that the differences between the 3 respiratory infections were not as pronounced during the 2023-2024 season.

Rising seasonal viruses and emerging concerns emphasize the need for public awareness and prevention.

As H5N1 bird flu outbreaks impact all 50 states, concerns grow over its spread to humans.

Pharmacists should prioritize the needs of the patient in front of them and determine what matters most in each specific situation.

The patient was hospitalized after exposure to an infected backyard flock.

Two cases of hospitalizations show mutations that may allow H5N1 to more easily target human cells.

Previously, the evidence to support the prediction with lactate-to-albumin ratio has been unclear.

The combination vaccine candidates will be evaluated in 2 separate phase 1/2 clinical trials.

The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) guidance will help expedite H5N1 bird flu surveillance within the nation’s milk supply and dairy herds.

Oral phenylephrine is a common ingredient in OTC products, but its clinical efficacy is questionable. The FDA is considering removing it from the market.

The disappearance could impact updates for surveillance strategies and vaccine development.

Children with obesity, asthma, and gastrointestinal disease had longer durations of stays compared with children without comorbidities.

Increased global capacity for surveillance could help monitor seasonal influenza to reduce the risk of vaccine mismatch and inform effective interventions.

In the analysis, 34.7% of commercially insured patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma received an influenza vaccination.

Kristi Veis discusses the importance of flu vaccinations and the role of pharmacists in administering them.

Evidence shows that the agent is not an effective nasal decongestant.

Kristi Veis discusses the importance of flu vaccinations and the role of pharmacists in administering them.

The simultaneous doses of both vaccines compared with individual RZV and quadrivalent high-dose inactivated influenza vaccine (HD-IIV4, Fluzone; Sanofi) had similar overall safety findings.

Investigators found that electronic letter reminders were most effective for older individuals, those who were unvaccinated in the preceding season, those with cardiovascular disease, and those with diabetes.

Benefits include reducing serious health consequences, such as hospitalization and death, as well as the economic burden on health systems due to influenza infection.

Investigators state that health care providers should consider the potential use of 2 doses to increase the effectiveness against influenza B.

Investigators report the study met its primary end point, demonstrating that a single, oral dose reduced the transmission by those infected to others in their household.

The findings support current recommendations for pregnant individuals or those who might become pregnant during the influenza season, specifically those with successive pregnancies.