Flu

New research highlights the benefits of early oseltamivir treatment for hospitalized patients with influenza, reducing mortality and readmission rates while optimizing care.

Adam James, PharmD, and Chris Altman, PharmD, discuss renewed public scrutiny of thimerosal, its limited use in vaccines today, and how new guidance may affect pharmacists and patient confidence moving forward.

New research reveals that extracellular vesicles enhance intranasal flu vaccines, boosting mucosal immunity and offering broader protection against diverse strains.

Moderna's mRNA-1010 flu vaccine shows promising efficacy, especially for older adults, addressing the urgent need for better influenza prevention.

With the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommending that adults receive thimerosal-free influenza vaccines, the preservative that was phased out of most childhood vaccines in 2001 has reentered the public eye.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 5-1, with 1 voter abstaining, to recommend that adults receive seasonal influenza vaccines that do not contain the preservative thimerosal.

The announcement is set to affect multiple grants awarded to Moderna, which is developing mRNA-1018, a candidate vaccine against avian influenza.

A new multicomponent vaccine, mRNA-1083, shows promise in enhancing immune responses against influenza and COVID-19, addressing vaccine hesitancy effectively.

Reductions of approximately 32% were observed during the study.

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.