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Respiratory Infections

All articles tagged with #respiratory infections

Big UK trial finds HEPA filters don’t cut viral infections in care homes
health1 month ago

Big UK trial finds HEPA filters don’t cut viral infections in care homes

A National Institute for Health Research-funded trial in 91 care homes found HEPA air filters in communal areas did not reduce respiratory infections or staff illness compared with homes without filters. The unblinded design and prior mixed evidence suggest air filtration does not reliably lower viral infection risk in real-world settings, likely because close-range transmission dominates and people move between spaces. While filters may help prevent invasive aspergillosis, policy should rely on established prevention measures rather than air filtration alone in care homes or schools.

via The Conversation|
#air-filtration#care-homes#health
Researchers chase a universal respiratory vaccine, but it's still years away
health4 months ago

Researchers chase a universal respiratory vaccine, but it's still years away

A nasal-spray vaccine tested in mice stimulates the lungs’ innate immune system to mount broad protection against multiple respiratory pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and even allergens. While the approach shows proof-of-concept for wider protection, experts caution it is far from a universal vaccine for humans and will require extensive clinical trials to assess safety, durability and effectiveness across diverse populations.

via Live Science|
#health#innate-immunity#nasal-spray
California Faces Rising HMPV: No Vaccine, What Doctors Warn
health6 months ago

California Faces Rising HMPV: No Vaccine, What Doctors Warn

Wastewater data show high levels of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) across Northern California, with Redwood City reporting the strongest signals, as national cases rise since October 2025. HMPV typically causes cold-like symptoms but can lead to middle-ear infections and life-threatening asthma; there is no vaccine, and diagnosis requires lab testing. Most people recover with rest and fluids, while severe cases may need hospitalization. Preventive steps include good hand hygiene, cleaning surfaces, and staying home when sick.

via Yahoo|
#california#health#hmpv
California Faces a Vaccine-Free HMPV Surge: Key Facts for the Public
health6 months ago

California Faces a Vaccine-Free HMPV Surge: Key Facts for the Public

Public health experts warn that a vaccine-free human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is rising in Northern California, with wastewater data showing high levels in cities like Redwood City and broader spread along the Bay Area and Napa. National cases have been trending up since October 2025. HMPV typically causes cold-like symptoms but can lead to more serious issues such as wheezing, asthma attacks, middle-ear infections, pneumonia, and, in vulnerable individuals, death. There is no vaccine to prevent HMPV; prevention focuses on handwashing, cleaning surfaces, staying home when sick, and seeking medical care if symptoms worsen. Most people recover with rest and fluids, with treatment in severe cases including oxygen, steroids, and IV fluids as needed.

via ca.news.yahoo.com|
#california#cdc#health
Bay Area Detects Rise in Human Metapneumovirus via Wastewater Signals
health6 months ago

Bay Area Detects Rise in Human Metapneumovirus via Wastewater Signals

Wastewater data show high concentrations of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) across Northern California, signaling a regional uptick in a common respiratory virus that can cause cold- or flu-like illness and, in some people (especially young children, seniors, and the immunocompromised), more serious disease; there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment, so prevention centers on hygiene and staying home when sick, with symptoms typically lasting 2–5 days.

via Sacramento Bee|
#health#hmpv#human-metapneumovirus
Researchers Unveil Universal Nasal Spray Vaccine Targeting Viruses, Bacteria, and Allergens
health-and-medicine6 months ago

Researchers Unveil Universal Nasal Spray Vaccine Targeting Viruses, Bacteria, and Allergens

Stanford Medicine researchers have developed a nasal spray vaccine that activates the lungs’ innate immune system to provide months-long protection against a broad range of respiratory threats—including SARS-CoV-2, other coronaviruses, bacterial pneumonia pathogens, and even house dust mite allergens—in mice. If safety and efficacy are shown in humans, the approach could reduce the need for multiple yearly vaccines and idea of rapid protection during outbreaks, with Phase I trials moving forward and an estimated 5–7 years before potential availability.

via ScienceDaily|
#health-and-medicine#innate-immunity#nasal-spray
Mice study hints at nasal vaccine for universal respiratory protection
science6 months ago

Mice study hints at nasal vaccine for universal respiratory protection

Stanford Medicine researchers report an intranasal vaccine that activates innate and adaptive immunity to provide months-long protection in mice against a broad spectrum of respiratory threats—SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses, Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, and house dust mite allergen—suggesting a path toward a universal respiratory vaccine, with human safety trials planned next.

via Stanford Medicine|
#innate-immunity#intranasal-vaccine#mouse-model
Sneeze science: what your nose really tells you about health
health6 months ago

Sneeze science: what your nose really tells you about health

Sneeze science shows it’s a normal, protective reflex triggered by irritants and the trigeminal nerve, not a mystical omen. Causes include allergens, viruses, pollution, and even bright light; the visible blast travels under a metre at about 10 mph. Sneezing can spread infections such as cold, flu and Covid, so cover with a tissue or elbow and use a mask in high-risk settings; overall, sneezing is a routine physiological response influenced by environment and immunity, not a sign of danger.

via The Guardian|
#air-pollution#health#immunity
Vitamin D Deficiency Tied to More Severe Flu Infections
health7 months ago

Vitamin D Deficiency Tied to More Severe Flu Infections

An observational study of 36,258 UK Biobank participants found severe vitamin D deficiency (<15 nmol/L) linked to a 33% higher hospitalization rate for respiratory infections, with each 10 nmol/L increase associated with a 4% drop in hospitalizations; about 18% of Americans have insufficient vitamin D. Experts warn this is not causation, advise testing and doctor guidance before supplementation, and emphasize vaccination and other preventative measures as primary flu defenses.

via Prevention|
#deficiency#flu#health
health7 months ago

Vitamin D Linked to Lower Respiratory Infection Hospitalisations, UK Study Finds

A UK study analyzing about 36,000 adults found that severe vitamin D deficiency (<15 nmol/L) was linked to a 33% higher likelihood of hospital admission for respiratory infections (including flu, pneumonia and bronchitis) compared with those with adequate levels (>75 nmol/L). Moreover, for every 10 nmol/L increase in vitamin D, respiratory infection hospitalisations fell by around 4%. The NHS already recommends a daily 10 microgram vitamin D supplement during autumn and winter, and the vitamin is found in foods like oily fish, red meat, egg yolks and fortified cereals. Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the study underscores vitamin D’s potential antiviral benefits and notes older adults and ethnic minority groups are at higher risk of deficiency.

via The Telegraph|
#health#hospitalisation#nhs
Comprehensive Review Confirms Effectiveness of Masks
health2 years ago

Comprehensive Review Confirms Effectiveness of Masks

A comprehensive review has found that masks, particularly well-fitting respirators, are effective in reducing the spread of respiratory diseases. While previous studies, including those by the Cochrane Collaboration, suggested insufficient evidence, this new review incorporated both randomized controlled trials and laboratory studies, showing that masks work and respirators are even more effective. The findings support the CDC's guidance on using high-grade respirators in high-risk environments and emphasize the importance of wearing the best available mask to prevent respiratory infections.

via The Conversation Indonesia|
#cdc#health#masks
"WHO Updates Terminology for Airborne Pathogens"
health2 years ago

"WHO Updates Terminology for Airborne Pathogens"

The World Health Organization, in collaboration with major public health agencies and experts, has introduced updated terminology for pathogens that transmit through the air, including those causing respiratory infections like COVID-19 and influenza. The new descriptors aim to provide a common language for discussing the transmission of infectious respiratory particles and include terms such as "infectious respiratory particles" and "airborne transmission." This effort addresses the need for consistent terminology across scientific disciplines and will guide research agendas and public health interventions.

via World Health Organization (WHO)|
#health#pathogens#public-health-agencies