Tag

Respiratory Infections

All articles tagged with #respiratory infections

health1 month ago•71 min saved

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

health2 months ago•38 min saved

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

health2 months ago•36 min saved

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

health2 months ago•3 min saved

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

health-and-medicine3 months ago•10 min saved

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

science3 months ago•9 min saved

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

health3 months ago•5 min saved

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

health4 months ago•5 min saved

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

health4 months ago•65 min saved

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

health5 months ago•2 min saved

Respiratory Infections Cause Fatalities

Barbados is experiencing a rise in respiratory illnesses, including influenza, RSV, and COVID-19, leading to hospitalizations and two deaths. The health authorities recommend practicing good hygiene, wearing masks, and managing underlying health conditions to reduce transmission and severity of illness.

via nationnews.com|

#barbados #covid-19 #health

health8 months ago•2 min saved

Inhaled Heparin Shows Promise in Reducing Severe COVID-19 Risks

A new international study shows that inhaled heparin, a common and affordable blood thinner, significantly improves outcomes for seriously ill COVID-19 patients by reducing ventilation needs and mortality, with potential applications for other respiratory infections; further development and trials are underway.

via ScienceDaily|

#clinical-trial #covid-19 #drug-repurposing

health11 months ago•3 min saved

New Research Reveals Hidden Risks of Intense Exercise

A 2023 study suggests that intense vigorous exercise may temporarily weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of respiratory infections, especially in highly fit individuals like firefighters and athletes, though further research is needed.

via ScienceAlert|

#exercise #health #immune-system

health2 years ago•4 min saved

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

health2 years ago•3 min saved

"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

health2 years ago•1 min saved

"Study Reveals Limited Effectiveness of Antibiotics for Cough and Bacterial Infections"

A new study shows that antibiotics do not reduce the severity or duration of coughing, even in cases of bacterial infection, highlighting the overprescription of antibiotics for coughs. Researchers found that antibiotics had no effect on cough compared to those who didn’t receive a prescription, and it took the same amount of time for people to recover from their infection regardless of antibiotic use. The study emphasizes the need for more research into proper treatment for cough symptoms and the potential dangers of antibiotic overuse leading to bacterial resistance.

via Newsmax|

#antibiotics #bacterial-resistance #cough