Influenza

Almost 200 years on from when Charles Darwin observed his Galapagos Islands finches, which became the emblems of his theory of evolution, birds in the region are again in the news for what many scientists warn could be the source of the next pandemic.

Adding weight to the large body of scientific evidence that has found phenylephrine is as useless as a placebo for nasal congestion, an advisory panel has declared common oral medications ineffective and urged for them to be removed from sale.

Researchers have just uncovered how the influenza A virus is able to thrive by slicing and dicing genetic material inside our cells while keeping itself intact. The finding might arm researchers with a new way to fight the virus.

Biotech giant Vaxxas has cut the ribbon on a warehouse manufacturing plant for its needle-free patches. After successful trials, the first needle-free, easy to store and easy to administer vaccines are set to be rolled out in as little as three years.

It may seem like snail's pace compared to our COVID-19 vaccines, but the wheels are certainly turning in the development of a universal mRNA influenza vaccine. The latest has just entered trial, with many others at the same stage or even further along.

An incredible study presents an mRNA vaccine that can provide protection from all 20 known influenza A and B virus subtypes. It's hoped the vaccine would prevent future flu pandemics by promoting immunity against strains yet to cross over from animals.

New research indicates exposure to low levels of a flavoring chemical called diacetyl in combination with a mild case of influenza can cause serious lung damage, so those with occupational exposure should be cautious of working while unwell.

What if a fitness tracker sitting on your wrist could detect COVID-19 before you even developed symptoms? A study claims this is not only possible, but preliminary investigations found infections can be detected two days before symptoms appear.

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health are beginning a Phase 1 human trial to test a new universal flu vaccine. The trial will test the vaccine being delivered via nasal spray or by injection after animal studies demonstrated strong results.

A new study tracking the health of around two million people has found influenza vaccination is associated with a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s. The study builds on research finding links between viral infections and neurodegenerative disease.

A new direct-to-consumer test designed to detect a number of different respiratory viruses including COVID-19 and influenza has been authorized by the FDA. The test is the first of its kind to be approved that doesn't need a prescription from a doctor.

Researchers have produced a novel nanoparticle-enhanced intranasal influenza vaccine. The results of a preclinical study demonstrate the unique nasal spray inducing robust local and systemic immune responses for over six months in animal models.