Latest news with #AkikoIwasaki
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Why Are So Many Children Getting Long COVID?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. It's been more than five years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, although millions of Americans, including children, are still affected by it today. More than one million Americans died due to the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while many were floored by the infection for weeks or even months. Others developed long COVID, which is recognized as a collection of symptoms that last three months or longer after initial COVID symptoms appear. This can affect many systems in the body and result in a wide range of health complications and symptoms. File photo: a mother holds her daughter while she has a COVID-19 test done in a clinic in Washington. File photo: a mother holds her daughter while she has a COVID-19 test done in a clinic in Washington. Carolyn Kaster/AP A study by Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) last year found that up to 5.8 million American children now have long COVID. The authors wrote that this means between 10 to 20 percent of children who tested positive with COVID-19 went on to develop the condition. Their findings suggest that long COVID may have surpassed asthma—which around 5 million youngsters have—as the most common chronic condition experienced by American children. However, experts told Newsweek that more detailed research is needed to determine the prevalence of the condition, and discussed why millions of children now have ongoing health complications and symptoms post-COVID infection. Prevalence of Long COVID in Children Children of all ages can develop long COVID and typical symptoms can vary between age groups. Poor appetite, sleep issues and respiratory symptoms such as a cough are usually common in infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children with the condition, while school-aged children are also likely to have neurological symptoms like trouble focusing, fear of specific things or feeling lightheaded, the medical journal site JAMA Network reported. Some children may also experience back or neck pain, headache, stomach pain, vomiting and even behavioral changes. Adolescents may also notice a change or loss in smell or taste and experience pain, fatigue-related symptoms or trouble with their memory, JAMA Network said. It is difficult to pin down exactly how common long COVID really is among those aged under 18 as "prevalence varies between studies due to different clinical definitions, follow-up period and survey methods used," Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, director of the Center for Infection and Immunity at the Yale School of Medicine, told Newsweek. However, she added that "the most robust studies" collectively suggest the number of children who get infected with COVID and then develop long COVID "is higher than the prevalence of asthma in children in the U.S." Also discussing the study, Dr. Lauren Grossman, a professor of medicine at Stanford University, told Newsweek: "The number of children under 18 with asthma ranges from 4.9 million to 6 million depending on the source so it's not an incorrect statement to say that there are more or at least the same number of children with asthma as there are with long COVID." Many children are also going "unrecognized and unsupported," Dr. Rachel Gross, a professor in the department of pediatrics at NYU Langone Health, told Newsweek. She added that this means "identifying long COVID in children, especially young children, can be difficult due to rapid developmental changes and communication limitations." However, Dr. Gerald Teague, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, said that "there are too few prospective studies to compare estimates of long COVID to asthma in children." "We need to come to consensus on how to precisely diagnose long COVID in children first," he told Newsweek, adding that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the federal government should "allocate more funding to antiviral research in children to help clear these confusing issues." Gross also said that the age differences in long COVID symptoms "support that a one-size fits all approach will likely not be sufficient to screen for, identify, and treat children with long COVID." Why Do So Many Children Have Long COVID? One reason long COVID continues to affect millions of American children could be related to vaccinations, according to Grossman. "As vaccinations help prevent long COVID and vaccinations were not available to pediatric patients until long after they were for adults, fewer children had protection," she said. She added that the first vaccines were given to adults in December 2020, while children aged 5 to 11 only received their first vaccination in October 2021. Teague also said that studies have found that the original COVID strain in 2020 was far more likely to result in patients developing long COVID, while more recent strains were "not as likely to be associated with symptoms." Few children being vaccinated amid the first, more symptom-inducing strain of the virus may therefore have contributed to the higher rates of long COVID. Child COVID vaccinations have also recently come into the spotlight as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been vocal in his distrust of the mRNA COVID vaccine, announced last month that the CDC will no longer recommend COVID vaccines for "healthy children and healthy pregnant women." Grossman added that Paxlovid, the antiviral medication used to treat COVID infection, was first authorized in December 2021, but only for those aged 12 and over, or those who weighed more than 88 lbs., meaning younger children did not have access to medication. It is important to note, however, that "the prevalence for long COVID in children appears to be just as high in adults," Iwasaki said. "This suggests that children are not immune to developing long COVID, and that their immune system is also susceptible to being derailed by the virus," she added. Iwasaki said that this could mean that COVID infection "might become persistent or trigger autoimmune diseases in children," and that there could be "other viral infections that happen during childhood that impact long COVID susceptibility." However, she said that more research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms of long COVID in youngsters. "We need more awareness so that parents and pediatricians can recognize the signs of long COVID in children better," Iwasaki said. "The relationship between children, their caregivers, and pediatricians is vital to identify and eventually treat this under-recognized condition," Gross said. Grossman said that establishing pediatric-specializing long COVID clinics was vital as currently there are "very few," and that promoting "full vaccination" was also important. While more robust studies are beginning to be done on the issue, it is still difficult to determine the overall impact and severity of long COVID on America's children.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Leaders in Medicine and Science Celebrate Innovation at the Feinstein Institutes During Two Annual Academic Events
The Academy of Scholars Symposium and Elmezzi Graduate School Commencement celebrate and spotlight the importance of translational biomedical research MANHASSET, N.Y., June 03, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Top physician-scientists gathered on Long Island for a two-day celebration of medical research and achievement hosted by Northwell Health's Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. On May 21, the Feinstein Academy of Scholars Symposium, an integrated network of researchers and scholars who share a passion for revolutionizing translational research, hosted its 8th annual symposium at the Oheka Castle, Huntington, NY. The next day, at the Feinstein Institutes in Manhasset, NY, the 2025 commencement ceremony of the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine took place, where two new PhDs were conferred along with two honorary degrees given to Akiko Iwasaki, PhD, Sterling Professor of Immunology at Yale University School of Medicine and Martine Rothblatt, PhD, JD, CEO of United Therapeutics Corporation. "The Feinstein Institutes' commitment to translational research was evident throughout this two-day celebration," said Bettie M. Steinberg, PhD, interim dean of the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine and professor in the Feinstein Institutes Institute of Molecular Medicine. "The symposium highlighted cutting-edge discoveries poised to move from the lab to the clinic, while the Elmezzi graduates represent the next generation of scientists dedicated to turning scientific advancements into tangible therapies." Meeting of minds at the Feinstein Academy of Scholars Symposium Members of the Academy include recipients of honorary doctoral degrees from the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Marsh and Match visiting lecturers, recipients of the Cerami, Ross and Advancing Women in Science and Medicine (AWSM) prizes, and researchers from the Feinstein Institutes. This year's featured keynote speakers included: Tobias Janowitz, MD, PhD, associate professor and Cancer Center Program Leader at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, provided an overview of the current research on systemic signaling in paraneoplasia, emphasizing the importance of this area of study. Lopa Mishra, MD, co-director and professor in the Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes and Susan and Herman Merinoff Distinguished Chair in Translational Medicine, explained how specific environmental toxins contribute to liver cancer and outlined methods to selectively target these cancer cells. Akiko Iwasaki, PhD, Sterling Professor of Immunology at Yale University School of Medicine, spoke about examining the role of immune dysregulation in the pathogenesis of post-acute infection syndrome. Douglas F. Nixon, MD, PhD, Karches Family Professor in Translational Research and director and professor, Institute of Translational Research at the Feinstein Institutes, spoke about human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are part of our non-coding DNA and that our own genomes can impact our health and disease. Max Brenner, MD, PhD, associate professor in the Institute of Molecular Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes, spoke about an Elmezzi scholar's scientific journey stemming from the classroom to the clinic and the lab. Linda Van Aelst, PhD, professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, discussed the intricate involvement of Rho regulators in synapse formation and dysfunction. Celebrating the future of medical research On May 22, two clinicians were conferred their PhD during the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine graduation. This unique PhD program is for physicians (MDs) who wish to pursue careers in biomedical research. During the program, Elmezzi students conduct research in Feinstein Institutes laboratories to advance medical research and pursue new therapeutic approaches and diagnostic tools. The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine is supported in part by a generous endowment from the Thomas and Jeanne Elmezzi Foundation. Two honorary degrees were bestowed at the Elmezzi commencement. The first to Dr. Iwasaki for her research on immune defense against viruses at mucosal surfaces, and to Dr. Rothblatt for her contributions to new treatments for rare diseases and advances in organ transplants. In addition, she was the creator of the satellite radio company SiriusXM. This year's graduates include: Willians Tambo Ayol, MD, investigated the role of microvascular dysfunction in cognitive impairment and dementia, and explored the therapeutic potential of the diving reflex's protective mechanisms against cerebral hypoperfusion. Santhoshi Poonacha Palandira, MBBS, MS, MCh, applied optogenetics to neuromodulate brainstem nuclei to regulate inflammation. She also identified celiac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex in the abdomen and identified it as a new therapeutic target for noninvasive bioelectronic therapies to treat inflammation with a translational potential. "Physician-scientists produce the innovations and discoveries that make a healthier world," said Kevin J. Tracey, MD, president and CEO of Feinstein Institutes and Karches Family Distinguished Chair in Medical Research. "Elmezzi graduates are committed to career paths that will lead to new therapies and diagnostics." To find out more about the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine and its programs, click here. About The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine: The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine at Northwell Health offers MDs an accelerated PhD three-year program emphasizing translational research. Its mission is to provide academic training for physicians to discover and understand the causes of human diseases and to rapidly and effectively translate this information into diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. The program started in 1994 and is supported in part by a generous endowment from The Thomas and Jeanne Elmezzi Foundation. To date, more than 50 physician-scientists have graduated from the prestigious program. The Elmezzi School of Molecular Medicine is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). For more information, click here. About the Feinstein Institutes The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research is the home of the research institutes of Northwell Health, the largest health care provider and private employer in New York State. Encompassing 50+ research labs, 3,000 clinical research studies and 5,000 researchers and staff, the Feinstein Institutes raises the standard of medical innovation through its six institutes of behavioral science, bioelectronic medicine, cancer, health system science, molecular medicine, and translational research. We are the global scientific leader in bioelectronic medicine – an innovative field of science that has the potential to revolutionize medicine. The Feinstein Institutes publishes two open-access, international peer-reviewed journals Molecular Medicine and Bioelectronic Medicine. Through the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, we offer an accelerated PhD program. For more information about how we produce knowledge to cure disease, visit and follow us on LinkedIn. View source version on Contacts Julianne Mosher Allen516-880-4824jmosherallen@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
7 days ago
- Health
- Business Wire
Leaders in Medicine and Science Celebrate Innovation at the Feinstein Institutes During Two Annual Academic Events
MANHASSET, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Top physician-scientists gathered on Long Island for a two-day celebration of medical research and achievement hosted by Northwell Health's Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. On May 21, the Feinstein Academy of Scholars Symposium, an integrated network of researchers and scholars who share a passion for revolutionizing translational research, hosted its 8 th annual symposium at the Oheka Castle, Huntington, NY. The next day, at the Feinstein Institutes in Manhasset, NY, the 2025 commencement ceremony of the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine took place, where two new PhDs were conferred along with two honorary degrees given to Akiko Iwasaki, PhD, Sterling Professor of Immunology at Yale University School of Medicine and Martine Rothblatt, PhD, JD, CEO of United Therapeutics Corporation. 'The Feinstein Institutes' commitment to translational research was evident throughout this two-day celebration,' said Bettie M. Steinberg, PhD, interim dean of the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine and professor in the Feinstein Institutes Institute of Molecular Medicine. 'The symposium highlighted cutting-edge discoveries poised to move from the lab to the clinic, while the Elmezzi graduates represent the next generation of scientists dedicated to turning scientific advancements into tangible therapies.' Meeting of minds at the Feinstein Academy of Scholars Symposium Members of the Academy include recipients of honorary doctoral degrees from the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Marsh and Match visiting lecturers, recipients of the Cerami, Ross and Advancing Women in Science and Medicine (AWSM) prizes, and researchers from the Feinstein Institutes. This year's featured keynote speakers included: Tobias Janowitz, MD, PhD, associate professor and Cancer Center Program Leader at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, provided an overview of the current research on systemic signaling in paraneoplasia, emphasizing the importance of this area of study. Lopa Mishra, MD, co-director and professor in the Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes and Susan and Herman Merinoff Distinguished Chair in Translational Medicine, explained how specific environmental toxins contribute to liver cancer and outlined methods to selectively target these cancer cells. Akiko Iwasaki, PhD, Sterling Professor of Immunology at Yale University School of Medicine, spoke about examining the role of immune dysregulation in the pathogenesis of post-acute infection syndrome. Douglas F. Nixon, MD, PhD, Karches Family Professor in Translational Research and director and professor, Institute of Translational Research at the Feinstein Institutes, spoke about human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are part of our non-coding DNA and that our own genomes can impact our health and disease. Max Brenner, MD, PhD, associate professor in the Institute of Molecular Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes, spoke about an Elmezzi scholar's scientific journey stemming from the classroom to the clinic and the lab. Linda Van Aelst, PhD, professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, discussed the intricate involvement of Rho regulators in synapse formation and dysfunction. Celebrating the future of medical research On May 22, two clinicians were conferred their PhD during the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine graduation. This unique PhD program is for physicians (MDs) who wish to pursue careers in biomedical research. During the program, Elmezzi students conduct research in Feinstein Institutes laboratories to advance medical research and pursue new therapeutic approaches and diagnostic tools. The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine is supported in part by a generous endowment from the Thomas and Jeanne Elmezzi Foundation. Two honorary degrees were bestowed at the Elmezzi commencement. The first to Dr. Iwasaki for her research on immune defense against viruses at mucosal surfaces, and to Dr. Rothblatt for her contributions to new treatments for rare diseases and advances in organ transplants. In addition, she was the creator of the satellite radio company SiriusXM. This year's graduates include: Willians Tambo Ayol, MD, investigated the role of microvascular dysfunction in cognitive impairment and dementia, and explored the therapeutic potential of the diving reflex's protective mechanisms against cerebral hypoperfusion. Santhoshi Poonacha Palandira, MBBS, MS, MCh, applied optogenetics to neuromodulate brainstem nuclei to regulate inflammation. She also identified celiac-superior mesenteric ganglion complex in the abdomen and identified it as a new therapeutic target for noninvasive bioelectronic therapies to treat inflammation with a translational potential. 'Physician-scientists produce the innovations and discoveries that make a healthier world,' said Kevin J. Tracey, MD, president and CEO of Feinstein Institutes and Karches Family Distinguished Chair in Medical Research. 'Elmezzi graduates are committed to career paths that will lead to new therapies and diagnostics.' To find out more about the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine and its programs, click here. About The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine: The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine at Northwell Health offers MDs an accelerated PhD three-year program emphasizing translational research. Its mission is to provide academic training for physicians to discover and understand the causes of human diseases and to rapidly and effectively translate this information into diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. The program started in 1994 and is supported in part by a generous endowment from The Thomas and Jeanne Elmezzi Foundation. To date, more than 50 physician-scientists have graduated from the prestigious program. The Elmezzi School of Molecular Medicine is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). For more information, click here. About the Feinstein Institutes The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research is the home of the research institutes of Northwell Health, the largest health care provider and private employer in New York State. Encompassing 50+ research labs, 3,000 clinical research studies and 5,000 researchers and staff, the Feinstein Institutes raises the standard of medical innovation through its six institutes of behavioral science, bioelectronic medicine, cancer, health system science, molecular medicine, and translational research. We are the global scientific leader in bioelectronic medicine – an innovative field of science that has the potential to revolutionize medicine. The Feinstein Institutes publishes two open-access, international peer-reviewed journals Molecular Medicine and Bioelectronic Medicine. Through the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, we offer an accelerated PhD program. For more information about how we produce knowledge to cure disease, visit and follow us on LinkedIn.
Economic Times
21-05-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Worried about recent rise in COVID-19 cases? Here's how to protect yourself without getting a jab
How are nasal vaccines different from traditional ones How do nasal vaccines work? Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel In recent weeks, COVID-19 cases have been rising across Asia, with notable surges in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand. In India, the Union Health Ministry reported 257 active cases as of Monday, May 19. Authorities remain on alert, particularly due to the global spread of the JN.1 variant , a sublineage of Omicron. While vaccines played a vital role in curbing the virus during the pandemic, researchers have now identified a promising alternative: a nasal vaccine. This new approach could prove to be safer, more effective, and better at blocking the virus at its primary entry point—the nose.A new study by Yale University researchers suggests that nasal vaccine boosters may provide safer and more targeted protection against respiratory illnesses like COVID-19—without relying on traditional immune-boosting additives. The findings were published in the journal Nature most vaccines and boosters are delivered through injections into muscle tissue, typically in the upper arm, respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 may require protection at the virus's primary entry point: the respiratory tract.'Our study shows how a simple viral protein antigen can boost respiratory tract immune responses against viruses,' said Akiko Iwasaki, Sterling Professor of Immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine (YSM) and senior author of the study. 'These data imply that viral proteins in nasal spray may be used as a safe way to promote antiviral immunity at the site of viral entry.'To explore how nasal vaccines work, researchers first gave mice a traditional mRNA COVID-19 vaccine via intramuscular injection. Later, they administered a booster dose through the nose. Their goal was to study the effectiveness of nasal boosters that don't include adjuvants—special ingredients used in some vaccines to enhance and prolong immune responses. While adjuvants can boost immunity, they may also cause side effects such as inflammation and facial nerve swelling.'We call this vaccine strategy 'prime and spike', which is where the mice were intramuscularly primed with mRNA vaccines followed by a nasal boosting with unadjuvanted spike protein,' Dong-il Kwon, a postdoctoral fellow in Yale's Department of Immunobiology, said in a scientists found that only the nasal booster triggered a strong local immune response. Other boosters, including intramuscular injection, didn't produce much IgA or activate immune cells in the lungs of the mice. When the researchers gave the mice a second nasal booster, their IgA levels increased even more in both the lungs and nasal passages.'These findings help explain why nasal boosters do not require adjuvants to induce robust mucosal immunity at the respiratory mucosa and can be used to design safe and effective vaccines against respiratory virus pathogens,' Kwon added.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Worried about recent rise in COVID-19 cases? Here's how to protect yourself without getting a jab
Amidst rising COVID-19 cases in Asia, Yale University researchers have discovered that nasal vaccine boosters offer a safer and more targeted protection against respiratory diseases like COVID-19. The 'prime and spike' approach, combining traditional shots with nasal boosters containing spike proteins, triggers strong immune defenses in the respiratory tract, potentially preventing infection at the point of entry. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads How are nasal vaccines different from traditional ones How do nasal vaccines work? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads In recent weeks, COVID-19 cases have been rising across Asia, with notable surges in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand. In India, the Union Health Ministry reported 257 active cases as of Monday, May 19. Authorities remain on alert, particularly due to the global spread of the JN.1 variant , a sublineage of Omicron. While vaccines played a vital role in curbing the virus during the pandemic, researchers have now identified a promising alternative: a nasal vaccine. This new approach could prove to be safer, more effective, and better at blocking the virus at its primary entry point—the nose.A new study by Yale University researchers suggests that nasal vaccine boosters may provide safer and more targeted protection against respiratory illnesses like COVID-19—without relying on traditional immune-boosting additives. The findings were published in the journal Nature most vaccines and boosters are delivered through injections into muscle tissue, typically in the upper arm, respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 may require protection at the virus's primary entry point: the respiratory tract.'Our study shows how a simple viral protein antigen can boost respiratory tract immune responses against viruses,' said Akiko Iwasaki, Sterling Professor of Immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine (YSM) and senior author of the study. 'These data imply that viral proteins in nasal spray may be used as a safe way to promote antiviral immunity at the site of viral entry.'To explore how nasal vaccines work, researchers first gave mice a traditional mRNA COVID-19 vaccine via intramuscular injection. Later, they administered a booster dose through the nose. Their goal was to study the effectiveness of nasal boosters that don't include adjuvants—special ingredients used in some vaccines to enhance and prolong immune responses. While adjuvants can boost immunity, they may also cause side effects such as inflammation and facial nerve swelling.'We call this vaccine strategy 'prime and spike', which is where the mice were intramuscularly primed with mRNA vaccines followed by a nasal boosting with unadjuvanted spike protein,' Dong-il Kwon, a postdoctoral fellow in Yale's Department of Immunobiology, said in a scientists found that only the nasal booster triggered a strong local immune response. Other boosters, including intramuscular injection, didn't produce much IgA or activate immune cells in the lungs of the mice. When the researchers gave the mice a second nasal booster, their IgA levels increased even more in both the lungs and nasal passages.'These findings help explain why nasal boosters do not require adjuvants to induce robust mucosal immunity at the respiratory mucosa and can be used to design safe and effective vaccines against respiratory virus pathogens,' Kwon added.
