Latest news with #Influenza
News18
4 days ago
- Health
- News18
No 2020-Like Repeat Of Covid-19, Influenza A Bigger Risk: Ex-WHO Scientist Soumya Swaminathan
Last Updated: Addressing fears of another catastrophic wave, Swaminathan said periodic surges—roughly every 6-8 months—are expected, largely manageable, and low in severity Influenza, and not Covid-19, likely claims more lives each year in India and globally despite the latter dominating headlines, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former chief scientist at the World Health Organization (WHO), has told News18. One of the leading experts on infectious diseases, Swaminathan has reassured the public that there is 'absolutely no need to panic now". In an exclusive interview, Swaminathan told News18 that the SARS coronavirus, much like influenza, is now part of the respiratory viruses regularly circulating in the population. ' COVID or SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus, is another respiratory virus, like the many others that are circulating amongst us human beings in the world today. It has been around for five years now. It's, of course, constantly mutating and changing, like other viruses," she said. When asked whether there's a possibility of another 'Delta-like' wave making a return, she said the public needs to understand 'very clearly" that 'we will not see the repeat of 2020 or 2021. At that time, human beings had never seen this virus before". According to her, these periodic surges—roughly every 6-8 months—are expected and largely manageable. 'We have also now started seeing that periodically…There is a rise in circulating Covid-19 cases," she noted, citing data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which indicates that the Omicron variant JN.1 has recently become the dominant strain. Swaminathan, before her ground-breaking role at WHO, was the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and secretary of the Department of Health Research in India. She, however, says that despite the increase in cases, the severity remains low. 'What you're seeing now is a mild disease mostly. Even though people are testing and reporting positivity, you find that hospitalisations are rare," she said. Swaminathan highlighted that individuals with underlying health conditions should continue to take precautions. 'People who have underlying illnesses… are likely to get a little sicker when they get a respiratory infection," she warned, adding that this applies to both Covid-19 and influenza. The flu virus may pose a greater threat than Covid-19. 'Influenza probably kills a lot more people in India and around the world… it makes a lot of sense for vulnerable people to take the flu vaccine, which gets updated every year." Addressing fears of another catastrophic wave, she assured the public: 'It will not happen that we will have a repeat of 2020 or 2021… Today, the virus cannot spread in the same way because it is met with a strong immune response." Do we need booster shots or updated vaccines? According to Swaminathan, there is a need to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of updating vaccines, especially in countries like India. 'We see that illness is mild, not requiring hospitalisation… There doesn't seem to be any reason to start a booster campaign now," she said, although she acknowledged the importance of preparing for potential future variants through continued research and updated vaccine development. She also outlined five key areas for pandemic preparedness. 'We need new legislation today that will cover biological threats like pandemics," she said, adding that 'India should have its own list of priority pathogens… and mechanisms for developing vaccines and therapeutics". Also, she said: 'Every state must have a public health cadre… It's essential to deal with so many health risks today, along with the improvement of health literacy and public engagement, which is critical." What should you do? 'Let's take sensible precautions… I see people travelling in crowded buses, trains, and planes, coughing and sneezing without a mask—that's just spreading infection." As for concerns about waning immunity, she explained, 'There are two kinds of immunity… antibodies, which decline over time, and T-cells, which have memory. The moment you are exposed again to the same virus… your immune system does its job." She emphasised that Covid-19 is now an endemic part of life. While vigilance and preparedness are necessary, panic is not. 'We can rest assured now… I would say, let's take sensible precautions… but there's no need for any panic." Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Health ministry seeks report on preparedness for Covid-19 by June 2
New Delhi: As Covid cases continue to rise across the country, the union health ministry has asked several states and union territories, including Delhi, to put preventive measures in place. As of May 28, India recorded 1,621 active cases with Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka accounting for over 90% of total active infections. In a letter dated May 29 to state chief secretaries and UT administrators, health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava addressed the seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses caused by various pathogens, including Influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and RSV. "A notable but gradual increase in cases of acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) due to SARS-CoV-2 is being seen in some parts of the country," the letter mentioned. She stated that most infections were mild, with current Omicron variants JN 1, XFG, and LF 7.9 causing typical symptoms of fever, cough and sore throat that resolve naturally. The letter instructed states and UTs to assess hospital readiness at district and sub-district levels, including medical colleges, tertiary care centres and other inpatient healthcare facilities. This includes ensuring the availability of diagnostics, essential drugs, PPEs, isolation facilities, oxygen supply, critical care beds and ventilator-supported beds. Facilities must conduct mock drills to verify oxygen preparedness. An action taken report has to be shared by June 2. The ministry emphasised following testing protocols as per operational guidelines: testing all SARI cases and 5% of ILI cases. SARI-positive samples have to be forwarded to regional VRDL centres for whole genomic sequencing. District Surveillance Units must monitor ILI/SARI trends, track SARI proportions among cases, and maintain regular data entry on the portal concerned. Through public health education, proper hand and respiratory hygiene practices, including appropriate cough etiquette and avoiding spitting in public, have to be promoted. Vulnerable groups, including elderly and immunocompromised individuals, should avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces or wear face masks in such environments. Also, individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms should monitor their health and seek medical attention if they develop serious symptoms like breathing difficulties or chest pain.
News18
25-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Clinically Differentiating Between Covid-19, Dengue, Influenza, And Other Infections
Last Updated: The challenge to differentiate between COVID-19, Influenza, Dengue, may lead to misdiagnosis in the acute stage of the disease, which may lead to incorrect treatment Clinically differentiating COVID-19, Influenza, Dengue, and other infections can be challenging in tropical regions due to the similarity of symptoms in these infections. These challenges may lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis in the acute stage of the disease, which may lead to incorrect treatment and undesirable clinical outcomes. Dr. LakshmiPriya R, Senior Consultant Microbiologist and Molecular Biologist, Metropolis Healthcare Limited (Chennai) shares the difference: COVID-19 and Influenza are contagious respiratory illnesses that spread through respiratory droplets. Whereas dengue is a viral illness transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and is not contagious from human to human directly. The incubation period for COVID and Influenza virus is within 1-4 days after exposure, after which the fever may last for 3-7 days. It is not possible to differentiate between COVID and influenza infection with symptoms alone, since most of the symptoms are similar to both infections. The incubation period for dengue infection is between 4-10 days after the mosquito bite, and the fever may last for 2-7 days. Dengue fever may vary from mild to severe. Only the mild dengue infection mimics flu infection, whereas severe forms may have hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. Most common symptoms of COVID 19 and Influenza infection are moderate to high grade fever (from 100°F to 102°F) and is continuous for 3- 4 days, chills, sore throat, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, fatigue, body ache may be mild to moderate, headache, sometimes COVID infection can cause new loss of smell or taste. The petechial rash in dengue usually begins in the chest and then spreads to other parts of the body. Dengue usually presents in 3 phases. In the febrile phase, the patient presents with high-grade fever that lasts for 2-7 days along with other symptoms. During the critical phase, the fever may drop for a period of 3-5 days. But this is a risky stage, where there may be a drop in platelets. Followed by a recovery phase, where the body reabsorbs the excess fluid, and the patient gradually starts to feel better. Complete blood count (CBC) is the most important test that helps in the initial differentiation of dengue and COVID infection. The blood-based parameters help in the differential diagnosis of the various febrile illnesses. Like Dengue patients have leucopenia, followed by a rapid drop in platelet count with a rise in haematocrit value, COVID patients may present with leucocytosis/leucopenia with eosinopenia and lymphopenia. The most common predictor for COVID is lymphopenia. There is potential cross-reactivity in the serological test of COVID-19-positive patients tested for Dengue and vice versa. This is because there is a similarity in the epitope of the HR2 domain of SARS-CoV-2 and the dengue envelope protein. In such patients, the dengue virus infection is ruled out by no evidence of seroconversion or persistence of a positive serological test. Also, confirmation can be done by performing Dengue RT-PCR. First Published: May 25, 2025, 07:37 IST
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Moderna, Inc. (MRNA) Withdraws Application for COVID-flu Combination Vaccine
Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) today announced that it had voluntarily withdrawn the pending Biologics License Application (BLA) seeking approval for its COVID-19 and Influenza combination vaccine for adults aged 50 years and older. In a brief press release on Wednesday, the company said that it had decided after consultation with the FDA. Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) plans on resubmitting the application later in the year, after it receives efficacy data from an ongoing trial of its influenza shot, mRNA-1010. A scientist surrounded by vials and beakers in a modern laboratory, proudly displaying a vaccine. The delay comes as no surprise, given Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA)'s statement earlier in the month about the company not anticipating approval of the shot until 2026. However, experts view the pullback as yet another sign of America's increased regulatory scrutiny of the vaccine approval process. On May 20, the FDA tightened COVID-19 vaccine requirements by stating that it plans to require new trials for approval of annual booster shots for healthy Americans aged under 65, effectively limiting the usage to older adults and those at risk of severe illnesses. Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) made a name for itself by quickly developing an effective coronavirus vaccine when the world needed it the most. However, the stock has largely struggled since the pandemic started to recede. The company has also been affected by increased regulatory scrutiny and a volatile political environment. Shares had plunged by 8% as of 2 PM EDT on Wednesday, taking the year-to-date slump to 38%. While we acknowledge the potential of MRNA as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than MRNA and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: ChatGPT Stock Advice: Top 12 Stock Recommendations and 10 Cheap Rising Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Universal vaccines could reshape how we fight future outbreaks – but a broad approach is needed
Every year, the race begins anew. Scientists scramble to track mutating viruses, pharmaceutical companies reformulate vaccines and public health systems brace for another season of jabs and logistics. This relentless cycle is our frontline defence against threats like flu and COVID – but it comes at a steep price. Globally, billions are poured into strain and variant surveillance, vaccine development and distribution, leaving already-stretched health systems — particularly in lower-income countries – struggling to keep pace. That's why scientists have long aimed to develop universal vaccines – ones that protect against all major forms of a virus, including both seasonal and pandemic types. But designing these vaccines has proved to be tricky. The difficulty lies in the way viruses mutate. Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) change rapidly, allowing them to escape the immune system's memory responses triggered by past infections or vaccinations. To make a universal vaccine, researchers must identify parts of the virus that stay the same across different strains and variants – known as 'conserved regions'. Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK's latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences. These conserved regions are harder for the immune system to recognise, so scientists are developing strategies to enhance the body's response to them. One approach removes the rapidly mutating parts of the virus from the vaccine entirely, helping the immune system focus on the parts that don't change. Another strategy involves 'mosaic' vaccines, which combine elements from many virus strains to trigger a broad, protective immune response. Several technologies used to deliver these vaccines are at various stages of development. For example, mRNA vaccines use lab-made strands of messenger RNA (a type of genetic material) to instruct cells to produce viral proteins to trigger an immune response. Another type relies on 'viral vectors' – harmless viruses that deliver genetic material into human cells to stimulate immunity. Both types of vaccines were gamechangers during the COVID pandemic. Other technologies include nanoparticles, which use synthetic biological particles to improve delivery and immune response. And 'virus-like particles', which trigger immune responses by imitating the structure of viruses, but don't contain any genetic material. Researchers are also using powerful computational tools to design vaccines that could work across multiple strains. These platforms aren't just being explored for flu and COVID – similar efforts are underway for other fast-evolving viruses, such as HIV. Earlier this month, the US government announced a US$500 million (£377 million) investment to accelerate research into universal vaccines. After years of underfunding, experts say this backing is long overdue – especially following the COVID pandemic, which temporarily shifted focus to emergency vaccine production. The rapid development of COVID vaccines showed how targeted funding and global collaboration can lead to scientific breakthroughs. A similar approach could now help bring universal vaccines closer to reality by supporting early research, funding clinical trials and improving manufacturing and distribution systems. However, the investment has not been without controversy. Some scientists have raised concerns that the funding may be overly directed toward a narrow set of researchers or outdated methods, rather than being open to the most promising technologies. Critics argue that a broad, flexible portfolio of vaccine strategies – rather than a single approach – is the key to success. Ultimately, the goal of a universal vaccine is not just scientific. It's also practical and global: reducing the burden on health systems, lowering costs and transforming how the world responds to future outbreaks. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Antony Black does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
