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Medscape
30-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
High-Dose Flu Shot Beats Standard Dose in At-Risk Patients
TOPLINE: The high-dose influenza vaccine demonstrated superior immunogenicity over the standard-dose vaccine in immunocompromised patients, with increased seroconversion rates for H1N1, H3N2, and B strains, while showing similar safety profiles. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 16 randomised clinical trials comparing inactivated high-dose (60 µg haemagglutinin antigen load per strain) and standard-dose (15 µg haemagglutinin antigen load per strain) influenza vaccines in immunocompromised patients. Spanning nine influenza seasons, these studies enrolled 1862 patients, of whom 954 received the high-dose vaccine and 908 the standard-dose vaccine. Primary outcomes were immunogenicity (measured using geometric mean haemagglutination inhibition titres at 21-42 days post-vaccination), seroprotection and seroconversion rates, and safety profiles. TAKEAWAY: At 21-42 days post-vaccination, the geometric mean haemagglutination inhibition titres were 32% higher for H1N1, 55% for H3N2, and 39% for B strains among recipients of the high-dose vaccine than among those of the standard-dose vaccine. Seroconversion rates were consistently higher among recipients of the high-dose vaccine than among those of the standard dose vaccine for H1N1 (risk ratio [RR], 1.30; 95% CI, 1.04-1.57), H3N2 (RR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.03-1.41), and B (RR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.15-1.63) strains. Seroprotection rates were similar across most strains, except for the H1N1 strain, for which the high-dose vaccine conferred slightly higher protection (RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00-1.09). Safety profiles were similar between both the groups for most adverse events; however, injection-site pain occurred more often with the high-dose vaccine (RR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.04-1.54). IN PRACTICE: "Our data suggest that HD [high-dose] influenza vaccine could be recommended for immunocompromised patients. Future clinical trials including larger sample sizes and analysing clinical effectiveness will be of great interest to provide recommendations for specific immunocompromised populations," the authors wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Mario Rivera-Izquierdo, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain. It was published online on June 22, 2025, in the Journal of Infection. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by the absence of data from some original studies and by the annual change in high-dose vaccine formulations, which may have limited the applicability of the findings to other seasons. The immunocompromised populations included were very specific. Moreover, most studies did not assess the clinical effectiveness of the high-dose vaccine. DISCLOSURES: This study was supported by the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Lleida Fundación Dr Pifarré (IRBLleida). The authors reported having no conflicts of interest. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Scottish Sun
09-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
New ‘poo pills' could flush out killer bugs that kill one million Brits each year
Find out how superbugs develop and spread below POO KNEW? New 'poo pills' could flush out killer bugs that kill one million Brits each year Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SUPERBUGS, or drug-resistant infections, are projected to cause more than 39 million deaths between now and 2050. This means that, on average, over three people are expected to die from antibiotic-resistant infections every minute. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Scientists focused on the gut to kill superbug infections Credit: Getty But now UK doctor are attempting to clear the number of dangerous superbug infections by using pills containing freeze-dried faeces. The "poo pills" contain stool samples from health donors, packed with good bacteria. And the idea comes from previous data that suggests superbugs can be flushed out of the bowel and replaced with a mix of healthy gut bacteria. Dr Blair Merrick, who has been testing the pills at St Guys and Thomas' hospitals, said the focus is on the bowels which are "the biggest reservoir of antibiotic resistance in humans". The bowel is considered a significant reservoir for these resistant bacteria, and from there they can cause trouble in places such as the urinary tract or bloodstream. Dr Merrick added: "So there's a lot in 'can you get rid of them from the gut?" Currently, people with recurrent illness caused by hard-to-treat bacterium Clostridium difficile can be offered faecal transplants. Scientists noticed they also had the potential to get rid of superbugs. In a new study, published in the Journal of Infection, researchers focused on 41 patients who had an infection caused by drug-resistant bacteria in the past six months. They were given pills made from faeces which people had donated to a stool bank. What is Klebsiella pneumonia? Each stool sample was tested to ensure it didn't contain and harmful bugs. Undigested food was removed, and then it was freeze dried into a powder. The powder, contained inside a pill, can then pass through the stomach unharmed and reach the intestines, where it then dissolves. Twenty of the participants were given three sets of capsules on three consecutive days, while the rest received placebo pills. For those who took the capsules , the donor bacteria was detectable in their gut flora a month later. Dr Merrick told the BBC: "It's very exciting. There's a real shift from 20 years ago, where all bacteria and viruses were assumed to do you harm; to now where we realise they are completely necessary to our overall health." To help avoid getting superbugs, the NHS recommends practising good hygiene - wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after coughing or sneezing. Use antibiotics responsibly - avoid taking antibiotics for viral infections like colds or the flu, as they won't work. Even if you feel better, finish all of your prescribed medication to ensure the infection is fully treated. And don't share antibiotics - sharing can be harmful and can lead to resistance. Also, take preventative measures when travelling - choose food from reliable sources, and ensure food is properly cooked and handled, avoid drinking water that may be contaminated, and make sure you are up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations before travelling.
