Latest news with #influenza
News24
16 hours ago
- General
- News24
Myths and misconceptions about the medical marvel that is the flu vaccine
In 1918, a particularly virulent strain of influenza is estimated to have infected 500 million people worldwide, killing between 20 and 50 million people, and causing more fatalities than the entire course of the First World War1. It was not until the 1930s, and after many years of deadly influenza pandemics, that influenza was identified to be caused by a virus and not a bacterial infection, a vital step towards developing an effective vaccine1. Historically, as each new vaccine proved effective in a particular flu season, the following season would see scientists discovering that some patients were not developing the necessary antibodies to the identified strain, which led to the discovery of different influenza strains1. Fortunately today, scientists now manufacture vaccines based on the monitoring of virus strains in circulation around the world, updating the strains targeted by the vaccine in response1. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the flu vaccine is still the best way to prevent the flu2. Flu viruses mutate very rapidly, and as the viruses spread, many different strains develop, which fall into 2 main types namely influenza A and influenza B11. Because flu viruses are constantly evolving, flu vaccines are updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that research suggests will be common during the upcoming flu season3. For the past few years, a quadrivalent influenza vaccine has been available worldwide to protect against four different flu viruses, including two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses4. However, given that there have not been any confirmed detections of the one influenza B virus since March 2020, the World Health Organization Flu Vaccine Strain-Selection Committee has recommended switching back to trivalent (three-strain) vaccines that include two influenza A strains plus just the one influenza B strain5. This vaccine will be available in South Africa this month. Despite over 60 years of medical research, clinical trials and proven safety and efficacy, as well as the fact that the flu vaccine can reduce the chances of getting sick by up to 60%, many myths and misconceptions about the potentially life saving medical intervention still exist6,7. Flu isn't serious Many people are still under the impression that flu isn't serious. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, seasonal flu results in between 6 000 and 11 000 deaths in South Africa annually, as a result of flu complications. People who are more at risk of severe flu complications include the elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, lung disease, tuberculosis and heart disease8. The flu vaccine causes flu One common myth that exists is that the flu vaccine can cause flu. This is not true. To cause an infection, a flu virus needs to reproduce, and no flu vaccine anywhere in the world contains viruses that can reproduce. Some people may feel some minor side effects after being vaccinated, including slight fever, aches, or fatigue, but these can all be normal signs that your immune system is learning to fight off the flu6. One vaccine every few years should suffice Some people think that the flu vaccine they had last year will protect them again the following year. Unlike other vaccines, flu vaccines are not intended to last longer than one year. This is because flu viruses are constantly changing, and flu vaccines are updated from one season to the next6. Flu vaccines are dangerous for pregnant women On the contrary, pregnant women are a higher risk group who should get the flu vaccine, since their immune systems are weaker than usual. The inactivated flu vaccine is safe at any stage of pregnancy5. Flu vaccines are painful While the thought of a needle might make some people nervous or uncomfortable, medical innovation has also advanced when it comes to administering the flu vaccination. A smart syringe, which is available in South Africa, is one example, which has been designed for precise dosing and injection site comfort9. This is particularly helpful given that the World Health Organisation recommends that children from the age of six months old should get an annual flu vaccination2. Speak to your doctor, pharmacist or local clinic about getting your flu vaccination as soon as possible. It is quick, easy and safe6,7,9 and can protect you and your family from becoming seriously ill with flu, and limits the spread of infection to family, friends and colleagues. References: 1. World Health Organization. History of the Influenza Vaccination (2024) at (website accessed on 18 February 2024) 2. World Health Organization. Key Facts (2023) at (website accessed on 30 January 2024) 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Strong Defence Against Flu – Get Vaccinated! (2020) at (website accessed on 30 January 2024). 4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (2023) at (website accessed on 19 February 2024) 5. University of Minnesota. WHO advisers recommend switch back to trivalent flu vaccines (2023) at (website accessed on 19 February 2024) 6. Families Fighting Flu Inc. Facts on Flu Vaccines (2021) at (website accessed on 18 February 2024) 7. World Health Organization. 5 Myths about the Flu Vaccine (2024) at (website accessed on 18 February 2024) 8. National Institute for Communicable Diseases. Influenza Season Approaching (2018) at (website accessed on 30 January 2024 9. Smart Syringe System data on file
News24
16 hours ago
- Business
- News24
This flu season, keep your employees safe and prevent your business from falling ill
As early as April, the dreaded 2024 influenza season will start, reaching its most severe period generally between May and August1. Besides the physical symptoms and risks that flu poses to the general population, especially those people in higher risk groups, the cost of influenza on businesses can be significant, impacting productivity, employee absenteeism, healthcare expenses, and overall profitability2. Despite an effective influenza vaccine having been available for many years, flu continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality both in South Africa and worldwide1, and has a detrimental effect on businesses, both directly and indirectly2. Statistics released by Human Capital Review estimate that absenteeism could cost South Africa as much as R19.144 billion annually3, with flu accounting for 4.5 million days of absenteeism from work every year2. Office environments have many so-called 'flu hot spots', including the elevators, stair railing, bathroom door, printers or even the kettle or fridge. Flu spreads easily from person to person through droplet distribution when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or through hand-to-hand contact. In a work environment, where people are in close contact with each other, it is more likely for the flu virus to spread and infect other people too, who in turn can pass their flu onto their families and other people they come into contact with4. This is becoming even more relevant as many workers return to the office post the COVID pandemic, with 76% of local CEOs preferring workers being back in the office full-time5. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, seasonal flu results in between 6 000 and 11 000 people in South Africa dying as a result of complications every year6. High risk individuals are also more at risk come flu season, and include the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, lung disease, tuberculosis and heart disease6. With businesses in South Africa already faced with numerous challenges including loadshedding, rising inflation and high energy prices7, making the flu vaccine available to employees or implementing a corporate flu vaccine programme not only benefits your business, but is an important step towards protecting the health and safety of your employees8. In fact, vaccinated employees can serve as a barrier to limit the spread of influenza and can reduce the transmission rate by as much as 78%8. Besides being vaccinated, which is the most effective way to prevent flu8, anyone who suspects they have flu should stay home from work at least 4-5 days after the onset of symptoms, and are at their most contagious during the first 3 days of their illness9. The flu vaccine, although not 100% effective, remains the best available form of protection against influenza1. Those who have been vaccinated will also experience reduced symptoms, fewer visits to the clinic or doctor, reduced sick leave, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalisations6. Companies are urged to consider implementing a company vaccination programme as this is the most effective pre-emptive measure to protect your business, and your employees, this winter8. References: 1. National Institute for Communicable Diseases. Flu Season is Around the Corner (2019) at (website accessed on 30 January 2024) 2. Tempia, S et al. Health and economic burden of influenza-associated illness in South Africa, 2013-2015. Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2019 Sep; 13(5): 484–495 at (website accessed on 11 December 2023) 3. The True Cost of Absenteeism in the workplace. People Factor Magazine (2022) at ( (website accessed on 11 December 2023) 4. Flu or Cold? Genesis Medical Scheme (2016) at (website accessed on 15 February 2024) 5. KPMG - CEO Outlook South African edition: Potential growth in uncertain times (2022) at (website accessed on 15 February 2023) 6. National Institute for Communicable Diseases. Influenza Season Approaching (2018) at (website accessed on 30 January 2024) 7. International Monetary Fund. South Africa's Economy Loses Momentum Amid Record Power Cuts (2023) at (website accessed on 11 December 2023) 8. Verelst, F. Science Direct. Workplace influenza vaccination to reduce employee absenteeism: An economic analysis from the employers' perspective (2021) at (website accessed on 11 December 2023) 9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing the Spread of Flu in the Workplace (2021) at (website accessed on 15 February 2023)
Medscape
2 days ago
- Business
- Medscape
Recombinant Flu Shots Extend Protection to Children
The quadrivalent recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV4) demonstrated non-inferior immune responses in children and adolescents aged 9-17 years compared with adults aged 18-49 years, with the safety profile comparable between both age groups, providing a suitable alternative to egg-based formulations for children. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a phase 3, non-randomised, immunobridging study during the 2022-2023 northern hemisphere influenza season to evaluate whether immune responses to RIV4 in children (aged 9-17 years) were non-inferior to those in adults (aged 18-49 years). They enrolled 648 children and adolescents (mean age, 13 years; 52% boys) and 660 adults (mean age, 34.3 years; 40% men). All participants received a single intramuscular dose of RIV4 (45 μg haemagglutinin of each of A/H1N1, A/H3N2, B/Victoria, and B/Yamagata strains) and were monitored for 6 months on days 9, 29, and 181. The endpoint was measured using haemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titre ratios and the difference in seroconversion rates at day 29 post-vaccination. Non-inferiority was established if the lower limit of the 95% CI exceeded 0.667 for geometric mean titre ratios and −10% or above for seroconversion, for each of the four strains. TAKEAWAY: At day 29, the ratio of geometric mean HAI titres between children and adolescents and adult groups was well above the prespecified non-inferiority margin for A/H1N1 (2.0; 95% CI, 1.7-2.3), H3N2 (3.3; 95% CI, 2.8-3.9), B/Victoria (1.6; 95% CI, 1.4-1.8), and B/Yamagata (1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.4) strains. Similarly, the difference in seroconversion rates between the two groups was also above the prespecified non-inferiority margin for all the four strains. The safety profile of RIV4 was comparable between the two groups; however, solicited reactions within 7 days post-vaccination were less common in children and adolescents than in adults. None of the serious and medically attended adverse events were related to the vaccine, and no deaths or adverse events of special interest were reported in either group. IN PRACTICE: "Having multiple influenza vaccine options is crucial to successfully combating influenza, and these options need to be available for children. Prioritising children in influenza vaccine studies is an important step in combating the global burden of influenza," the authors of a commentary wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Pedro M. Folegatti, DPhil, Sanofi, Marcy-l'Étoile, France. It was published online on May 21, 2025, in The Lancet Infectious Diseases . LIMITATIONS: This study did not investigate immune responses in children younger than 9 years. The evaluation was limited to just one influenza season, and no clinical testing for influenza disease or infection was conducted, potentially accounting for some of the increased antibody responses observed. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by Sanofi. Seven authors reported being employees of and may have held shares in Sanofi. Two other authors reported having financial ties with other pharmaceutical companies.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
COVID-19 Disease Burden Remains High, Study Shows
A recent study has shown that COVID-19 remains a significant threat. Our public health response ... More needs to reflect this continued disease burden. Photographer: Graham Hughes/Bloomberg Researchers in Denmark conducted a large-scale evaluation of the disease burdens associated with COVID-19 and influenza. Their conclusion? COVID-19 has a greater impact than influenza, resulting in more hospitalizations and deaths. These findings, they note, emphasize the continued need for a strong public health response. To compare the disease burden of COVID-19 and influenza, the researchers evaluated data available from Danish health registries from May 16, 2022 to June 7, 2024. The results were published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. A commentary about the findings was published in the same issue of the journal. During this period, the risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19 was approximately two times higher than the risk of hospitalization due to influenza. The risk of death was approximately three times higher. The researchers note that these increased risks were greater during the first year of the study period but still were evident during the second year. The risk of mortality, for example, was five times greater for COVID-19 during the first year of the study. That increased risk dropped during the second year, but COVID-19 still had a two and a half times greater risk of mortality than influenza. Infectious disease experts often cite the case fatality rate of an infectious agent as one measure of its disease burden. Simply, the CFR represents the proportion of people diagnosed with an infectious disease who die from the disease. Five years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, roughly 780 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide, resulting in over 7 million deaths, according to data provided by the World Health Organization. The ratio in the U.S. is similar. About 103 million cases and 1.22 million deaths have been reported. These numbers indicate a CFR of approximately 1%. This rate is significantly lower than the rates associated with other recent coronavirus outbreaks like SARS (CFR = 11%) and MERS (CFR = 34%). However, the CFR of COVID-19 far exceeds the CFR of seasonal influenza. The disease burden of COVID-19 certainly has dropped over the course of the pandemic. Various factors most likely have contributed to this change. Most people today possess some degree of natural or vaccine-induced immunity. As a result, rates of severe disease, hospitalization, and death should be lower. But the disease burden remains significant. We must continue our efforts to prevent new infections and develop effective treatments for infected individuals. In their article, Bager et al. note, 'These results highlight the continued need for attention and public health efforts to mitigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2.' In the accompanying commentary, Dr. Yan Xie, a researcher at the Washington University School of Medicine, noted that there exists, 'a profound disconnect between empirical evidence and public health policy, particularly in vaccine prioritisation strategies.' He added, 'Governments must prioritize robust surveillance and monitoring systems, data collection, analysis, and clear communication about the state of infectious threats, including COVID-19's ongoing impacts.' When asked to elaborate on these points, Dr. Xie commented, 'The disconnect arises primarily from the notion that COVID-19 has become less severe and in the eyes of many an inconsequential infection.' The empirical evidence, however, suggests otherwise. COVID-19 remains a significant public health problem. Yet, our efforts to address the disease are waning. In recent weeks, the Food and Drug Administration commissioner Dr. Martin A. Makary wrote that future formulations of the COVID-19 vaccine would need to undergo extensive clinical trials before being approved for use in healthy people between 6 months and 64 years and age. And Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the COVID-19 vaccine would be removed from the CDC immunization schedule for healthy children and healthy pregnant women. These changes undoubtedly will reduce access to the vaccines and thus increase people's risk of becoming infected. COVID-19 has not gone away. We must remain vigilante and committed to addressing this ongoing threat. Now is not the time to relax our efforts. As Dr. Xie remarked, 'Aligning policies with reality is crucial to effectively protect public health. Wishful thinking is just that - wishful thinking.'
Medscape
7 days ago
- Business
- Medscape
Recombinant Flu Shots Can Prevent Additional Hospital Stays
A recent analysis indicated that switching from the standard-dose inactivated influenza vaccine to the recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV) could have prevented nearly 100,000 hospitalizations among working-age adults in the United States over 10 seasons. The greatest benefits would have been seen in individuals aged 50-64 years and at-risk adults aged 18-49 years with chronic conditions. METHODOLOGY: Researchers investigated the burden of influenza and the potential impact of switching from the standard-dose inactivated influenza vaccine to RIV in reducing influenza-related hospitalizations among working-age adults in the United States, including those aged 18-49 years or 50-64 years. They collected data on influenza burden, vaccine effectiveness, and coverage rates for both age groups from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the years 2012-2023, excluding 2020-2021. The rates of influenza-related hospitalizations and deaths were estimated among adults aged 18-49 years or 50-64 years with at least one chronic medical condition. A modeling analysis was carried out for both age groups to estimate the potential reduction in hospitalizations if RIV had replaced the standard-dose inactivated influenza vaccine, taking chronic conditions into account. TAKEAWAY: Over the past decade, influenza caused a median annual number of 151,021 hospitalizations and 7215 deaths among US adults of working age, with adults aged 50-64 years experiencing threefold and fivefold higher rates of hospitalizations and deaths, respectively, than those aged 18-49 years. Among adults aged 18-49 years, the 14% with chronic conditions accounted for 28% of hospitalizations and 29% of deaths related to influenza. Similarly, among those aged 50-64 years, the 47% with at least one chronic condition accounted for 68% of hospitalizations and 69% of deaths related to influenza. The modelling analysis indicated that a complete switch to RIV could have prevented a total of 87,654 (95% CI, 74,518-101,482) additional influenza-related hospitalizations over the past ten seasons among adults aged 50-64 years. Similarly, among adults aged 18-49 years, a switch to RIV could have prevented a total of 14,436 (95% CI, 10,100-19,963) additional influenza-related hospitalizations over the same period. IN PRACTICE: 'Considering the whole 50- to 64-year age group for the use of enhanced vaccines, like RIV, deserves consideration as it could support public health interventions promoting healthy aging,' the authors wrote. 'A risk-based recommendation may be more appropriate for younger working ages, given the fraction of burden within those with chronic conditions,' they added. SOURCE: The study was led by Laurence Torcel-Pagnon, MSc, Sanofi, Lyon, France. It was published online on April 17, 2025, in Clinical Infectious Diseases . LIMITATIONS: The vaccine effectiveness of RIV vs the standard-dose inactivated influenza vaccinevaries between seasons and studies, making it challenging to compare benefits across different scenarios. The analysis was limited due to a scarcity of high-quality evidence on clinical burden and vaccine effectiveness in at-risk groups. Lastly, the modeling approach used may not have considered indirect effects that influenced vaccination at the population level. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by Sanofi. The authors reported being employees of Sanofi and potentially holding shares in the company.
