The influenza season marks the beginning of a time of illness, sometimes serious or even fatal, in much of the world. For this reason, flu shots are recommended, especially for individuals with underlying diseases such as chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection, since they are at higher risk for adverse outcomes.
Scientists have developed mathematical models that analyze the data obtained from an initial wave of the influenza pandemic to predict the dynamics of subsequent waves. Such predictions could be useful for pandemic preparedness.
Experts from the University of Barcelona, the Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, the Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona and the Aragon Nanoscience and Materials Institute of Aragon a joint institute of the CSIC and the University of Zaragoza have developed a new method to detect RNA viruses based on the triplex-forming probe technology.
Chinese producers and pharmacies are beefing up supplies after cold-related drugs such as oseltamivir were sold quickly in many parts of the country in the wake of the outbreak of H1N1, a seasonal flu that often comes in late winter and the beginning of spring.