Researchers Unveil a New Potential Antiviral Drug Target
Researchers from the Massachusetts General Hospital have revealed a new potential antiviral target that could help develop universal treatment for a variety of viral infections. They found that mammals with a lack of a protein called AGO4 in cells are more prone to viral infections.
Parents Raise Awareness after Son Dies From Flu-Related Sepsis
5-year-old Lochlin DeSantis died on January 20 after developing flu-related sepsis. His parents, William and Brooke, are raising awareness about sepsis through a charity called GoFundMe in the hope that parents are able to recognize the signs of symptoms of flu and sepsis.
Fitbit Could Help Predict Flu or Infectious Disease in Real-Time
A team of researchers at the Scripps Research Translational Institute has found that the Fitbit you wear could help predict flu or infectious disease. The wearable device could do more than tracking your activities. By predicting flu-like illness, Fitbits could help prevent the spread of the illness.
Flu Shot Less Effective in Obese or Overweight People
New research has found that people who are obese or overweight do not respond well to the flu vaccine, probably of their altered metabolism. Also, the research found that flu shot is less effective in older people, suggesting researchers to bring improvements in the flu vaccines so they are effective for all.
Cold or Flu? Knowing the Difference Is Important
There is some difference between the common cold and the flu and it is important to know about it. Although the same viruses are responsible for causing the flu and the cold, the former runs its course and can be more intense and severe, leading to complications, which is why officials recommend getting a flu shot.
Dog Flu: Is It Real? Does It Actually Exist?
Scientists have found some types of flu, which can spread between animals, might actually mutate and spread from dogs or cats to humans. They also found that the strains are different from others and may spread quickly among humans, making vulnerable to canine flu.
CDC Predicts Bad Part of Flu Season Is Yet To Come
CDC officials have predicted that this year’s flu season is not over and the bad is yet to come, warning people to take precautionary measures by getting a flu shot. CDC says the flu is likely to increase in the next few weeks, making things worse. This grim prediction has recommended people to get flu shots and certain safety measures in order to prevent catching flu.
