Tag

Antivirals

All articles tagged with #antivirals

health1 month ago•12 min saved

Record-breaking flu season tests Americans, who lean on rest, deliveries and vaccines to cope

The U.S. is in a record-breaking flu season, with the CDC reporting about 19 million illnesses and thousands of deaths from a new subclade K. Personal stories show people coping by resting for days, using meal delivery services and streaming to pass the time, and relying on vaccines and antivirals like Tamiflu and Xofluza. The season appears to be easing from its winter peak, but the impact has been widespread across ages and professions.

via CNN|

#antivirals #cdc #flu-season

health1 month ago•5 min saved

US flu-shot guidance shifts amid severe season, triggering expert concern

As a severe flu season drives high illness and hospitalizations, U.S. officials have moved to shared decision-making rather than clear endorsements for flu shots in children, prompting concerns from experts that mixed messaging could lower vaccination rates despite evidence that vaccines reduce severe illness and death. The CDC reports millions ill, tens of thousands of hospitalizations, and hundreds of pediatric deaths; current vaccination uptake is around 42–43% for children and adults. Antivirals usage has declined in recent years. Experts urge continued vaccination, early antiviral treatment for high-risk groups, and standard preventive measures while warning about evolving flu strains and bird-flu risks.

via The Guardian|

#antivirals #cdc #flu

health2 months ago•4 min saved

CDC and MDHHS Urge Flu Vaccinations to Protect Children

CDC officials are urging Americans to get flu vaccines and antivirals amid record child deaths and circulating virus mutations, emphasizing the importance of vaccination to prevent severe illness and death, especially among vulnerable groups, despite challenges like vaccine hesitancy and virus mutations.

via The Guardian|

#antivirals #cdc #child-deaths

health1 year ago•2 min saved

"Early Antiviral Use Lowers Long COVID Risk"

A meta-analysis of nine studies published in the Journal of Infection found that early use of oral antiviral drugs, particularly Paxlovid, reduced the risk of long COVID by 23%. The study suggests that broader use of antivirals may be beneficial in preventing long COVID, highlighting the importance of timely antiviral intervention.

via University of Minnesota Twin Cities|

#antivirals #covid-19 #health

health2 years ago•5 min saved

"Improving Access to Antiviral Drugs for COVID: What You Need to Know"

Access to the COVID-19 antiviral drug Paxlovid should be easier, as it is widely available and affordable. However, some healthcare providers are still reluctant to prescribe it, citing concerns such as "Paxlovid rebound," which studies have shown to be unfounded. Officials urge healthcare providers to prescribe antivirals to eligible patients, especially those at high risk for severe COVID-19. Patients who are declined Paxlovid can seek other healthcare providers or utilize free telehealth services for treatment.

via Yahoo News|

#antivirals #covid-19 #health

health2 years ago•5 min saved

"Challenges and Disparities in Accessing COVID Antiviral Drugs"

Despite the widespread availability and effectiveness of Paxlovid, many doctors are still reluctant to prescribe it due to outdated concerns about "Paxlovid rebound" and potential side effects. However, officials at both federal and state levels are urging healthcare providers to properly prescribe Paxlovid and other antivirals, especially for high-risk COVID-19 patients, as studies show that early antiviral treatment can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Patients who are declined a Paxlovid prescription can seek out other healthcare providers or utilize free telehealth services for access to treatment.

via Los Angeles Times|

#antivirals #covid-19 #health

health2 years ago•4 min saved

Antivirals and Long COVID: The Latest Research on Prevention and Treatment

Research is ongoing to understand and address the burden of long COVID, which affects 5%–10% of COVID patients and can persist for up to two years. Antiviral drugs like Paxlovid and molnupiravir have shown promise in reducing the risk of long COVID, with reductions of up to 26% reported. Metformin, a diabetes medication, has also shown potential in reducing long COVID risk. However, there is a lack of effective treatments for long COVID, and more research is needed. The focus has primarily been on preventing severe disease, but efforts are being made to prioritize research and find solutions for long COVID.

via The Conversation Indonesia|

#antivirals #health #long-covid

health2 years ago•5 min saved

Breakthrough: Scientists Discover Medication that Neutralizes Emerging Bat Coronavirus

Scientists have isolated a "pre-emerging" bat coronavirus known as BtCoV-422 and discovered that an off-the-shelf monoclonal antibody, mAb JC57-11, effectively neutralizes it. In addition, widely-used antiviral drugs, including Remdesivir, Paxlovid, and Lagevrio, were found to inhibit the virus in vitro. While BtCoV-422 does not currently pose a threat to humans, further mutation-driven evolution could potentially enable it to infect humans. The study highlights the importance of developing broad therapeutics and identifying conserved epitope targets to address emerging zoonotic threats and enhance pandemic preparedness.

via Medical Xpress|

#antivirals #bat-coronavirus #coronavirus

health2 years ago•5 min saved

Stay Ahead of Cold and Flu Season: Recognize the Warning Signs and Symptoms

As cold and flu season approaches, it's important to know the signs and symptoms that should prompt seeking medical attention. While the common cold and flu share many symptoms, the flu tends to be more intense and come on quicker. Warning signs for seeking medical care include higher fevers, shaking chills, fast or labored breathing, and severe headaches or confusion. Antibiotics are not typically prescribed for colds, as they are caused by viruses, but antivirals may be prescribed for the flu. It's important to watch for complications such as ear or sinus infections, and parents should be vigilant for warning signs in children, such as breathing difficulties or dehydration. Prevention measures include getting flu vaccinations and staying home when ill.

via Fox News|

#antivirals #cold-and-flu-season #health

healthcare2 years ago•0 min saved

"Gilead Invests $100M in Assembly Bio for Breakthrough Antiviral Therapies"

Gilead has partnered with Assembly Bio to develop new antiviral treatments for herpesviruses, hepatitis B, and hepatitis D. Gilead will provide $100 million in funding, including cash and equity investment, and has the potential to offer up to $1.9 billion in milestone payments for successful clinical programs.

via Endpoints News|

#antivirals #assembly-bio #gilead

science-and-technology2 years ago•0 min saved

Revolutionary Antiviral Strategy: Disrupting Viruses' Defenses

Chemists are developing experimental antiviral drugs that target the fatty membranes protecting viruses, including those causing COVID-19 and the flu. By destroying these membranes, the drugs render the viruses vulnerable and unable to enter cells. This new strategy offers hope for a wide range of pathogens, as the membranes are less likely to develop resistance compared to viral proteins, which are the usual targets of antiviral drugs.

via Endpoints News|

#antivirals #covid-19 #influenza