All articles tagged with #respiratory infections
Originally Published 19 days ago — by nationnews.com
Barbados is experiencing a rise in respiratory illnesses, including influenza, RSV, and COVID-19, leading to hospitalizations and two deaths. The health authorities recommend practicing good hygiene, wearing masks, and managing underlying health conditions to reduce transmission and severity of illness.
Originally Published 3 months ago — by ScienceDaily
A new international study shows that inhaled heparin, a common and affordable blood thinner, significantly improves outcomes for seriously ill COVID-19 patients by reducing ventilation needs and mortality, with potential applications for other respiratory infections; further development and trials are underway.
Originally Published 7 months ago — by ScienceAlert
A 2023 study suggests that intense vigorous exercise may temporarily weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of respiratory infections, especially in highly fit individuals like firefighters and athletes, though further research is needed.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Conversation Indonesia
A comprehensive review has found that masks, particularly well-fitting respirators, are effective in reducing the spread of respiratory diseases. While previous studies, including those by the Cochrane Collaboration, suggested insufficient evidence, this new review incorporated both randomized controlled trials and laboratory studies, showing that masks work and respirators are even more effective. The findings support the CDC's guidance on using high-grade respirators in high-risk environments and emphasize the importance of wearing the best available mask to prevent respiratory infections.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by World Health Organization (WHO)
The World Health Organization, in collaboration with major public health agencies and experts, has introduced updated terminology for pathogens that transmit through the air, including those causing respiratory infections like COVID-19 and influenza. The new descriptors aim to provide a common language for discussing the transmission of infectious respiratory particles and include terms such as "infectious respiratory particles" and "airborne transmission." This effort addresses the need for consistent terminology across scientific disciplines and will guide research agendas and public health interventions.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Newsmax
A new study shows that antibiotics do not reduce the severity or duration of coughing, even in cases of bacterial infection, highlighting the overprescription of antibiotics for coughs. Researchers found that antibiotics had no effect on cough compared to those who didn’t receive a prescription, and it took the same amount of time for people to recover from their infection regardless of antibiotic use. The study emphasizes the need for more research into proper treatment for cough symptoms and the potential dangers of antibiotic overuse leading to bacterial resistance.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by OregonLive
A 71-year-old man in good health experienced COVID-like symptoms and was diagnosed with COVID by a doctor without a test, which was later confirmed by a PCR test. The doctor's conclusion was likely based on the high prevalence of COVID during the time and the similarity of symptoms with other respiratory infections. The case highlights the variability of COVID symptoms and the importance of testing, especially with at-home tests if symptoms are present.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Neuroscience News
A study conducted in mice has revealed that the lungs communicate directly with the brain during infections, triggering symptoms of sickness through neurological pathways rather than just immune responses. This groundbreaking mechanism challenges traditional views on sickness response and suggests that treating respiratory infections and chronic lung conditions may require approaches targeting both the nervous system and the pathogen. The study also observed gender differences in sickness behavior, with male mice showing greater dependence on neuronal communications during illness, potentially shedding light on gender disparities in illness experiences.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Morning Call
The CDC's new COVID isolation guidelines, recommending staying home until 24 hours after fever has disappeared and symptoms have lessened, have sparked differing perspectives among Lehigh Valley health experts. While some see it as a necessary shift to managing COVID as a part of life, others criticize it for being one-size-fits-all and not considering vulnerable populations. COVID-19 hospitalizations are down, but experts emphasize the need for continued precautions and vaccinations, as well as the recognition of different guidelines for healthcare settings.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by CNN
The CDC has updated its Covid-19 guidelines, no longer requiring a five-day isolation period for those who test positive. Instead, individuals should stay home until fever-free without medication for 24 hours and symptoms have improved for 24 hours, then resume activities with additional precautions for five days. The change reflects the declining severe outcomes and aims to align Covid-19 guidance with other respiratory infections. The CDC emphasizes vaccination, testing, and treatment, while acknowledging the importance of remote work and paid leave. However, some public health experts disagree with the move, arguing that it undermines the public health system and fails to recognize the unique dangers of Covid-19.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The New York Times
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shortened the isolation period for Americans with Covid or other respiratory infections, allowing them to return to daily activities if they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication and if their symptoms are improving. The new guidelines also apply to influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, and emphasize the importance of limiting close contact, wearing masks, improving indoor air quality, and practicing good hygiene. The CDC's director, Dr. Mandy Cohen, highlighted the significant decreases in Covid-related hospitalizations and deaths this winter, attributing a vast majority of hospitalizations to those who did not receive the latest shots.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by theconversation.com
As COVID-19 enters its fifth year in New Zealand, the virus continues to pose a significant and evolving threat, with unpredictable evolutionary shifts leading to new waves of infections. The pandemic's impact extends beyond visible health effects, with long COVID becoming a major concern. To effectively combat the ongoing pandemic, New Zealand needs a comprehensive strategy that integrates COVID-19 control measures with those used to protect against other respiratory infections, while addressing structural inequalities in vaccination and healthcare access.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Newsweek
Breathing in diesel exhaust can have wider-reaching health impacts, including disrupting the immune system and triggering inflammation, according to a study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The study found that exposure to diesel exhaust particles can dampen the function of white blood cells and reprogram them to produce high levels of inflammatory molecules, potentially leading to tissue damage. This could be particularly concerning for those already suffering from respiratory infections, and the findings may lead to new avenues of treatment to improve immune responses and reduce disease severity.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by New York Post
Children can spend up to 140 days with cold-related symptoms during the winter, with various types of coughs caused by different conditions such as the common cold, flu, asthma, and more. Pediatrician Dr. Melanie Wilson-Taylor advises parents to track their child's cough and seek medical attention if it lasts more than five days or interferes with daily activities. While most viral coughs go away without medication, antibiotics may be necessary for coughs caused by ear infections, sinusitis, or pneumonia. Humidifiers, fluids, honey (for children over 1 year old), nasal saline spray, and vapor rubs can help alleviate symptoms, but cough suppressants are not proven to work and may have harmful ingredients.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by WSWS
A study found that elderly individuals who contracted COVID-19 faced a 60% increased risk of developing new-onset dementia (NOD) within a year of infection compared to those without respiratory infections. The risk of NOD was nearly two-fold higher in those with prior COVID-19 infections compared to those who never contracted COVID-19 or other respiratory infections. Severe COVID-19 cases were associated with a 17-fold rise in NOD risk. The study underscores the impact of COVID-19 on neurocognitive health and the need to prioritize prevention and public health infrastructure.