Respiratory Infections

As new flu deaths are reported throughout the United States, a pair of studies highlights some of the strengths and weaknesses of the flu shot.

William Schaffner, MD, shares stories to motivate patients and health care providers to receive the flu vaccine.

Despite the increase in the number of human infections with avian influenza A (H7N9) virus during the fifth epidemic in China, a new study suggests no change in the risk of transmission of the virus among humans over time.

Following a severe flu season in the Southern Hemisphere and mounting research that egg-based flu vaccines don’t offer enough protection, experts are warning that the Northern Hemisphere may be in for a tough flu season.

Questions regarding a finance executive’s expertise in infectious diseases aside, the move seems straightforward enough—at least on the surface.

Researchers from Harvard Medical School conducted one of the largest studies to date to examine the impact of pneumococcal vaccines and antibiotic usage on trends in colonization in young, healthy children.

William Schaffner, MD, addresses common misconceptions regarding the influenza vaccine.

A blood oxygen level test in addition to 3 other noninvasive tests may be key to helping general practitioners diagnose pneumonia and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.

A new discovery could lead to a more effective live attenuated influenza vaccine offering extra protection to young children and the elderly.

A total of 50 employees were fired after refusing to get the vaccine.

A group of students from Johns Hopkins win first place at the fifth annual Pfizer Case Competition by providing solution to a problem regarding pneumonia vaccine compliance.

William Schaffner, MD, offers insight into the 2017-2018 flu season, including which strain of the virus that is expected to be most prevalent.

Researchers in South Africa have developed a symptom score card to help diagnose tuberculosis infections in individuals with HIV.

Pharmacists can play an important role in counseling patients to help prevent outbreaks.

With news of a Las Vegas-area child’s flu-related death, a new study finds that kids who receive the flu shot have a much lower risk of being hospitalized for the illness.

Researchers from Columbia University have developed their own “nowcasting” model, which leverages online search trends to gain a picture of current, local influenza outbreaks.

William Schaffner, MD, lists some of the common reasons behind why individuals decide against getting their flu shots, and why they should reconsider.

Stay up-to-date on the latest infectious disease news by checking out our top 5 articles of the week.

Researchers are gaining a greater understanding of the role that human genetics plays in determining who contracts tuberculosis as well as how severely it impacts its victims.

At a recent event called "The Next Pandemic," researchers agreed that the world is not ready for the next big flu pandemic and discussed what it will take to strengthen preparedness.

Researchers have found that human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine may also protect against recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, a rare, but incurable childhood respiratory disease.

The results of a new study may provide a basis for estimating appropriate dosing regimens of ceftolozane/tazobactam in patients with cystic fibrosis.

A recent outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, shows that even the “happiest place on earth” isn’t immune to this virulent pathogen.

Joe Sliman, MD, MPH, explains how antibiotics affect the gut microbiome.

A new study suggests that village clinics are not properly dealing with the ongoing problem of tuberculosis in rural China.

Stay up-to-date on the latest infectious disease news by checking out our top 5 articles of the week.

Two new studies highlight just why the flu vaccine isn’t working and one new approach that may give way to a universal vaccine.

Remembering the links between infectious diseases such as influenza and HIV, among others, and mental health can improve patient outcomes.

A new study gleans troubling findings—four in 10 health care providers choose to go to work despite experiencing symptoms of infectious disease.

The virulent pathogen has significant individual and public health implications.