scholarly journals A New Perspective; Co-Infection of Influenza with COVID-19 During The COVID-19 Pandemic in Southern Iran

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Owrang Eilami ◽  
Amir Emami ◽  
Atefeh Amiripour ◽  
Kaveh Taghipour ◽  
Abdulrasool Hemmati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Influenza B ◽  
Influenza Outbreak ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Seasonal Flu ◽  
Viral Respiratory

Abstract Background In the current COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 viral respiratory symptoms have been confused with other viral respiratory infections such as influenza. Given that both viruses cause respiratory diseases, there are important differences between these two viruses in terms of how they are spread, controlled and treated. Due to these differences, a definitive diagnosis of each infection has important implications for the public health measures that can be implemented in response to the treatment of each virus.Method In this cross-sectional retrospective study from 4th September 2020 to 5th December 2020 (time period of influenza outbreak in Iran, a total of 455 Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) patients were included. Two nasopharyngeal and one oropharyngeal throat swab samples were collected from all participants and evaluated for COVID-19 by real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) assay using the E-Gene specific primers/FAM probe and S Gene primers/ROX probe (Covitech, Iran) for SARS-CoV-2. Due to the concurrence of the study in autumn and the history of influenza outbreak at this time in Iran. Nasopharyngeal samples were collected and tested for influenza viruses A (H1N1, H3N2, seasonal flu), and Influenza B by one step qRT-PCR Master Mix (Invitrogen, United States) and AG synthesis probe and primers (Metabion, Germany) for Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2, seasonal flu) and B.Results In this study, 455 patients with SARI were hospitalized during September to December 2020. 203(44.61%) were infected with SARS-COV-2 and of these patients, one patient was positive for both COVID-19 and Influenza. The mean age was estimated 54.93 ± 17.00 and 50.65 ± 17.71 in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 groups, respectively which was significantly different (P < 0.001). Sex distribution between two groups showed that most of COVID-19 patients were male, this is in contrast with the COVID-19 negative group, in which most of patients were female and these differences were statistically significant. (P = 0.057). Clinical outcomes of patients with diagnosed SARI were measured. The main parameters were discharge from ICU and death during hospital admission. There was no significant difference between the number of patients discharge from ICU who were COVID positive or COVID negative. In addition, there was no significant difference between the number of patients who died who were COVID positive or COVID negative.Conclusion The decline in Influenza incidence and coinfection with COVID-19 in comparison to previous years appears to be significant due to its concurrence with the COVID19 pandemic and general population awareness on observing the instructions for personal respiratory protection e.g mask-wearing, hand washing, self-isolation and public health measures. Therefore, routine testing and empirical treatment for suspected influenza coinfection in COVID-19 patients is not recommended.

scholarly journals MICROBIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS AND IMPORTANCE OF INFECTIONS CAUSED BY INFLENZAE – А VIRUS

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 1057-1061
Author(s):  
Zivadinka Cvetanovska ◽  
Vaso Taleski
Keyword(s):  
Influenza A ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Great Influence ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Influenza B ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Viral Respiratory Infections ◽  
Subtype A

Influenza is one of the commonest acute viral respiratory infections with a great potential for spreading as an epidemic or pandemic appearance. Until 2009 relevant data about types and subtypes of influenza viruses circulated in Republic of Macedonia, did not exist. Since pandemic in 2009, molecular method RT-PCR was introduced real time detection of types and subtypes of influenza viruses, which enabled continuously and accurate follow up. Flu differ in types and subtypes presence in each new season, with great influence on number of patients and deaths caused by influenza viral infections. In season 2009/2010 - type Influenza A dominated, subtype A (H1N1) pdm. Total number of 54.343 cases were registered and 30 deaths. In season 2010/2011 – co-circulated types of Influenza A and Influenza B, with small domination of subtype A (H1N1) pdm. Total number of 27.635 cases were registered and 17 deaths. In season 2011/2012 - dominant was type Influenza A, subtype A (H3N2). Total number of 9.732 cases were registered and only one case of death. In season 2012/2013 - co-circulated types of Influenza A and Influenza B, with domination of subtype A (H1N1) pdm. Total number of 24.524 were registered, no deaths. In season 2013/2014 - co-circulated types of Influenza A and Influenza B, with domination of subtype A (H3N2). Total number of 29.074 were registered and 12 deaths. In season 2014/2015 - dominant was type Influenza B, and also Influenza A subtype A(H3N2) circulated. Total number of reported cases was 33.228, no deaths. In season 2015/2016 - Influenza A, subtype A(H1N1) pdm was dominant. During same period, type Influenza B, subtype Victoria was detected as well. Total number of reported cases was 29.094 and 2 deaths. In season 2016/2017 - type Influenza A, subtype A/H3, was dominant. Total number of reported cases was 35.079 and 2 deaths. In season 2017/2018 година – simultaneously circulation of types Influenza А and Influenza B, with domination of lineage B/Yamagata. Total number of 23.954 cases were registered, no deaths. In season 2018/2019 - highest number of cases were caused by type Influenza A subtype A(H1) pdm, in co-circulation with Influenza А(H3). Total number of reported cases was 21.404 and 29 deaths, that present the highest number of deaths in correlation with number of diseased.

Influenza Viral Infections Surveillance and Clinical Presentations in Hospitalized Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Montaha Al-Iede ◽  
Lena Sarhan ◽  
Leen Abushanab ◽  
Tamara Ayasrah ◽  
Rafaa Al Maani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Influenza B Virus ◽  
Influenza B ◽  
Hospitalized Children ◽  
Acute Respiratory Infections ◽  
Clinical Presentations

Background: Influenza virus and other respiratory viruses have been identified as an essential cause of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in children worldwide. However, there are few data on its frequency and clinical presentation in Jordan. Objectives: We aimed to identify the viral etiology of acute respiratory infections and the various clinical presentations in hospitalized children, especially those with influenza viruses compared to other respiratory viruses. Methods: A retrospective study that was conducted at the Jordan university hospital. All the positive nasopharyngeal aspirates that were collected from hospitalized children aged 0-19 years from January 2017 to January 2019 were reviewed. Results: A total of 338 nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) with positive viral serology results were reviewed. Among the patients younger than four years, the RSV virus was the most frequently detected. However, the Influenza B virus was the most commonly seen in patients older than 5 years, H1N1 was more frequent in autumn (29.5%), and RSV was the most frequent virus in winter. Bronchopneumonia was the most frequent diagnosis among all hospitalized patients, followed by bronchiolitis. Out of 338 patients, 50.3 % had tachypnea, 70.7% of patients were admitted to the pediatric floor, while 18.6% presented with a severe illness and required admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Infants under the age of one were more likely to have higher co-infection rates with other viruses compared to children over five years that had influenza. Conclusion: Presentations of influenza and other respiratory viruses vary between different age groups, such as sepsis in children younger than one year.

scholarly journals Influenza A and B viruses in the population of Vojvodina, Serbia

2014 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Radovanov ◽  
V. Milosevic ◽  
I. Hrnjakovic ◽  
V. Petrovic ◽  
M. Ristic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza A ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Influenza B Virus ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Influenza B ◽  
Influenza A Viruses ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Seasonal Epidemic

At present, two influenza A viruses, H1N1pdm09 and H3N2, along with influenza B virus co-circulate in the human population, causing endemic and seasonal epidemic acute febrile respiratory infections, sometimes with life-threatening complications. Detection of influenza viruses in nasopharyngeal swab samples was done by real-time RT-PCR. There were 60.2% (53/88) positive samples in 2010/11, 63.4% (52/82) in 2011/12, and 49.9% (184/369) in 2012/13. Among the positive patients, influenza A viruses were predominant during the first two seasons, while influenza B type was more active during 2012/13. Subtyping of influenza A positive samples revealed the presence of A (H1N1)pdm09 in 2010/11, A (H3N2) in 2011/12, while in 2012/13, both subtypes were detected. The highest seroprevalence against influenza A was in the age-group 30-64, and against influenza B in adults aged 30-64 and >65.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of Respiratory Pathogens among Elderly Nursing Home Residents with Acute Respiratory Infections in Corsica, France, 2013–2017

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirley Masse ◽  
Lisandru Capai ◽  
Alessandra Falchi
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Influenza B ◽  
Acute Respiratory Infections ◽  
Respiratory Pathogens

Background. The current study aims to describe the demographical and clinical characteristics of elderly nursing home (NH) residents with acute respiratory infections (ARIs) during four winter seasons (2013/2014–2016/2017), as well as the microbiological etiology of these infections. Methods. Seventeen NHs with at least one ARI resident in Corsica, France, were included. An ARI resident was defined as a resident developing a sudden onset of any constitutional symptoms in addition to any respiratory signs. Nasopharyngeal swabs from ARI residents were screened for the presence of 21 respiratory agents, including seasonal influenza viruses. Results. Of the 107 ARI residents enrolled from NHs, 61 (57%) were positive for at least one of the 21 respiratory pathogens. Forty-one (38.3%) of the 107 ARI residents had influenza: 38 (92%) were positive for influenza A (100% A(H3N2)) and three (8%) for influenza B/Victoria. Axillary fever (≥38°C) was significantly more common among patients infected with influenza A(H3N2). Conclusion. The circulation of seasonal respiratory viruses other than influenza A(H3N2) seems to be sporadic among elderly NH residents. Investigating the circulation of respiratory viruses in nonwinter seasons seems to be important in order to understand better the dynamic of their year-round circulation in NHs.

scholarly journals Epidemics of two Victoria and Yamagata influenza B lineages in Yamagata, Japan

2004 ◽  
Vol 132 (4) ◽  
pp. 721-726 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. MIZUTA ◽  
T. ITAGAKI ◽  
C. ABIKO ◽  
T. MURATA ◽  
T. TAKAHASHI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Virus Isolation ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Haemagglutination Inhibition ◽  
Inhibition Test ◽  
Antigenic Drift ◽  
Influenza B ◽  
Previous Season ◽  
Public Health Strategies ◽  
Effective Public Health

We attempted to predict epidemics of influenza B, focusing on B/Victoria/2/87-like (V) and B/Yamagata/16/88-like (Y) lineages, in Yamagata, Japan. We collected 9624 nasopharyngeal swabs for virus isolation from patients with respiratory infections between 1996 and 2003 and 237 sera for seroepidemiological analysis by haemagglutination–inhibition test in 2001. We isolated 424 V-lineage and 246 Y-lineage viruses during the study period. Three herald viruses in the 2000–2001 season enabled us to predict a V-lineage epidemic in the following season. However, another V-lineage epidemic occurred in the 2002–2003 season, although we caught four herald Y-lineage viruses, whose antigenic drift was suggested by seroepidemiological study, at the end of the previous season. Since the epidemiology of the two influenza B lineages remains unclear, a careful watch should be kept on these lineages in order to provide effective public-health strategies against future epidemics.

scholarly journals Microbiota Modulating Nutritional Approaches to Countering the Effects of Viral Respiratory Infections Including SARS-CoV-2 through Promoting Metabolic and Immune Fitness with Probiotics and Plant Bioactives

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 921 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanvi Shinde ◽  
Philip M Hansbro ◽  
Sukhwinder Singh Sohal ◽  
Peter Dingle ◽  
Rajaraman Eri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Mechanistic Study ◽  
Time Lags ◽  
Immune Functions ◽  
Viral Respiratory Infections ◽  
Viral Respiratory

Viral respiratory infections (VRIs) can spread quickly and cause enormous morbidity and mortality worldwide. These events pose serious threats to public health due to time lags in developing vaccines to activate the acquired immune system. The high variability of people’s symptomatic responses to viral infections, as illustrated in the current COVID-19 pandemic, indicates the potential to moderate the severity of morbidity from VRIs. Growing evidence supports roles for probiotic bacteria (PB) and prebiotic dietary fiber (DF) and other plant nutritional bioactives in modulating immune functions. While human studies help to understand the epidemiology and immunopathology of VRIs, the chaotic nature of viral transmissions makes it difficult to undertake mechanistic study where the pre-conditioning of the metabolic and immune system could be beneficial. However, recent experimental studies have significantly enhanced our understanding of how PB and DF, along with plant bioactives, can significantly modulate innate and acquired immunity responses to VRIs. Synbiotic combinations of PB and DF potentiate increased benefits primarily through augmenting the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate. These and specific plant polyphenolics help to regulate immune responses to both restrain VRIs and temper the neutrophil response that can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This review highlights the current understanding of the potential impact of targeted nutritional strategies in setting a balanced immune tone for viral clearance and reinforcing homeostasis. This knowledge may guide the development of public health tactics and the application of functional foods with PB and DF components as a nutritional approach to support countering VRI morbidity.

Viral respiratory infections during the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) outbreak in the West Midlands Region, UK

2011 ◽  
Vol 140 (9) ◽  
pp. 1551-1556 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. E. TANNER ◽  
M. D. CURRAN ◽  
E. H. BOXALL ◽  
H. OSMAN
Keyword(s):  
Influenza A ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Influenza Outbreak ◽  
Influenza A H1n1 ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
West Midlands ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Viral Respiratory Infections

SUMMARYIn spring 2009 a new strain of influenza A(H1N1) emerged and caused a worldwide pandemic. This study utilized a large collection of respiratory specimens from suspected cases of influenza A(H1N1) in the UK West Midlands during the pandemic in order to investigate which other respiratory viruses were circulating and whether they played any role in the increased hospitalization rates seen during that period. Study specimens were selected from community and hospitalized patients positive and negative for influenza A(H1N1) and tested by PCR for other respiratory viruses. A number of infections diagnosed as influenza during the summer influenza outbreak were found to be due to other virus infections (most commonly rhinovirus). No statistically significant difference was found between the rates of respiratory virus co-infection with H1N1 in patients from community or hospital locations suggesting underlying factors were likely to be more significant than viral co-infections in determining severity of influenza A(H1N1) disease.

scholarly journals Application of recommended preventive measures against COVID-19 could help mitigate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection during dental practice: Results from a follow-up survey of French dentists

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261439
Author(s):  
Hadrien Diakonoff ◽  
Sébastien Jungo ◽  
Nathan Moreau ◽  
Marco E. Mazevet ◽  
Anne-Laure Ejeil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Surgical Masks ◽  
Viral Respiratory Infections ◽  
Viral Respiratory

Background During the first-wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, dentists were considered at high-risk of infection. In France, to stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2, a nationwide lockdown was enforced, during which dentists suspended their routine clinical activities, working solely on dental emergencies. This measure has had an indisputable mitigating effect on the pandemic. To continue protecting dentists after suspension of nationwide lockdown, implementation of preventive measures was recommended, including adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and room aeration between patients. No study has explored whether implementation of such preventive measures since the end of the first-wave has had an impact on the contamination of dentists. Methods An online survey was conducted within a French dentist population between July and September 2020. To explore risk factors associated with COVID-19, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results The results showed that COVID-19 prevalence among the 3497 respondents was 3.6%. Wearing surgical masks during non-aerosol generating procedures was a risk factor of COVID-19, whereas reducing the number of patients was a protective factor. Conclusions Considering the similar COVID-19 prevalence between dentists and the general population, such data suggest that dentists are not overexposed in their work environment when adequate preventive measures are applied. Impact Dentists should wear specific PPE (FFP2, FFP3 or (K)N95 masks) including during non-aerosol generating procedures and reduce the number of patients to allow proper implementation of disinfection and aeration procedures. Considering the similarities between COVID-19 and other viral respiratory infections, such preventive measures may also be of interest to limit emerging variants spread as well as seasonal viral outbreaks.

scholarly journals Interplay between cost and effectiveness in influenza vaccine uptake: a vaccination game approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 475 (2232) ◽  
pp. 20190608 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Rajib Arefin ◽  
Tanaka Masaki ◽  
K. M. Ariful Kabir ◽  
Jun Tanimoto
Keyword(s):  
Influenza A ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Mean Field ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Influenza B ◽  
Epidemic Season ◽  
Influenza Outbreak ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Individual

Pre-emptive vaccination is regarded as one of the most protective measures to control influenza outbreak. There are mainly two types of influenza viruses—influenza A and B with several subtypes—that are commonly found to circulate among humans. The traditional trivalent (TIV) flu vaccine targets two strains of influenza A and one strain of influenza B. The quadrivalent (QIV) vaccine targets one extra B virus strain that ensures better protection against influenza; however, the use of QIV vaccine can be costly, hence impose an extra financial burden to society. This scenario might create a dilemma in choosing vaccine types at the individual level. This article endeavours to explain such a dilemma through the framework of a vaccination game, where individuals can opt for one of the three options: choose either of QIV or TIV vaccine or none. Our approach presumes a mean-field framework of a vaccination game in an infinite and well-mixed population, entangling the disease spreading process of influenza with the coevolution of two types of vaccination decision-making processes taking place before an epidemic season. We conduct a series of numerical simulations as an attempt to illustrate different scenarios. The framework has been validated by the so-called multi-agent simulation (MAS) approach.

scholarly journals Positive Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Public Health Measures on Healthcare

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hung Eun Hoo ◽  
Hong Chuan Loh ◽  
Alan Swee Hock Ch’ng ◽  
Fan Kee Hoo ◽  
Irene Looi
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Vehicle Accidents ◽  
Admission Rates ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Healthcare Innovation ◽  
Positive Impacts

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, several unexpected positive outcomes have surfaced. The WHO public health measures have positively transformed people’s behaviour and lifestyles. The pandemic has prompted more focus on self-care and health awareness. Hand hygiene practice has been greatly emphasised. The acceptance rate for the use of personal protective equipment, such as face masks, has been remarkable. People with co-morbid conditions are paying more attention to their primary illnesses by improving diets and exercise methods. People are more willing to accept and act on public health messages. The pandemic lockdowns have not only successfully mitigated the transmission of coronavirus, but they have also indirectly reduced the hospital admission rates for endemic community respiratory infections and trauma-related emergencies like motor vehicle accidents. Fetomaternal health and wellness have significantly improved during the pandemic. The abrupt emergence of COVID-19 has also led to a massive societal shift on tobacco smoking cessation. Smokers are compelled to reflect on the harmful effects of cigarette smoking in relation to COVID-19. Issues of mental, relational and sexual health are put in the spotlight during the pandemic. People are investing more time in themselves, family and relationships. The world has seen an unprecedented global race in healthcare innovation and technology development in tackling the same global issue. Artificial intelligence, including robots and drones, have been rapidly developed and employed for healthcare as well as food and delivery services in order to minimise human physical contact. This article discusses several unforeseen positive impacts on healthcare that emerged from the COVID-19 public health measures that have been implemented. The positive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic should be highlighted in order to provide hope to our community.

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