Report Of Rare Flu Co-Infection In Southeast Asia Hot Spot
Researchers conducting influenza-like illness surveillance in Cambodia have confirmed a rare incidence of individuals becoming infected with a seasonal influenza and the pandemic strain at the same time, a reminder of the ongoing risk of distinct flu viruses combining in human hosts to produce a more lethal strain, according to a report in the November issue of the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. A pandemic strain is a type of flu against which people have little or no natural immunity.
Give Kids Extra Dose Of Pneumonia Vaccine PCV13, Says CDC
Doctors are being advised to give children a supplemental dose of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine as they come in to their offices. PCV13 is a vaccine that protects from pneumococcal disease, which is caused by the bacterium pneumococcus; it is a leading cause of potentially life-threatening illness in children and elderly individuals. Pneumococcal disease can cause the most common type of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. Pneumonia is the biggest killing infectious disease in America, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Potential To Combat HIV By Unraveling The Mysteries Of The Natural Killer Within Us
Scientists have discovered more about the intricacies of the immune system in a breakthrough that may help combat viral infections such as HIV. Co-led by Professor Jamie Rossjohn of Monash University and Associate Professor Andrew Brooks from University of Melbourne, an international team of scientists have discovered more about the critical role Natural Killer cells play in the body's innate immune response. The findings were published in Nature. Natural Killer cells are a unique type of white blood cell important in early immune responses to tumours and viruses.