Flu’s clues: A new approach to studying influenza
A new paper co-authored by the School of Engineering & Applied Science’s Michael Vahey on a new way to study influenza gives researchers insights into how this virus remains so successful in humans — and ultimately how to fight it.
Study sheds light on asthma and respiratory viruses
A new study led by Michael J. Holtzman, MD, at the School of Medicine suggests that a fundamental antiviral defense mechanism is intact in asthma. This indicates that another aspect of the immune system must explain the difficulty people with asthma have when they encounter respiratory viruses.
Widespread flu activity seen in St. Louis region
The St. Louis region is experiencing widespread flu activity with some deaths, but Washington University physicians say it’s not too late to get a flu shot. The deaths primarily were of otherwise healthy young and middle-aged adults not vaccinated against influenza.
St. Louis region is hot spot of flu activity
The St. Louis region has experienced a sharp uptick in
flu cases in recent weeks, according to Washington University physicians
at Barnes-Jewish Hospital who say they are dealing with a severe flu
outbreak that includes deaths from the illness. The deaths primarily
were of otherwise healthy young and middle-aged adults not vaccinated
against influenza, according to the physicians.
Time to mandate flu vaccines for healthcare workers, says health law expert
The widespread flu reports are a harsh reminder of
the importance of influenza vaccines. This is particularly true for
healthcare workers, says Elizabeth Sepper, JD, health law expert and
professor of law at Washington University in St. Louis. “One-third of healthcare providers fail to protect themselves, their
patients, and the public from influenza.” Sepper says that it is time for a national flu vaccine mandate for healthcare workers.
Bear Cub grants awarded
Washington University in St. Louis has awarded five Bear Cub fund grants totaling $190,000 to support innovative research that has shown commercial potential. Jerry Morrissey (right), PhD, received one of the grants to develop rapid tests for the early development of kidney cancer.
Seasonal flu shots for School of Medicine employees, students begin Sept. 20
Seasonal flu shots for School of Medicine employees will begin Sept. 20 at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital and are scheduled to be provided through Oct. 21 at the Washington University Medical Center.
Flu vaccination rate at BJC HealthCare rises dramatically due to mandatory policy
Making flu shots mandatory in 2008 dramatically increased the vaccination rate among St. Louis-based BJC HealthCare’s nearly 26,000 employees to more than 98 percent, according to a study led by the School of Medicine and now online in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.
Protecting against the H1N1 flu
Shin-Ichiro Imai, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of developmental biology and of medicine, remains smiling while receiving a 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine Jan. 7 from Melanie Dill, a registered nurse for the Student and Employee Health Services at the School of Medicine. Despite an early morning snowstorm, many faculty, staff and students turned out to receive a vaccine. A vaccine clinic for Danforth Campus faculty, staff and students is planned for early February.
Response to flu pandemic focus of public forum
“An Impending Influenza Pandemic? What Has Been Learned From 1918?” is the focus of a St. Louis community forum from 7:45-11:45 a.m. Nov. 9 in the Bryan Cave Moot Courtroom in Anheuser-Busch Hall. The program features discussions by city, county and national health directors and explores how St. Louis can use lessons from past flu outbreaks to prepare for a global bird flu pandemic that some experts see lurking on the horizon.
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