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.
Flu vaccinations available to students, employees
Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 1, seasonal flu vaccines will be available to School of Medicine employees and students. Vaccines also will be available to students and some employees on the Danforth Campus. New this year is that the vaccine is required for all students and employees who engage in patient care or work in buildings where patient care is provided or clinical research occurs. Shown is registered nurse Melanie Dill administering a flu shot.
Deadly viruses focus of $18 million grant
In an effort to learn why some viruses such as influenza, Ebola and West Nile are so lethal, a team of U.S. researchers plans an $18.3 million comprehensive effort to model how humans respond to these viral pathogens. Participants include Washington University’s Michael Diamond, a West Nile expert.
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.
H1N1 vaccine safe for those with asthma, study shows
A single dose of inactivated 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine in people with asthma is safe, according to results from a national clinical trial with a site at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
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.
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.
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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