Breathing Labs
Home
How To Start
Products
Breathing+ Package
Toys Package
Q&A
Login
5Dec

Lynn boy’s family says what seemed like a common cold turned out to be a deadly RSV case

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
No comments

5-year-old Lynn boy with RSV on life support


5-year-old Lynn boy with RSV on life support

02:27

LYNN - A Lynn family spent the weekend saying goodbye to a 5-year-old who suddenly and unexpectedly fell sick with RSV Friday. An ambulance rushed Grayson Moth to Salem Hospital when he stopped breathing. 

He was then transferred to Boston Children's Hospital and put on a ventilator. The family planned to unplug the machine Monday night. 

"We got the sad news yesterday that he was completely brain-dead, the chance of survival was literally nothing," said his aunt Sina Oth. 

Grayson Moth
Grayson Moth

CBS Boston


She said he seemed fine when she last saw him a week earlier on Thanksgiving. "He was normal running around like a normal kid," she said. "I just don't understand how it went from a common cold, to pneumonia, to RSV, to death pretty much." 

The news comes as respiratory illnesses sweep the country and New England. Tufts Medical Center epidemiologist Shira Doron said it's typical this season, and cases as extreme as Grayson's are rare. 

"We are not seeing an early increase; we're not seeing high levels compared to normal," she said. "We're seeing a normal winter, but in a normal winter we see a lot of respiratory viruses." 

Doron said the most important thing for parents to watch is breathing. When RSV turns serious, getting air becomes a struggle. "Their chest and abdominal muscles and neck muscles show that they are straining to get air," she said. 

Grayson Moth's family warns things can change in a matter of hours, and even minutes. "To all mothers, fathers, parents out there, if your child is sick bring them in," said Oth. 

She has set up and online fundraiser to help pay for the boy's services and burial.  

Christina Hager


hager-2022.jpg

Christina Hager is an Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter with the I-Team at WBZ-TV News. She has spent more than two decades covering major breaking news events across the country, including extensive daily coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.

Source link

Tags:
4Dec

Dupixent shown to reduce COPD exacerbations in 2nd clinical trial

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
No comments

Treatment with Dupixent (dupilumab) — approved in the U.S. for five inflammatory conditions, to date — once again resulted in significantly fewer exacerbations, or periods of sudden symptom worsening, among people with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the second of two similarly designed Phase 3 clinical trials.

Dupixent use also resulted in better lung function for these COPD patients, per an interim analysis of the NOTUS study (NCT04456673), which is expected to conclude in 2024.

The positive findings were robust enough for them to be considered the result of a main analysis, according to the therapy’s developers Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. The companies expect to present detailed trial results at an upcoming scientific forum.

“This is the first and only time an investigational biologic in COPD has shown a significant and clinically meaningful reduction in exacerbations in two Phase 3 trials and we are pleased that we can potentially deliver Dupixent faster to patients in need where no new advancements have been identified in over a decade,” Naimish Patel, MD, head of global development, immunology, and inflammation at Sanofi, said in a joint company press release. A biologic therapy is one derived from living organisms.

The results confirmed those of the earlier, replicate Phase 3 BOREAS trial (NCT03930732), and “validate our belief that Dupixent has the potential to transform the treatment of moderate-to-severe COPD,” Patel added.

The companies plan to use data from both trials to support a filing, by the end of the year, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to seek Dupixent’s approval for treating COPD.

Recommended Reading

A bar graph, a pie graph, and a bottle of oral medications are used to illustrate the words

New data from 2nd trial confirm ‘unprecedented’ results from 1st

Treatment with Dupixent led to a greater than one-third reduction, compared with a placebo, in the number of exacerbations experienced by patients in this second trial, according to George D. Yancopoulos, MD, PhD, president and CEO at Regeneron.

“We are highly encouraged by these remarkable results from NOTUS … confirming the unprecedented results from our first Phase 3 trial, BOREAS,” Yancopoulos said.

“We are working to submit these data rapidly to the FDA,” he added.

European regulators already are reviewing a similar application seeking the therapy’s approval — though that one includes only data from the BOREAS study, according to the companies.

Discussions with other regulatory authorities worldwide are ongoing, the release stated.

Dupixent is currently FDA-approved for five other inflammatory conditions, mainly affecting the skin or the respiratory system. All are related to type 2 inflammation, characterized by an elevation in the blood of a set of immune cells called eosinophils.

The therapy is an antibody that blocks signaling molecules believed to drive type 2 inflammation, which also is implicated in COPD. About 300,000 people in the U.S. are estimated to live with uncontrolled COPD and evidence of type 2 inflammation, according to Dupixent’s developers.

The companies believe that by suppressing those inflammatory responses, the therapy may help to lessen respiratory symptoms in this subgroup of COPD patients.

We are highly encouraged by these remarkable results from NOTUS … confirming the unprecedented results from our first Phase 3 trial, BOREAS.

 

Dupixent holds FDA’s breakthrough therapy status as an add-on treatment for people with uncontrolled COPD and type 2 inflammation. That designation is intended to help speed its regulatory development.

BOREAS and its replicate trial, NOTUS, followed a similar study design. BOREAS enrolled 939 participants, ages 40-80, while NOTUS involved 935 participants, ages 40-85. Each of the participants had moderate to severe COPD and evidence of type 2 inflammation.

All patients also were current or former smokers with uncontrolled disease while on maximal standard-of-care inhaled therapy. Such treatment consists of corticosteroids, long-acting beta agonists, and long-acting muscarinic antagonists.

In both trials, participants were randomly assigned to receive a subcutaneous or under-the-skin injection of either Dupixent or a placebo, every two weeks, on top of standard triple therapy.

Recommended Reading

Main banner for Caroline Gainer's column,

Dupixent meets all goals in both COPD trials, with benefits up to 1 year

The main goal of both studies was to evaluate changes in the frequency of COPD exacerbations over a year of treatment. Changes in lung function after 12 weeks, or about three months, and at one year were key secondary goals.

The newly reported results indicated that, similarly to the previously published BOREAS findings, NOTUS met all of these goals in trial.

Specifically, Dupixent led to a significant, 34% reduction in exacerbations compared with a placebo after a year. Moreover, the therapy significantly improved lung function relative to a placebo after three months of treatment, with the benefits sustained up to a year.

Safety findings were generally consistent with the known safety profile of Dupixent. Side effects more commonly reported in patients treated with Dupixent in the NOTUS trial included COVID-19 infection (9.4% vs. 8.2%), common cold (6.2% vs. 5.2%), and headache (7.5% vs. 6.5%).

The frequency of side effects leading to death was 2.6% in the Dupixent group and 1.5% in the placebo group.

“These results demonstrate the important role of type 2 inflammation in yet another chronic and debilitating disease, and the ability of Dupixent to address this inflammation,” Yancopoulos said.

In BOREAS, Dupixent was linked to a significant, 30% drop in exacerbations relative to a placebo after a year, and significant lung function improvements as early as two weeks. Patients given the therapy also experienced improvements in quality of life and less severe respiratory symptoms.

Side effects more common with Dupixent in this trial included headache, diarrhea, and back pain.

Meanwhile, the companies also are advancing the clinical program of another antibody-based treatment for COPD. Called itepekimab, that therapy now is being tested in moderate to severe COPD patients within two global, similarly designed Phase 3 trials: AERIFY-1 (NCT04701983) and AERIFY-2 (NCT04751487). Both are still recruiting. Data from that program are expected in 2025.

“We are not stopping with Dupixent,” Patel said.

“If positive, Dupixent and itepekimab could emerge as treatments for approximately 80% of those suffering from moderate-to-severe COPD with recurrent exacerbations,” Patel said.

Source link

Tags:
3Dec

Physician offers tips for cold and flu season

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
No comments

Canadian family physician Dr. Stephanie Lui is offering some advice to help families cope with cold and flu season.

Lui said her medical practice is fielding more calls and seeing more patients with cold symptoms, along with a few cases of other viruses like influenza.

Lui said certain symptoms warrant medical attention. She explained a baby under three months old with a fever should have a medical assessment.

"If your little one is not maintaining their fluid intake. They're not able to drink fluids. And they're urinating less than normal. That's another time to worry," she stressed. "Difficulty breathing. So that means if they're breathing really fast or they're looking like they're working really hard to breathe, that's another time to worry. If your little one is really sleepy, or difficult to rouse, that's another time to worry. And then a stiff neck or showing signs of confusion is another time that I get concerned."

She emphasized those symptoms also warrant a visit to the doctor or emergency room.

Dr. Lui noted there are a number of ways parents can make their sick child more comfortable as they fight off their illness.

"One of the things I recommend is to really try your best to keep your little one hydrated. And one trick that I like is actually diluted apple juice and what I do is I take half apple juice, half water and I mix it," she explained. "It's really important to dilute the apple juice because give too much sugar can dehydrate them some more. And the reason I like adding some apple juice for water is that apple juice contains the salts and the sugars that can actually help rehydrate and kids really like the taste of apple juice, too."

"Another thing is if your child is over one year of age, honey can be really great for a cough. There are actually medical studies that show that it can reduce cough frequency and severity," she continued. "For a sore throat, gargling salt water is also beneficial. For over the counter medications, I like Tylenol and Motrin. They're good at managing your muscle aches, throat pain, and fever that you can often get with a common cold or the flu."

Lui also pointed to a large study that found chicken soup has anti inflammatory properties which can also reduce some common cold symptoms.

Lui warned parents that the flu can often be more worrisome than a cold.

"So, in general, the common cold typically will get better within a few days and it doesn't cause any severe symptoms," she said. "With influenza, it can be very serious. So it can lead to complications such as hospital admissions and even pneumonia. So yes, the flu is much more serious than the common cold."

Lui is a Clinical Professor at the University of Alberta.

Source link

Tags:
2Dec

Common Winter illness among children- The New Indian Express

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
No comments

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Children are susceptible to infections during winter. Respiratory infections, such as the flu and common cold, sore throat, and sinusitis are the most common illnesses during this season. Since these infections are highly contagious, it is crucial to monitor early symptoms and take preventive measures. 
(The writer is a senior consultant-neonatology & paediatrics, at Aster CMI Hospital) 

Preventive Measures
Vaccination: Ensure the child is up to date with all the vaccinations; flu vaccination is crucial.
Surrounding hygiene: Keep the surroundings clean, and sanitise the toys, and the most frequently touched surfaces.
Hand hygiene: Practice hand hygiene and encourage children to wash their hands frequently.
Social distancing:  Practice social distancing and avoid getting in contact with anyone who has symptoms.
Nutrition: Follow a well-balanced diet that is high in protein, fibre, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean meat. Avoid highly processed foods and junk food.
Adequate hydration: Drink at least 6-7 glasses of water even during colder months.

Respiratory etiquette:  Always use a mask; covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow while coughing or sneezing as it is instrumental in reducing the transmission of respiratory droplets.
Adequate rest: Rest plays a crucial role in the body’s ability to combat illnesses. One should sleep for at least 7-8 hours a day, which is vital for optimal immune system function. 
Avoiding contact with infected individuals: Within close quarters of schools and playgrounds, contact with infected children can lead to illnesses. Children should avoid close contact with infected individuals and the use of face masks.
Specific focus on influenza and flu: Children are particularly susceptible to influenza and flu during winter. Taking precautions, such as timely vaccinations. It is crucial to be aware of specific medical perceptions, considering factors like the child’s health history and potential allergic reactions to vaccines.
Timely medical consultation: Seeking medical attention promptly when a child displays signs of illness is crucial for early detection and treatment.

Symptoms
Coughing, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, and fever are the most common symptoms. Additionally, children may experience extreme fatigue, body aches, and discomfort.  

When to consult a doctor
When the high fever lasts for more than 5 days
Dehydration due to vomiting and inability to keep fluids down
Loose stools that lasts for more than a week  
Difficulty in breathing and rashes all over the body

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

Source link

Tags:
2Dec

Is it the flu, Covid or just a cold? Ultimate guide on how to tell your symptoms apart this winter

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
No comments

Many of will be plagued with runny noses, coughs and sore throats this winter. But it can be tricky to tell whether a cold, flu or Covid is responsible.

While symptoms may vary between people, the common cold is usually mild and more of a 'nuisance', while the flu or Covid can keep you in bed for days, experts say.

Health chiefs this week warned that a wave of winter respiratory viruses is set to hit imminently, with cases of the vomiting bug norovirus already rocketing.

So, to help you tell the difference between the viruses, MailOnline has asked doctors and scientists to breakdown the most common symptoms of each. 

Graphic shows the common symptoms (green tick), occasional and possible symptoms (orange circle) and the symptoms that never occur (red cross) with the common cold, flu and Covid

Graphic shows the common symptoms (green tick), occasional and possible symptoms (orange circle) and the symptoms that never occur (red cross) with the common cold, flu and Covid

Cold

A common cold can hit you at any time of year, but it's most likely creep up on you in the winter months, as with all respiratory illnesses.

'Cold symptoms are more of a head cold with runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and blocked nose', says Cardiff University's Emeritus Professor Ron Eccles, who has spent decades researching the pesky bugs that cause them.

That means if your symptoms are mostly restricted to your upper airways it's likely to be a cold, he says.

Rhinoviruses are the most common cause of a cold, but a minor infection of the nose and throat can be caused by one of more than 200 different viruses. 

Cold weather alone can't actually cause a cold. But the body is more susceptible to infection when the immune system is weaker — which can be caused by a drop in temperature, Professor Eccles says.

'Colds usually develop gradually and can cause cough, congestion and fatigue', says London-based NHS GP Dr Hana Patel.

'They creep up on you with stuff like a runny nose or a sore throat.'

Colds can be told apart from the flu, as they tend to be 'a nuisance', while the flu 'can knock you off your feet and keep you in bed', Dr Patel says.

However, the overlap in symptoms between a cold and the flu, including sneezing and a blocked nose can make clinical diagnoses challenging, explains Dr Samuel White, based at the Medical Technologies Innovation Facility at Nottingham Trent University, who has spent years researching the immune system. 

There are plenty of crossovers in symptoms between a cold and the flu, which is also more rife in the depths of winter.

Caused by influenza viruses, the illness usually causes people to have a cough, which is the most common crossover symptom. 

But experts say that, although many symptoms are similar, the flu is typically much more intense and effects the whole body. 

'Flu symptoms typically have body symptoms such as chilliness, fever, headache and muscle aches and pains,' according to Professor Eccles. 

'The flu feels worse because the symptoms affect the whole body and are not restricted to a head cold.'

Flu does tend to cause 'more severe manifestations', according to Professor Philippe Wilson, of One Health, Medical Technologies Innovation Facility, Nottingham Trent University, who has worked on numerous clinical trials and studied a range of diseases in both humans and animals. 

In fact, one of the main differences is flu can cause stomach problems.  

Explaining this, Professor Eccles says: 'These can include a higher fever, profound body aches, and pronounced fatigue. Moreover, gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea are more prevalent in influenza cases.'

The flu also has the potential to be life-threatening. But this is usually only the case for those aged over 65, are pregnant, or who have long-term health conditions. A cold can only has the same effect in extremely rare cases.

This group is recommended to get an annual flu vaccine to help protect them against getting seriously ill.  

Professor Wilson said: 'Individuals generally experience more pronounced discomfort with the flu. 

'The heightened severity of symptoms, coupled with the potential for complications like pneumonia, underscores the significance of distinguishing between the two for appropriate management.'

A runny nose, sore throat, headache, persistent cough and fatigue are all commonly reported signs of Covid

A runny nose, sore throat, headache, persistent cough and fatigue are all commonly reported signs of Covid

Covid 

At the start of the Covid pandemic, a loss of taste or smell, a continuous cough and a fever, were the three tell-tale signs of the virus. 

But as new variants evolved and both vaccines and repeated waves of infection blunted the virus's threat, the official symptom list continued to grow.

Now, a runny nose, sore throat, headache, persistent cough and fatigue are all reported signs of the virus.

The virus is still circulating in the UK, but isn't sickening Brits at the same rate as it did in previous winters. 

Although many Covid symptoms, such as coughing and nasal congestion, are shared with the flu and cold, Professor Wilson explains that the virus can have a more 'persistent and pronounced impact on the respiratory system'. 

He added: 'Fever is a common sign, and in Covid, it tends to be more prolonged and elevated compared to typical colds.'

Another symptoms less common in cold and flu but spotted in the Covid-infected is shortness of breath, which Professor Wilson says can range from mild to severe. 

A more unique and distinctive symptom of Covid is a sudden loss of taste and smell, which is far less common in common cold and flu. 

Professor Wilson said: 'Beyond these primary symptoms, severe cases of Covid can lead to complications such as chest pain, confusion, and bluish discoloration of the lips or face, indicating a need for immediate medical attention.' 

However, Dr White stresses that getting vaccinations are 'essential for preventing infection from common diseases like the flu'.

He added: 'While there are shared symptoms, Covid distinguishes itself through its potential for severe outcomes and unique manifestations like loss of taste and smell.

'Prioritising vaccinations and adhering to preventive measures remains paramount in mitigating the impact of these respiratory illnesses.'

Source link

Tags:
2Dec

RSV concerns heading into the cold season

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
No comments

SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- With the cold months swiftly approaching, health officials are staying alert when it comes to cold, flu, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). 

“Over the past few weeks, we’ve definitely started to see an uptick in our cases of RSV,” said Karen Davis, M.D., a pediatric and newborn hospitalist at Saint Joseph Health System. 

RSV season is here, but thankfully, the respiratory virus is going back to pre-pandemic trends—starting later in the year. 

“This year, it’s a little bit later with the peak than it was last year,” Davis.

“Last year, it was very scary when we saw early rises in the RSV numbers,” said Dr. Marlon Brathwaite, a pediatrician at Goshen Health.   

Concerns are swirling after last year’s spike in cases, along with the flu, and, of course, COVID-19.

“Quarantining measures decreased, masking decreased,” Brathwaite said. “We saw early rise in rates of RSV, and also increasing hospitalizations, to the point where hospitals were fully booked.”

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, newborns and young children didn’t build an immunity to RSV, causing cases of the illness to skyrocket when mitigations lifted. 

“RSV has been around for a while. It’s always been the number one reason for kids being hospitalized in the US, especially under the age of one,” Brathwaite said. 

For parents, RSV will look like a common cold. 

“Starts off as congestion, runny nose, cough, they can have some fever,” Davis said. “Where you really start to get concerned is if you notice your child is starting to have labored breathing.”

She said to make sure to monitor sick babies and toddlers.

“What happens is, those symptoms will progress to affect the lower respiratory tract, so the small airways in the lungs. And that’s when kids are likely to end up in the hospital,” Davis said. 

Handwashing, social distancing, and the new RSV vaccine, just approved this year, are all ways to prevent the spread of RSV. 

But just like the common cold, it will be with us each cold season. 

Source link

Tags:
2Dec

Signs And Testing: Protecting Adults And Kids From Respiratory Infections

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
No comments

Verified VERIFIED

Signs And Testing: Protecting Adults And Kids From Respiratory Infections
Regular exposure to poor air quality may lead to sinusitis.

Pneumonia can affect all populations, although it is more common in those younger than two years old, and also people older than 65 years of age and immunocompromised individuals.

Parents need to keep their children safe and healthy during changing seasons, particularly with the rising respiratory illnesses in India. To alleviate their concerns, parents should be updated on health information so that they can easily detect signs of a respiratory infection and take action, if necessary. As the festive season approaches, family visits and large social gatherings increase. Dr Agam Vora, Chest Physician and Medical Director of Vora Clinic, Mumbai, shares that This means there is a chance of infections spreading more efficiently, which makes it vital for people to be cautious and look after themselves and their families' health as they enjoy the festivities.

Respiratory Tract Infection (RTI)

  • A respiratory tract infection (RTI) affects parts of the body involved in breathing such as the mouth, nose, sinuses, throat, larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), airways, and lungs. It can be caused by a parasite, with numerous infections spreading year-round. This can give the doctor critical information and guide an individual's treatment plan so they can recover more quickly. It's also important to note that there are two types of respiratory infections upper and lower RTIs. Upper RTIs affect one's throat and sinuses, leading to a common cold, sinus infection, tonsilitis, and laryngitis.
  • Meanwhile, lower RTIs bother people's airways and lungs, resulting in pneumonia, chest infection, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and more. Influenza can be an upper or lower RTI. Usually, lower RTIs hang around longer and tend to be more severe than those affecting the nose, sinuses, or throat. In India, RTIs commonly affecting children include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, COVID-19, adenovirus, and rhinovirus.

  • Southeast Asian and African regions report the highest incidence of severe RTI worldwide. In India, respiratory-related diseases account for the mortality of around 400,000 children aged below five years every year, which is a higher burden of childhood pneumonia than seen in any other country. This situation is exacerbated during flu outbreaks due to co-infection with bacteria, which can lead to pneumonia in influenza patients.
  • Regarding bacterial infections, S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae type B (HIB) are the most common. Community-acquired pneumonia cases have dropped as more children get vaccinated for such bacterial infections. However, viral respiratory infections continue to be a concern for children.

Conclusion

Pneumonia can affect all populations, although it is more common in those younger than two years old, and also people older than 65 years of age and immunocompromised individuals. Male children are 18% more likely to be affected by an acute respiratory infection than females, according to an India-based research study. When inhaling, children with pneumonia experience symptoms like fast breathing or lower chest drawing in.



Source link

Tags:
1Dec

Averages for Alpha to Omicron

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
No comments

Strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 circulating in 2023 typically took about three days from exposure to showing symptoms. This incubation period is shorter than previous strains of the virus. It may take up to a week before an at-home antigen test shows positive.

This article will review the the incubation periods of various SARS-CoV-2 virus variants, from Alpha to Omicron, after exposure and how long it typically takes to get a positive test. It will also discuss multiple reasons times may differ from person to person, including vaccination and booster status, general health, and if you’ve had COVID-19 before.

FG Trade / Getty Images


COVID-19 Incubation Period: How Soon After Exposure Can Symptoms Start?

Terminology relating to viral illness varies. Here are a few key terms used in this article to clarify what what they mean:

  • The virus’s incubation period is how long it takes for symptoms to start after exposure. 
  • The time after exposure before you get a positive test on an over-the-counter antigen test can be longer or shorter than the incubation period before symptoms start.
  • The quarantine period is a requirement by your work, school, or local government to stay away from others after you’ve been exposed to a virus or have a positive test.
  • The virus’s contagiousness is how easily it spreads between people, which is influenced by your immune status and general health. A virus can be transmitted before and after you have symptoms, so a virus’s contagious period can be longer than its incubation or symptomatic periods.
  • The virus’s transmission route is how it spreads between people—through the air or from surfaces. You can transmit the virus to another person during the virus’s contagious period.

What to Do in the Incubation Period After Exposure

After you’ve been exposed to a virus, there’s not much you can do to determine whether you will get sick. It always helps to take good care of yourself, including by eating healthily and drinking lots of water.

Take regular COVID-19 tests and monitor yourself for symptoms like fever before leaving the house to ensure you don’t unwittingly transmit the virus to other people.

You may want to order or pick up more COVID-19 tests in case you do end up with an infection. You’ll need to test regularly if you are still positive before seeing other people, especially those with a weakened immune system.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

A review of studies conducted from 2020 to March 2022 indicated an average incubation period for COVID-19 at six to seven days, ranging from 1.8 to 18.87 days. The average incubation period shortened as new variants circulated, with Omicron at an average of 3.42 days.

Variants and Strains to Know 

As COVID-19 is transmitted from person to person, it mutates (changes genetically) along the way. These mutations can change the virus enough that it may develop into a new strain.

New strains, or variants, can have changes in common symptoms, how easily they spread, and how long they take to cause illness.

Many variants have circulated since 2020. A variant of concern (defined by the CDC) passes between people faster, is more virulent (has greater potential to cause disease), has shown resistance to a vaccine or immunity from a previous infection, or doesn’t show up on current tests.

The average incubation periods of the main variants from the 2022 review study were:

  • Alpha variant: 5.0 days
  • Beta variant: 4.50 days
  • Delta variant: 4.41 days
  • Omicron variant: 3.42 days

The 2023 COVID strains, including Omicron and its subvariants, appear to be more transmissible because of their shorter incubation period. Studies on Omicron indicate a shorter incubation period with an average of three to four days after exposure before symptoms show up.

The variant circling in most areas in late 2023 was Omicron-5, or EG.5, first reported in February 2023. Incubation period data is not yet available for the EG.5 subvariant. Still, experts say it seems to be behaving similarly to past iterations of Omicron. The incubation period of Omicron-5 is about three to four days. 

COVID-19 Symptoms 

The symptoms of a COVID-19 infection can vary from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to mild or severe.

If you've been vaccinated, boosted (received a booster shot), or have had COVID-19 in the past, your symptoms are likely to be less severe. But if you've had a change in your immune system (for example, pregnancy or a new medication or illness), your symptoms may be more severe than previous infections. 

Many symptoms are very similar to those of other upper respiratory viruses, including the common cold, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which have similar seasonality (their transmission often peaks in the fall and winter). If you have symptoms, over-the-counter tests can help determine whether you have COVID-19. 

An Omicron infection's first signs and symptoms include sore throat, dry cough, and fever. The most commonly reported COVID-19 symptoms are:

  • Fever or chills
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • Congestion, runny nose, or sneezing
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

COVID-19 Incubation Period: How Soon After Exposure Will a Test Be Positive?

You should start testing for COVID-19 after waiting at least five days after potential exposure to someone who is sick. Test again one to two days later. Then, test again another couple of days later. You should plan to take three tests within five days to make sure you’re in the clear.

Getting a positive test on an at-home COVID-19 antigen test may take a week or longer after exposure or symptom onset. A lab-based PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test would show a positive result much earlier. You should wear a mask when around other people for 10 days after a potential exposure.

Common Q&As About COVID Incubation Period

When you've had a potential COVID exposure or have been in contact with someone who is sick, you're sure to have a lot of questions. Here are the answers to some common questions people have about COVID incubation periods.

How Does COVID Incubation Period Compare to Other Viruses?

COVID seems to have a more extended incubation period than other common respiratory illnesses. Different viral incubation periods include:

Can I Spread COVID During the Incubation Period?

Presymptomatic and asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19 has been a significant factor in the pandemic's spread. This virus seems to spread quickly before it causes symptoms. If you’ve been exposed to COVID, it’s possible you can spread it, even if you don’t feel sick—and potentially even if you never feel sick.

This contagious period for COVID lasts from before you start feeling sick until your at-home antigen test turns negative.

Does the Incubation Period Change Based on Vaccination Status? 

If vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19, you’re more likely to have a milder infection. But studies suggest the virus’s incubation period will remain the same.

Does the Incubation Period Change Based on Age?

Some studies have suggested that the average incubation period in people 60 and older may be longer, around seven to eight days, than in the general population. Studies have also shown that children under age 18 may have an incubation period of 8 to 9 days.

Should I Call a Healthcare Provider If I Get a Positive COVID Test?

If you’re generally healthy and are current with your COVID-19 vaccinations, there’s no need to seek medical care after a positive COVID test. 

Call a healthcare provider if you’re at high risk for severe infection, for example, if you have a weakened immune system, are over 65, or haven’t been vaccinated. They can prescribe Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir), a prescription oral antiviral pill for a COVID-19 infection. It can help with recovery and decrease the risk of severe complications.

If you see any of these emergency warning signs, seek immediate medical help:

  • You’re having trouble breathing.
  • You have pain or pressure in the chest that doesn’t go away.
  • You’re experiencing confusion.
  • You’re having a hard time waking up or staying awake.
  • Your skin, lips, or nail beds turn pale, gray, or blue.

How Long Should I Isolate If I Test Positive for COVID?

You'll want to let your workplace or school know if you've been exposed to COVID and get a positive test result. They may want you to stay home for a certain amount of time.

You should avoid being around others while testing positive for COVID. That includes other people in your house. Try to stay in one room, away from other people. Wear a mask if you will be around others. Stay home to avoid transmitting the virus. If you need to go out of the house, wear a mask.

Day zero is the day you first had symptoms or, if you had no symptoms, the day you first tested positive for COVID-19. CDC guidance for isolation is as follows:

  • You may end isolation on day five if you have had no symptoms or your symptoms are improving and you have had no fever for 24 hours without taking a medication that reduces fever.
  • If your symptoms are not improving, isolate until they are improving and you have no fever for 24 hours without taking a fever-reducing medication.
  • If you have moderate symptoms such as difficulty breathing, isolate through day 10.
  • If you were hospitalized or have a weakened immune system, isolate through day 10 or when cleared to do so by a healthcare provider.

For anyone after isolation, continue to wear a mask when around others (at home and in public) until at least day 11.

Summary

The incubation periods of COVID-19 variants vary. Generally, the incubation period is getting shorter. Symptoms of recent strains like Omicron typically show up about three to four days after exposure. The newer Omicron-5 variant is similar to the original Omicron strain. 

Getting a positive COVID test at home may take a week to 10 days. Regular testing after potential exposure can minimize your risk of spreading the virus. 

The first COVID symptoms are typically a dry cough, sore throat, and fever. These are similar to other respiratory viruses that spread in the fall and winter. The COVID incubation period tends to be slightly longer than some of these other viruses. 

Studies suggest that COVID-19 vaccine and booster status don't change the incubation period, but factors like age might. Older people and children may have a more extended COVID incubation period.

Source link

Tags:
1Dec

Respiratory illnesses in kids on rise: Common causes and preventive measures | Health

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
No comments

China's mysterious pneumonia has led to surge in hospitalisation cases across the country with children experiencing fever and lung damage, but without the classic symptoms of pneumonia such as breathlessness, coughing among others. Close on the heels of this, a similar outbreak is now being reported in Ohio, US where a large number of children are being hospitalised with mysterious pneumonia. (Also read | What is White Lung Syndrome? Mysterious pneumonia fast striking children)

The spread of viruses like RSV and influenza can lead to respiratory infections, especially in settings like schools or daycare centers where children gather closely. (Sanchit Khanna/Hindustan Times photo)
The spread of viruses like RSV and influenza can lead to respiratory infections, especially in settings like schools or daycare centers where children gather closely. (Sanchit Khanna/Hindustan Times photo)

Ohio officials believe it isn't a novel respiratory ailment and are looking into the cause of the spike in infections. Experts feel this could be a result of multiple common viruses striking at the same time.

A rise in respiratory illnesses has been observed in children in the recent days and experts say that several factors from allergens, lifestyle changes to spread of viruses like RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) and influenza could be behind the surge.

"Several factors contribute to the rising prevalence of respiratory diseases in children. Environmental factors like air pollution, exposure to tobacco smoke, and indoor allergens can increase the risk of respiratory illnesses. Lifestyle changes, such as decreased physical activity and increased screen time, might also weaken children's immune systems. Moreover, the spread of viruses like RSV and influenza can lead to respiratory infections, especially in settings like schools or daycare centers where children gather closely. Changes in climate patterns may also play a role in altering the prevalence and spread of respiratory illnesses," says Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, Director & HOD, Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad.

Dr Satish, Consultant Pulmonology, CARE Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad shares common symptoms of respiratory diseases in children.

Common signs

  • Coughing: Persistent or severe coughing is a common symptom.
  • Wheezing: Audible whistling sounds during breathing.
  • Shortness of Breath: Difficulty in breathing or rapid breaths.
  • Chest Discomfort: Children may experience chest tightness or pain.
  • Common cold, congestion, sneezing and low grade fever

General symptoms

  • Fever: Elevated body temperature is often a sign of infection.
  • Fatigue: Increased tiredness or lack of energy.
  • Loss of Appetite: Diminished interest in food.
  • Irritability: Children may become more irritable due to discomfort.

Reasons for increase in respiratory diseases in children

Dr Satish says respiratory illness could affect children due to viral infections, air pollution, sedentary lifestyle among other factors.

1. Environmental Factors

  • Air Pollution: Elevated levels of air pollutants, such as particulate matter and ozone, can adversely affect respiratory health in children.
  • Indoor Pollution: Insufficient ventilation, exposure to tobacco smoke, and the presence of allergens like mold indoors contribute to respiratory issues.

2. Infections

  • Viral Infections: Respiratory viruses like RSV, influenza, and rhinovirus are major contributors to respiratory illnesses in children.

3. Lifestyle Changes

  • Reduced physical activity: Sedentary lifestyles may compromise respiratory function in children.
  • Dietary habits: Poor nutrition can weaken the immune system, making children more susceptible to respiratory infections.

4. Immune system development

  • Immaturity of the Immune System: The immune system in children, especially in infants and toddlers, is still developing, rendering them more vulnerable to infections.

Common respiratory diseases in children

Dr Satish also sheds light on the common respiratory diseases that parents must be aware of to safeguard their children's health.

1. Asthma

  • Symptoms: Asthma manifests as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
  • Prevention: Identification and avoidance of triggers, managing allergies, and maintaining a clean living environment are crucial.

2. Bronchiolitis

  • Symptoms: Cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing are typical signs.
  • Prevention: Practices such as frequent handwashing, avoiding exposure to sick individuals, and promoting breastfeeding can help prevent bronchiolitis.

3. Pneumonia

  • Symptoms: Fever, cough, rapid breathing, and chest pain are indicative of pneumonia.
  • Prevention: Vaccination, adherence to good hygiene practices, and ensuring adequate nutrition contribute to pneumonia prevention.

4. Croup

  • Symptoms: Characterized by a barking cough and stridor (a high-pitched sound during inhalation).
  • Prevention: Consistent handwashing and minimizing exposure to individuals with respiratory infections are key preventive measures.

How to prevent respiratory infections in children

1. Vaccination

  • Ensuring that children receive recommended vaccines, including those for influenza and pneumonia, is crucial for preventing respiratory infections.

2. Hygiene practices

  • Regular handwashing, especially during cold and flu seasons, reduces the risk of transmitting viruses.

3. Avoiding smoke exposure

  • Shielding children from secondhand smoke is imperative, as it can exacerbate respiratory issues and compromise overall health.

4. Healthy lifestyle

  • Promoting a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and regular physical activity supports optimal immune function and overall health.

5. Environmental Awareness

  • Minimizing exposure to air pollutants and maintaining good indoor air quality through proper ventilation and cleanliness is essential.

Preventing respiratory diseases in children involves several measures

Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha shares tips to prevent pneumonia and other respiratory issues in children amid spike in infections.

1. Vaccinations: Ensure that children receive recommended vaccinations, including flu shots, pneumococcal vaccines, and any future vaccines developed for respiratory viruses like RSV.

2. Hygiene: Encourage regular handwashing, especially before meals and after coughing or sneezing. Teach children proper respiratory etiquette, like covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

3. Reduce exposure: Minimize exposure to tobacco smoke, air pollution, and indoor allergens like dust mites or pet dander.

4. Healthy lifestyle: Promote a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep to strengthen the immune system.

5. Avoid close contact: Encourage avoiding close contact with sick individuals, especially during peak seasons for respiratory illnesses.

6. Clean environment: Keep living spaces clean and well-ventilated to reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria.

7. Stay informed: Stay updated with health advisories and guidelines from healthcare professionals or public health authorities for specific preventive measures against prevalent respiratory illnesses.

Source link

Tags:
29Nov

AstraZeneca advances scientific leadership in hematology at ASH 2023

Posted by: admin Categories: SPORTS & ATHLETICS
No comments

CALQUENCE six-year follow-up data reinforce long-term benefit in chronic
lymphocytic leukemia, and data across multiple hematology assets showcase breadth of promising early pipeline

New, longer-term data from ALPHA Phase III trial will further show potential of
danicopan to address clinically significant extravascular hemolysis and maintain
disease control, allowing paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria patients to continue
standard-of-care treatment with ULTOMIRIS or SOLIRIS

AstraZeneca will present new clinical and real-world data in multiple hematological conditions at the 65th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition, December 9 to 12, 2023 in San Diego, CA.

A total of 63 abstracts will feature 14 approved and potential new medicines across the Company’s portfolio and pipeline including from Alexion, AstraZeneca’s Rare Disease group, in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and several types of lymphoma, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis.

Anas Younes, Senior Vice President, Hematology R&D, AstraZeneca, said: “Our data at ASH will exemplify how we are advancing a range of innovative modalities including antibody drug conjugates, next-generation immunotherapies and T-cell engagers in hematology. Updated clinical data for AZD0486, our CD19/CD3 T-cell engager, reinforce our belief in this approach as a potential new treatment for lymphoma, and new CALQUENCE data continue to demonstrate long-term efficacy and safety in chronic lymphocytic leukemia with further follow up.”

Gianluca Pirozzi, Senior Vice President, Head of Development, Regulatory and Safety, Alexion, said: “Alexion has transformed the treatment landscape and redefined care for the paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria patient community over the past two decades. At the ASH Annual Meeting, new results from our pivotal ALPHA trial will demonstrate the promise of Factor D inhibition to advance care for the small subset of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria who experience clinically significant extravascular hemolysis. We are proud to further our leadership in rare disease by sharing data from our robust hematology pipeline, reflecting our commitment to innovation and improving outcomes for the patients and families we serve.”

CALQUENCE® (acalabrutinib) continues to demonstrate long-term benefits in CLL

Six-year follow-up data from the pivotal ELEVATE-TN Phase III trial will further support the continued efficacy, safety and tolerability of CALQUENCE for long-term use in patients with treatment-naïve CLL.1

Data from a Phase II trial will show the safety and efficacy of CALQUENCE and rituximab followed by chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation in fit patients with treatment-naïve mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).2

An analysis of five prospective CALQUENCE trials, including three randomized, controlled Phase III trials and two non-randomized trials, will show acceptable safety outcomes based on rates of nonfatal and fatal ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death in patients with CLL.3

Novel early assets show potential to improve outcomes for blood cancer patients

Data from our early portfolio will demonstrate how the Company is advancing multiple modalities across several scientific platforms, including Immuno-Oncology, Immune-Engagers, Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) and Epigenetics as part of its strategy to attack cancer from multiple angles.

Updated Phase I data for AstraZeneca’s CD19/CD3 T-cell engager, AZD0486, will further demonstrate the acceptable safety profile and high response rate of this treatment in relapsed/refractory (R/R) B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).4 We will also present the first clinical data on sabestomig, a PD-1/TIM-3 targeting bispecific antibody, in R/R Hodgkin lymphoma, showing encouraging early signals of activity.5

The first preclinical data for AZD9829, a novel CD123-targeting ADC, using AstraZeneca’s proprietary linker technology to deliver a topoisomerase I inhibitor warhead, will demonstrate promising anti-tumor activity in acute myeloid leukemia.6 In addition, preclinical data will demonstrate anti-tumor activity of AstraZeneca’s novel PRMT5 inhibitor in MTAP silenced Hodgkin lymphoma models.7

Showcasing advances to bolster our leadership in PNH with new data on Factor D inhibition and impact of C5 inhibition in long-term disease control

New results from the 24-week and long-term extension period from the pivotal ALPHA Phase III trial will reinforce the potential for danicopan add-on therapy to address clinically significant extravascular hemolysis (EVH) in the small subset of PNH patients who experience this condition while treated with C5 inhibitor therapy, allowing them to maintain control of intravascular hemolysis (IVH) through standard-of-care treatment with ULTOMIRIS® (ravulizumab-cwvz) or SOLIRIS® (eculizumab).8

Further, patient-reported outcomes from the ALPHA trial will suggest danicopan as an add-on to ULTOMIRIS or SOLIRIS improved quality of life compared to C5 inhibitor therapy alone in patients with PNH who experience clinically significant EVH.9

Additionally, Alexion will present an analysis of six-year outcomes from the Phase III clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of ULTOMIRIS in patients with PNH who did not have previous treatment with a C5 inhibitor.10 The analysis compared survival against untreated patients in the International PNH Registry, the largest global real-world database of patients with PNH. Results will suggest ULTOMIRIS improved survival and maintained effective long-term control of IVH, the most significant contributor to morbidity and premature mortality in PNH.10

Improving diagnosis and management of life-threatening rare diseases, including amyloidosis

24-month results of a Phase II trial will demonstrate the safety and tolerability of CAEL-101 in combination with cyclophosphamide-bortezomib-dexamethasone with or without daratumumab for the treatment of AL amyloidosis.11

Real-world analyses across AL amyloidosis, aHUS and hematopoietic stem cell transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (HSCT-TMA) will also be presented, advancing the scientific understanding of these rare, hematological conditions.12-16

Key presentations during the 65th ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition

Lead author

Abstract title

Presentation details

CALQUENCE (acalabrutinib)

 

Sharman, JP

Acalabrutinib ± Obinutuzumab vs Obinutuzumab + Chlorambucil in Treatment-naive Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: 6-year Follow-up of ELEVATE-TN

 

 

Abstract # 636
Oral Session: 642. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Clinical and Epidemiological: Frontline Treatment with Targeted Agents in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
December 10, 2023
17:45 PST
Location: Seaport Ballroom ABCD (Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego)

Westin, J

Smart Stop: Lenalidomide, Tafasitamab, Rituximab and Acalabrutinib Alone and with Combination Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma

 

Abstract # 856Ora
l Session: 626. Aggressive Lymphomas: Prospective Therapeutic Trials: Initial Treatment Strategies in Aggressive B-Cell Lymphomas
December 11, 2023
15:30 PST
Location: Seaport Ballroom ABCD (Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego)

Hawkes, EA

A Window Study of Acalabrutinib and Rituximab, Followed by Chemotherapy and Autograft (ASCT) in Fit Patients with Treatment-naïve Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL): First Report of the Investigator-initiated Australasian Leukemia and Lymphoma Group NHL33 ‘WAMM’ Trial

 

Abstract # 735
Oral Session: 623. Mantle Cell, Follicular and Other Indolent B-Cell Lymphomas: Clinical and Epidemiological: Prospective Clinical Trials in Mantle Cell Lymphoma Incorporating Novel Agents
December 11, 2023
11:00 PST
Location: Grand Hall B (Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego)

Hawkes, EA

TrAVeRse: A Phase 2, Open-Label, Randomized Study of Acalabrutinib in Combination with Venetoclax and Rituximab in Patients with Treatment- naïve Mantle Cell Lymphoma

 

Abstract # 3054
Poster Session: 623. Mantle Cell, Follicular, and Other Indolent B-Cell Lymphomas: Clinical and Epidemiological: Poster II
December 10, 2023
18:00 - 20:00 PST
Location: Halls G-H (San Diego Convention Center)

Sharman, J

Analysis of Ventricular Arrhythmias and Sudden Death with Acalabrutinib From 5 Prospective Clinical Trials

 

 

Abstract # 4643
Poster Session: 642. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Clinical and Epidemiological: Poster III
December 11, 2023
18:00 - 20:00 PST
Location: Halls G-H (San Diego Convention Center)

Ferrajoli, A

Cumulative Review of Hypertension in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Other Hematologic Malignancies Treated with Acalabrutinib: Data from Clinical Trials

 

 

Abstract # 1917
Poster Session: 642. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Clinical and Epidemiological: Poster I
December 9, 2023
17:30 - 19:30 PST
Location: Halls G-H (San Diego Convention Center)

Sun, C

Extended Follow-Up and Resistance Mutations in CLL Patients Treated with Acalabrutinib

Abstract # 1891
Poster Session: 641. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemias: Basic and Translational: Poster I
December 9, 2023
17:30 - 19:30 PST
Location: Halls G-H (San Diego Convention Center)

Jain, P

Acalabrutinib with Rituximab as First-line Therapy for Older Patients with Mantle Cell Lymphoma – A Phase II Clinical Trial

Abstract # 3036
Poster Session: 623. Mantle Cell, Follicular, and Other Indolent B-Cell Lymphomas: Clinical and Epidemiological: Poster II
December 10, 2023
18:00 - 20:00 PST
Location: Halls G-H (San Diego Convention Center)

Perini, G

ACRUE: A Phase 2, Open-label Study of Acalabrutinib in Combination with Rituximab in Elderly and/or Frail Patients with Treatment-naïve Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

e-Publication
Online Only

AZD0486

 

Gaballa, S

Double Step-Up Dosing (2SUD) Regimen Mitigates Severe ICANS and CRS While Maintaining a High Efficacy in Subjects with Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) Treated with AZD0486, a Novel CD19xCD3 T-cell Engager (TCE): Updated Safety and Efficacy Data from the Ongoing First-in-Human (FIH) Phase I Trial

Abstract # 1662
Poster Session: 623. Mantle Cell, Follicular, and Other Indolent B-Cell Lymphomas: Clinical and Epidemiological: Poster I
December 9, 2023
17:30 - 19:30 PST
Location: Halls G-H (San Diego Convention Center)

AZD9829

Dutta, D

First Disclosure of AZD9829, a TOP1i-ADC Targeting CD123: Promising Preclinical Activity in AML Models with Minimal Effect on Healthy Progenitors

e-Publication
Online Only

 

AZD7789

Mei, M

Safety and Preliminary Efficacy of Sabestomig (AZD7789), an Anti-PD-1 and Anti-TIM-3 Bispecific Antibody, in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma Previously Treated with Anti-PD-(L)1 Therapy

 

Abstract # 4433
Poster Session: 624. Hodgkin Lymphomas and T/NK cell Lymphomas: Clinical and Epidemiological: Poster III
December 11, 2023
18:00 - 20:00 PST
Location: Halls G-H (San Diego Convention Center)

PRMT5 inhibitor

Urosevic, J

Epigenetic Silencing of MTAP in Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Renders it Sensitive to a 2nd Generation PRMT5 Inhibitor

 

Abstract # 4185
Poster Session: 605. Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Resistance: Lymphoid Neoplasms: Poster III
December 11, 2023
18:00 - 20:00 PST
Location: Halls G-H (San Diego Convention Center)

Danicopan

Kulasekararaj, A

Danicopan as Add-On Therapy to Ravulizumab or Eculizumab Versus Placebo in Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria and Clinically Significant Extravascular Hemolysis: Phase 3 Long-term Data

Abstract # 576
Oral Session: 508. Bone Marrow Failure: Acquired: Unraveling the Future of PNH Therapy from Clinical Trials
December 10, 2023
17:45 PST
Location: Room 7 (San Diego Convention Center)

Piatek, C

Patient-reported Outcomes: Danicopan as Add-On Therapy to Ravulizumab or Eculizumab Versus Placebo in Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria and Clinically Significant Extravascular Hemolysis

Abstract # 1346
Poster Session: 508. Bone Marrow Failure: Acquired: Poster I
December 9, 2023
17:30 - 19:30 PST
Location: Halls G-H (San Diego Convention Center)

ULTOMIRIS (ravulizumab-cwvz)

Kulasekararaj, A

Ravulizumab Provides Durable Control of Intravascular Hemolysis and Improves Survival in Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: Long-Term Follow-Up of Study 301 and Comparisons with Patients of the International PNH Registry

Abstract # 2714
Poster Session: 508. Bone Marrow Failure: Acquired: Poster II
December 10, 2023
18:00 - 20:00 PST
Location: Halls G-H (San Diego Convention Center)

Röth, A

Ravulizumab Effectiveness in the Real-world: Evidence from the International PNH Registry

Abstract # 2722
Poster Session: 508. Bone Marrow Failure: Acquired: Poster II
December 10, 2023
18:00 - 20:00 PST
Location: Halls G-H (San Diego Convention Center)

Piatek, C

Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Ravulizumab in Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria Who Received Prior Intravenous Eculizumab: 2-Year Follow-Up

Abstract # 2713
Poster Session: 508. Bone Marrow Failure: Acquired: Poster II
December 10, 2023
18:00 - 20:00 PST
Location: Halls G-H (San Diego Convention Center)

CAEL-101

Valent, J

Safety and Tolerability of CAEL-101, an Anti-Amyloid Monoclonal Antibody, Combined with Anti-Plasma Cell Dyscrasia Therapy in Patients with Light-Chain Amyloidosis: 24-Month Results of a Phase 2 Study

Abstract # 540
Oral Session: 654. MGUS, Amyloidosis and Other Non-Myeloma Plasma Cell Dyscrasias: Clinical and Epidemiological: From Light Chain to Fibril–Novel Diagnostics to Treatments for Amyloidosis
December 10, 2023
13:15 PST
Location: Seaport Ballroom EFGH (Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego)

Costello, M

CAEL-101 Enhances the Clearance of Light Chain Fibrils and Intermediate Aggregates by Phagocytosis

Abstract # 3307
Poster Session: 651. Multiple Myeloma and Plasma Cell Dyscrasias: Basic and Translational: Poster II
December 10, 2023
18:00 - 20:00 PST
Location: Halls G-H (San Diego Convention Center)

AL Amyloidosis

Lyons, G

Treatment Patterns and Outcomes for Patients with Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis: Analysis of a Large US Claims Database

e-Publication
Online Only

Thompson, J

Real-world Treatment Patterns Following Update to National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines for Light-Chain Amyloidosis: Results from a US Administrative Claims Database

e-Publication
Online Only

Laires, P

Prevalence, Incidence, and Characterization of Light Chain Amyloidosis in the USA: A Real-world Analysis Utilizing Electronic Health Records (EHR)

e-Publication
Online Only

aHUS

Wang, Y

Patient Characteristics and Diagnostic Journey of Thrombotic Microangiopathy Associated with a Trigger: A Real-world, Retrospective, Multi-national Study

e-Publication
Online Only

HSCT-TMA

Wang, Y

Real-World Analysis of the Underdiagnosis, Clinical Outcomes and Associated Burden of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation-Associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy (HSCT-TMA) in the United States of America

Abstract # 491
Oral Session: 904. Outcomes Research – Non-Malignant Conditions: What to Know: Management Costs and Outcomes in Various Non-Malignant Disorders
December 10, 2023
10:30 PST
Location: Pacific Ballroom Salons 15-17 (Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina)

PNH

Wagner-Ballon, O

Neutrophil PNH Type II Cells Are Associated with Thrombosis and Bone Marrow Failure Without Hemolysis: Evidence from Analysis of the 5-year French Nation-Wide Multicenter Observational Study

Abstract # 4083
Poster Session: 508. Bone Marrow Failure: Acquired: Poster III
December 11, 2023
18:00 - 20:00 PST
Location: Halls G-H (San Diego Convention Center)

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

CALQUENCE is a Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

CALQUENCE is also indicated for the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT CALQUENCE® (acalabrutinib) tablets

Serious and Opportunistic Infections

Fatal and serious infections, including opportunistic infections, have occurred in patients with hematologic malignancies treated with CALQUENCE.

Serious or Grade 3 or higher infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal) occurred in 19% of 1029 patients exposed to CALQUENCE in clinical trials, most often due to respiratory tract infections (11% of all patients, including pneumonia in 6%). These infections predominantly occurred in the absence of Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, with neutropenic infection reported in 1.9% of all patients. Opportunistic infections in recipients of CALQUENCE have included, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus reactivation, fungal pneumonia, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, Epstein-Barr virus reactivation, cytomegalovirus, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Consider prophylaxis in patients who are at increased risk for opportunistic infections. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection and treat promptly.

Hemorrhage

Fatal and serious hemorrhagic events have occurred in patients with hematologic malignancies treated with CALQUENCE. Major hemorrhage (serious or Grade 3 or higher bleeding or any central nervous system bleeding) occurred in 3.0% of patients, with fatal hemorrhage occurring in 0.1% of 1029 patients exposed to CALQUENCE in clinical trials. Bleeding events of any grade, excluding bruising and petechiae, occurred in 22% of patients.

Use of antithrombotic agents concomitantly with CALQUENCE may further increase the risk of hemorrhage. In clinical trials, major hemorrhage occurred in 2.7% of patients taking CALQUENCE without antithrombotic agents and 3.6% of patients taking CALQUENCE with antithrombotic agents. Consider the risks and benefits of antithrombotic agents when co-administered with CALQUENCE. Monitor patients for signs of bleeding.

Consider the benefit-risk of withholding CALQUENCE for 3-7 days pre- and post-surgery depending upon the type of surgery and the risk of bleeding.

Cytopenias

Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias, including neutropenia (23%), anemia (8%), thrombocytopenia (7%), and lymphopenia (7%), developed in patients with hematologic malignancies treated with CALQUENCE. Grade 4 neutropenia developed in 12% of patients. Monitor complete blood counts regularly during treatment. Interrupt treatment, reduce the dose, or discontinue treatment as warranted.

Second Primary Malignancies

Second primary malignancies, including skin cancers and other solid tumors, occurred in 12% of 1029 patients exposed to CALQUENCE in clinical trials. The most frequent second primary malignancy was skin cancer, reported in 6% of patients.  Monitor patients for skin cancers and advise protection from sun exposure.

Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter

Grade 3 atrial fibrillation or flutter occurred in 1.1% of 1029 patients treated with CALQUENCE, with all grades of atrial fibrillation or flutter reported in 4.1% of all patients. The risk may be increased in patients with cardiac risk factors, hypertension, previous arrhythmias, and acute infection. Monitor for symptoms of arrhythmia (eg, palpitations, dizziness, syncope, dyspnea) and manage as appropriate.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) of any grade in patients with relapsed or refractory MCL were anemia,* thrombocytopenia,* headache (39%), neutropenia,* diarrhea (31%), fatigue (28%), myalgia (21%), and bruising (21%). The most common Grade ≥3 non-hematological adverse reaction (reported in at least 2% of patients) was diarrhea (3.2%).

*Treatment-emergent decreases (all grades) of hemoglobin (46%), platelets (44%), and neutrophils (36%) were based on laboratory measurements and adverse reactions.

Dose reductions or discontinuations due to any adverse reaction were reported in 1.6% and 6.5% of patients, respectively. Increases in creatinine to 1.5 to 3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) occurred in 4.8% of patients.

The most common adverse reactions (≥30%) of any grade in patients with CLL were anemia,* neutropenia,* thrombocytopenia,* headache, upper respiratory tract infection, and diarrhea.

*Treatment-emergent decreases (all grades) of hemoglobin, platelets, and neutrophils were based on laboratory measurements and adverse reactions.

In patients with previously untreated CLL exposed to CALQUENCE, fatal adverse reactions that occurred in the absence of disease progression and with onset within 30 days of the last study treatment were reported in 2% for each treatment arm, most often from infection. Serious adverse reactions were reported in 39% of patients in the CALQUENCE plus obinutuzumab arm and 32% in the CALQUENCE monotherapy arm, most often due to events of pneumonia (7% and 2.8%, respectively).

Adverse reactions led to CALQUENCE dose reduction in 7% and 4% of patients in the CALQUENCE plus obinutuzumab arm (N=178) and CALQUENCE monotherapy arm (N=179), respectively. Adverse events led to discontinuation in 11% and 10% of patients, respectively. Increases in creatinine to 1.5 to 3 times ULN occurred in 3.9% and 2.8% of patients in the CALQUENCE combination arm and monotherapy arm, respectively.

In patients with relapsed/refractory CLL exposed to CALQUENCE, serious adverse reactions occurred in 29% of patients. Serious adverse reactions in >5% of patients who received CALQUENCE included lower respiratory tract infection (6%). Fatal adverse reactions within 30 days of the last dose of CALQUENCE occurred in 2.6% of patients, including from second primary malignancies and infection.

Adverse reactions led to CALQUENCE dose reduction in 3.9% of patients (N=154), dose interruptions in 34% of patients, most often due to respiratory tract infections followed by neutropenia, and discontinuation in 10% of patients, most frequently due to second primary malignancies followed by infection. Increases in creatinine to 1.5 to 3 times ULN occurred in 1.3% of patients who received CALQUENCE.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Strong CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid co-administration of CALQUENCE with a strong CYP3A inhibitor. If these inhibitors will be used short-term, interrupt CALQUENCE. After discontinuation of strong CYP3A inhibitor for at least 24 hours, resume previous dosage of CALQUENCE.

Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors: Reduce the dosage of CALQUENCE to 100 mg once daily when co-administered with a moderate CYP3A inhibitor.

Strong CYP3A Inducers: Avoid co-administration of CALQUENCE with a strong CYP3A inducer. If co-administration is unavoidable, increase the dosage of CALQUENCE to 200 mg approximately every 12 hours.

SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Based on findings in animals, CALQUENCE may cause fetal harm and dystocia when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data in pregnant women to inform the drug-associated risk. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.

Pregnancy testing is recommended for females of reproductive potential prior to initiating CALQUENCE therapy. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with CALQUENCE and for 1 week following the last dose of CALQUENCE.

It is not known if CALQUENCE is present in human milk. Advise lactating women not to breastfeed while taking CALQUENCE and for 2 weeks after the last dose.

Avoid use of CALQUENCE in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C). No dosage adjustment of CALQUENCE is recommended in patients with mild (Child-Pugh class A) or moderate (Child-Pugh class B) hepatic impairment.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.

INDICATION(S) & IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for ULTOMIRIS® (ravulizumab-cwvz)

What is ULTOMIRIS?

ULTOMIRIS is a prescription medicine used to treat:

  • adults and children 1 month of age and older with a disease called Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH).
  • adults and children 1 month of age and older with a disease called atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS). ULTOMIRIS is not used in treating people with Shiga toxin E. coli related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS).
  • adults with a disease called generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive.
  • adults with PNH or aHUS when administered subcutaneously (under your skin).

It is not known if ULTOMIRIS is safe and effective in children younger than 1 month of age.

It is not known if ULTOMIRIS is safe and effective for the treatment of gMG in children.

Subcutaneous administration of ULTOMIRIS has not been evaluated and is not approved for use in children.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about ULTOMIRIS?

ULTOMIRIS is a medicine that affects your immune system and can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections.

  • ULTOMIRIS increases your chance of getting serious and life-threatening meningococcal infections that may quickly become life-threatening and cause death if not recognized and treated early.

1.     You must receive meningococcal vaccines at least 2 weeks before your first dose of ULTOMIRIS if you are not vaccinated.

2.     If your healthcare provider decided that urgent treatment with ULTOMIRIS is needed, you should receive meningococcal vaccination as soon as possible.

3.     If you have not been vaccinated and ULTOMIRIS therapy must be initiated immediately, you should also receive 2 weeks of antibiotics with your vaccinations.

4.     If you had a meningococcal vaccine in the past, you might need additional vaccination. Your healthcare provider will decide if you need additional vaccination.

5.     Meningococcal vaccines reduce but do not prevent all meningococcal infections. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical care right away if you get any of these signs and symptoms of a meningococcal infection: headache with nausea or vomiting, headache and fever, headache with a stiff neck or stiff back, fever, fever and a rash, confusion, muscle aches with flu-like symptoms and eyes sensitive to light.

Your healthcare provider will give you a Patient Safety Card about the risk of meningococcal infection. Carry it with you at all times during treatment and for 8 months after your last ULTOMIRIS dose. It is important to show this card to any healthcare provider or nurse to help them diagnose and treat you quickly.

ULTOMIRIS is only available through a program called the ULTOMIRIS REMS. Before you can receive ULTOMIRIS, your healthcare provider must: enroll in the ULTOMIRIS REMS program; counsel you about the risk of meningococcal infection; give you information and a Patient Safety Card about the symptoms and your risk of meningococcal infection (as discussed above); and make sure that you are vaccinated with a meningococcal vaccine, and if needed, get revaccinated with the meningococcal vaccine. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if you need to be revaccinated.

ULTOMIRIS may also increase the risk of other types of serious infections. Make sure your child receives vaccinations against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) if treated with ULTOMIRIS. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any new signs or symptoms of infection.

Who should not receive ULTOMIRIS?

Do not receive ULTOMIRIS if you have a meningococcal infection or have not been vaccinated against meningococcal infection unless your healthcare provider decides that urgent treatment with ULTOMIRIS is needed.

Before you receive ULTOMIRIS, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have an infection or fever, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, and are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if ULTOMIRIS will harm your unborn baby or if it passes into your breast milk. You should not breastfeed during treatment and for 8 months after your final dose of ULTOMIRIS.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the vaccines you receive and medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements which could affect your treatment.

If you have PNH and you stop receiving ULTOMIRIS, your healthcare provider will need to monitor you closely for at least 16 weeks after you stop ULTOMIRIS. Stopping ULTOMIRIS may cause breakdown of your red blood cells due to PNH. Symptoms or problems that can happen due to red blood cell breakdown include: drop in your red blood cell count, tiredness, blood in your urine, stomach-area (abdomen) pain, shortness of breath, blood clots, trouble swallowing, and erectile dysfunction (ED) in males.

If you have aHUS, your healthcare provider will need to monitor you closely for at least 12 months after stopping treatment for signs of worsening aHUS or problems related to a type of abnormal clotting and breakdown of your red blood cells called thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Symptoms or problems that can happen with TMA may include: confusion or loss of consciousness, seizures, chest pain (angina), difficulty breathing and blood clots or stroke.

ULTOMIRIS can cause serious side effects including allergic reactions to acrylic adhesive. Allergic reactions to the acrylic adhesive may happen with your subcutaneous ULTOMIRIS treatment. If you have an allergic reaction during the delivery of subcutaneous ULTOMIRIS, remove the on-body injector and get medical help right away. Your healthcare provider may treat you with medicines to help prevent or treat allergic reaction symptoms as needed.

What are the possible side effects of ULTOMIRIS?

ULTOMIRIS can cause serious side effects including infusion-related reactions. Symptoms of an infusion-related reaction with ULTOMIRIS may include lower back pain, tiredness, feeling faint, discomfort in your arms or legs, bad taste, or drowsiness. Stop treatment of ULTOMIRIS and tell your healthcare provider or nurse right away if you develop these symptoms, or any other symptoms during your ULTOMIRIS infusion that may mean you are having a serious infusion reaction, including: chest pain, trouble breathing or shortness of breath, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, and feel faint or pass out.

The most common side effects of ULTOMIRIS in people treated for PNH are upper respiratory tract infection and headache.

The most common side effects of ULTOMIRIS in people treated for aHUS are upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, high blood pressure and fever.

The most common side effects of ULTOMIRIS in people with gMG are diarrhea and upper respiratory tract infections.

The most common side effects of subcutaneous administration of ULTOMIRIS in adults treated for PNH and aHUS are local injection site reactions.

Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of ULTOMIRIS. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your healthcare provider right away if you miss an ULTOMIRIS infusion or for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Instructions for Use that comes with subcutaneous ULTOMIRIS for instructions about the right way to prepare and give your subcutaneous ULTOMIRIS injections through an on-body injector.

Please see the accompanying full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for ULTOMIRIS, including Boxed WARNING regarding serious and life-threatening meningococcal infections/sepsis. Please see the accompanying Instructions for Use for the ULTOMIRIS On Body Delivery System.

INDICATIONS & IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR SOLIRIS® (eculizumab) [injection for intravenous use 300mg/30mL vial]

What is SOLIRIS?

SOLIRIS is a prescription medicine used to treat:

  • patients with a disease called Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH).
  • adults and children with a disease called atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS). SOLIRIS is not for use in treating people with Shiga toxin E. coli related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS).
  • adults with a disease called generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive.
  • adults with a disease called neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) who are anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive.

It is not known if SOLIRIS is safe and effective in children with PNH, gMG, or NMOSD.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about SOLIRIS?

SOLIRIS is a medicine that affects your immune system and can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections.

  • SOLIRIS increases your chance of getting serious and life-threatening meningococcal infections that may quickly become life-threatening and cause death if not recognized and treated early.
  • You must receive meningococcal vaccines at least 2 weeks before your first dose of SOLIRIS if you are not vaccinated.
  • If your doctor decided that urgent treatment with SOLIRIS is needed, you should receive meningococcal vaccination as soon as possible.
  • If you have not been vaccinated and SOLIRIS therapy must be initiated immediately, you should also receive 2 weeks of antibiotics with your vaccinations.
  • If you had a meningococcal vaccine in the past, you might need additional vaccination. Your doctor will decide if you need additional vaccination.
  • Meningococcal vaccines reduce but do not prevent all meningococcal infections. Call your doctor or get emergency medical care right away if you get any of these signs and symptoms of a meningococcal infection: headache with nausea or vomiting, headache and fever, headache with a stiff neck or stiff back, fever, fever and a rash, confusion, muscle aches with flu-like symptoms, and eyes sensitive to light.

Your doctor will give you a Patient Safety Card about the risk of meningococcal infection. Carry it with you at all times during treatment and for 3 months after your last SOLIRIS dose. It is important to show this card to any doctor or nurse to help them diagnose and treat you quickly.

SOLIRIS is only available through a program called the SOLIRIS REMS. Before you can receive SOLIRIS, your doctor must enroll in the SOLIRIS REMS program; counsel you about the risk of meningococcal infection; give you information and a Patient Safety Card about the symptoms and your risk of meningococcal infection (as discussed above); and make sure that you are vaccinated with the meningococcal vaccine and, if needed, get revaccinated with the meningococcal vaccine. Ask your doctor if you are not sure if you need to be revaccinated.

SOLIRIS may also increase the risk of other types of serious infections. Make sure your child receives vaccinations against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) if treated with SOLIRIS. Certain people may be at risk of serious infections with gonorrhea. Certain fungal infections (Aspergillus) may occur if you take SOLIRIS and have a weak immune system or a low white blood cell count.

Who should not receive SOLIRIS?

Do not receive SOLIRIS if you have a meningococcal infection or have not been vaccinated against meningitis infection unless your doctor decides that urgent treatment with SOLIRIS is needed.

Before you receive SOLIRIS, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have an infection or fever, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, and are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if SOLIRIS will harm your unborn baby or if it passes into your breast milk.

Tell your doctor about all the vaccines you receive and medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements which could affect your treatment. It is important that you have all recommended vaccinations before you start SOLIRIS, receive 2 weeks of antibiotics if you immediately start SOLIRIS, and stay up-to-date with all recommended vaccinations during treatment with SOLIRIS.

If you have PNH, your doctor will need to monitor you closely for at least 8 weeks after stopping SOLIRIS. Stopping treatment with SOLIRIS may cause breakdown of your red blood cells due to PNH. Symptoms or problems that can happen due to red blood cell breakdown include: drop in the number of your red blood cell count, drop in your platelet count, confusion, kidney problems, blood clots, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.

If you have aHUS, your doctor will need to monitor you closely during and for at least 12 weeks after stopping treatment for signs of worsening aHUS symptoms or problems related to abnormal clotting (thrombotic microangiopathy). Symptoms or problems that can happen with abnormal clotting may include: stroke, confusion, seizure, chest pain (angina), difficulty breathing, kidney problems, swelling in arms or legs, and a drop in your platelet count.

What are the possible side effects of SOLIRIS?

SOLIRIS can cause serious side effects including serious infusion-related reactions. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you get any of these symptoms during your SOLIRIS infusion: chest pain; trouble breathing or shortness of breath; swelling of your face, tongue, or throat; and feel faint or pass out. If you have an infusion-related reaction to SOLIRIS, your doctor may need to infuse SOLIRIS more slowly, or stop SOLIRIS.

The most common side effects in people with PNH treated with SOLIRIS include: headache, pain or swelling of your nose or throat (nasopharyngitis), back pain, and nausea.

The most common side effects in people with aHUS treated with SOLIRIS include: headache, diarrhea, high blood pressure (hypertension), common cold (upper respiratory infection), stomach-area (abdominal) pain, vomiting, pain or swelling of your nose or throat (nasopharyngitis), low red blood cell count (anemia), cough, swelling of legs or feet (peripheral edema), nausea, urinary tract infections, and fever.

The most common side effects in people with gMG treated with SOLIRIS include: muscle and joint (musculoskeletal) pain.

The most common side effects in people with NMOSD treated with SOLIRIS include: common cold (upper respiratory infection); pain or swelling of your nose or throat (nasopharyngitis); diarrhea; back pain; dizziness; flu-like symptoms (influenza), including fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, and body aches; joint pain (arthralgia); throat irritation (pharyngitis); and bruising (contusion).

Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of SOLIRIS. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit MedWatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for SOLIRIS, including Boxed WARNING regarding serious and life-threatening meningococcal infections.

CALQUENCE® (acalabrutinib)

CALQUENCE® (acalabrutinib) is a next-generation, selective inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK). CALQUENCE binds covalently to BTK, thereby inhibiting its activity.17,18 In B cells, BTK signaling results in activation of pathways necessary for B-cell proliferation, trafficking, chemotaxis and adhesion.

CALQUENCE has been used to treat 50,000 patients worldwide and is approved in the US for the treatment of CLL and SLL and for the treatment of adult patients with MCL who have received at least one prior therapy.17 CALQUENCE is approved for CLL in the EU and many other countries worldwide and approved in Japan for relapsed or refractory CLL and SLL.

As part of an extensive clinical development program, AstraZeneca is currently evaluating CALQUENCE in more than 20 company-sponsored clinical trials. CALQUENCE is being evaluated for the treatment of multiple B-cell blood cancers, including CLL, MCL, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, marginal zone lymphoma and other hematologic malignancies.

ULTOMIRIS® (ravulizumab-cwvz)

ULTOMIRIS® (ravulizumab-cwvz), the first and only long-acting C5 complement inhibitor, provides immediate, complete and sustained complement inhibition. The medication works by inhibiting the C5 protein in the terminal complement cascade, a part of the body’s immune system. When activated in an uncontrolled manner, the complement cascade over-responds, leading the body to attack its own healthy cells. ULTOMIRIS is administered intravenously every eight weeks in adult patients, following a loading dose.

ULTOMIRIS is approved in the US, EU and Japan for the treatment of certain adults with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG).

ULTOMIRIS is also approved in the US, EU and Japan for the treatment of certain adults with PNH and for certain children with PNH in the US and EU.

Additionally, ULTOMIRIS is approved in the US, EU and Japan for certain adults and children with aHUS to inhibit complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy.

Further, ULTOMIRIS is approved in the EU and Japan for the treatment of certain adults with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).

As part of a broad development program, ULTOMIRIS is being assessed for the treatment of additional hematology and neurology indications.

SOLIRIS® (eculizumab)

SOLIRIS® (eculizumab) is a first-in-class C5 complement inhibitor. The medication works by inhibiting the C5 protein in the terminal complement cascade, a part of the body’s immune system. When activated in an uncontrolled manner, the terminal complement cascade over-responds, leading the body to attack its own healthy cells. SOLIRIS is administered intravenously every two weeks, following an introductory dosing period.

SOLIRIS is approved in the US, EU, Japan and China for the treatment of patients with PNH and aHUS.

Additionally, SOLIRIS is approved in Japan and the EU for the treatment of certain adult and pediatric patients with gMG and in the US and China for certain adults with gMG.

Further, SOLIRIS is approved in the US, EU, Japan and China for the treatment of certain adults with NMOSD.

SOLIRIS is not indicated for the treatment of patients with Shiga-toxin E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome.

AstraZeneca in hematology
AstraZeneca is pushing the boundaries of science to redefine care in hematology. We have expanded our commitment to patients with hematologic conditions, not only in oncology but also in rare diseases with the acquisition of Alexion, allowing us to reach more patients with high unmet needs. By applying our deep understanding of blood cancers, leveraging our strength in solid tumor oncology and delivering on Alexion’s pioneering legacy in complement science to provide innovative medicines for rare diseases, we are pursuing the end-to-end development of novel therapies designed to target underlying drivers of disease.

By targeting hematologic conditions with high unmet medical needs, we aim to deliver innovative medicines and approaches to improve patient outcomes. Our goal is to help transform the lives of patients living with malignant, rare and other related hematologic diseases, shaped by insights from patients, caregivers and physicians to have the most meaningful impact.

AstraZeneca in oncology
AstraZeneca is leading a revolution in oncology with the ambition to provide cures for cancer in every form, following the science to understand cancer and all its complexities to discover, develop and deliver life-changing medicines to patients.

The Company’s focus is on some of the most challenging cancers. It is through persistent innovation that AstraZeneca has built one of the most diverse portfolios and pipelines in the industry, with the potential to catalyze changes in the practice of medicine and transform the patient experience.

AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer care and, one day, eliminate cancer as a cause of death.

Alexion
Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, is the group within AstraZeneca focused on rare diseases, created following the 2021 acquisition of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. As a leader in rare diseases for more than 30 years, Alexion is focused on serving patients and families affected by rare diseases and devastating conditions through the discovery, development and commercialization of life-changing medicines. Alexion focuses its research efforts on novel molecules and targets in the complement cascade and its development efforts on hematology, nephrology, neurology, metabolic disorders, cardiology and ophthalmology. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Alexion has offices around the globe and serves patients in more than 50 countries.

AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit www.astrazeneca-us.com and follow the Company on social media @AstraZeneca.

Media Inquiries

Brendan McEvoy

Miranda Kulp

 

+1 302 885 2677

+1 302 885 2677

 

 

US Media Mailbox: [email protected]           

References

1.     Sharman JP, Egyed M, Jurczak J, et al. Acalabrutinib ± Obinutuzumab vs Obinutuzumab + Chlorambucil in Treatment-naive Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: 6-year Follow-up of ELEVATE-TN. Presented at: American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition 2023; December 9-12, 2023; San Diego, CA. Abs 636.

2.     Hawkes EA, Lee ST, Churilov L, et al. A Window Study of Acalabrutinib, Rituximab, Followed by Chemotherapy and Autograft (ASCT) in Fit Patients with Treatment-naïve Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL): The Investigator-led Australasian Leukemia and Lymphoma Group NHL33 ‘WAMM’ Trial. Presented at: American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition 2023; December 9-12, 2023; San Diego, CA. Abs 735.

3.     Sharman JP, Ghia P, Miranda P, et al. Analysis of Ventricular Arrhythmias and Sudden Death with Acalabrutinib From 5 Prospective Clinical Trials. Presented at: American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition 2023; December 9-12, 2023; San Diego, CA. Abs 4643.

4.     Gaballa S, Nair R, Jacobs R, et al. Double step-up dosing (2SUD) regimen mitigates severe ICANS and CRS while maintaining high efficacy in subjects with relapsed/refractory (R/R) B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) Treated with AZD0486, a Novel CD19xCD3 T-cell Engager (TCE): Updated Safety and Efficacy data from the Ongoing First-in-human (FIH) Phase 1 trial. Presented at: American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition 2023; December 9-12, 2023; San Diego, CA. Abs 1662.

5.     Mei M, Corazzelli G, Morschhauser F, et al. Safety and Preliminary Efficacy of Sabestomig (AZD7789), an Anti-PD-1 and Anti-TIM-3 Bispecific Antibody, in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma Previously Treated with Anti-PD-(L)1 Therapy. Presented at: American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition 2023; December 9-12, 2023; San Diego, CA. Abs 4433.

6.     Dutta D, Pan P, Fleming R, et al. First Disclosure of AZD9829, a TOP1i-ADC Targeting CD123: Promising Preclinical Activity in AML Models with Minimal Effect on Healthy Progenitors. Presented at American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition 2023; December 9-12, 2023; San Diego, California. e-Publication.

7.     Urosevic J, Lynch JT, Meyer S, et al. Epigenetic Silencing of MTAP in Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Renders it Sensitive to a 2nd Generation PRMT5 Inhibitor. Presented at: American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition 2023; December 9-12, 2023; San Diego, CA. Abs 4185.

8.     Kulasekararaj A, Griffin M, Piatek CI, et al. Danicopan as Add-on Therapy to Ravulizumab or Eculizumab Versus Placebo in Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria and Clinically Significant Extravascular Hemolysis: Phase 3 Long-term Data. Presented at: American Society of Hematology (ASH) Congress; December 9-12, 2023; San Diego, CA. Abs 576.

9.     Piatek C, et al. Patient-Reported Outcomes: Danicopan as Add-On Therapy to Ravulizumab or Eculizumab Versus Placebo in Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria and Clinically Significant Extravascular Hemolysis. Presented at: American Society of Hematology (ASH) Congress; December 9-12, 2023; San Diego, CA. Abs 1346.

10.  Kulasekararaj A, Schrezenmeier H, Usuki K, et al. Ravulizumab Provides Durable Control of Intravascular Hemolysis and Improves Survival in Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: Long-term Follow-up of Study 301 and Comparisons with Patients of the International PNH Registry. Presented at: American Society of Hematology (ASH) Congress; December 9-12, 2023; San Diego, CA. Abs 2714.

11.  Valent J, Liedtke M, Zonder JA, et al. Safety and Tolerability of CAEL-101, an Anti-Amyloid Monoclonal Antibody, Combined with Anti-Plasma Cell Dyscrasia Therapy in Patients with Light-Chain Amyloidosis: 24-Month Results of a Phase 2 Study. Presented at: American Society of Hematology (ASH) Congress; December 9-12, 2023; San Diego, CA. Abs 540.

12.  Lyons G, et al. Treatment Patterns and Outcomes for Patients with Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis: Analysis of a Large US Claims Database. Presented at: American Society of Hematology (ASH) Congress; December 9-12, 2023; San Diego, CA.

13.  Thompson J, et al. Real-world Treatment Patterns Following Update to National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines for Light-Chain Amyloidosis: Results from a US Administrative Claims Database. Presented at: American Society of Hematology (ASH) Congress; December 9-12, 2023; San Diego, CA.

14.  Laires P, et al. Prevalence, Incidence, and Characterization of Light Chain Amyloidosis in the USA: A Real-world Analysis Utilizing Electronic Health Records (EHR). Presented at: American Society of Hematology (ASH) Congress; December 9-12, 2023; San Diego, CA.

15.  Wang Y, et al. Patient Characteristics and Diagnostic Journey of Thrombotic Microangiopathy Associated with a Trigger: A Real-world, Retrospective, Multi-National Study. Presented at: American Society of Hematology (ASH) Congress; December 9-12, 2023; San Diego, CA.

16.  Wang Y, Rava A, Smuzynski M, et al. Real-world Analysis of the Underdiagnosis, Clinical Outcomes and Associated Burden of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation-associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy (HSCT-TMA) in the United States of America. Presented at: American Society of Hematology (ASH) Congress; December 9-12, 2023; San Diego, CA. Abs 491.

17.  CALQUENCE® (acalabrutinib) [prescribing information]. Wilmington, DE; AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP; 2022.

18.  Wu J, Zhang M, Liu D. Acalabrutinib (ACP-196): a selective second-generation BTK inhibitor. J Hematol Oncol. 2016;9(21).

# # #

Source link

Tags:
29Nov

The Upsurge of Pneumonia Among Children in China

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
No comments

Since mid-October 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been monitoring data from Chinese surveillance systems that have been showing an increase in respiratory illness in children in northern China.

Chinese authorities attributed this increase to lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the arrival of the cold season, and due to circulating known pathogens such as influenza, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Mycoplasma pneumonia and RSV are known to affect children more than adults.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that is most commonly caused by viruses or bacteria. It can cause mild to life-threatening illness in people of all ages; however, it is the single largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide.

Pneumonia killed more than 808 000 children under the age of 5 in 2017, accounting for 15% of all deaths of children under 5 years. People at-risk for pneumonia also include adults over the age of 65 and people with preexisting health problems.

When an individual has pneumonia, the alveoli are filled with pus and fluid, which makes breathing painful and limits oxygen intake. These infections are generally spread by direct contact with infected people. Vaccines can help prevent pneumonia.

Influenza

Influenza (Flu) is a common cause of pneumonia, especially among younger children, the elderly, pregnant women, or those with certain chronic health conditions or who live in a nursing home.

Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that is one of the most severe illnesses of the winter season. Influenza is spread easily from person to person, usually when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Pneumonia is a serious infection or inflammation of the lungs. The air sacs fill with pus and other liquid, blocking oxygen from reaching the bloodstream. If there is too little oxygen in the blood, the body's cells cannot work properly, which can lead to death.

As flu strains change each year, it is necessary to get a flu vaccination each season to make sure you are protected against the most current strains. Pneumonia vaccinations are usually only necessary once, although a booster vaccination may be recommended for some individuals.

Walking Pneumonia

In recent days, there has been a surge in cases of infection by the bacterium mycoplasma pneumoniae Mycoplasma pneumonia reported in multiple hospitals across China, with children being the most affected. This year, the infection has occurred earlier than usual and has shown a trend toward affecting younger children, leading pediatricians to warn that this year could see a widespread outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumonia.

The Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacterium is one of the most recognized of all human pathogens, and there are different known species. These bacteria can cause many symptoms, including dry cough, fever, and mild shortness of breath on exertion. Mycoplasma pneumonia can spread easily among children.

Most people with respiratory infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae don’t develop pneumonia. For this reason, Mycoplasma pneumonia is known as atypical pneumonia and is sometimes called walking pneumonia.

Mycoplasma pneumonia spreads quickly through contact with respiratory fluids in crowded areas, like schools, college campuses, and nursing homes. When someone coughs or sneezes, moisture containing the bacteria is released into the air, and others around them can easily breathe the bacteria in.

About 7 to 20 percent of cases of community-acquired (outside of a hospital) pneumonia happen as a result of infection by atypical bacterial microorganisms. Of these, Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes the most infections, though only about 10% of people infected will actually develop pneumonia.

Mycoplasma pneumonia symptoms are different from those of typical pneumonia caused by common bacteria, like Streptococcus and Haemophilus. Patients usually do not have severe shortness of breath, high fever, and a productive cough with Mycoplasma pneumonia. Instead, they have a low-grade fever, dry cough, mild shortness of breath, and fatigue.

Mycoplasma pneumonia may mimic an upper respiratory infection or common cold rather than a lower respiratory infection or pneumonia. A dry cough is the most common sign of infection.

In some cases, Mycoplasma pneumonia infection can become dangerous. If you have asthma, Mycoplasma pneumonia can make your symptoms worse. Mycoplasma pneumonia can also develop into a more severe case of pneumonia. In rare cases, untreated Mycoplasma pneumonia can be fatal.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes mild illness in most children and adults. However, pneumonia can be serious, requiring treatment and sometimes hospitalization. Rarely, for people at high risk, pneumonia can be fatal.

For some infants, older adults, and people with certain health conditions, an RSV infection can become severe and lead to other health conditions, like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

RSV typically stays confined to the upper airways. In certain situations, though, it can move into the lungs. While rare, this is when RSV-related pneumonia may develop. RSV is the leading cause of pneumonia in children under age 1.

Symptoms of RSV may be as mild as a runny nose and sore throat. When pneumonia develops, you may notice symptoms that happen slowly or suddenly. Symptoms may include cough with yellow, green, or bloody sputum, fever, chills, shallow or rapid breathing patterns, rapid pulse rate, chest pain with deep breaths or coughing, fatigue, and low appetite.

Don't Press Pandemic Panic Button

Scientists have cautioned against concerns of a potential new pandemic following the World Health Organization's request for more information from China regarding an increase in respiratory illnesses and pneumonia clusters among children.

While some worry that this surge might signal the emergence of another dangerous pathogen capable of triggering a pandemic, scientists believe, based on current information, it's more likely an increase in common respiratory infections like the flu. Similar rises in respiratory infections were observed globally after COVID-19 lockdowns were lifted, potentially including a resurgence of COVID itself.

Prevention Tips

Based on the available information, WHO recommends that people in China follow measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness, which include recommended vaccines against influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens as appropriate; keeping distance from people who are ill; staying home when ill; getting tested and medical care as needed; wearing masks as appropriate; ensuring good ventilation; and practicing regular handwashing.

WHO does not recommend any specific measures for travellers to China. In general, persons should avoid travel while experiencing symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, if possible; in case of symptoms during or after travel, travellers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share travel history with their health care provider.

WHO advises against the application of any travel or trade restrictions based on the current information available on this event.

Source link

Tags:
28Nov

What we know about risk of a ‘triple-demic’ this virus season

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
No comments

COVID deaths and ICU admissions are low while flu and RSV are rising. Some experts are predicting a 'more intense' virus season than normal

Get the latest from Sharon Kirkey straight to your inbox

Published Nov 28, 2023  •  Last updated 3 hours ago  •  6 minute read

A woman in a mask and hat
COVID deaths and ICU admissions are low while flu and RSV are rising. Photo by Peter J. Thompson /National Post

It’s difficult to know how any respiratory virus season is going to shake out, “but if I had to bet the house,” Matthew Miller sees a somewhat more intense season than what we’re used to, pre-pandemic.

The situation now isn’t what it was a year ago, when lineups at children’s emergency departments snaked out the doors and parents resorted to furtive cross-border trips to stock up on children’s Tylenol during a months-long shortage of kids’ fever relievers.

Advertisement 2

Article content

Article content

Last year’s RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) season peaked unusually early, with infections shooting up beginning in September, after a near total disappearance during the earlier days of the pandemic, when measures in place to curb COVID’s spread also led to relatively little circulating RSV activity.

RSV is currently on the “high end of normal,” said Miller, and, despite an earlier spike last year, “those lines are starting to meet now.”

“It wouldn’t be crazy to think that we’re going to have a more intense respiratory season than usual,” said Miller, director of McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research.

To get a sense of what winter might bring in the form of any viral onslaught, experts look to the southern hemisphere, which experiences their respiratory seasons over our summers. Australia has some of the best data for monitoring the “triple-demic” of RSV, influenzas, and COVID-19.

Australia saw an earlier-than-normal start to its flu season, and higher than pre-pandemic levels of infection, Miller said, as well as above seasonal norms for RSV.

Advertisement 3

Article content

One recent study suggested COVID-19 infections may have been a driving force for the 2022 surge in RSV infections among children five and under, possibly because of the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on a child’s immune and respiratory systems.

In Canada, flu is increasing, but is within expected levels for this time of year, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s latest respiratory disease surveillance report.

Nationally, the COVID-19 per cent positivity — of those tested, the proportion that test positive — has remained stable over the past five surveillance weeks. There are signs weekly COVID-19 deaths are decreasing, and the number in ICU remained low for the week ending Nov. 21.

“We’re not getting a lot of serious, life-threatening cases that need admission to hospital or are overrunning ICUs like we were,” said Dr. Mike Howlett, president of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians.

Influenza looks like it’s on a “pre-pandemic trajectory,” and is just beginning to rise, said McMaster University immunologist Dawn Bowdish. Flu season usually peaks between December and February.

Advertisement 4

Article content

“We’re not in the same absolute disaster as we were last year’s cold and flu season,” Bowdish said. “But we’re still experiencing so much health-care strain that even fewer hospitalizations are still really problematic,” Bowdish said.

Emergency departments are still overcrowded. People who need to be admitted are being “boarded” in hallways on stretchers. “I know some hospitals where the waiting time for admission has gone up from 20, 30 hours on average to 50, 60 hours on average,” Fowlet said.

In many ways, hospital crowding is worse now than previous years because underlying conditions haven’t been addressed, Fowlet said, including hiring enough emergency physicians and nurses to manage caseloads. As the National Post has reported, Canadian hospital capacity has been limping along for decades while governments and policy makers, Howlet said, have been “playing around the edges.”

“There’s not a health system in Canada that isn’t understaffed and struggling to deal with emergency admissions as it is,” Bowdish said.

The concern is post-Christmas, when viruses traditionally spread from kids to parents and grandparents, and adult hospitalizations become a problem, she said.

Advertisement 5

Article content

Doctors are seeing some increase in childhood pneumonias. RSV is a common cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in young kids, “and I’m seeing more RSV than COVID right now,” said Howlett, who was recovering from what he suspected was an RSV infection he caught from his six-month-old grandchild.

Symptoms of RSV are broad, including common cold-like ones — runny nose, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and pains, and nausea, vomiting or occasional bit of diarrhea sometimes.

The more worrisome symptoms are a worsening cough and shortness of breath. The airways in the lungs of babies and infants are narrower. If a virus gets into the lungs, and secretions start to accumulate in the airways, they can run into difficulty with breathing.

It’s the younger ones, children between three months and 18 months of age, who tend to run into trouble. “They can start having significant wheezing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing,” Howlett said. “Their ribs are sucking in between their chest and under their chest, there’s some tugging around their neck from the muscles because they’re trying to get the air in.” Some need to be admitted to hospital for extra oxygen.

Advertisement 6

Article content

Nationally, COVID activity has stabilized, though trends vary across the country. “Weekly deaths and the number in ICU remain low,” according to the federal government’s update for the week ending Nov. 21.

The COVID test positivity rate is around 19 per cent. “There’s no doubt that it’s circulating,” said Dr. Catherine Hankins, former co-chair of the Canadian Immunity Task Force.

“People have a certain amount of immunity. But it’s not like measles where you get the infection and you get the vaccination and you’re pretty much protected for life,” Hankins said.

Most of what’s circulating now are the XBB lineages, which the updated boosters were tailored to target.

“I think we’re at a point with COVID where we’re sort of equilibrating,” Miller said. There are going to be year-to-year variations, he said. “I know it’s felt like an eternity, but really, it’s only been four-ish years since COVID’s been around. It’s not yet clear what the average level will be.”

For COVID, the high-risk groups haven’t changed. Older adults and those with underlying medical conditions are at highest risk of severe infections.

Advertisement 7

Article content

“There are some pieces of good news, though,” Miller said. This year’s flu vaccines appear a good match for viruses expected to circulate this winter. “If people get vaccinated now, they’ll generate immunity over the next two weeks” when cases are expected to begin rising, he said.

In August, Health Canada approved an RSV vaccine for adults aged 60 and older. However, the shots, which cost about $230 per dose, are not publicly covered by most provinces, even though RSV is one of the “big, underappreciated health burdens in older adults,” Miller said.

Human behavior can shape the spread of seasonal viruses, said Hankins, a professor in the School of Population and Global Health at McGill University.

“How many people get their flu vaccine? Get their COVID booster?”

Governments should make the RSV vaccine free to people 60 and older, she said.

She visited a Christmas market twice this weekend. “I saw one other person wearing a mask — these are tents where the air is kind of steamy and it’s packed with people.”

“We’re not going back to the old lockdown mentality,” Hankins said. “We have to go back to figuring out what is your risk tolerance, and how much risk are you prepared to take for yourself and the people around you.”

National Post

Related Stories

Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.

Article content

Get the latest from Sharon Kirkey straight to your inbox

  3. Advertisement 2

Source link

Tags:
27Nov

Which natural remedies will help you battle a cold this year?

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
No comments

women in bed blowing nose with a cold
image: @PeopleImages | iStock

With the days getting colder and colder and the flu season approaching, several health professionals give their insight and recommendations on natural remedies for illnesses

An individual’s circumstances can vary, and some natural remedies can help ease a cold. However, you need to contact a help professional for personalised advice.

Here we explore ten natural remedies to try out this winter;

1 – Vitamin C

According to experts, vitamin supplements, particularly vitamin C and vitamin D3, are advisable for those sensing the onset of illness.

The recommended vitamin C dosage for individuals feeling unwell is 1000 mg. Vitamin C is naturally present in citrus fruits and is also available in supplement form.

Vitamin C contains antioxidants crucial in shielding our cells from harmful substances known as free radicals. It’s important to exercise caution regarding the dosage of vitamin C taken.

2 – Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 is also important to incorporate into your diet.  It as a beneficial daily dose of sunshine, meaning it has the potential to assist the immune system in combatting viruses.

Vitamin D3 has been linked to the modulation of the immune system. Enhancing the body’s defence mechanisms may help reduce the risk of infections and autoimmune diseases.

3 – Zinc

A vital mineral, zinc is another natural remedy that has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating symptoms associated with the common cold.
Zinc may assist in relieving nasal congestion by inhibiting the replication of the virus in the nasal passages.
Zinc also plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system. It is involved in activating immune cells and producing antibodies, contributing to the body’s ability to fight off infections.

4 – Honey

Research has shown that honey effectively alleviates coughs in both adults and children.
Honey has natural soothing and coating properties that can help alleviate throat irritation and relieve a sore throat. It forms a protective layer on the irritated throat, reducing discomfort.

Honey should not be administered to infants under the age of one.

5 – Elderberries

Elderberries are a medicinal plant; they have been used for centuries to address cold and flu symptoms and fortify the immune system.

Abundant in antioxidants, elderberry has the potential to bolster immune function and alleviate symptoms associated with upper respiratory infections.

6 -Chicken Soup

Staying well-hydrated is crucial during illness. The warm liquid in chicken soup helps keep you hydrated, and the steam from the Soup can also soothe nasal passages and help alleviate congestion.

The warm broth in chicken soup can help loosen mucus and clear nasal passages. This can ease congestion and make it easier to breathe.

7 – Saline Sprays

Saline nasal sprays can help thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to clear nasal congestion.

The nasal passages have tiny hair-like structures called cilia that help move mucus and trap particles. Saline sprays can support the natural function of these cilia, aiding in removing mucus and debris from the nasal passages.

8 – Hot Shower

Hot showers can provide relief and comfort in several ways when you have a cold. The steam generated by a hot shower can help loosen mucus and relieve nasal congestion. Inhaling the warm, moist air can soothe irritated nasal passages and make breathing easier.

Hot water can promote better blood circulation, enhancing the body’s natural healing processes. Improved circulation can help deliver oxygen and nutrients to affected areas.

9 – Healthy eating

Healthy eating supports the body’s immune system and overall well-being.
Fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and support the body’s ability to fight off infections.
Whole grains provide a steady source of energy and essential nutrients. They can be part of a balanced diet that supports the body’s needs during a cold.

10 – Lots of rest

During sleep, the body produces and releases cytokines, proteins that play a key role in the immune response. Sleep helps maintain optimal immune function, allowing the body to better combat the virus causing the cold.

Sleep is a time for cellular repair and regeneration. The body undergoes various repair processes during deep sleep, helping to repair damaged tissues and support overall recovery.

Studies have shown that individuals who get sufficient sleep recover more quickly from illnesses. Quality sleep supports the body’s ability to repair and regenerate, promoting a faster recovery.

Editor's Recommended Articles

Source link

Tags:
27Nov

China says respiratory illnesses surge caused by flu, other known pathogens

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
No comments

BEIJING -


A surge in respiratory illnesses across China that has drawn the attention of the World Health Organization is caused by the flu and other known pathogens and not by a novel virus, the country's health ministry said Sunday.


Recent clusters of respiratory infections are caused by an overlap of common viruses such as the influenza virus, rhinoviruses, the respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, the adenovirus as well as bacteria such as mycoplasma pneumoniae, which is a common culprit for respiratory tract infections, a National Health Commission spokesperson said.


The ministry called on local authorities to open more fever clinics and promote vaccinations among children and the elderly as the country grapples with a wave of respiratory illnesses in its first full winter since the removal of COVID-19 restrictions.


"Efforts should be made to increase the opening of relevant clinics and treatment areas, extend service hours and increase the supply of medicines," said ministry spokesman Mi Feng.


He advised people to wear masks and called on local authorities to focus on preventing the spread of illnesses in crowded places such as schools and nursing homes.


The WHO earlier this week formally requested that China provide information about a potentially worrying spike in respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia in children, as mentioned by several media reports and a global infectious disease monitoring service.


The emergence of new flu strains or other viruses capable of triggering pandemics typically starts with undiagnosed clusters of respiratory illness. Both SARS and COVID-19 were first reported as unusual types of pneumonia.


Chinese authorities earlier this month blamed the increase in respiratory diseases on the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Other countries also saw a jump in respiratory diseases such as RSV when pandemic restrictions ended.


The WHO said Chinese health officials on Thursday provided the data it requested during a teleconference. Those showed an increase in hospital admissions of children due to diseases including bacterial infection, RSV, influenza and common cold viruses since October.


Chinese officials maintained the spike in patients had not overloaded the country's hospitals, according to the WHO.


It is rare for the U.N. health agency to publicly ask for more detailed information from countries, as such requests are typically made internally. WHO said it requested further data from China via an international legal mechanism.


According to internal accounts in China, the outbreaks have swamped some hospitals in northern China, including in Beijing, and health authorities have asked the public to take children with less severe symptoms to clinics and other facilities.


WHO said that there was too little information at the moment to properly assess the risk of these reported cases of respiratory illness in children.


Both Chinese authorities and WHO have been accused of a lack of transparency in their initial reports on the COVID-19 pandemic, which started in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019.

Source link

Tags:
27Nov

Official flu season declaration imminent: PHAC

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
No comments


The official start to the flu season is set to arrive any day now, according to federal health authorities.


The latest data on influenza trends found that the rate of positive cases was 6.8 per cent, which is higher than the seasonal threshold of five per cent positivity.


“If percent positivity remains above this threshold next week, the start of the influenza season will be declared at the national level,” states the latest FluWatch report from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).


The report, released early last week, looked specifically at the rate of influenza circulating in the community for week 46 of 2023, Nov. 12 to Nov. 18. During that week, a total of 1,849 laboratory detections of influenza were reported to PHAC, with the vast majority of them being cases of influenza A.


Between the end of August and Nov. 18, a total of 51 laboratory-confirmed outbreaks of influenza have been reported, with 10 of these reported in the most recent week of data alone.


In that same 11-week time period, there were 332 influenza-associated hospitalizations reported across Canada by participating provinces and territories, with 46 per cent of these hospitalizations being among adults aged 65 years or older. There have been 11 influenza-associated deaths reported since the end of August.


The 51 outbreaks of influenza were all driven by influenza A, although one outbreak was mixed with cases of the less common influenza B. Of the 51 outbreaks, 32 took place in long-term care facilities.


Another sign that the official flu season is just around the corner is that the number of regions reporting influenza activity is increasing, both in number and in intensity of the activity.


In week 46, six provinces reported localized influenza activity, while Alberta reported widespread activity, largely in the northern region of the province.


That week also saw 90 influenza-associated hospitalizations, which is more than a quarter of all hospitalizations since the end of August.


Around two per cent of all visits to healthcare professionals during that week were due to influenza-like illness, the report stated, although it added that there is a smaller number of people gathering this data now.


FluWatch also assesses how common certain symptoms are through volunteer participants. In week 46, more than 9,000 Canadians contributed this information to FluWatchers, with 1.9 per cent reporting symptoms of cough and fever. Of those who reported cough and fever, one fifth consulted a healthcare professional and 81 per cent reported missing days from work or school as a result of their illness.


The report noted that the symptoms of cough and fever occur across various respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, RSV and the common cold, and the metrics of these symptoms help to give an idea of how much respiratory illnesses are circulating at a time when there are multiple viruses active.


A graph depicting the arc of previous flu seasons showed that current rates are falling along the average increase that we would expect to see at this time of year. Historically, the flu season can occur at some point anywhere from late October to late May.


Last year, Canada experienced an early peak of flu cases, with the positivity rate reaching above 20 per cent by early December and then dropping over the next few weeks.

Source link

Tags:
26Nov

Don’t panic: China hoses down Covid concerns, says illness due to ‘flu’, not virus

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
No comments


A surge in respiratory illness across China that has drawn the World Health Organisation’s attention is caused by flu and other known pathogens and not a novel virus, the country’s health ministry says.

 

Parents with their children wait at a crowded holding room of a children's hospital in Beijing on Oct. 30, 2023. A surge in respiratory illnesses across China that has drawn the attention of the World Health Organization is caused by the flu and other known pathogens and not by a novel virus, the country's health ministry said Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Print article

Parents with their children wait at a crowded holding room of a children's hospital in Beijing on Oct. 30, 2023. A surge in respiratory illnesses across China that has drawn the attention of the World Health Organization is caused by the flu and other known pathogens and not by a novel virus, the country's health ministry said Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Recent clusters of respiratory infections are caused by an overlap of common viruses such as the influenza virus, rhinoviruses, the respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, the adenovirus as well as bacteria such as mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common culprit for respiratory tract infections, a National Health Commission spokesperson said.

The ministry called on local authorities to open more fever clinics and promote vaccinations among children and the elderly as the country grapples with a wave of respiratory illnesses in its first full winter since the removal of COVID-19 restrictions.

Spokesman Mi Feng advised people to wear masks and called on local authorities to focus on preventing the spread of illnesses in crowded places such as schools and nursing homes.

The WHO earlier this week formally requested that China provide information about a potentially worrying spike in respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia in children, as mentioned by several media reports and a global infectious disease monitoring service.

The emergence of new flu strains or other viruses capable of triggering pandemics typically starts with undiagnosed clusters of respiratory illness. Both SARS and COVID-19 were first reported as unusual types of pneumonia.

Chinese authorities earlier this month blamed the increase in respiratory diseases on the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Other countries also saw a jump in respiratory diseases such as RSV when pandemic restrictions ended.

It is rare for the UN health agency to publicly ask for more detailed information from countries, as such requests are typically made internally. WHO said it requested further data from China via an international legal mechanism.

The WHO said Chinese health officials on Thursday provided the data it requested during a teleconference. Those showed an increase in hospital admissions of children due to diseases including bacterial infection, RSV, influenza and common cold viruses since October.

Chinese officials maintained the spike in patients had not overloaded the country’s hospitals, according to the WHO.

Both Chinese authorities and WHO have been accused of a lack of transparency in their initial reports on the COVID-19 pandemic, which started in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019.

Jump to next article



Source link

Tags:
26Nov

How To Take Care Of Your Lung Health This Winter To Prevent Pneumonia? See What Experts Say

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
No comments

Pneumonia is one of the most frequently encountered disease of the lung with features of fever, chills, cough, difficulty in breathing. No age group is spared by it. It is not a new entity as it has been affecting humans all throughout its history. Our understanding of the disease and its causative agent has evolved and matured over a period of time with emphasis not just on the treatment but also on preventive aspect as well. In this article, we will explore the different ways by which we can keep our lung healthy this winter to prevent pneumonia.

What Happens If Pneumonia Occurs In Kids?

Pneumonia in children is often caused by viral infections like influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), but bacterial infections can also play a significant role.

In this regard, Dr Vrushali Bichkar, who is a Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist, at Motherhood Hospital, Lullanagar, Pune said, "While adults can usually recover from pneumonia with minimal complications, children under the age of five are more vulnerable to severe symptoms and long-term consequences. One aspect that sets pediatric pneumonia apart is its ability to quickly escalate into a life-threatening condition."

"Children with pneumonia may experience rapid breathing, high fever, and difficulty feeding or drinking. In severe cases, their lips and nails may turn blue due to a lack of oxygen. Timely diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent further complications such as lung abscesses or systemic inflammation. Infants exposed to secondhand smoke have an increased likelihood of developing pneumonia due to weakened immune systems and damaged airways. Furthermore, unvaccinated children face higher risks as several vaccinations protect against diseases that can cause pneumonia. It is essential to take utmost care of children with pneumonia," she added.

Tips To Take Care When Pneumonia Occurs In Kids:

When it comes to taking care of pneumonia in kids, the most crucial aspect is early diagnosis. Dr Vrushali Bichkar said, "Pneumonia can be tricky to spot in children, as their symptoms may not appear as severe as they do in adults. Keep an eye out for common signs such as coughing, rapid breathing, and fever. If you notice any of these symptoms persisting or worsening over time, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly."

She further went on to mention the folloiwng:

  • Once a diagnosis is confirmed, follow the doctor’s recommended treatment plan diligently. Antibiotics are typically prescribed for bacterial pneumonia while antiviral medications may be used for viral pneumonia. It's essential to complete the entire course of medication prescribed by your doctor, even if your child starts feeling better sooner.

  • Ensure your child gets plenty of rest and fluids to aid their recovery process. Providing a comfortable environment with mild temperatures can also alleviate discomfort and support their healing journey.

  • Prioritising vaccination schedules along with implementing smoke-free environments will significantly reduce the incidence of this potentially life-threatening infection among young ones.

  • Maintaining good hygiene practices like frequent handwashing can help prevent the spread of infectious agents that could worsen symptoms or cause reinfection. You can also use a humidifier or steamy shower sessions for quick relief from congested airways caused by mucus buildup.

  • Keeping your child away from smoke and other air pollutants is crucial for preventing further respiratory irritation during this vulnerable period.

Tips To Take Care Of Lung Health In Kids:

Dr Vishal Parmar, who is a consultant Pediatrician, at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road said, "Currently, a large number of children are facing lung problems due to air pollution. Keeping your child's lungs healthy is vital for their overall growth, development, and quality of life."

 

He further listed the following:

  • One effective strategy to safeguard young lungs is by reducing exposure to pollutants both indoors and out.

  • Children should be kept away from second-hand smoke as it can hamper lung function.

  • In addition to environmental detoxification, regular checks for mold in the home space are also essential.

  • Diet also plays a significant role in maintaining lung health in children. Foods rich in antioxidants like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds can boost children's immune system helping reduce the risk of respiratory infections that might cause damage to the lungs.

  • Regular physical activity encourages stronger lung function by boosting oxygen capacity. Ensure your child stays active by exercising on a daily basis. Children should also do breathing exercises under the guidance of an expert. But, avoid exercising outdoors on bad air days.

  • Children with any co-existing lung problems should get regular check-ups as suggested by the doctor.

  • It is essential to improve the air quality by using an air purifier at home.

  • Ensure there is no burning of wood or thrash near home.

  • Maintaining optimal hydration levels by consuming fluids all day is crucial for the lungs, just as it is for the entire body.

  • Proper hydration aids in maintaining a thin mucosal lining in the lungs. This leaner lining enhances lung performance.

  • Parents should check the air quality of their area before stepping out of the house.

Tips To Keep Your Lungs Healthy:

Dr Gopi Krishna Yedlapati who is a Sr. Consultant Interventional Pulmonologist & Clinical Director at Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad suggested a few tips for a healthier lung to combat pneumonia in general.

1. HAND HYGIENE

Pneumonia is caused by a variety of infectious organisms like bacteria, viruses and fungi. It is not uncommon for people to cover their mouth with hands while coughing, effectively transferring them to their hands. This can easily be kept in check by thoroughly washing hands and avoiding contact of hands with nose.

2. COUGH HYGIENE

Cough is not just a common symptom of pneumonia but also an important mode of transfer of organism from a patient to a healthy person. Covering mouth while coughing, ideally with a cloth like handkerchief, can drastically cut down the transfer of germs.

3. HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Body’s immunity plays a big role as final defense line in fighting infection. Adopting a healthier life-style like a balanced diet, enough rest, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and exposure to harmful chemicals, has a profound effect immune response against pneumonia

4. DEALIING WITH COMMON COLD

Early dealing with common cold helps to avoid turning it into more serious pneumonia. Talk with your doctor about proactive measures for treatment of common cold. It is not uncommon for a simple viral flu to invite a more serious bacterial infection (secondary bacterial infection)

5. VACCINATION

Vaccination against common bacteria and viruses causing pneumonia reduces the risk of contracting an infection serious enough to land up in hospitalization. There are commercially available vaccines both for immunocompetent and immunocompromised persons. Consulting your doctor for a vaccine suitable for you is advisable.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index ( BMI )

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator

Source link

Tags:
24Nov

No unusual diseases, says China after WHO highlights rise in respiratory illness

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
No comments

WHO cited unspecified media reports and a global infectious disease monitoring service as reporting clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China and formally requested more details earlier this week.

Outside scientists said the situation warranted close monitoring, but were not convinced that the spike in respiratory illnesses signalled the start of a new global outbreak.

The emergence of new flu strains or other viruses capable of triggering pandemics typically starts with undiagnosed clusters of respiratory illness. Sars and Covid-19 were first reported as unusual types of pneumonia.

WHO noted that authorities at China’s National Health Commission on November 13 reported an increase in respiratory diseases, which they said was due to the lifting of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

Other countries also saw a jump in respiratory diseases such as respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, when pandemic restrictions ended.

WHO said media reports about a week later reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China.

The UN agency said it held a teleconference with Chinese health officials on Thursday, during which the data it requested was provided. It showed an increase in hospital admissions of children due to diseases including bacterial infection, RSV, influenza and common cold viruses since October.

“No changes in the disease presentation were reported by the Chinese health authorities,” WHO said. It added that Chinese officials said the spike in patients had not overloaded the country’s hospitals.

Dr Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at Britain’s University of East Anglia, doubted the wave of infections was sparked by a new disease.

“If it was (a new disease), I would expect to see many more infections in adults,” he said. “The few infections reported in adults suggest existing immunity from a prior exposure.”

Francois Balloux of University College London said China was probably experiencing a significant wave of childhood infections because this was the first winter since lockdown restrictions were lifted, which is likely to have reduced children’s immunity to common bugs.

WHO said northern China has reported a jump in influenza-like illnesses since mid-October compared with the previous three years.

It is rare for the UN health agency to publicly ask for more detailed information from countries, as such requests are typically made internally. WHO said it requested further data from China through an international legal mechanism.

According to internal accounts in China, the outbreaks have swamped some hospitals in northern China, including in Beijing, and health authorities have asked the public to take children with less severe symptoms to clinics and other facilities.

The average number of patients in the internal medicine department at Beijing Children’s Hospital topped 7,000 per day, exceeding the hospital’s capacity, state-owned China National Radio said in an online article earlier this week.



Source link

Tags:
24Nov

RSV cases continue to climb in the Coastal Bend

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
No comments

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus, better known as RSV, have been steadily climbing at Driscoll Children's Hospital since August.

Dr. Jaime Fergie, Director of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Driscoll Children's Hospitals, said RSV is a virus that causes respiratory infections.

It's especially active from late autumn into early spring.

The RSV virus is easily spread from person to person and can be fatal.

Those most at risk includes children, babies under 1 year of age, people over 60 and adults with chronic medical condition.

An RSV infection initially will start as a common cold. It usually begins in the upper respiratory system which includes the nose, sinuses and throat.

If it gets into your lungs you'll begin having trouble breathing.You'll breathe faster and develop a cough.

In infants they may have trouble feeding and may need to go to the hospital.

Dr. Jaime Fergie says, "It is very significant, we are seeing many children in our urgent care centers, in our emergency room, and unfortunately many of them have to be hospitalized and about 20% of them end up in intensive care units. Some of them even need mechanical ventilation so right now we are at the peak of season. We are seeing a lot of cases, a lot of children, very severe infections."

Every year up to 300 children end up at Driscoll Children's Hospital.

Nationwide, RSV can affect hundreds of thousands of children.

Dr. Fergie said that every child has been infected by the RSV virus by the age of two, although not all will develop severe symptoms.

It can be just as dangerous in adults. An adult with an RSV infection can develop severe respiratory distress, especially the elderly.

During the pandemic, RSV cases dropped because of the lockdown.

People were staying at home and so avoided contact with others who might have been infected with RSV.

Now we're seeing cases going back up and Dr. Fergie said the number of cases indicate this will be severe RSV season.

There is an RSV vaccine available for those considered at risk and Dr. Fergie urges those people to get the vaccine.

"Do not hesitate," he said. "Right now we are seeing a lot of people with RSV. We are in the middle of the season. We're peaking into a number of cases so go right ahead, do not wait. Take advantage of the fact that for the first time ever we have a vaccine to give to people to prevent this illness."

Dr. Fergie said women who are pregnant should get the RSV vaccine, which will prevent the virus from spreading to their baby.

Adults over 60 are also urged to get vaccinated.

There is another medication called a monoclonal antibody that is given to babies after birth. It's recommended for babies who's mother did not get vaccinated.

Dr. Fergie said those babies should go to their doctor to get the monoclonal antibody

There is a shortage of this medication so talk to your doctor first to find out if they have it.

If they do, get it for your baby. RSV cases in babies can be severe.

The RSV vaccine for those over 60 and for pregnant women is available at area pharmacies and doctors offices.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, only 14% of older adults have gotten the new RSV vaccine.

RSV cases typically begin to wind down by March or April.



Source link

Tags:
24Nov

Experts warning parent about Respiratory Syncytial Virus increase

Posted by: admin Categories: PULMONARY DISEASES
No comments

  • KRIS 6 News spoke with Shayleigh Sprague about her daughters experience with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
  • KRIS 6 News spoke with Dr. Jamie Fergie, an Infectious Disease Doctor at Driscoll Hospital.
  • According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, RSV affects an estimated 64 million people and causes more than 160,000 deaths each year.
  • Health experts encouraging pregnant women to get the RSV vaccine to increase protection for their baby.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that typically affects children. Now many parents in the Coastal Bend are having to take the extra step to keep their children safe due to a rise in cases.

Shayleigh Sprague is the mother to Averi. Their world turned upside down when their young daughter was diagnosed with RSV just days ago.

“Last Tuesday I kind of noticed that she was feeling off. She was not eating, not sleeping. She was just not her normal happy self,” Sprague said.

Her daughter, Averi, is currently quarantined as the family navigates the challenges of supporting their daughter through this illness.

Health experts are reporting a surge in RSV cases, keeping their doors revolving.

Dr. Jamie Fergie, an Infectious Disease doctor at Driscoll Childrens Hospital, said that his office has seen an increase in the amount of people coming in for RSV treatment.

“Since late August of this year, we began to see in an increase in the number of children here at Driscoll were coming in with RSV and it is very significant,” Fergie said. “We are seeing many children in our urgent care centers or emergency.”

Health officials are urging parents to be aware of RSV symptoms, which can initially resemble a common cold but may progress to more severe respiratory issues. These symptoms include cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.

Sprague said that her daughter was not acting like herself and appeared to be sick.

“So, I took her to the ER and her fever was 103 and it had spiked back up. 104 is the danger zone for babies where it can mess with their brain capabilities and fry their brain and stuff like that,” she said.

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, RSV affects an estimated 64 million people and causes more than 160,000 deaths each year.

But for this Sprague, she said that every parent should know their baby’s risk.

“Don’t share drinks with them. Don’t kiss them. RSV season is so bad right now, just don’t kiss babies that aren’t yours,” Sprague said.

Experts said that if you are an expecting mother, you should consider getting the RSV vaccine.

For the latest local news updates, click here, or download the KRIS 6 News App.



Source link

Tags: