Latest news with #viralInfections
Medscape
30-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Which Immunoglobulin Route Best Prevents Infections?
TOPLINE: In patients with inborn errors of immunity who are prone to viral infections, immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IRT) administered via the conventional subcutaneous route showed lower viral infection rates than the intravenous and facilitated subcutaneous routes. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study to compare the incidence of viral infections among immunocompromised patients who had been receiving IRT via different administration routes for more than 5 years. They included 58 patients (56.8% boys; median age, 17 years; median age at diagnosis, 11.5 years) with inborn errors of immunity. The intravenous route was the most common route of immunoglobulin administration (n = 32), followed by the conventional subcutaneous (n = 16) and facilitated subcutaneous (n = 10) routes. Patients underwent monitoring of immunoglobulin levels and had nasal swab collected monthly, with viral infections recorded when symptoms such as runny nose, cough, or fever were present. Infections from different immunoglobulin administration routes were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction testing of nasal swabs and serum immunoglobulin levels using nephelometry. TAKEAWAY: The overall viral infection frequency was 3.79%, with rates of 4.2% for the intravenous route, 2.5% for the conventional subcutaneous route, and 4.4% for the facilitated subcutaneous route of immunoglobulin administration. The conventional subcutaneous route associated with significantly lower infection rates than the other routes (P < .05). Adenovirus (21.8%), influenza A virus (16.4%), and human rhinovirus/enterovirus (16.4%) were the most frequently detected viral agents. At 3 months, patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia (6.06%) and those with common variable immunodeficiency (3.65%) had the highest rates of viral infections. IN PRACTICE: 'Shared decision-making between patients and healthcare professionals is critical in determining the most appropriate administration route and product to minimize the risk of infections and achieve optimal treatment outcomes,' the authors wrote. SOURCE: The study was led by Hulya Kose, Department of Pediatric Immunology and Rheumatology, Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey. It was published online on May 30, 2025, in the European Journal of Pediatrics. LIMITATIONS: This research had limitations due to the small sample size within specific patient subgroups. DISCLOSURES: The study did not receive any specific funding. The authors declared having no conflicts of interest. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Fox News
24-06-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Hepatitis A outbreak infects thousands of travelers at popular destinations
A spike in viral infections has sickened thousands of travelers and caused several deaths at some popular European destinations. Four countries — Austria, Czechia, Hungary and Slovakia — have reported a spike in hepatitis A cases between January and May 2025, according to a rapid risk assessment issued by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). In total, 2,097 cases have been reported across the four countries. Slovakia, which has been dealing with an active outbreak since 2022, represents 880 of those cases. Czechia is the next most affected country, reporting 600 cases and six deaths, the ECDC stated. Hungary has reported 530 cases in 2025, and Austria has reported 87. Hepatitis A is an "acute viral liver disease" caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), according to the agency. The disease is mainly spread through contaminated food or water, or through close contact with infected people. Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, said that hepatitis A is a "widely transmissible" disease that spreads easily among food handlers and "can get you very sick." People who have not received the hepatitis A vaccination or been infected by the virus are susceptible, the agency noted. Vaccinations are given in two doses, six to 12 months apart, according to Siegel. "People will have lifetime immunity after infection," the doctor noted. "A doctor can check your titres (levels of blood antibodies) to document that you are immune from prior vaccination." Groups most affected by the infections include people who are homeless, use or inject recreational drugs or live in unsanitary conditions, as well as those with limited access to healthcare. "Within these groups, the risk of the disease is assessed as moderate for those below 40 years of age and high for adults 40 years of age or older, as the severity of the disease increases with age," the ECDC stated. "For people with predisposing liver disease or older adults, the risk can be very high. The risk for the broader population in these countries is assessed as low to moderate." Those who are immunosuppressed are also at a higher risk, the alert said. Not everyone will develop symptoms, but those who do may notice the following common effects, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "This outbreak reminds us that hepatitis A can cause serious illness and death, especially among people with limited access to healthcare and basic hygiene," said Ole Heuer, head of the ECDC's One Health Unit, in a press release. "We need to strengthen outreach, provide access to vaccination in groups more likely to be exposed and ensure basic sanitation, especially in response to the increase in cases." To address the outbreak, the ECDC recommends investigating potential means of transmission of hepatitis A, such as "possible foodborne transmission or spill-overs into other groups at increased risk of infection." The agency also calls for targeted vaccination programs, "post-exposure prophylaxis" to close contacts to prevent infection, and more genetic testing of the virus, as well as increased education and awareness among high-risk groups. For more Health articles, visit According to the CDC, receiving the hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin (medication containing antibodies) within two weeks of exposure can prevent illness.
Khaleej Times
05-06-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE summer: Viral infections among children on the rise, warn paediatricians
Doctors are reporting an increase in paediatric patients in recent weeks, with many children presenting symptoms of high-grade fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, and persistent coughs. With seasonal illnesses expected to persist during transitional weather, both healthcare professionals and educators are urging parents to prioritise full recovery, hydration, and preventive measures to curb the spread of infections and safeguard the wider community. Dr Amjad Mouhammad Haider, Consultant Pediatrician at International Modern Hospital Dubai, told Khaleej Times, "We have observed a noticeable increase in pediatric visits over the past few weeks. Most children are presenting with high-grade fevers, persistent coughs, sore throats, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. We're also seeing many cases of viral infections such as upper respiratory tract infections and gastroenteritis.' He added, 'While the majority are manageable on an outpatient basis, a small percentage - especially infants or children with underlying health conditions - have required hospital admission for dehydration or severe symptoms.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Haider emphasised that the increasing temperatures are playing a role. 'The rise in temperature is definitely a contributing factor, particularly due to heat exhaustion and dehydration.' However, medics also pointed out that beyond the climate, the return to school and close-contact environments is a major concern. 'As schools and daycare centers are operating at full capacity, viruses tend to spread more easily in such close-contact environments. Additionally, poor hydration and dietary imbalances during the hotter months can weaken a child's immune response,' added Haider. Echoing this, other healthcare professionals pointed out that the primary reason children are falling ill is the spread of viral infections among students. Dr Noher Moustafa, Specialist Pediatrics at Medeor Hospital, Abu Dhabi, said, 'This especially happens in school settings where close contact makes transmission easier. It is quite common for children to become unwell during the school season. Increased interaction in group environments tends to heighten the risk of viral infections during this period.' Common illnesses Schools are also witnessing the impact first-hand. Sarah Brannon, Head of Preparatory School at Brighton College Dubai, confirmed the uptick in common illnesses. 'At this time of year, we are seeing some outbreaks of common illnesses like the flu, colds, and stomach bugs which are typical during seasonal changes. The health and wellness of our pupils – and the wellbeing of the wider community – is most important to us.' She detailed the school's response policy, explaining, 'We have a clear Healthy School policy in place where we closely monitor pupils' health and advise parents not to send their children to school if they show symptoms. Our policy requires pupils to stay home until they are symptom-free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication – this helps ensure they are well enough to be at school and engage in activities when they return.' Follow medical advice She added, 'Additionally, there is a chance of spreading illness to others in the school community, including classmates, teachers, teammates and other staff. Parents should be considerate to the rest of the school community and help us maintain a safe and healthy environment for all. To support both individual well-being and the health of our wider school community, we strongly encourage families to follow medical advice and our school's return-to-school guidelines closely, ensuring pupils return when they're truly ready.' S. Reshma, Principal and School Director at Regent Gulf Indian High School, underlined the long-term implications of rushing children back to school too early. "There has been a noticeable increase in the seasonal illness not only among students but staff as well. When the child returns to school before full recovery, there are chances that a child may remain unwell for greater number of days resulting in increased absence and possibly developing complications later.'
