EIDC Toolboxes
Anthrax | AR/AMR | Influenza | Fungi | MMR | Parasites | Polio | Pox | Prions | SARS-CoV-2 | VHF | Waterborne Diseases | Zika | Other Zoonotic Agents
4/3/2024
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Anthrax | AR/AMR | Influenza | Fungi | MMR | Parasites | Polio | Pox | Prions | SARS-CoV-2 | VHF | Waterborne Diseases | Zika | Other Zoonotic Agents
Share/Suggest a ResourceQuestions, Comments, Suggestions? Leave Feedback.
Influenza virus is a negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus in the Orthomyxoviridae family. Influenza viruses cause a respiratory illnes also known as “flu”.
Influenza viruses have an outer lipid envelop with spikes composed of glycoproteins termed Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA). Influenza virus serotypes are determined by the different types of HA and NA. Sialic Acid is the receptor in the epithelial host cells.
Haney, J., Vijayakrishnan, S., Streetley, J. et al.
The observations define a previously unknown interaction between respiratory viruses that might affect virus pathogenesis by expanding virus tropism and enabling immune evasion.
Several countries from the southern hemisphere have been reporting an early start of the increase of acute respiratory infection during the recent 2023 season of circulation of respiratory viruses, suggesting a shift of seasonal pattern observed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is the first human infection caused by influenza A(H1N1)v virus reported in the Netherlands in 2023.
There are four types of Influenza viruses: Influenza A, Influenza B, Influenza C, and Infleunza D.
Clade: Clades and sub-clades can be alternatively called “groups” and “sub-groups,” respectively. An influenza clade or group is a further subdivision of influenza viruses (beyond subtypes or lineages) based on the similarity of their HA gene sequences.
CDC follows an internationally accepted naming convention for influenza viruses.
Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 58 (4): 585-591 (1980)
includes status updates on wild birds, poultry flocks and human infections.
The following test are available for diagnosis of Influenza viruses:
Includes the most recent report for confirmed HPAI Findings in Wild Birds. It also includes resources for emergency response.
Includes the most recent report for confirmed HPAI Findings in Wild Birds. It also includes resources for emergency response.
Rathnasinghe R, Jangra S, Miorin L, et al.
In general, moisture and temperature are the two main determinants of viral persistence. At temperatures of 17 to 25 ºC most AI viruses will not survive longer than a few days, even under moist conditions. In general, higher humidity and cooler temperatures permit virus survival in moist substrates over longer periods of time (DEFRA, 2017)
The impact of pandemic influenza outbreaks on individuals and societies can be reduced by being well prepared. This means having a comprehensive plan, that has been tested and refined through conducting exercises, engaging the whole of society.
National plans should be flexible enough to respond to outbreaks of various intensity. Communication will be one of the most challenging tasks during an outbreak and it should be planned well in advance.
Qualls N, Levitt A, Kanade N, et al.
The Influenza Risk Assessment Tool (IRAT) is an evaluation tool conceived by CDC and further developed with assistance from global animal and human health influenza experts. The IRAT is used to assess the potential pandemic risk posed by influenza A viruses that are not currently circulating in people. Input is provided by U.S. government animal and human health influenza experts.
The International Reagent Resource (IRR), formerly named Influenza Reagent Resource (IRR), was established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
NIAID is conducting and supporting research to find new and improved ways to diagnose, treat and prevent influenza infection.
Summary of status of development and availability of avian influenza A(H7N9) candidate vaccine viruses and potency testing reagents
Guidance for identifying human infections with animal influenza viruses and inform risk assessments and public health measures.
This surveillance tool is used to identify viruses that may be circulating in swine, and gain knowledge to contribute to improved animal health diagnostics and vaccines.
Includes data from US Clinical Laboratories, Public Health Laboratories, Outpatient Illness Network, and other sources
Delahoy MJ, Mortenson L, Bauman L, et al.
Data collected through global and regional data sharing platforms
Includes the most recent report for confirmed HPAI Findings in Wild Birds. It also includes resources for emergency response.
This surveillance tool is used to identify viruses that may be circulating in swine, and gain knowledge to contribute to improved animal health diagnostics and vaccines.
Commentary on the PNAS paper
Sun et. al, subscription needed
Genetics
Transmission:
Influenza viruses can be transmitted person-to-person through the following routes:
Prevention:
According to CDC, the single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year. Other measures to prevent respiratory illnesses include:
Big outbreak at a Spanish farm reignites fears of an H5N1 influenza pandemic
Qualls N, Levitt A, Kanade N, et al.
DEFRA Outbreak Assessment 11, Ref: VITT/1200 HPAI in the UK and Europe (conclusion chapter, abridged, edited)
France began vaccinating ducks against bird flu in October to try and stem the virus that killed millions of birds worldwide, a move that prompted the United States to impose trade restrictions on French poultry imports.
Grohskopf LA, Blanton LH, Ferdinands JM, Chung JR, Broder KR, Talbot HK
Includes recommendations for the use of vaccines for the prevention and control of seasonal influenza during the 2023–24 influenza season (children, adults > 65, pregnant women, immune suppressed, etc.).
McLean HQ, Petrie JG, Hanson KE, et al.
The 2022–23 influenza vaccine provides substantial protection against circulating influenza A viruses and remains the best way to protect against influenza. Influenza vaccination is recommended as long as influenza viruses are circulating.
Information on Seasonal Influenza vaccine, and approved vaccines.