CDC begins preparations for new swine flu viruses
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this month said it is taking steps to prepare for the possible spread of H1N1 swine influenza viruses.
The group of viruses, labeled “G4” Eurasian avian-like H1N1 viruses, are believed to be highly adaptable for human infection.
CDC said it is taking a number of actions to monitor and prepare against this emerging public health threat, including:
- coordinating with public health partners in China, including requesting a virus sample;
- assessing the risk of the virus causing a pandemic using CDC’s Influenza Risk Assessment Tool;
- evaluating whether an existing candidate vaccine virus against a closely related flu virus (called “G5”) would protect against this virus;
- if needed, creating a new candidate vaccine virus specific to G4 viruses; and
- studying whether existing flu antiviral drugs offer protection against this group of viruses.
Related News Articles
Headline
The Food and Drug Administration recently granted emergency use authorization for the first over-the-counter home antigen test to detect both flu and COVID-19…
Headline
The Home Test to Treat program now offers free testing, telehealth and treatment for both COVID-19 and flu to eligible adults nationwide, the National…
Headline
Flu-associated medical visits and hospitalizations per 100,000 population in 2022-23 were higher among children under age 5 than for older children, but were…
Chairperson's File
Once October starts, many of us think “autumn” and also “flu season.” Time to get a flu shot — and a COVID-19 and RSV vaccine too.
For the first time, health…
Headline
The Federal Emergency Management Agency resumed processing disaster relief funding for over 2,400 projects, including vital funding for hospitals, thanks to $…
Headline
The AHA Sept. 25 launched its 2023-24 United Against the Flu campaign to help hospitals and health systems encourage their communities to get vaccinated for…