#fluseason

[influencegetem]

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[enterprisewired]

FDA Cancels Annual Meeting on Flu Vaccine Update, Raising Concerns

Source: nbcnews.com

Unprecedented Cancellation of FDA Advisory Meeting

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has unexpectedly canceled its annual meeting with vaccine experts, which was set to discuss updates for the upcoming flu season’s vaccines. The decision has left medical professionals and experts puzzled about the next steps in preparing for next winter’s influenza shots.

Dr. Paul Offit, a long-time member of the FDA’s advisory panel and director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, expressed his confusion over the cancellation. “We’re all trying to understand why this meeting was called off. It’s an important event that helps shape the strategy for flu vaccines,” Offit told CBS News.

The FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee had been scheduled to convene on March 13 to decide on flu strain selections for the upcoming season. However, Offit and other committee members received an abrupt notification about its cancellation. Some members were not even informed about the change.

A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Human Services, Andrew Nixon, confirmed that the meeting had been scrapped. “The FDA will publicly share its recommendations with manufacturers in time for the 2025-2026 influenza season,” Nixon stated.

Vaccine Selection Without Expert Consultation?

The FDA has the authority to determine flu vaccine strains independently, but bypassing the expert panel would be an unusual step. Historically, the advisory panel has played a key role in the selection process, often aligning with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations. In recent years, committee input has led to significant changes, such as the removal of outdated flu strains from vaccines.

Each year, vaccine manufacturers rely on the FDA’s guidance to select the appropriate strains for the U.S. market. This selection process typically takes place in early March and is informed by WHO’s assessment of flu patterns across the Northern Hemisphere. Given that most flu vaccines are cultivated in eggs, manufacturers require a six-month lead time before distribution begins in September.

Last year, the advisory committee convened on March 5 to make recommendations for the 2024-2025 flu season. The FDA generally announces these meetings well in advance, but no formal notice had been issued for this year’s planned discussion.

Concerns Over Vaccine Effectiveness and Future Meetings

The cancellation of the flu vaccine meeting has raised concerns about how well upcoming vaccines will match circulating flu strains. Early data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that this past season’s flu shot may not have been effective against one prevalent strain, and more comprehensive effectiveness data is expected to be released soon.

This decision follows another unexpected postponement of a CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meeting earlier this month. The CDC attributed the delay to the need for additional public commentary before proceeding.

The sudden disruptions in key federal vaccine discussions have left experts questioning how flu and other vaccines will be managed in the coming months, particularly amid growing public health challenges.

[pocdiagnostics]

🔬 Antigen Testing: Fast & Reliable Detection! 🦠

Ever wondered how antigen tests work and why they matter? Here’s a quick breakdown!

⚡ What is an Antigen Test? ✔ Detects viral proteins (antigens) to identify active infections ✔ Used for COVID-19, flu, and other illnesses ✔ Provides results in minutes, making it ideal for quick screening

⚡ Antigen vs. PCR Tests: ✔ Antigen Tests: Fast, affordable, easy to use ✔ PCR Tests: More precise but takes longer

💡 Why Choose an Antigen Test? ➡ Instant results—no waiting for lab reports ➡ Convenient for travel, work, and events ➡ Affordable & accessible for frequent testing

🔎 Get yours today: 🔗https://poc-diagnostics.co.uk/collections/antigen-test

[onenewsmedia]

📢 Stay Safe from Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)! 🦠

HMPV is a respiratory virus that spreads through cough, sneeze, or contact with infected surfaces. It can cause fever, cough, breathing issues, and in severe cases, pneumonia or bronchiolitis—especially in young children, elderly, and those with weak immunity.

[snapshophub]

Pack of 3 Vicks VapoRub Xtra Strong for Cough Cold and Headache – 50 ml

Beat the sniffles and headaches this season with #VicksVapoRub Xtra Strong! 💪 This powerful formula provides fast, effective relief from cough, cold, and headaches. The soothing menthol and eucalyptus vapors work wonders to clear your head and ease your symptoms, so you can get back to feeling your best. Perfect for the whole family, Vicks VapoRub Xtra Strong is a must-have in every household. This pack of 3, 50 ml each, is your ultimate family remedy for fast and effective relief. 🏡 Stay strong and breathe easy with Vicks! 🌬️ 

[suramed-health-center]

Keep Your Child Safe from the Flu! 💉The best way to protect your little one is with a flu shot! Vaccination helps: ✔️ Protect young children and vulnerable populations ✔️ Reduce the risk of severe illness ✔️ Keep your family healthy all season long Schedule your child's flu shot at your local clinic 🌐 suramedhealthcenter.com

[lisablasstudio]

Monday's image: January 6, 2025

Valerius De Saedeleer, Snowscape in Flanders, Oil on canvas, 86.6 x 95.2 centimeters, 1931, Museum voor Schone Kunsten Gent, Belgium

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[whatsissue]

Essential Health Tips to Navigate and Prevent Winter Illnesses

Essential Health Tips to Navigate and Prevent Winter Illnesses

Stay Safe This Sick Season: Tips to Combat Norovirus, COVID-19, Flu, and RSV As winter sets in, a spectrum of viruses including norovirus, COVID-19, flu, and RSV rear their ugly heads, threatening to disrupt daily life with their unpleasant symptoms. While it's nearly impossible to dodge these viruses entirely, understanding their transmission and prevention strategies can help you navigate this sick season more smoothly. Identifying the Offender Each virus manifests in unique ways: - Norovirus triggers stomach upset with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, lasting 1-3 days. - Common Cold results in congestion, sore throat, and sneezing. - Flu hits with fever, body aches, and fatigue, often more severely than a common cold. - COVID-19 symptoms range from respiratory issues to a loss of taste or smell. - RSV, mainly affecting children, leads to wheezing and breathing difficulties. Prevention is Key Hand Hygiene: Handwashing remains the frontline defense against these viruses. Use soap and water, scrubbing hands for at least 20 seconds. In the absence of soap, use a hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol, though it's less effective against norovirus. Surface Sanitization: Disinfect high-contact surfaces like doorknobs and phones using EPA-approved cleaning agents to eradicate virus particles. Pay special attention to areas that might harbor norovirus. Keep Your Hands Off Your Face: To prevent viruses from entering your system via mucous membranes, avoid touching your face. Vaccination: While no vaccines exist for norovirus or the cold, updated COVID-19 vaccines and annual flu shots are available. Additionally, an RSV vaccine is available for those aged 60 and older. Protective Measures: Wearing masks in crowded spaces adds an extra layer of protection against respiratory viruses. Rest and Hydration: Ensure you get adequate sleep, manage stress, and stay hydrated to bolster your immune defenses. Self-Care if Infected If symptoms surface, stay home to prevent spreading infections. Understand that medications like Paxlovid or Tamiflu may ease COVID-19 or flu symptoms, respectively. For norovirus, focus on hydration to avoid dehydration, and for all illnesses, prioritize rest and symptom management. By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself and your loved ones this winter. Stay safe and healthy! Read the full article

[nkygrl-blog]

Does Cold Weather Really Make You Sick?

It’s seems like every year I get into a conversation about seasonal illnesses that crop up this time of year. My mom used to say things like “you’ll catch your death out in that cold” and “bundle up so you don’t get sick.” Are these just wives tales or is there something to it? I recently had a conversation with my sister, who is a nurse. She is adamant that being in the cold does not make you…

[influencegetem]

We've got another day to work with, act like you deserve it.

[balboamedical]

Stay Healthy This Fall: Get Your Flu Shot Early

Flu season is around the corner as the summer comes to an end with the probability of getting fever, body aches and likelihood of contracting diseases that hinder work or school attendance. Fortunately, it’s something that can easily prevent with just one action – getting vaccinated every flu season. Dr. Amir Raeesy at Balboa Medical Center & Spa wishes to ensure that you don’t get sick in the middle of the year or during winter. Why Get Vaccinated?

Effective Protection: It has been attributed to prevent severe symptoms of flu including pneumonia.

Annual Need: Flu strains mutate over time hence getting vaccinated last year will not protect you against the current strain of the virus.

Timing Matters Flu vaccination during September or October is ideal as immunity is developed before the flu gains a wide circulation. Is It Safe? Absolutely! The vaccine incorporates attenuated or partial viruses, therefore cannot cause the diseases. Some of the side effects noted are very mild and include arm soreness or feeling of fatigue among other issues; these are negligible compared to the advantages of the process. Stay safe from this flu season by taking serious action now.

Read more: Stay healthy this fall get your flu shot early

[ezrxdrugcard1]

Flu Season: Key Precautions, Medications & Flu Shot Discounts

Flu season is here! Protect your family with flu shots and medications. Get up to 75% off with the free EZRX Drug Discount Card. Save on prescriptions today!

[isconlife]

Your Flu Prevention Checklist

Stay ahead of the flu this season with our essential prevention checklist! 💉🧼💧 Boost your defense with these simple steps and explore Iscon Life Sciences for top immune-support products.

Call Us: +91 9909941757 Website: https://www.isconlifesciences.com/

[lifelongwellnessguide]

Stay Healthy This Fall: Common Illnesses to Watch Out For

As the cozy vibes of fall settle in with vibrant leaves and cooler weather, it's essential to be aware of common illnesses that peak during this season. Here's a quick guide to keep you informed and healthy! 1.Fall Allergies Seasonal allergies in the fall are relatively silent, especially those caused by ragweed pollen. The common telltale signs include red, watering eyes, stuffy nose, and frequent sneezing. To avoid contact, personnel should open the windows and take a shower once they get in touch with the outside environment. 2.The Flu Thus, flu season starts in the fall. Some of the signs may include; sore throat, fatigue, joint pains, and even fever. Remember prevention is better than cure, so ensure you get the flu shot and wash your hands frequently. 3.The Common Cold Colds also increase in the fall. They get sore throat, cough, and mild headache at most. Colds are mostly ordinary and become severe only in rare instances; nevertheless, rest is necessary when having a cold. Endeavour to remain healthy this season!

Check out: Common Illnesses that Peak in the Fall