Respiratory Infections News

Together, a group of viruses nicknamed “FLiRT” have emerged to become the most common SARS-CoV-2 variants in the country.

SAN ANTONIO — We caught up with Connie Steed, MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC, at the annual meeting of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology to find out how she got “Hooked on ID.”

We checked in with CDC Director Mandy K. Cohen, MD, MPH, for an update on the agency’s efforts to modernize the nation’s disease surveillance and data systems and improve how the CDC communicates with the public and physicians.

The FDA has approved Merck’s 21-valent pneumococcal vaccine, which is specifically made for adults, the company announced.

Moderna announced positive phase 3 trial data for its combination COVID-19 and influenza vaccine this week, suggesting a combination shot for respiratory infections is on the way.

COVID-19 mitigation measures disrupted the circulation of respiratory syncytial virus, leading to atypical season in 2021 and 2022 that saw higher rates of hospitalization among young children, according to research published in Pediatrics.

In late May, the FDA announced approval of Moderna's mResvia, marking the third vaccine approved for respiratory syncytial virus and first time messenger RNA technology has been used for preventing a disease other than COVID-19.

Children in Massachusetts who were publicly insured or living in less affluent ZIP codes were less likely to receive nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody for respiratory syncytial virus, according to research published in Pediatrics.

SAN DIEGO — Amikacin for 6 months improved respiratory symptoms in adults with newly diagnosed or recurrent Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease, according to a presentation at the American Thoracic Society International Conference.

SAN ANTONIO — A hospital in Seattle started a measles entry screening program for all visitors after an outbreak in the city, finding the measures were easy to put in place and deemed acceptable by patients, according to a study.