Posts by vgn1
WILL THERE BE A TWINDEMIC?
By Dr. Peter Palese, Ph.D. “Twindemic” is a term that has not yet been in the headlines but is likely to become part of our lexicon as the summer progresses. Twindemic refers to the possibility that we will see continuing cases of COVID-19 together with severe influenza forcing the country to deal with two serious…
Read MoreSARS-CoV-2, Children, and Multi-Inflammatory Syndrome
October 1, 2021 With the advent of the school year and children returning to in-person classes, there comes a concern over consequences with respect to the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant. It has been accepted that children are not as susceptible to viral infection and severe illness as adults. However, the current prevalence…
Read MoreUnusual Surge of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Children
Unusual Surge of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Children September 24, 2021 Pediatricians have reported early emergence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the beginning of summer and consequently, a surge of RSV in children. This has been a global trend amid the ongoing pandemic. RSV is the leading viral agent of severe acute respiratory infections…
Read MoreCovid-19 Vaccines or Natural Immunity – Do Both Protect?
Covid-19 Vaccines or Natural Immunity – Do Both Protect? September 10, 2021 In the current circumstances of disturbingly high rates of infection by the Delta variant and the concerns over obtaining effective vaccine coverage, the degree of protection provided to SARS-CoV-2 infected convalescent people is of clear relevance for natural immunity. Pei et al. estimate…
Read MoreGlobal Virus Network Announces Inaugural Cohort of Rising Star Mentorship Program
The five awardees will receive training and mentorship to help support and propel their rising careers in virology BALTIMORE, MD, August 18, 2021: The Global Virus Network (GVN), a coalition comprised of human and animal virologists from 63 Centers of Excellence and 11 Affiliates in 35 countries, today announced the five inaugural members of the GVN…
Read MoreVaccines and Variants
Vaccines and Variants August 16, 2021 Extensive vaccination had resulted in reduced COVID-19 cases and mortality in certain places, such as the United States and Israel, thus giving a cautious optimism that the worst of the pandemic was over. However, this turned out not to be the case, due to unpredicted factors. One was the…
Read MoreGlobal Virus Network Recommends Moving Forward With Boosters for COVID-19 Response
Fragile populations should receive a booster third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine to help protect against emerging variants BALTIMORE, MD, August 10, 2021: Members of the Global Virus Network (GVN), a coalition comprised of human and animal virologists from 63 Centers of Excellence and 11 Affiliates in 35 countries, and colleagues, today shared that GVN…
Read MoreGlobal Virus Network’s Position on the Administration of Booster Doses of the COVID-19 Vaccine
Scientists from the Global Virus Network (GVN) centers have discussed the World Health Organization’s request for a moratorium on the administration of a booster, or a third dose of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine for Pfizer or Moderna recipients, while many around the world have not yet received their initial immunizations. Considering the emerging variants of…
Read MoreGVN in the News – Dr. Christian Bréchot Interview with LCI, France, July 13, 2021
SARS-CoV-2 Lambda Variant: The New Kid on the Block
SARS-CoV-2 Lambda Variant: The New Kid on the Block July 19, 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic has been marked by the ongoing emergence of new genetic variants. Although SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus, its genome is relative stable, thanks to a proofreading polymerase. However, in a situation with extensive viral transmission globally, the evolution of SARS-CoV-2…
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