Posts by vgn1
Avian Influenza Viruses
Avian Influenza Viruses November 26, 2021 The global death toll from COVID-19 reached 5 million on November 1, 2021, but the actual figures are likely much higher (1). In recent history, the 1918 H1N1 flu pandemic caused by an Influenza A (H1N1) virus was the most severe known pandemic, killing more than 50 million people worldwide (2). The sequence analysis…
Read MoreLong COVID: The Impact of Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC)
November 12, 2021 There is mounting evidence of the importance and seriousness of the long-term effects of COVID-19. Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC, or “long COVID”) is characterized by persistent symptoms and/or delayed or long-term complications beyond 4 weeks from the onset of symptoms (1). Approximately 80% of individuals with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis continue to…
Read MoreGVN and Monaco COVID-19 Diagnostic Conference: Promises and Challenges
GVN and Monaco COVID-19 Diagnostic Conference: Promises and Challenges Thursday, December 02, 2021 – Friday, December 03, 2021 Towards the deployment of a global and collaborative diagnostic arsenal to detect and fight against pandemics The current COVID-19 pandemic has again emphasized the importance of accurate, rapid, and massively deployed diagnostics to effectively contain viral transmission.…
Read MoreNew Antivirals: Could They Be Game Changers?
November 1, 2021 There have been recent reports of potentially effective oral antiviral drugs, including RNA replicase and viral protease inhibitors. If these prove safe and effective, this may overhaul the care of patients with COVID-19 by preventing severe COVID-19 in infected patients and, possibly in the future, prevent infection after contamination. It is likely…
Read MoreNew Antivirals: Could They Be Game Changers?
New Antivirals: Could They Be Game Changers? November 1, 2021 There have been recent reports of potentially effective oral antiviral drugs, including RNA replicase and viral protease inhibitors. If these prove safe and effective, this may overhaul the care of patients with COVID-19 by preventing severe COVID-19 in infected patients and, possibly in the future,…
Read MoreRecent Resurgence of Ebola Virus
Recent Resurgence of Ebola Virus October 25, 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the epidemiological control of several infectious diseases worldwide. Specifically, Ebola virus disease has been sporadically resurging in Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 2021. A total of 16 confirmed and 7 probable cases were reported, of whom 12…
Read MoreWILL 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…
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