CORDIS Express: Tackling the flu
There’s a good reason why winter in Europe is often dubbed ‘flu season’ – influenza epidemics occur every year across Europe usually during the winter months. And although the extent and severity of each epidemic varies, approximately 10 % of Europe's population is generally infected with the virus. For most of us, catching the flu will merely be inconvenient and unpleasant, however for older people, young children and those with chronic conditions, the risk of developing serious complications – such as pneumonia, myocarditis and encephalitis – is heightened. In some cases, these complications can even result in death. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) estimates that on average nearly 40 000 people die prematurely each year from influenza in the EU. And up to 90 % of these deaths occur in individuals older than 65 years, especially among those with underlying medical conditions. The flu is particularly problematic because it spreads with such ease. All flu viruses spread from person to person through droplets from coughing and sneezing. Additionally, because the flu virus is able to temporarily survive outside the body, transmission can occur from freshly contaminated hands, objects and surfaces such as doorknobs and taps. Also, some of those people infected with the virus may never develop recognisable symptoms and yet they can also transmit infections. For these reasons it is almost impossible to fully control the spread of influenza. The ECDC says that the flu vaccination is the most effective way of protecting ourselves against the flu. Seasonal influenza vaccines provide protection against three influenza viruses that are most likely to circulate during the upcoming season. However, this means that vaccines are required on a yearly basis and effective protection requires a perfect match with the seasonal circulating strains. The composition of the vaccine is reviewed on a yearly basis following international surveillance and scientists’ estimations on which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year. According to Vaccines Europe, manufacturers are currently working to develop a quadrivalent influenza vaccine incorporating four influenza strains. EU-funded researchers have long been exploring ways of improving the seasonal vaccine and developing a universal vaccine, as well as investigating new strategies and drugs to treat outbreaks. This week’s edition of CORDIS Express takes a look at some of these projects as well as related news and events. - Self-amplifying RNA technology applied to the development of a universal influenza vaccine(opens in new window) - Towards a new class of anti-influenza drugs(opens in new window) - Novel strategies to combat future influenza pandemics(opens in new window) - A Genetic View of Influenza Infection(opens in new window) - Is a universal flu vaccine at our doors?(opens in new window)
Countries
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Finland, France, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia, United Kingdom