Blood Clot in Arm: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Virus Soup: Many Respiratory Viruses Peaking In Early 2024
Jan. 19, 2024 – The familiar symptoms are back again – a runny nose, coughing, aches, congestion, and maybe a fever. When the at-home COVID-19 test comes back negative, you head to the doctor to see if they can figure out what you've caught. At the doctor, though, the typical COVID and flu tests also come back negative. It could seem like a new mysterious respiratory illness is making the rounds.
Instead, several typical respiratory viruses seem to be peaking at once. Doctors are reporting high levels of COVID, the flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as other "flu-like illnesses" that cause similar symptoms, such as the common cold, other coronaviruses, and parainfluenza viruses (which cause typical respiratory symptoms such as a fever, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and a sore throat).
"Respiratory viruses are still very high right now, as you would expect at this time of year," said Brianne Barker, PhD, who researches viruses and the body's immune response as an associate professor of biology at Drew University in New Jersey. "Also, a fair number of patients seem to have multiple infections at once, such as flu and strep, which may cause confusion when patients consider their symptoms."
So, what should you do? Wear a mask in public if you think you have symptoms, Barker said. Stay home if you feel sick, particularly if you have a fever over 100.4 F and signs of contagiousness, such as chills and muscle aches. Antiviral medications – such as Tamiflu for the flu and Paxlovid for COVID – may help if you catch it soon enough, but otherwise, it's most important to stay hydrated and rest at home.
"The big picture is we're in the heat of respiratory virus season, and the big player at the hospital right now is the flu, which seems to be superseding everything else," said Dhaval Desai, MD, director of hospital medicine at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta. "I'm not sure if certain viruses are more aggressive or different this year, so it's hard to say exactly what's going on, but we've certainly seen an uptick since mid-December, and it hasn't stopped."
What Are the Latest Trends?
The current COVID-19 surge appears to be at the highest point since the Omicron variant infected millions in December 2022, according to the CDC's COVID wastewater data. Test positivity appears to be stabilizing after increasing since November, the CDC's COVID Data Tracker shows, though the rate was still high at 12.7% positivity during the first week of January.
At that time, COVID-19 emergency department visits began declining, though hospitalizations were still on the rise and deaths were up 14.3% from the previous week. As of Jan. 6, the JN.1 variant is driving most of the spread, accounting for 61.6% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., according to CDC variant data.
"COVID doesn't seem as bad right now as in the days of Omicron, but the problem is that it's tough to compare because COVID cases aren't reported in the same way as before, and we don't have that state data," said Bernard Camins, MD, an infectious disease specialist and medical director of infection prevention at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.
The good news, he said, is that hospitalization rates are lower than last year, considering the number of people getting infected, "so there's some immunity to it now."
"The other good news is we have treatments for COVID, such as Paxlovid, that most people can take as long as they talk to their doctor as soon as possible after they get infected."
Influenza rates, which dropped during the height of the COVID pandemic, appear to be back at typical levels, Camins said. This flu season started earlier than usual in 2023 and will likely peak in the next few weeks. The CDC's FluView shows that test positivity – now at 14% – is increasing, and hospitalizations and deaths are trending upward as well.
Similarly, the CDC's national trends data for RSV shows that cases rose as high as last year's peak in recent weeks but appear to be declining now, especially in the Northeast and South.
Other viruses are circulating as well, such as adenovirus, which can cause a cold, sore throat, diarrhea, pinkeye, and other symptoms. Parainfluenza viruses peaked in late November and saw another jump at the end of December. Rhinoviruses, which cause the common cold, also returned to normal peak levels alongside the flu this season, Camins said.
"I haven't gotten sick since 2021 and recently got rhinovirus, and it went through my household. The symptoms weren't severe, but I still have a lingering cough," he said. "The trick is that people weren't getting exposed in previous years due to masking and other precautions, but now people are getting exposed to many of these viruses."
What Should We Expect Next?
Peak respiratory virus season will likely continue throughout January and February and then begin to fade as the weather warms up, allowing for outdoor activities, better ventilation, and higher humidity.
"One of the reasons why we see so many infections at this time of year is related to humidity, when the respiratory droplets containing these viruses stay in the air longer and the immune response in our nose actually works less well in dry air," Barker said. "Evidence indicates that having increases in humidity can help get rid of some of the viruses in the air and help our immune response."
In the meantime, Barker suggests taking precautions, stocking up on at-home tests, and staying home when you're sick. She recently recovered from an upper respiratory infection and has decided to wear a mask in public places again. She tested negative on every possible test at her doctor's office and doesn't want to repeat the experience.
"It reminded me how much I don't enjoy having an infection," she said. "I'm willing to wear a mask at the grocery store if I don't have to go through that again. I'm taking care of myself and others."
In addition, don't hesitate to get tested, Desai said, especially if an antiviral could help. After getting a respiratory virus in November, he had a high fever and sweating and decided to go to his doctor. He tested positive for influenza A, or H1N1, which the CDC's FluView says was the most frequently reported flu strain at the end of December.
"It kicked me harder than other illnesses in recent years, but I did take antivirals, and it was out the door in about 4 days," he said. "My mom, who is immunocompromised and in her 70s, also got it but took an antiviral even sooner and got over it in about 24-36 hours."
For the next couple of months, it's also not too late to get vaccinated against the most prevalent viruses, especially COVID, the flu, and RSV. The most vulnerable groups, such as young children and older adults, could especially benefit from vaccination, Camins said.
"With RSV, for instance, there are vaccines for pregnant women to protect their infants," he said. "And although we don't have great data to say whether the current COVID vaccine is protective against infection, we know it still protects against severe disease and death."
As 2024 continues, experts said they're looking forward to more effective at-home tests for COVID and the flu, better flu vaccines, and new research on the body's immune response to these respiratory viruses.
"Disease prevention is key, irrespective of what's surging and what we're dealing with right now," Desai said. "Think about your risk factors and what you're doing overall this year for your health and wellness – whether routine physical exams or cancer screenings, based on your age. There's power in staying healthy and advocating for ourselves when we're feeling well."
Lung Disease News
Sep. 27, 2023 — Experts in cloning and stem cell science are reporting that five lung stem cell variants dominate the lungs of patients with advanced cystic fibrosis, and that these variants drive key aspects of CF ...
Sep. 21, 2023 — Scientists have shown that their steerable lung robot can autonomously maneuver the intricacies of the lung, while avoiding important lung ...
Sep. 21, 2023 — Small cell lung cancer accounts for about 15 percent of all diagnosed lung cancers and is still associated with a high mortality rate. SCLC tumours often develop resistance to chemotherapy and thus ...
Sep. 13, 2023 — During a bout of influenza, B cells interact with other immune cells and then take different paths to defend the body. One path is the B cells that differentiate into lung-resident memory B cells, or ...
Sep. 12, 2023 — Pneumonia is an infection of the lung alveoli caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. It is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, representing a clinical and economic burden ...
Sep. 12, 2023 — An international team of researchers has demonstrated that a combination of inhibitors may suppress tumor growth and prevent relapse in patients with certain cancers, including head and neck squamous ...
Sep. 7, 2023 — Women exposed to air pollution give birth to smaller babies, according to new research. The research also shows that women living in greener areas give birth to bigger babies and this may help ...
Sep. 7, 2023 — Researchers reveal for the first time that high blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes can play a causal role in lung ...
Sep. 5, 2023 — A new study has shown that a subtype of avian flu virus, endemic in poultry farms in China, is undergoing mutational changes, which could increase the risk of the disease being passed on to ...
Aug. 30, 2023 — Fresh discoveries about a type of immune cells could give lung cancer patients a more accurate prognosis and better identify who will benefit from immunotherapies. Researchers found that the location ...
Aug. 25, 2023 — High levels of some minerals and metals in environmental water supplies may increase the risk of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) pulmonary infections in people with cystic fibrosis, according to a ...
Aug. 24, 2023 — Researchers have discovered a novel approach for engrafting engineered cells into injured lung tissue. These findings may lead to new ways for treating lung diseases, such as emphysema, pulmonary ...
Aug. 16, 2023 — Researchers have found that molecules in vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower help to maintain a healthy barrier in the lung and ease ...
Aug. 11, 2023 — Yoga and breathing control practices, in combination with aerobic training, are particularly key exercises for asthmatic people seeking to improve their lung function, a new peer-reviewed study ...
Aug. 9, 2023 — New findings may lead to relapse-free treatment for a sizeable subgroup of lung cancer patients. In a study in mice, scientists have identified a biomarker that may help physicians select lung cancer ...
Aug. 8, 2023 — Overly active immune cells are often behind lung damage in diseases such as Covid-19. Researchers have developed an RNA agent for a lung spray that slows the activity of these cells, known as ...
July 25, 2023 — Having a food allergy as a baby is linked to asthma and reduced lung function later in childhood, according to a new ...
July 20, 2023 — Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in fish and fish oil supplements, appear promising for maintaining lung health, according to new evidence from a large, multi-faceted study in healthy adults. ...
July 7, 2023 — The mucus in the airways is not as sticky, inflammation in the lungs significantly reduced: Triple combination therapy can achieve these positive, lasting effects in patients with cystic fibrosis ...
June 22, 2023 — Small-cell lung cancer is a particularly aggressive type of tumor with a consistently high mortality rate. In recent years, the research of scientists has significantly contributed to a better ...
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Friday, August 25, 2023
Thursday, August 24, 2023
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Friday, August 11, 2023
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Friday, July 7, 2023
Thursday, June 22, 2023
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Friday, April 21, 2023
Friday, March 31, 2023
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Friday, March 17, 2023
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Monday, March 13, 2023
Friday, March 10, 2023
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Monday, February 27, 2023
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Monday, January 9, 2023
Thursday, January 5, 2023
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Monday, December 26, 2022
Thursday, December 22, 2022
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
Monday, December 5, 2022
Friday, December 2, 2022
Thursday, December 1, 2022
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
Monday, November 21, 2022
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Thursday, November 3, 2022
Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Monday, October 17, 2022
Monday, October 10, 2022
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Friday, September 23, 2022
Thursday, September 22, 2022
Monday, September 19, 2022
Friday, September 16, 2022
Thursday, September 15, 2022
Wednesday, September 14, 2022
Tuesday, September 13, 2022
Thursday, September 8, 2022
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Monday, September 5, 2022
Friday, September 2, 2022
Thursday, September 1, 2022
Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Thursday, August 18, 2022
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Monday, August 8, 2022
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Monday, August 1, 2022
Thursday, July 28, 2022
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Monday, July 25, 2022
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Monday, July 18, 2022
Gilead ADC Medicine Misses Goal In Closely Watched Lung Cancer Study
Dive Brief:Trodelvy is one of a wave of "antibody-drug conjugates" that have been approved by regulators in recent years. These drugs combine the targeting capabilities of antibodies with a tumor-killing chemical, a profile that's meant to be more potent and safer than older chemotherapies. They're now coveted by large pharmaceutical companies.
Trodelvy is an example of such interest, as its potential led Gilead to pay $21 billion for its maker, Immunomedics, in 2020. While the drug has been approved for certain breast and bladder cancers, it isn't yet a top seller. Its progress has also been overshadowed by other ADCs, most notably AstraZeneca and Daiichi's fast-selling Enhertu.
Trodelvy is one of a few ADCs, like datopotamab deruxtecan, that target TROP2, a protein overexpressed in all types of lung cancer. The company was trying to prove Trodelvy could replace chemotherapy in one of the most common tumor types. While the outlook for people with lung cancer has improved with the arrival of immunotherapies like Merck & Co.'s Keytruda, better treatments for those who progress or don't respond are still needed.
In Gilead's study, EVOKE-01, the company tested Trodelvy in patients who had progressed following treatment with a platinum-based chemotherapy and an immunotherapy. Half of the 603 patients were given Trodelvy and the other half received docetaxel. Trial investigators measured whether Trodelvy could help patients live longer.
Heading into the study results, analysts had lowered expectations for Trodelvy, as datopotamab deruxtecan didn't produce a statistically significant survival benefit in a similar trial. The drug's benefit on tumor progression was modest, too.
Differences in the drugs and Gilead's trial design led some industry watchers to suggest Trodelvy could produce a better result. Nonetheless, because datopotomab deruxtecan struggled to show a benefit, Trodelvy's failure is "not totally surprising," Jefferies analyst Michael Yee wrote in a note to clients.
Yee noted how the claimed survival benefit in those who hadn't responded to Keytruda or similar immunotherapies was an "interesting and promising finding." However, he wrote, "We assume [Gilead] will not be able to file this package to FDA overall."
Gilead reported Trodelvy sales of $764 million through the first nine months of 2023, representing around one-third of the company's oncology sales. The cell therapy Yescarta is Gilead's top-selling cancer medicine, recording $1.1 billion through the first nine months of 2023.
Gilead shares fell as much as 11% in morning trading.
Comments
Post a Comment