Cold, Flu & Cough

What is the Common Cold?

The common cold, also known as rhinopharyngitis, is a type of respiratory tract infection caused by a virus.

Walking Pneumonia Versus Common Cold

Does the 'Stomach Flu' Vaccine Prevent Type I Diabetes?

Walking Pneumonia Versus Common Cold

Influenza Infection in Animals

Risk Factors and Walking Pneumonia Prevention

Latest Cold, Flu & Cough News and Research

Phase 2 study evaluates safety and efficacy of asunercept in COVID-19 patients

The ASUNCTIS trial evaluated asunercept's safety and efficacy in COVID-19, showing trends toward faster recovery despite not meeting statistical significance.

18 Nov 2024

New clinical trial offers hope for patients with rare immune disease IgG4-RD

A team led by Mass General Brigham researchers demonstrated that inebilizumab reduced the risk of symptoms by 87% in patients with the rare affliction known as immunoglobulin G4–related disease (IgG4-RD)

18 Nov 2024

Zinc deficiency linked to increased risk of lung infection

Dietary zinc deficiency promotes lung infection by Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria -; a leading cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia, according to a new study published Nov. 15 in the journal Nature Microbiology.

15 Nov 2024

New insights into how IFITM3 protein protects against severe flu

Researchers have identified new roles for a protein long known to protect against severe flu infection – among them, raising the minimum number of viral particles needed to cause sickness.

15 Nov 2024

NIH awards $3.96 million to develop combination therapies for superbugs

Gram-negative bacteria pose a serious threat to global health because they can resist multiple antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat, according to the National Institutes of Health.

15 Nov 2024

Phase 3 study finds inebilizumab effective for immunoglobulin G4–related disease

An international, phase 3 clinical trial led by investigators at Mass General Brigham could improve the treatment of a rare disease that can cause debilitating symptoms.

14 Nov 2024

Measles outbreaks increase worldwide with inadequate immunization coverage

Worldwide, there were an estimated 10.3 million cases of measles in 2023, a 20% increase from 2022, according to new estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Inadequate immunization coverage globally is driving the surge in cases.

14 Nov 2024

Study shows RSV’s severe impact on US adults, urging more testing and vaccination

RSV hospitalizations in US adults reached high levels pre-vaccine, especially impacting those 75 and older, underscoring the need for awareness and prevention efforts.

14 Nov 2024

Maternal RSV vaccination timing optimizes newborn immunity through improved antibody transfer

Maternal RSV vaccination enhances antibody transfer to newborns, with optimal transfer efficiency observed when given at least five weeks before delivery.

14 Nov 2024

Scientists fear what’s next for public health if RFK Jr. is allowed to ‘go wild’

Many scientists at the federal health agencies await the second Donald Trump administration with dread as well as uncertainty over how the president-elect will reconcile starkly different philosophies among the leaders of his team.

14 Nov 2024

Community partnerships lead to more inclusive health care for neurodiverse individuals

A new paper shows how partnering with the community can lead to more inclusive health care, especially for individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities.

14 Nov 2024

As California taps pandemic stockpile for bird flu, officials keep close eye on spending

California public health officials are dipping into state and federal stockpiles to equip up to 10,000 farmworkers with masks, gloves, goggles, and other safety gear as the state confirms at least 21 human cases of bird flu as of early November.

14 Nov 2024

FasL inhibitor speeds recovery and reduces mortality in severe COVID-19 patients

A new clinical study shows that an inhibitor of Fas ligand (FasL), also called CD95 ligand (CD95L), led to a faster recovery of COVID-19 patients and reduced mortality.

14 Nov 2024

HEPA air purifiers fall short in cutting respiratory infections in aged-care facilities

Research on HEPA-14 air purifiers in aged care reveals no significant impact on respiratory infections, though initial phase results suggest potential benefits.

13 Nov 2024

Inequities in COVID-19 vaccination coverage for older adults highlighted in global study

Researchers provide a global overview of COVID-19 vaccination programs among the elderly.

13 Nov 2024

Study uncovers why white button mushrooms may help prevent prostate cancer progression

Researchers at City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, ranked among the nation's top 5 cancer centers by U.S. News & World Report and a national leader in providing cancer patients with best-in-class, integrated supportive care programs, now understand why taking an investigational white button mushroom supplement shows promise in slowing and even preventing prostate cancer from spreading among men who joined a phase 2 clinical trial studying "food as medicine."

12 Nov 2024

Next-generation metagenomic sequencing test quickly detects any kind of pathogen

Next-generation metagenomic sequencing test developed at UCSF proves its effectiveness in quickly diagnosing almost any kind of pathogen.

12 Nov 2024

Switching from smoking to vaping improves respiratory health

A new paper in Nicotine and Tobacco Research, published by Oxford University Press, finds that people who switch from smoking cigarettes to vaping see improved respiratory health, but people who begin consuming electronic cigarettes while continuing to smoke regular cigarettes do not report improved respiratory symptoms.

12 Nov 2024

California dengue cases prompt swift response from public health officials

Jason Farned and his team at the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District had spent years preparing for the likely arrival of dengue, a dangerous virus typically found in tropical climates outside the mainland United States.

12 Nov 2024

Limited impact of prenatal COVID-19 exposure on child neurodevelopmental outcomes

Research shows prenatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2 linked to slight regulatory behavior improvements in infants, but no significant neurodevelopmental impacts.

12 Nov 2024