DeCure for Influenza

<i>In vitro</i>antiviral activity of<i>Melaleuca alternifolia</i>essential oil

AbstractAIMS: To investigate the in vitro antiviral activity of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil (TTO) and its main components, terpinen-4-ol, alpha-terpinene, gamma-terpinene, p-cymene, terpinolene and alpha-terpineol. METHODS AND RESULTS: The antiviral activity of tested compounds was evaluated against polio type 1, ECHO 9, Coxsackie B1, adeno type 2, herpes simplex (HSV) type 1 and 2 viruses by 50% plaque reduction assay. The anti-influenza virus assay was based on the inhibition of the virus-induced cytopathogenicity. Results obtained from our screening demonstrated that the TTO and some of its components (the terpinen-4-ol, the terpinolene, the alpha-terpineol) have an inhibitory effect on influenza A/PR/8 virus subtype H1N1 replication at doses below the cytotoxic dose. The ID(50) value of the TTO was found to be 0.0006% (v/v) and was much lower than its CD(50) (0.025% v/v). All the compounds were ineffective against polio 1, adeno 2, ECHO 9, Coxsackie B1, HSV-1 and HSV-2. None of the tested compounds showed virucidal activity. Only a slight virucidal effect was observed for TTO (0.125% v/v) against HSV-1 and HSV-2. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that TTO has an antiviral activity against influenza A/PR/8 virus subtype H1N1 and that antiviral activity has been principally attributed to terpinen-4-ol, the main active component. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: TTO should be a promising drug in the treatment of influenza virus infection.

Studies on Induced Influenza in Man

AbstractA single double-blind study conducted with 55 volunteers showed clearly that Exp 126 (alpha-methyl-1-adamantanemethylamine hydrochloride, rimantadine hydrochloride), an analogue of amantadine hydrochloride, reduced the occurrence and severity of artificially induced Asian influenza in humans. The infection (or seroconversion) rate in the drug-dosed and placebo-dosed groups was almost 100%, although the increase in serum neutralizing antibody levels was significantly less in the Exp 126-dosed subjects. The infecting influenza virus was recovered only from placebo-dosed controls. Probable untoward reactions from the drug occurred in three volunteers. Two related drugs, amantadine hydrochloride and rimantadine hydrochloride are now available for the prevention of Asian influenza.

Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy and granulomatous uveitis following influenza vaccination

AbstractPURPOSE: To report a case of acute placoid multifocal posterior pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) following influenza vaccination. The patient exhibited granulomatous uveitis during the recovery phase. OBSERVATIONS: A woman in her thirties developed flu-like symptoms seven days after receiving an influenza vaccination. Approximately 2 weeks later, the patient reported with conjunctival injection, blurred vision, and pain in her left eye. She was examined in our clinic, and the best-corrected visual acuity was 20/15 OD and 20/20 OS. Multiple whitish spots were observed bilaterally in the deep retinal layer along with edema of the left optic disc. Both indocyanine green and fluorescein angiographic findings suggested a diagnosis of APMPPE. Although APMPPE lesions were gradually resolved after one month, keratic precipitates, anterior chamber and vitreous cellular infiltration, iris and angle nodules, and macular edema were observed and were treated with topical steroid eye drops. No systemic disorders including sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, and Wegener's granulomatosis were present. CONCLUSION AND IMPORTANCE: As influenza vaccinations are administered worldwide, ophthalmologists should be aware of the ocular side effects following vaccination. Although rare, the possibility of APMPPE occurrence following influenza vaccination should be considered; additionally, the recovery phase of APMPPE may be associated with granulomatous uveitis that requires steroid therapy.

Reduced Influenza Antiviral Treatment Among Children and Adults Hospitalized With Laboratory-Confirmed Influenza Infection in the Year After the 2009 Pandemic

AbstractInfluenza antiviral treatment is recommended for all persons hospitalized with influenza virus infection. During the 2010-2011 influenza season, antiviral treatment of children and adults hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza declined significantly compared with treatment during the 2009 pandemic (children, 56% vs 77%; adults, 77% vs 82%; both P < .01).

Baloxavir for Postexposure Prophylaxis against Influenza in Households

AbstractIn the United States, antiviral treatment of influenza is recommended as soon as possible in hospitalized patients and in outpatients who are at increased risk for influenza complications or have progressive disease, and it can be considered in non–high-risk patients presenting within 2 days after the onset of illness (early treatment).1,2 The neuraminidase inhibitors oseltamivir, zanamivir, and peramivir have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the early treatment of uncomplicated influenza. Oseltamivir is recommended for the treatment of influenza in hospitalized patients.1 Neuraminidase inhibitors block the influenza viral surface protein neuraminidase to inhibit release of progeny . . .

AbstractWhat's new? In vivo studies and small clinical trials have demonstrated that influenza vaccine induces anti-tumor changes in the immune system, warranting investigation of whether influenza vaccine can be associated with mortality on a large population-based scale. This Danish registry-based observational cohort study found that receiving an influenza vaccine within 6 months after surgery for solid cancers had an association with reduced overall- and cancer-specific mortality. As the influenza vaccine is well tolerated among patients at risk, it could potentially represent a patient-friendly oncological treatment. The findings call for randomized controlled prospective trials further investigating a potential causal relationship.