Researchers found that the drug which is used for treating tumors, named DMXAA, also boosts the body’s immunity against influenza virus. This drug allows the the body to develop antiviral proteins which prevent the virus from spreading and the drug can even be used for those strains for which no vaccine has been invented.

Via: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110228104312.htm

Researchers from Princeton University concluded that flu can be prevented by universal vaccine even when used for the first time. This vaccine prevents the influenza virus from mutating and spreading. These vaccines attack the virus and restrict its ability to emerge and elude the body’s immunity. The major objective of this vaccine is to provide protection from influenza virus. In the future, the researchers believe, this will help to control the spread and evolution of this virus. The study grant was provided by NIH (National Institute of Health).

Via: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120227111536.htm

The study by Michigan University supported the fact that wearing masks and washing hands frequently can reduce the chances of spreading of flu by up to 75%. Aiello and Arnold Monto worked together on this study. According to Aiello, in case of epidemic when vaccines are not available, these preventive measures of mask wearing and maintaining hand hygiene are quite fruitful.

Via: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131175729.htm

This research is conducted by Emory and Georgia Tech research team. They quoted a detailed study on vaccine patches of micro needles and their effectiveness on the skin. Studies on mice showed that the micro needles vaccines patches were more effectual in protecting from influenza than inoculation given intramuscularly. The immunity response of the skin that contained antigen presenting cells in form of opulent network was more than that of muscles. The research was done under NIAID (National Institute of Allergy and Infections) and National institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.

Via: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120306073011.htm

According to the study conducted by Dr Caroline Chartrand of Sainte-Justine Hospital research center and RI MUCH (Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre) the accuracy of RIDTs (rapid influenza diagnostic tests) is based on three factors. The accuracy of the test is higher in children than adults; the tests can confirm the flu, but cannot eliminate it and the accuracy of RIDTs is higher for influenza A virus than influenza B. The main intention of the researchers is early diagnosis that can help in controlling infection and providing better care to the infected person. The medicines like anti-virals can be given without any delay after these tests and no further tests are required. This study is quite promising for children infected with this virus.

Via: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120227204725.htm