What is influenza infection?
Influenza is a severe respiratory infection brought on by influenza viruses of types A, B, C and D. It is commonly known as the flu and is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs. It is typically characterized by fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea. Although influenza virus infection can vary in severity, it can lead to complications that can be life-threatening, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, and people with underlying medical conditions. Vaccination is an effective way to prevent influenza.
Prevalence of influenza infection
The exact prevalence of influenza can vary yearly and by geographic location. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), seasonal flu causes 3-5 million severe cases every year and 290,000-650,000 respiratory-related deaths. However, it is essential to note that these estimates are based on modelling and may not capture the full extent of influenza's global impact. Also, the prevalence of influenza every year can also be influenced by factors such as vaccination rates, climate, and public health measures taken to prevent its spread.
What is RSV infection?
RSV stands for the respiratory syncytial virus. Like influenza, RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause infection in people of all ages. RSV infections are most common in infants and young children and typically occur in the fall, winter, and early spring months.
The symptoms of RSV infection can range from mild to severe, including cough, runny nose, fever, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, particularly in very young infants or older adults, RSV infection can lead to more serious respiratory illnesses such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. RSV is spread through respiratory secretions, such as from coughing or sneezing, and can be transmitted from person to person or through contact with contaminated surfaces. There is no specific treatment for RSV, but supportive care such as oxygen therapy or hydration may be needed for more severe cases. Prevention measures, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals, can help reduce the spread of RSV.
Discover superior-quality Influenza A and RSV Samples online.
As the winter season is on, ongoing efforts worldwide exist to prevent and control the spread of respiratory infections, mainly influenza and RSV, in endemic areas. To achieve this goal, innovative research is being conducted globally to condemn the spread of disease. Using human biospecimens obtained from patients with confirmed infection proves to be a precious resource in the In-vitro studies of viral infection biology and genomics, the immune system's response to infection, and epidemiology.
Central BioHub is a leading biospecimen provider bringing millions of high-quality human biospecimens collected ethically from individuals of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Accelerating respiratory infection research globally, Central BioHub offers thousands of biospecimens collected from patients diagnosed with influenza and RSV infection, providing a significant advantage to drug and diagnostic research in the field. We offer oropharyngeal swabs in VTM, serum and plasma specimens from donors that have been thoroughly tested for the following:
Influenza A and B infections: anti-influenza-A IgG/IgM, anti-influenza-B IgG/IgM, Influenza A virus RT-PCR Test, and Parainfluenza.
RSV infection: Anti-RSV IgM/ IgG, RSV RT-PCR Test
Find more information about Influenza A blood-derived samples, Influenza A swabs, and RSV biospecimens available this season can be found at: https://centralbiohub.de/blogs/ready-stock-of-influenza-a-and-rsv-samples