ETIDIOH - NEW

  February 2026  WHO convenes technical consultations {1} in February and September each year to recommend viruses for inclusion in influenza vaccines {2} for the northern hemisphere (NH) and southern hemisphere (SH) influenza seasons, respectively.  This recommendation relates to the influenza vaccines for use in the NH 2026-2027 influenza season .  A recommendation will be made in September 2026 relating to vaccines that will be used for the SH 2027 influenza season.  WHO guidance for choosing between the NH and SH formulations for countries in tropical and subtropical regions is available on the WHO Global Influenza Programme website {3}.   National or regional authorities approve the composition and formulation of influenza vaccines used in each country.  National public health authorities are responsible for making recommendations regarding the use of the vaccine.  WHO has published recommendations on the prevention of influenza {4}....

  Abstract As part of its role in the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS), the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza in Melbourne received 12,180 human influenza-positive samples during 2024 . Viruses were analysed for their antigenic, genetic, and antiviral susceptibility properties . Selected viruses were propagated in qualified cells or embryonated hens’ eggs for potential use in seasonal influenza virus vaccines. During 2024 , influenza A( H1N1 )pdm09 and A( H3N2 ) viruses predominated , accounting for 33% and 42%, respectively, of all viruses received, compared to 5% for influenza B/Victoria . Of note, one influenza A(H5N1) virus was also received in 2024 . The majority of A(H1N1)pdm09 (98%), A(H3N2) (88%) and influenza B (100%) viruses analysed at the Centre were found to be antigenically and genetically similar to the respective WHO recommended vaccine strains for the Southern Hemisphere in 2024...

  Antiviral Res WRONSKI S, Obernolte H, Schaudien D, Braun A, et al Prophylactic intranasal administration of bacterial lysate OM-85 mitigates human rhinovirus (RV-A1b) lung infection and inflammation in mice. Antiviral Res. 2026;247:106362. PubMed           Abstract available HEDSKOG C, Rodriguez L, Hu Y, Li J, et al SARS-CoV-2 Resistance Analyses From the Phase 3 BIRCH Study of Obeldesivir in High-Risk Nonhospitalized Participants With COVID-19. Antiviral Res. 2026 Jan 19:106351. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2026.106351. PubMed           Abstract available RODRIGUEZ L, Hu Y, Li J, Han D, et al SARS-CoV-2 Resistance Analyses From the Phase 3 OAKTREE Study of Obeldesivir in Low-Risk Nonhospitalized Participants With COVID-19. Antiviral Res. 2025 Dec 29:106339. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106339. PubMed           Abstract available Arch Virol LIM KS, Selvan ME, Ea CK...

  Highlights •  Global Health Impact : Improved influenza vaccines have the potential to avert between 6.6 and 18 billion additional influenza cases, prevent 2.3 to 6.2 million additional deaths, and save 21 to 57 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) globally beyond those averted by current seasonal influenza vaccines •  Cost-Effectiveness : Depending on the price, coverage, and vaccine characteristics, improved influenza vaccines could be cost-effective in 9 to 48 % of countries, offering substantial global economic value under most scenarios •  Financial Viability : The development and commercialization of improved influenza vaccines present a robust financial value proposition, with positive net present value (NPV) across all vaccine profiles •  Policy and Decision Making : Vaccine efficacy, duration of protection, and breadth of protection are key factors influencing the adoption of improved influenza vaccines in national immunization programs •...

  Abstract FluSurvey is a participatory surveillance system used to monitor trends in influenza and other respiratory viruses through weekly symptom surveys among the UK population. We aimed to characterise the wider impact of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) among FluSurvey participants and assess correlations of ILI with other established influenza surveillance systems . We included data reported by FluSurvey participants over the 2023-24 and 2024-25 winter seasons . Using weekly symptoms surveys, we derived ILI episodes and estimated the proportion reporting healthcare service use , medication use, impact on daily life, absenteeism and use of tests. We applied existing data methods (omitting first report and weighting to the age-sex structure of England) and assessed cross-correlations of weekly FluSurvey ILI rates with the national surveillance of GP ILI consultations , influenza hospital admissions, and influenza PCR test positivity at time lags of up to +/-2 weeks. There were 3...

  Abstract Background   Seasonal human influenza viruses can escape from antibody-mediated neutralization when amino acid changes occur in the hemagglutinin protein . Routine surveillance identified circulation of an A(H3N2) virus variant in the Netherlands with amino acid substitutions at hemagglutinin positions 158 and 189 . These amino acid positions were previously responsible for antigenic change of influenza A(H3N2) viruses and potentially lead to escape of this variant from vaccine-mediated immunity .  Aim   To characterize the emergence and antigenic properties of N158K and K189R double substitution virus variants .  Methods   We analyzed the geographical and temporal dynamics of the double-substitution variant using a phylogeographic approach and used hemagglutination inhibition assays and antigenic cartography methods to map its antigenic properties.  Results   A(H3N2) viruses carrying K189R were first detected in Guatemala in June 2024,...

  Antimicrob Agents Chemother LLORENTE J, Sempere J, Llamosi M, Perez-Garcia C, et al Emergence of antibiotic-resistant pneumococcal serotypes causing invasive pneumococcal disease in children, Spain. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2025 Dec 31:e0153025. doi: 10.1128/aac.01530. PubMed           Abstract available J Infect Dis VILLAFUERTE D, Fall A, Akin E, Werner AP, et al Genomic Evolution of Influenza A Virus During the 2024-2025 Season, the Johns Hopkins Health System: Antigenic Drift Reduces Serum Neutralization. J Infect Dis. 2026 Feb 4:jiag069. doi: 10.1093. PubMed           Abstract available Pediatrics GAGO CM, Ruggiero CF, Gundewar A, Rose W, et al Parent Perspectives on the Interactive Role of Charitable and Federal Nutrition Assistance. Pediatrics. 2026 Jan 6:e2025072664. doi: 10.1542/peds.2025-072664. PubMed           Abstract available SALTHOUSE AL, Tann...