A new report shows that what you eat might affect how well the flu vaccine affects you. The study, published by Cell Press in Immunity, shows that microbes in the human stomach might help increase the effectiveness of flu vaccines.

“Our findings raise the possibility that antibiotic treatment prior to or during vaccination may impact immunity,” said Bali Pulendran, a senior study author.

Although it is still uncertain if taking antibiotics before or during vaccination will increase the effectiveness of the vaccine in humans, researchers found that there was a difference in how mice reacted to the vaccines depending on what was happening in their stomachs at the time of inoculation.

“Another potential implication of our study is that we may be able to manipulate gut microbes in order to improve immune responses to the vaccine,” continued Pulendran.

In developing nations, influenza vaccines have tended to be less effective leaving many, especially the very young and very old, still vulnerable to infection. The reasons for this are still unknown, generally because so little is known about the body’s response to vaccination. Pulendran’s study tries to narrow this knowledge gap.

Two sets of mice were used in the test. One group was raised in a relatively germ-free environment or treated with antibiotics while the other group was exposed to germs on a regular basis. Those that had been treated with antibiotics were found to be more vulnerable to the flu even after vaccination. Not only that, but mice that had been genetically modified to lack a gene called TLR5, which some humans lack as well, were found to react similarly to those that had been on antibiotics.

What exactly this means for future research is yet to be determined, but what has become apparent is that taking antibiotics or even eating certain foods could potentially affect how well a vaccine works in your immune system.

“In the future,” says Pulendran, “it will be important to determine the impact of antibiotic treatment on immunity to vaccinations in humans and to study whether differences in the composition of gut microbes in different populations can impact vaccine immunity.”

We will keep you updated as further studies are released about the impact antibiotics have on flu vaccine efficacy!

For more information on flu vaccinations or to schedule your own appointment with a Passport Health flu specialist, visit our website or call us at 1-888-499-PASS (7277).

A new, inexpensive malaria test needs only a drop of blood and a little time to identify the presence of the disease in a patient’s blood, according to a paper published in the journal Nature Medicine.

The new device, developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, uses Magnetic Resonance Relaxometry (MRR) to detect the waste products of plasmodium, the parasite that causes malaria. That waste, called hemozoin, contains small amounts of iron, making it easy to measure using the MRR process.

By using this process, the test can not only identify the presence of malaria in the blood but also help in the treatment of the disease by measuring if there has been a drop in the level of hemozoin in the blood.

However, the most amazing part may just be the cost. “Since this technique does not rely on expensive labeling with chemical reagents, we are able to get each diagnostic test done at a cost of less than 10 cents,” says Weng Kung Peng, a researcher on the project. A new device could be constructed for less than $2,000.

MIT’s MRR system is a big departure from traditional methods of diagnosing malaria. Currently, the most common testing method involves using a microscope and analyzing the blood manually, a far less accurate and more time consuming process.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates annual malaria deaths at more than 600,000 each year across the globe. While the disease is preventable, it can be difficult to treat and even diagnose in the most affected areas, like sub-Saharan Africa, due to high costs and a lack of access to proper preventative measures.

What do you think? Do new blood tests hold promise for the ongoing fight against malaria? Leave a comment below!

As we’ve been moving toward Halloween the flu has been moving slowly across the country. This week’s Flu Report is a focus in how the flu is spreading regionally but has yet to take hold across the nation.

Overview:

Influenza is spreading, we all knew that was going to happen. But, the unexpected is how it is staying extremely regional. Almost 70% of all flu cases in the United States are coming from the South according to CDC reporting. FluNearYou.org seems to be supporting this with their research as well. The CDC and FluNearYou.org’s national rates now appear to be almost identical with the CDC reporting 1.3% and FluNearYou.org 1.6%. What’s interesting is the overall increase in cases which rose 17.5% over the last week. While not a drastic increase it shows that we could soon have a much higher level of cases than we currently are seeing.

By the Numbers:

In the United States, the CDC has reported:

• Flu Cases – 282
• Flu-related Hospitalizations – No Current Data
• Flu-related Deaths – 5.4%

NOTE: Flu cases, as referenced above, are confirmed cases in people who have gone to see medical professionals. Percentage estimates, referenced in the “Overview” section, include these documented cases from medical professionals but also a variety of other self-reported metrics.

As flu season progresses, more up to date information will become available.

Around the World:

The good news is that not a single country in the world is listed as high volume for the flu by Google Flu Trends. However, more countries in the Northern Hemisphere are moving closer to a moderate ranking meaning that the flu is beginning to spread more and more throughout areas in the developed world.

Staying Healthy:

Our tip for this week: Be flu conscious when you travel! If you’re in a taxi or a bus or in your Uber car be sure to wash your hands after and do not touch your face. When germs get on your hands they can stay there for a while and touching places can leave those germs there. These germs can then infect you especially if they are near your mouth or any part of you that allows easy entry for bacteria. Remember, that is the same basic process that can give you pink eye. For additional help contact a Passport Health flu professional at 1-888-499-PASS (7277) and we’ll help you schedule your flu vaccination today.

The Flu Report is a weekly blog post designed to give updates on the spread of influenza throughout the year. It is posted every Friday and focuses on regional outbreaks, global spread and ways to avoid infection.

Colors, happiness, joy, family that is what Diwali is all about! Every year in the Fall, India and other nations in the region of Southern Asia celebrate Diwali, a holiday that focuses on how light overcomes darkness and celebrates new beginnings. This year it falls on Oct. 23 and provides an amazingly fun opportunity to learn more about Hindu culture as well as about the other groups that participate in the festivities. This is especially true if you find yourself traveling to India or another country in the region.

In some ways Diwali is similar to Christmas. Many different sects and groups celebrate the holy day but almost everyone does it in their own special way. The largest groups among the Hindu sects celebrate Diwali as the return of Lord Rama (and his wife and brother) from exile as is told in the Ramayana. This story is explained in this video:

Diwali celebrations happen across Southern Asia from Suriname to Singapore and while many celebrate a wide variety of traditions they all have the general theme of new beginning and the arrival of a new light in our lives.

Celebrations vary in scope and scale as well. In many places it is not uncommon for there to be enormous fireworks displays or parades. Generally, festivities include: spring-cleaning, wearing new clothes, exchanging gifts (often candies and dried fruits), eating and sharing festive meals, decorating homes with fancy lights, making varying colored displays before doorways as well as the previously mentioned fireworks.

These factors combined create a beautiful festival that is a must see for anyone.

Since the early 2000’s Diwali has been slowly spreading around the world where large celebrations have happened in New York City, London and even Dallas, TX. If we’ve piqued your interest check online and see if there will be a Diwali celebration near your own home. But, we’d also like to hear from you! Share your Diwali experiences in our comment section and let everyone know your favorite part of the Festival of Light!

Passport Health, HealthMap Vaccine Finder, and Uber are partnering today to deliver no-cost flu vaccinations and flu prevention packs to Uber users in Boston and Washington, D.C. The partnership is a one-day pilot project.

The flu impacts up to 20 percent of Americans each year, and finding innovative ways to deliver flu vaccines and a “Be FluFree” message is a priority not just for Passport Health, but for immunization advocates everywhere.

Today’s first-ever UberHEALTH project pairs Uber driver partners with Passport Health nurses to deliver no-cost flu vaccines and flu-prevention packs to UberHEALTH users in Boston and Washington, D.C. The project is in conjunction with HealthMap Vaccine Finder. Uber has also partnered with Pager to provide flu prevention packs and flu vaccines in New York City.

The CDC recommends that everyone over 6 months of age receives a flu vaccine each year. Still, less than 40 percent of Americans get the flu shot. Healthy People 2020, which provides a 10-year agenda for improving the nation’s health, has set a target vaccination rate of 70 percent for all Americans.

With fewer Americans seeking flu vaccines in a traditional setting, we know that making a 70 percent vaccination rate a reality will take innovation and partnership. That’s why Passport Health is excited to be working with UberHEALTH and HealthMap Vaccine Finder to bring flu prevention packs and flu vaccines directly to Uber users with a single touch of a button.

The service will be available at no cost today only from 10 am until 3 pm EST in Boston, Washington, D.C. and New York. Riders will have the option to select “UberHEALTH” in the Uber app, and once confirmed, a registered nurse will deliver a flu prevention pack and provide the option to receive a flu shot. For every shot given, Uber will donate $5 to the Red Cross to support vaccination efforts for children including its Measles & Rubella Initiative.

“We’re always looking at ways to improve flu vaccination rates,” said Melanie Kohr, Passport Health’s Vice President of Clinic Operations. “Pairing our nurses with Uber driver partners gives us the chance to really make an impact on people’s health this flu season, and for us that’s truly exciting.”

For over 20 years, Passport Health has provided its clients with protection against vaccine-preventable diseases, including the flu. This year, Passport Health launched FluFree.com, a web site designed to address the growing gap between the need for vaccination and the number of people who actually chose to get vaccinated.

“We all know the flu is miserable, but not everyone who has access to the flu vaccine gets one,” said Fran Lessans, RN, MS, Founder, President and CEO of Passport Health. “FluFree’s mission is to educate people on just how serious the flu is, and to promote awareness of and accessibility to the flu vaccine.”

Passport Health has taken on large-scale public health partnerships and initiatives in the past. Passport Health was a first responder to the Anthrax attacks in 2001, and our company has participated in numerous vaccine trials. Now, with its focus turned to influenza, Passport Health is excited to be working with UberHEALTH and HealthMap Vaccine Finder to help make Boston and Washington DC FluFree. To learn more about the UberHEALTH campaign, visit https://blog.uber.com/health.

For more information on influenza, flu vaccines and flu safety, visit passporthealthusa.com or contact a Passport Health immunization specialist at 1-844-FLU-FREE.