The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that acute lower respiratory infections account for 4 million deaths per year. The rates are even higher in developing countries. Influenza, a virus causing respiratory infections, has widely been studied in developed countries. However, there is paucity of data on its epidemiology, seasonality and burden in most developing countries. In the contrary, Kenya (a developing country) has an elaborate national epidemio-surveillance network for influenza, where a lot of data is generated on the epidemiology and seasonality of influenza in Kenya and the East African region. Several steps have been taken to control influenza in Kenya, including vaccination and surveillance programs. However, some challenges still exist. This article explores the pattern of influenza and existing interventions in Kenya, and highlights suggestions on what can be done to adequately control this virus in future.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3683518PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2013.14.138.2612DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

influenza virus
8
respiratory infections
8
developing countries
8
epidemiology seasonality
8
influenza kenya
8
kenya
5
influenza
5
overview influenza
4
virus infections
4
infections kenya
4

Similar Publications

Mucus is a complex hydrogel that acts as a defensive and protective barrier in various parts of the human body. The rise in the level of viral infections has underscored the importance of advancing research into mucus-mimicking hydrogels for the efficient design of antiviral agents. Herein, we demonstrate the gram-scale synthesis of biocompatible, lignin-based virus-binding inhibitors that reduce waste and ensure long-term availability.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Infection with Influenza A virus (IAV) induces severe inflammatory responses and lung injury, contributing significantly to mortality and morbidity rates. Alterations in the microbial composition of the lungs and intestinal tract resulting from infection could influence disease progression and treatment outcomes. Xiyanping (XYP) injection has demonstrated efficacy in clinical treatment across various viral infections.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Influenza causes 100,000-710,000 hospitalizations annually in the U.S. Patients with liver disease are at higher risk of severe outcomes following influenza infection.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

IRF1-RIG-I signaling defects in the aged alveolar epithelial cells may contribute to decreased pulmonary antiviral immune responses.

Mech Ageing Dev

January 2025

CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan Province, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Biomanufacturing, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan Province 475004, China. Electronic address:

Background: Alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) are the primary targets of many pathogens and play an important role in sensing viruses and regulating immunity. Yet, little is known about the antiviral responses in the aged AECs.

Methods: The responses of young or aged AECs after viral infection were analyzed using methods such as flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot detection, and transwell chemotaxis assay.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Interventions aimed at preventing and treating maternal infections during the gestational period are of paramount importance. Timely immunizations, screening strategies and management of maternal infections reduce the risk of complications for the developing fetus and play a pivotal role in improving neonatal outcomes.

Summary: We summarize evidence for a total of thirteen interventions, pertaining to the prevention and treatment of maternal infections during the antenatal period, from Every Newborn Series published in The Lancet 2014.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!