Influenza (Flu) Samples

Bay Biosciences provides high quality, clinical grade, cryogenically preserved sera (serum) and matched saliva and nasopharyngeal (NP) swab samples from influenza (flu) type-A patients.

The sera (serum) specimens are processed from influenza (flu) type-A  patient’s peripheral whole-blood using customized collection and processing protocols. Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab samples are collected in 3 mL UTM.

Influenza (Flu) Overview

Influenza type-A and influenza type-B cause seasonal epidemics in the United States and elsewhere every winter. Type-C usually causes mild respiratory illness.

Some strains of influenza A, such as the H5N1 “bird flu” virus, occasionally infect humans, causing serious illness. Experts track these strains carefully, as they try to predict how they will change, and how they might affect people.

In some people, especially those at high risk, the flu may lead to complications that are more serious. Inflammation in the small lung airways with infection, known as pneumonia, is a serious flu-related complication. Pneumonia can be life threatening in high-risk individuals or if left untreated.

People at Higher Risk of Developing Influenza (Flu)

Individual’s at higher risk of developing flu complications include the following:

• Adults older than age 65
• American Indians and Alaska natives
• Individuals with weakened immune system 
• People who have chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease and diabetes
• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• People who are pregnant or plan to be pregnant during flu season
• Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher 
• Young children under age 2

Types of Influenza (Flu) Viruses

There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics of disease in people (known as flu season) almost every winter in the United States.

Influenza type-A viruses are the only influenza viruses known to cause flu pandemics (i.e., global epidemics of flu disease).

A pandemic can occur when a new and different influenza A virus emerges that infects people, has the ability to spread efficiently among people, and against which people have little or no immunity.

Influenza type-A viruses are divided into subtypes based on two proteins on the surface of the virus: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). There are 18 different hemagglutinin subtypes and 11 different neuraminidase subtypes (H1 through H18 and N1 through N11, respectively).

Current subtypes of influenza A viruses that routinely circulate in people include A(H1N1) and A(H3N2). Influenza A subtypes can be further broken down into different genetic “clades” and “sub-clades.”

Signs and Symptoms of Influenza (Flu)

At first, the flu may seem like a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. Colds usually develop slowly. But the flu tends to come on suddenly. And while a cold can be miserable, you usually feel much worse with the flu.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person with flu may experience:

• A high temperature that lasts 3–4 days
• Cold sweats, chills and shivers 
• Dry, persistent cough
• Eye pain
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Shortness of breath
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Severe aches 
• Sore throat
• Weakness
• Vomiting and diarrhea (common in children)

Influenza (Flu) Symptoms in Adults

Adults with the following symptoms should seek medical help urgently:

• A fever or cough that goes away and then comes back
• Breathing difficulties
• Dizziness, confusion, or loss or alertness
• Not urinating, which may indicate dehydration
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Seizures
  
• Severe pain, weakness, and unsteadiness
• Worsening of other existing health conditions

Influenza (Flu) Symptoms in Children

Children often have similar symptoms to adults but can also have gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If a child has the following symptoms, they need emergency medical care:

• A fever above 104°F or any fever in a child under 12 weeks of age
• Breathing difficulties
• Bluish face or lips
• Chest pain or ribs pulling inward as they breathe
• Dehydration, for example, not urinating for 8 hours and crying dry tears 
• Fever or cough that goes away but then comes back
• Lack of alertness or interaction with others
• Rapid breathing
• Severe aches
• Worsening of any other medical conditions

Influenza (Flu) Symtoms in Babies

Flu can be dangerous for babies. If symptoms appear, a parent or caregiver should seek medical help.

tomsA baby with flu may have the following symptoms:

• Cough and sore throat
• Fever of 100°F or more
• Severe tiredness 
• Stuffy and runny nose
• Vomiting or diarrhea

Influenza (Flu) Type-A symptoms

If a person has the following symptoms, they may have influenza type A:

• Fever and chills
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat and cough
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Weakness

Influenza (Flu) Type-B symptoms

Influenza B symptoms are similar to those of influenza A.

Flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly. They may include one or all of the following:

• Body aches
• General feeling of being unwell
• Cough, which tends to be dry
• Fatigue or extreme tiredness
• Headache
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches

Influenza A vs. influenza B

Types A and B influenza are the more common forms of this infection, routinely causing seasonal outbreaks. Type C influenza usually only causes mild respiratory infections.

Type B influenza can be just as severe as type A influenza but is less common throughout the flu season compared to type A.

Humans are the natural host for type B infection. Type B viruses mutate much slower than type A infections and are categorized by strains, but not subtypes. The B virus strains take longer for their genetic makeup to change than influenza A. This drastically reduces the risk of a widespread pandemic due to type B influenza.

Influenza type A can be dangerous and is known to cause outbreaks. Unlike a type B infection, type A viruses are categorized by subtypes and strains.

Flu type A mutates faster than influenza B, but both viruses are always changing, creating new strains from one flu season to the next. Past flu vaccinations will not prevent infection from a new strain.

Wild birds are the natural hosts for a type A virus, also called avian flu and bird flu. This infection can also spread to other animals and humans. This, combined with the ability of type A influenza to mutate faster than type B, can cause pandemics.

Diagnosis of Influenza (Flu)

Your health care provider will conduct a physical exam, look for signs and symptoms of flu, and possibly order a test that detects influenza viruses.

The preferred test is the rapid molecular assay. In this procedure, your doctor swabs your nose or throat. The test will detect influenza viral RNA within 30 minutes or less.

Results aren’t always accurate, and your doctor may have to make a diagnosis based on your symptoms or other flu tests.

During times when flu is widespread, you may not need to be tested for it. Your health care provider may diagnose you based on your symptoms.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is becoming more common in many hospitals and labs. This test may be done while you’re in your health care provider’s office or in the hospital. PCR testing is more sensitive than other tests and may be able to identify the influenza strain.

It’s possible to have a test to diagnose both flu and COVID-19. You may have both COVID-19 and influenza at the same time.

Influenza (Flu) Season

Individuals can have the flu at any time, but it is more common during the flu season. The timing and duration of the flu season change from year to year, but it usually happens around fall and winter.

Flu activity often starts to increase in October, and it can last as late as May. However, it is most common from December to February.

Treatment of Influenza (Flu)

In certain cases, influenza A symptoms can clear on their own with ample rest and fluid intake. In other cases, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to fight the infection.

Common antiviral prescriptions include:

• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
• Peramivir (Rapivab)
• Zanamivir (Relenza)

These medications, known as neuraminidase inhibitors, reduce the ability of the influenza virus to spread from cell to cell, slowing down the infection process.

Though effective, these drugs can cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting. If you begin to experience any of these symptoms or if your condition worsens, stop using the prescription and visit your doctor immediately.

A new medication called baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), created by a Japanese pharmaceutical company, was approved in October 2018 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This antiviral drug helps stop the influenza virus from replicating.

Over-the-counter medication therapy can also ease flu symptoms. Be sure to stay hydrated to loosen mucus in your chest and strengthen your immune system.

Contagiousness of Influenza
(Flu)

The flu virus transmits through droplets of liquid. A person can pass the virus on to another person who is up to 6 feet away from them when they cough, sneeze, talk, or breathe.

A healthy individual can pass on the virus a day before they, themselves, have symptoms. In other words, it is possible to pass on the flu before you know you have it. The infected individual can continue to transmit the virus for up to 5 to 7 days after symptoms appear.

People with a weakened immune system, older people, and young children may be able to pass on the virus for longer than this.

Flu is most contagious in the first 3 to 4 days after symptoms appear.

Transmission of Influenza
(Flu)

A person can develop flu symptoms if droplets that contain the virus and come from the breath of another individual enter their mouth, nose, or lungs.

This transmission can happen if:

• Individual without the virus is near a person with flu.
• Someone who is virus free handles an object a person with the virus has touched and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes.

Research shows that just breathing can spread the flu virus. According to the research individuals with flu generate infectious aerosols (tiny droplets that stay suspended in the air for a long time) even when they are not coughing, and especially during the first days of illness.

People with the flu can shed the infectious virus into the air around them just by breathing. Someone coming down with influenza, should go home and not remain in the workplace and infect others.

Incubation of Influenza
(Flu)

The incubation period of a disease is the time it takes from when the virus infects an individual to when the symptoms start.

For flu, this is around 2 days, but it can vary from 1 to 4 days.

A person can transmit the virus even before symptoms appear.

How long does Influenza
(Flu) Lasts?

Flu symptoms appear suddenly, usually around 2 days after infection. Most symptoms disappear after about 1 week, but a cough may last for up to 2 weeks.

In some cases, a person may still be contagious for up to 1 week after their symptoms have disappeared.

If complications develop, these can take longer to resolve. Some of the more severe types of complications can have a long term impact on a person’s health, for example, kidney failure.

Some people experience post-viral fatigue for a week or so after the main symptoms disappear. They may have a lingering sense of tiredness and feeling unwell.

Timeline of Influenza (Flu)

Typically, flu may progress as follows:

• The virus infects a person, usually through their nose or mouth.
• After one day, they may be able to transmit the virus to others.
• Symptoms appear 1–2 days after infection.
• The chance of transmitting the virus is highest 3–4 days after symptoms appear.
• 4 days later, the fever and muscle aches improve.
• After 1 week, most symptoms disappear.
• Risk of transmitting the virus disappears 5–7 days after symptoms appear.
• The cough and tiredness may remain for a further week.

Influenza (Flu) in Pregnancy

Flu can be more serious during pregnancy, as pregnancy affects how the immune system works. If a woman is pregnant and has flu, they may need to spend time in the hospital.

Pregnancy-related complications include a higher risk of:

• Preterm birth
• Low birth weight
• Stillbirth

Flu can be fatal for newborns. Risks to the mother include a greater chance of having complications, such as bronchitis, ear and blood infections.

Complications of Influenza (Flu)

The flu is not usually serious, but it is unpleasant. For some people, however, complications can arise. Some of these can be life threatening.

Complications include the following:

• Dehydration
• Bacterial pneumonia
• Sinus problems and ear infections
• Worsening of existing chronic medical conditions

The risk of experiencing severe symptoms and flu complications is higher in the following cases:

• Adults over 65 years of age
• Babies or young children
• pregnant women
• Patients with heart  or cardiovascular disease
• individuals with chest problems, such as asthma or bronchitis
  
• Patients with kidney disease or diabetes
• Individuals who are taking steroids
• People undergoing treatment for cancer
• Anyone with a weakened immune system

Influenza (Flu) Vaccination

The single best way to prevent flu is to have a flu vaccination every year.

There are two types of vaccination:

The flu shot: A healthcare professional will administer the flu shot with a needle, usually in the arm. It is suitable for anyone older than 6 months, including healthy people and those with chronic medical conditions.

The nasal-spray flu vaccine: The nasal-spray flu vaccine contains live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause illness.

Influenza (Flu) Seasonal Vaccination

A flu shot will contain the vaccine for several influenza viruses, according to the CDC.

Examples include:

• Influenza A (H1N1) virus
• One or two influenza B viruses
• Influenza (H3N2) virus

However, viruses adapt and change over time, and scientists may need to adjust the content of the vaccines each year.

Data from international surveillance programs help experts predict which types are likely to circulate in a given flu season. Protection begins about 2 weeks after receiving the vaccination.

Seasonal flu vaccinations should start in September or as soon as the vaccine is ready. They continue throughout the flu season, into January and beyond.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccination Side Effects

The CDC note that the flu vaccine has a good safety record, and it cannot cause flu.

A person may experience the following adverse effects after having a vaccine, but these will be mild and usually pass within a few days.

• Headache
• Fever
• Nausea
• Muscle aches 
• Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site

Around 1–2 people in every 1 million may develop a condition known as Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). However, people can also develop GBS after having flu, and the risk of this is higher than with the vaccine. The risk of developing GBS may be lower with the nasal spray version of the vaccine.

If someone experiences hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing after any vaccine, they should seek immediate medical help as these may be the sign of an allergic reaction. A severe reaction is known as anaphylaxis, which can be life threatening.

People who have previously had an allergic reaction to a vaccine should not have the flu shot.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccination in Pregnancy

It is safe to have the flu shot during pregnancy, and doctors recommend it. It takes about 2 weeks to provide protection. The vaccine will also pass through to the fetus and give them some protection from the flu.

Newborns cannot have a flu vaccine, but having flu can be dangerous for them. Having the vaccine can benefit both the mother and her unborn child.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccination for Seniors

The CDC recommend a flu shot for individuals aged 65 years or more. As people get older, they are more likely to develop complications if they have flu.

Older people may need a higher dose of vaccine, as their immune systems may be less able to resist the flu virus. The vaccine cannot provide complete protection but will reduce the risk of flu and the severity of complications.

A study looked at data for older people in hospital with the flu during the flu season in the U.S. Among those who had received the vaccine, there were lower rates of fatality, fewer complications, and less overall time spent in an intensive care unit.

People who are 65 years of age or older should ask their doctor about the vaccine at the start of each flu season. The doctor will recommend a vaccine that suits the individual.

Effectiveness of Influenza (Flu) Vaccination

The flu shot cannot offer 100% protection from the flu as scientists cannot predict precisely what flu types will circulate during a season.

CDC figures from 2018–2019 show that the effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing influenza A or B was about 47%.

Many factors can contribute to the effectiveness of the flu shot from year to year. These can include the age and overall health of the person receiving the vaccination, plus how well the vaccine matches the prevalent viruses.

Prevention of Influenza (Flu)

The influenza vaccine isn’t 100% effective, so it’s also important to take several measures to reduce the spread of infection, including:

• Avoid crowds: The flu spreads easily wherever people gather — in child care centers, schools, office buildings, auditoriums and public transportation. By avoiding crowds during peak flu season, you reduce your chances of infection.
• Clean surfaces: Regularly clean often-touched surfaces to prevent spread of infection from touching a surface with the virus on it and then your face.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes: Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. Then wash your hands.
• Resting: staying home if you develop a fever and for at least 24 hours after it goes away
• Avoid touching your face: Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Washing hands: Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is an effective way to prevent many common infections. Or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if soap and water aren’t available.

Outlook

Type A influenza is a contagious viral infection that can cause life-threatening complications if left untreated. While some cases of this infection can improve without prescribed medication, a visit to your doctor is recommended.

The flu can resemble the common cold, but may trigger worsening symptoms. If you think you’ve contracted influenza, schedule a visit with your doctor to discuss treatment.

Bay Biosciences is a global leader in providing researchers with high quality, clinical grade, fully characterized human tissue samples, bio-specimens, and human bio-fluid collections.

Samples available include cancer (tumor) tissue, cancer serum, cancer plasma, cancer, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). and human tissue samples from most other therapeutic areas and diseases.

Bay Biosciences maintains and manages its own biorepository, the human tissue bank (biobank) consisting of thousands of diseased samples (specimens) and from normal healthy donors available in all formats and types.

Our biobank procures and stores fully consented, deidentified and institutional review boards (IRB) approved human tissue samples and matched controls.

All our human tissue collections, human specimens and human bio-fluids are provided with detailed, samples associated patient’s clinical data.

This critical patient’s clinical data includes information relating to their past and current disease, treatment history, lifestyle choices, biomarkers, and genetic information.

Patient’s data is extremely valuable for researchers and is used to help identify new effective treatments (drug discovery & development) in oncology, and other therapeutic areas and diseases.

Bay Biosciences banks wide variety of human tissue samples and biological samples, including cryogenically preserved at – 80°C.

Including fresh frozen tissue samples, tumor tissue samples, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE), tissue slides, with matching human bio-fluids, whole blood and blood-derived products such as serum, plasma and PBMC.

Bay Biosciences is a global leader in collecting and providing human tissue samples according to the specified requirements and customized, tailor-made collection protocols.

Please contact us anytime to discuss your special research projects and customized human tissue sample requirements.

Types of Biospecimens

Bay Biosciences provides human tissue samples (human specimens) from diseased and normal healthy donors which includes:

• Peripheral whole-blood
• Amniotic fluid
• Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL)
• Sputum
• Pleural effusion
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
• Serum (sera)
• Plasma
• Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)
• Saliva
• Buffy coat
• Urine
• Stool samples
• Aqueous humor
• Vitreous humor
• Kidney stones (renal calculi)
• Other bodily fluids from most diseases including cancer.

We can also procure most human bio-specimens, special collections and requests for human samples that are difficult to find. All our human tissue samples are procured through IRB-approved clinical protocols and procedures.

In addition to the standard processing protocols, Bay Biosciences can also provide human plasma, serum, and PBMC bio-fluid samples using custom processing protocols; you buy donor-specific collections in higher volumes and specified sample aliquots from us.

Bay Biosciences also provides human samples from normal healthy donors; volunteers, for controls and clinical research, contact us Now.

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