ImmuHubs at the ESWI webinar series on the treatment and prevention of influenza and RSV in the COVID-19 pandemic
Project Coordinator Barbara Rath showcased the ImmuHubs project at the Monday, September 27th session of the European Scientific Working group on Influenza (ESWI) series of webinars on the treatment and prevention of influenza and RSV in the COVID-19 pandemic.
The lecture, under the title “ImmuHubs: Improving access to vaccination in disadvantaged and difficult to reach populations” took place during the “Childhood Influenza Vaccination And Treatment In A Covid-19 Era” session, chaired by George Kassianos (National Immunisation Lead Royal College of General Practitioners, United Kingdom) and Ab Osterhaus (ESWI Chair, TiHO , Germany).
The European Scientific Working group on Influenza webinar series includes the following sessions:
- Vaccination in a COVID-19 era
Where we found out that:
- We must prepare for the co-circulation of flu and COVID.
- All currently used COVID vaccines have shown proof of efficacy and safety data.
- Risk groups should be vaccinated against COVID as well as against flu.
- Childhood influenza vaccination and treatment in a COVID-19 era
Where we found out that:
- We observed a limited circulation of flu viruses due to physical distancing strategies, but with the gradual easing of restrictions, we may see concomitant outbreaks of influenza and COVID-19.
- Vaccinating children not only reduces the burden of influenza in children but also in adults, especially older ones.
- COVID-19 vaccines in children and adolescents are useful and seem to have a positive risk-benefit ratio.
- COVID-19 treatment and medication
Where we found out that:
- COVID-19 treatment is based on three approaches in severe cases: antiviral drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibody treatment.
- Care for these patients should be individualized.
- RSV disease in a COVID-19 era
Where we found out that:
- We must prepare for outbreaks of RSV.
- RSV is most severe in infants, but it causes substantial morbidity and mortality in older adults.
- RSV is under-estimated and under-diagnosed.
The next session titled “Flu and COVID-19 booster vaccinations”, will take place on Wednesday, 17 November 2021, 16:00 – 17:30 (CEST).
All webinars are available at https://eswiwebinar.org
