CONCLUSIONS: Rhinovirus infections are frequently followed by secondary bacterial infections in COPD and cleavage of the antimicrobial peptides SLPI and elafin by virus-induced neutrophil elastase may precipitate these secondary bacterial infections. Therapy targeting neutrophil elastase or enhancing innate immunity may be useful novel therapies for prevention of secondary bacterial infections in virus-induced COPD exacerbations. PMID: 23024024 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine)

Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Area: News Around 25,000 people are expected to travel from the UK to Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj, which is taking place from 24-29 October. A large population from around the world confined to one area has historically increased the risk of infectious disease outbreaks, in particular meningitis and respiratory infections. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) want to remind people to seek health advice before making the journey to ensure a healthy trip.   The HPA and NaTHNaC has issued the following advice:   . Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date, including MMR and polio.   . Have a valid certificate of vaccination against meningococcal me...

Abstract Non‐invasive ventilation refers to a number of respiratory support strategies commonly used in critical care settings. This paper describes the principles of non‐invasive ventilation, the practicalities of its use and the evidence for its use in a number of common acute conditions. (Source: Internal Medicine Journal)