"Pulling the Wool Over Your Eyes"

This phrase means to purposely deceive someone with untruths. It is assumed that this phrase was derived from the wearing of woolen wigs, which were fashionable for both men and women in the 16th and 17th centuries in Europe and America. Not only was it a sign of nobility, but also a way to cover up baldness and control lice infestations of one's natural hair.

The phrase itself is of 19th century American origin. The earliest example of it can be found in the Gettysburg newspaper The People’s Press, in 1835.

However, woolen wigs had ceased to be popular by the 1800s, so maybe the phrase simply refers to sheep that could not see due to the lack of being properly shorn.

RSV Infection in Adults

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus that primarily affects the lungs and breathing passages. RSV is commonly associated with pediatric infections; however, it can also cause severe respiratory illness in adults, especially those over the age of 60.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 60,000-160,000 older adults in the U.S. are hospitalized, and 6,000-10,000 die from RSV annually.(1) This represents a nearly 10 fold increase in cases among older adults.(3) The possible reasons for this alarming increase could include an aging demographic in America and possible mutations making the virus more virulent. (3)

In the U.S., RSV season begins in the fall and peaks during the winter. Symptoms range from mild cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough, and fever, to severe respiratory complications, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Individuals infected with RSV are typically contagious for 3 to 8 days, beginning a day or two before symptoms appear. However, immunocompromised individuals can remain infectious for up to 4 weeks. RSV primarily spreads through direct contact and respiratory droplets, with the virus capable of surviving for hours on hard surfaces. (1)

Diagnosing a RSV infection often involves collecting nasal or nasopharyngeal swabs or aspirates, which are placed in viral transport media to preserve virus viability. Proper and timely handling of these specimens is critical for an accurate diagnosis. Diagnostic methods include rapid antigen detection tests, molecular assays like reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and viral culture, with RT-PCR being the gold standard for its high sensitivity and specificity. (1)

The CDC recommends RSV vaccination for adults aged 60 and above, regardless of medical history. At this time, the FDA has approved three vaccines for this age group: GSK’s Arexvy, Pfizer’s Abrysvo, and Moderna’s mRESVIA. (2)

Age-related immune changes, underlying health conditions, and reduced lung function increase older adults' susceptibility to severe RSV infection. Early identification of high-risk individuals, vaccination, and supportive treatments are crucial for effective prevention and management of RSV's public health impact.

By Yesenia Morales

Technical Services Microbiologist II

References: 1, 2, 3

Recent news is filled with stories expressing concern over cases of avian flu (H5N1). A highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak among dairy cows was confirmed in March, 2024. This disease, often fatal in avian populations, has spread to herds in at least eight states across the US. Since late May 2024, at least three people have contracted the virus after being in contact with presumably sick cows. (1)

So far, government experts maintain there is no evidence of this infectious virus in pasteurized milk. Milk samples tested indicated that there was no live/infectious virus found. While there have not been any studies on whether pasteurization inactivates H5N1 in cow’s milk, previous studies have shown that pasteurization has inactivated avian flu in eggs, which are pasteurized at a lower temperature than milk. (1)

Cornell University food science professor Samuel Alcaine said of milk with traces of avian flu, “There are no safety concerns. I am still buying milk from my local grocery store.” Alcaine said that influenza is generally not transmitted through food, and the more pressing concern is protecting farm workers who may come into close contact with infected animals. The FDA has encouraged consumers not to drink raw, unpasteurized milk. (1)

By Julie Tripp

Technical Support Specialist

References: 1

Who...

...was it that discovered the first effective treatment for tuberculosis? He then proceeded to develop 15 other antibiotics. He was awarded a Nobel prize for his significant work in 1952.

Find out here...