Category: Influenza/Flu
As bird flu continues to spread in the US and worldwide, what’s the risk that it could start a human pandemic? 4 questions answered
An outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza that started in 2021 has become the largest bird flu outbreak in history, both in the U.S. and worldwide. In the U.S. the virus has led to the destruction of millions of commercially raised chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese, and has killed thousands of wild birds. Many virologists are concerned that this virus could spill over to humans and cause a new human pandemic.
How do you make a universal flu vaccine?
University of Washington School of Medicine microbiologist Deborah Fuller explains the challenges, and how mRNA could offer a promising solution
As viral infections skyrocket, masks are still a tried-and-true way to help keep yourself and others safe
Wearing a surgical mask in an indoor public setting reduces the odds of testing positive for COVID-19 by 66%, and wearing an N95/KN95 type of mask lowers the odds of testing positive by 83%.
King County reports first child flu death of the 2022-2023 flu season
This death comes on top of a steep and unprecedented rise in illnesses and hospitalizations in King County and nationally among children for infections caused by multiple respiratory viruses.
COVID-19, RSV and the flu are straining health care systems – two epidemiologists explain what the ‘triple threat’ means for children
The underlying reasons for the convergence of these viruses and the increase in infections so early in the season are not yet clear. But health experts have some clues about contributing factors and what it could mean for the coming months.
COVID, flu, RSV – how this triple threat of respiratory viruses could collide this winter
As the days get shorter and the weather colder in the northern hemisphere, health officials have warned of a perfect storm of infectious respiratory diseases over the winter months.
Why taking fever-reducing meds and drinking fluids may not be the best way to treat flu and fever
As flu season progresses, so does the chorus of advice, professional and otherwise, to drink plenty of fluids and take fever-reducing medications, like acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin. These recommendations, well-intentioned and firmly entrenched, offer comfort to those sidelined with fever, flu or vaccine side effects. But you may be surprised to learn the science supporting these recommendations is speculative at best, harmful at worst and comes with caveats.
The symptoms of the Delta variant appear to differ from traditional COVID symptoms. Here’s what to look out for
A the virus has evolved, it seems the most common symptoms have changed too.
If control measures are stopping flu in its tracks, why aren’t they stopping coronavirus?
If these measures are so effective against the flu, though, why is SARS-CoV-2 still spreading?
Free flu shots now available for the uninsured
Health officials are concerned that the presence of both viruses could put more people in the hospital and strain Washington’s health care system.
Why flu vaccine is more important during COVID-19
We can’t predict exactly what will happen when the flu arrives while COVID-19 still here; That makes it even more important to get a flu shot.
One in eight adults hospitalized for flu had serious heart complications, study
Of these patients, one in three was admitted to the intensive care unit and 7% died.
What to do if you have COVID-19 symptoms
If you feel even a little bit sick, reschedule any plans you may have to see others in person. Stay home.
Should unvaccinated people be allowed to fly?
It’s hard to conceive a more efficient way to spread infectious disease than flying millions of people around the world in crowded airplanes.