Influenza, or the respiratory flu, is an acute viral infection that spreads easily from person to person. The viral disease is a serious public health problem that causes severe illnesses and deaths for higher risk populations but that circulates worldwide and can affect anybody in any age group. Symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, […] More
The H7N9 avian flu emerged in China in 2013 and sparked fears of a global pandemic. But a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation finds that individuals who receive seasonal flu vaccinations also develop antibodies that protect against the H7N9 bird flu. Avian influenza A (H7N9) poses an especially strong danger for […] More
Last month the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned that the current 2014-2015 flu season could be severe based on early data. Now the CDC has announced that statistics released this week indicate that the influenza outbreak in the United States reached the epidemic threshold during the week ending on December 20. The […] More
Last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned that current flu season could be severe based on early data. The CDC also reported that the most common strains of circulating flu viruses are so-called “drift variants” of the H3N2 viruses used in the current formulation of the influenza vaccine. Now a new […] More
Early data suggests that the current 2014-2015 flu season could be severe, warns the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As a result of the prediction, the CDC has urged immediate vaccination with the flu shot or flu mist for all individuals still unvaccinated this flu season. The CDC also recommends prompt treatment with […] More
Current guidelines from the United States, United Kingdom, and World Health Organization (WHO) do not currently consider children born prematurely at high risk for flu-related complications. However, a new study calls the current guidelines into question after finding a great risk among premature children. Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by […] More
In addition to children under the age of 2 and individuals with underlying health problems, seniors over the age of 60 are at greatest risk for influenza (respiratory flu). However, a new review published in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases concludes that the flu shot, or influenza vaccine, effectively protects seniors against the flu […] More
Regular exercise is important for maintaining good health. Now a new report from the United Kingdom suggests that vigorous exercise may help reduce the risk of catching influenza, or the flu. Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by various flu viruses. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or […] More
Infection with the flu (influenza) can lead to a dangerous and deadly conditional known as a cytokine storm. Now researchers at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have mapped key elements of the severe immune overreaction that can cause severe sickness and even death in patients infected with certain strains of the flu virus. Also known […] More
Because respiratory infections such as the flu can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, receiving the seasonal flu vaccine can reduce the risk of stroke by almost a quarter, says a new study from the University of Lincoln and The University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom as published in the journal Vaccine. Influenza, or […] More
An analysis of patients seeking treatment for the flu at Duke University Hospital reveals that the most severe cases and the cases that require the most intensive treatment occur among unvaccinated individuals. Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy […] More
Well-child checkups are important for assessing the health, growth, and development of children and for administering life-saving vaccinations. However, new research published in the March issue of the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, suggests that well-child appointments are linked to an increased risk of flu-like illnesses […] More
