Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It affects the nose, throat, and lungs and can range from mild to severe, sometimes leading to hospitalization or death, particularly in high-risk groups like the elderly, young children, and people with certain health conditions. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. The virus spreads mainly by droplets made when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. Influenza activity often begins to increase in October, peaks between December and February, and can last as late as May in the United States. Annual vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu and its complications, along with practices like good hygiene and avoiding contact with sick individuals.
OHSU-led research develops innovative vaccine platform targeting virus interior; scientists validate theory with 1918 flu virus New findings from a study conducted by Oregon Health…
Researchers at the State University of Campinas in Brazil and the Pasteur Institute in Lille, France, conducted experiments on mice and discovered that administering a…
Vanderbilt University researchers have identified potent monoclonal antibodies against influenza B, showcasing a promising avenue for treatment and preventative strategies in combating the virus. Researchers…
Scientists at Scripps Research have developed a drug-like molecule that potentially blocks the initial stage of type A influenza infection. Currently, flu medications work by…
Scientists at the National Institutes of Health have discovered antibodies that attack a difficult-to-detect area of the influenza virus, shedding light on the relatively unexplored…
As Canada’s flu season collides with record strep A cases and ongoing COVID-19 concerns, a new study is shedding light on our understanding of respiratory…
A new study indicates that October is the best time for young children to have annual flu shot. A study recently published in The BMJ…
The findings may assist in creating vaccines that offer wider protection against various flu strains. Researchers led by Holly Simmons from the University of Pittsburgh…
Scientists at Applied Biological Laboratories Inc. have identified how natural bioactive molecules can effectively relieve cold and flu symptoms by protecting the mucosal barrier function…
Annual flu shots are linked to a lower risk of stroke. According to research recently published in the journal Neurology getting an annual flu vaccination…
Two for one: Repeated seasonal influenza vaccines also provide kids better protection against future flu pandemics, researchers find. Researchers at McMaster University have found that…
If you have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease, you already know about the increased risk of heart attack and stroke. But did…
As winter looms and hospitals across the U.S. continue to be deluged with severe cases of COVID-19, flu season presents a particularly ominous threat this…
A vaccine that induces immune responses to a wide spectrum of influenza virus strains and subtypes has produced strong and durable results in early-stage clinical…
With computer models and lab experiments, researchers are working on a strategy for vaccines that could protect against any influenza virus. Each year, the flu…
Influenza viruses can spread through the air on dust, fibers, and other microscopic particles, according to new research from the University of California, Davis and…
Finding highlights the need for flu vaccines to target multiple sites on virus. Strains of a common subtype of influenza virus, H3N2, have almost universally…
Many flu strains may be capable of mutating to escape universal-vaccine antibodies. Some common strains of influenza have the potential to mutate to evade broad-acting…