Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs. It is caused by influenza viruses, primarily types A and B, which undergo frequent changes, leading to seasonal outbreaks and occasional pandemics. The flu spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Symptoms of influenza include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. While most people recover within a few weeks, influenza can lead to severe complications, such as pneumonia, especially in young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications, with annual vaccines developed to match the most prevalent strains each season. Antiviral medications can also be used to treat the flu, particularly in high-risk populations. Public health measures, such as good hygiene practices, respiratory etiquette, and staying home when symptomatic, are crucial in controlling the spread of influenza.
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…
Experimental mRNA vaccine proves highly effective against H5N1 in animal studies, offering hope for rapid pandemic response. Researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at…
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…
New findings show that a strain of the H5N1 influenza virus has developed only a minimal capacity for airborne transmission. In March, the United States…
The Biological Threat Research Laboratory (BTRL) at Texas Tech University was instrumental in identifying the first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1)…
Some influenza-associated brain disorders may be caused by the virus entering the brain and making proteins, suggesting that antivirals that block protein production might be…
Experimental vaccine targets portions of the flu virus that don’t change. Duke researchers have opened a new avenue in the attack against influenza viruses by…
Researchers documented the first North American cetacean case of avian influenza in a Florida dolphin, underscoring the need for further research on this cross-species virus…
End of the line for endless boosters? Researchers at UC Riverside have developed a new vaccine approach using RNA that is effective against any strain…
Tests show the recombinant vaccine outperforming existing vaccines in some areas. Recombinant protein vaccines, like the Novavax vaccine used to fight COVID-19, offer several advantages…
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…
The findings have raised concerns regarding the conservation of wildlife and the health of ecosystems. A study from the University of California, Davis, and the…
Researchers have long understood that certain viruses and bacteria initiate infections by initially attaching to sugar molecules present on the cell surfaces lining the sinuses…
Researchers discovered that the sac around the lungs contains macrophages that fight flu infections by moving into the lungs, offering new insights into lung health…
Researchers at the Center for Translational Antiviral Research within the Institute for Biomedical Sciences at Georgia State University have discovered that the makeup of gut…
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…
Study shows patients hospitalized for flu or COVID-19 face increased risk of long-term health problems and death. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, extensive research has…