Early Flu Season Hits Hard
12 years, 2 months ago

Early Flu Season Hits Hard

ABC News  

The flu is back and with a vengeance. Hitting the U.S. unusually early and hard this year, the flu season has officially arrived and it won't be departing any time soon. If you're young and healthy, the flu may just make you feel lousy for a week or two, miss some work, and spread the infection to some of your favorite people. In adults ages 18-65 the benefits of the flu shot vary year by year, but on average the vaccine is 59 percent protective. It isn't clear how long protection lasts and most years the vaccine protects against different strains of flu than the year before.

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History of this topic

No mismatch between circulating flu strains and vaccine strains
5 days, 5 hours ago

No mismatch between circulating flu strains and vaccine strains

The Hindu  

On March 7 and March 8, several newspapers reported a surge in influenza cases in the Delhi-NCR region, with some mentioning the “spike” as over 54%. According to NCDC’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme data posted on February 27, 2025, there were 516 influenza cases and six deaths in January this year. Acute respiratory infection surveillance between 2016 and 2018 by …

Here's Exactly How Long It Takes To Get Sick After Being Exposed To The Flu
3 weeks ago

Here's Exactly How Long It Takes To Get Sick After Being Exposed To The Flu

Huff Post  

Ika84 via Getty Images The body aches, fever and tiredness that the flu causes come on one to four days after being exposed to the virus. The typical flu incubation period, which is the time it takes from being exposed to a virus to coming down with symptoms, is “somewhere between one and four days,” Thielen said. “Symptoms can occur …

What to know about infectious diseases during this holiday season
3 months ago

What to know about infectious diseases during this holiday season

LA Times  

It’s that time of year, when families and friends come together to share their holiday cheer and a few circulating pathogens. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at UC San Francisco, said people should be on the lookout for the “Big Four”: three respiratory viruses currently moving through the U.S. — influenza, COVID-19 and RSV — and one stomach virus …

Revealed: The common medications that make your flu shot less effective
4 months, 1 week ago

Revealed: The common medications that make your flu shot less effective

Daily Mail  

Everyone is asked to get the flu shot every year to slash their risk of infection and hospitalization. While the flu shot is widely recommended, doctors are advising people to be careful about the medications they use before or after they get vaccinated because some drugs could decrease the vaccine's efficacy. There are more than 295 drugs that can interact …

Don’t wait for a holiday surge. Now is a good time to get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Don’t wait for a holiday surge. Now is a good time to get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — If you missed the early fall push for flu and COVID-19 vaccines, it’s not too late. “Why not get a vaccine that’s going to help you reduce that risk?” Who needs a fall COVID-19 or flu vaccination? In addition, the CDC is recommending that people 65 and older get a second COVID-19 shot six months after their fall …

The flu shot is different this year, thanks to COVID
5 months, 1 week ago

The flu shot is different this year, thanks to COVID

NPR  

The flu shot is different this year, thanks to COVID toggle caption Mark J. Terrill/AP This year’s flu shot will be missing a strain of influenza it’s protected against for more than a decade. One reason COVID mitigation efforts were so effective at eliminating B/Yamagata is there was already a fair amount of immunity in the population against this strain …

Nasal spray flu vaccine approved for home use: Here’s what to know
6 months ago

Nasal spray flu vaccine approved for home use: Here’s what to know

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first nasal spray …

Flu shots are doing OK vs. virus, US numbers indicate
1 year ago

Flu shots are doing OK vs. virus, US numbers indicate

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Early estimates suggest flu shots are performing OK in the current U.S. winter flu season. The vaccines were around 40% effective in preventing adults from getting sick enough from the flu that they had to go to a doctor’s office, clinic or hospital, health officials said during a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccines meeting Wednesday. …

Why Does Everyone Seem To Have The Flu Right Now?
1 year, 1 month ago

Why Does Everyone Seem To Have The Flu Right Now?

Huff Post  

visualspace via Getty Images Influenza cases are definitely more prominent this year, and experts have a few theories. “That is a large impact from this season,” noted Alicia Budd, the CDC’s team lead for domestic flu surveillance. Though it’s tough to pinpoint any single reason for this season’s bustling flu activity, flu experts shed light here on what’s going on …

The Long Quest for a Universal Flu Vaccine Finally Takes Its First Steps
1 year, 4 months ago

The Long Quest for a Universal Flu Vaccine Finally Takes Its First Steps

Wired  

At state health departments and academic medical centers, and at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, epidemiologists are intently watching two sets of data: the number of flu cases and the number of Americans taking flu shots. But there’s one more piece of data that will let analysts know how this flu season will unroll: whether the vaccine …

What you need to know as fall vaccinations against COVID, flu and RSV get underway
1 year, 5 months ago

What you need to know as fall vaccinations against COVID, flu and RSV get underway

LA Times  

U.S. health officials are urging almost everyone to get both an updated COVID-19 shot and flu vaccine. Health officials said last week that shots for children have started shipping — and reminded most everyone to get a fall flu shot too. Everyone 5 and older will need just one shot this fall even if they’ve never had a prior vaccination, …

This Is The Best Time To Get Your Flu Shot This Year
1 year, 6 months ago

This Is The Best Time To Get Your Flu Shot This Year

Huff Post  

VioletaStoimenova via Getty Images It's officially flu season. The flu kills tens of thousands of people every year ― the CDC noted that it has caused “12,000-52,000 deaths annually between 2010 and 2020.” Below, vaccine experts share when to get your flu shot this year and why it’s important to get the jab. “People, unfortunately, gotten used to saying it’s …

When is the best time to get a flu shot? And what kind should I get?
1 year, 6 months ago

When is the best time to get a flu shot? And what kind should I get?

LA Times  

Flu season is just around the corner, and the time is fast approaching for residents to consider getting their annual vaccine. Here’s a primer on flu shots, based on information shared by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: When is the best time to get a flu shot? Health officials suggest that those age 65 and older get …

'Just in case': Vaccine makers say bird flu shots for humans can be made in months
2 years ago

'Just in case': Vaccine makers say bird flu shots for humans can be made in months

India Today  

Some of the world's leading makers of flu vaccines say they could make hundreds of millions of bird flu shots for humans within months if a new strain of avian influenza ever jumps across the species divide. NEW APPROACHES In a pandemic, vaccine manufacturers would shift production of seasonal flu vaccines and instead make shots tailored to the new outbreak …

Should You Still Get The Flu Shot Even If You've Already Had The Flu?
2 years, 2 months ago

Should You Still Get The Flu Shot Even If You've Already Had The Flu?

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING In the United States, an estimated 9 to 41 million people are infected each year with influenza, commonly known as the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “If you were infected with the flu earlier, you likely have one of the four influenza strains circulating this season,” said Dr. Marie-Louise Landry, a professor …

‘Viral jambalaya': Early flu adding to woes for US hospitals
2 years, 4 months ago

‘Viral jambalaya': Early flu adding to woes for US hospitals

Associated Press  

As Americans head into the holiday season, a rapidly intensifying flu season is straining hospitals already overburdened with patients sick from other respiratory infections. In Atlanta, Dr. Mark Griffiths describes the mix as a “viral jambalaya.” He said the children’s hospitals in his area have at least 30% more patients than usual for this time of year, with many patients …

The flu season is approaching. Are you prepared? Here's what doctor suggests
2 years, 4 months ago

The flu season is approaching. Are you prepared? Here's what doctor suggests

Hindustan Times  

Influenza or ‘flu’ as it is commonly called, has caused massive global pandemics and resulted in uncountable deaths globally since it is a highly transmissible infection affecting both adults and children. For these individuals, the annual flu vaccination before the seasonal onset of the virus becomes a high priority.” Talking about flu vaccination and why is it needed annually, he …

US flu season off to a fast start as other viruses spread
2 years, 4 months ago

US flu season off to a fast start as other viruses spread

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The U.S. flu season is off to an unusually fast start, adding to an autumn mix of viruses that have been filling hospitals and doctor waiting rooms. Reports of flu are already high in 17 states, and the hospitalization rate hasn’t been this high this early since the 2009 swine flu pandemic, according to the Centers for …

CDC director warns America is 'ripe' for a 'severe' flu outbreak this winter as cases quadruple
2 years, 5 months ago

CDC director warns America is 'ripe' for a 'severe' flu outbreak this winter as cases quadruple

Daily Mail  

And other respiratory illnesses are also spiking way before their typical seasons Almost half of a San Diego school were off on Wednesday with flu symptoms Cases have quadrupled since August in sign flu crisis will hit earlier than usual Americans should brace for a ‘severe’ flu outbreak this winter, one of the country's top doctors has warned. Experts are …

It’s flu vaccine time and seniors need revved-up shots
2 years, 5 months ago

It’s flu vaccine time and seniors need revved-up shots

Associated Press  

Doctors have a message for vaccine-weary Americans: Don’t skip your flu shot this fall -- and seniors, ask for a special extra-strength kind. This year we know flu is back,” said influenza specialist Richard Webby of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. Here’s what to know: REVVED-UP SHOTS FOR SENIORS As people get older, their immune system doesn’t respond …

It's flu vaccine time and seniors need revved-up shots
2 years, 5 months ago

It's flu vaccine time and seniors need revved-up shots

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. This year we know flu is back,” said influenza …

Op-Ed: You might need a COVID booster yearly. But this virus is still nothing like the flu
2 years, 6 months ago

Op-Ed: You might need a COVID booster yearly. But this virus is still nothing like the flu

LA Times  

Should everyone eligible get the new Omicron-specific COVID booster? In San Francisco, when talking to families of vaccinated individuals who died, I’ve often learned that the patient rushed to get their first two shots after the vaccine was authorized in December 2020 but had not received a booster despite third shots being greenlit last fall. Even with increased population immunity, …

The Best Time To Get Your 2022 Flu Shot, According To A Vaccine Expert
2 years, 7 months ago

The Best Time To Get Your 2022 Flu Shot, According To A Vaccine Expert

Huff Post  

VioletaStoimenova via Getty Images It's officially flu season. The flu kills tens of thousands of people every year ― the CDC noted that it has caused “12,000-52,000 deaths annually between 2010 and 2020.” Below, a vaccine expert shares when to get your flu shot this year and why it’s important to get the jab. “I tell people, ‘don’t necessarily get …

Can I get the flu jab if I've just had COVID-19? What you need to know about winter with both viruses
2 years, 10 months ago

Can I get the flu jab if I've just had COVID-19? What you need to know about winter with both viruses

ABC  

Flu season has officially arrived, with Australia already seeing thousands of cases of the virus. Both COVID-19 and influenza are now circulating in the community, and health authorities are pleading with people to get their flu shot to reduce the "life-threatening" risk of having both at the same time. "Once you're better, and once you're out of isolation, you can …

Your questions about flu season and vaccines answered as a COVID winter looms
2 years, 11 months ago

Your questions about flu season and vaccines answered as a COVID winter looms

ABC  

As the mercury drops and days get shorter, sniffles, sore throat and other classic symptoms of flu typically start rearing their snotty, grotty heads. The flu vax protects against four viruses Two influenza A : H1N1 was first detected in the Americas in 2009 and caused the 2009-10 swine flu pandemic H3N2 was behind the 1968 flu pandemic, which killed …

This season’s flu vaccine seems to be a poor match, preliminary CDC data shows, but it has been a mild flu season
3 years ago

This season’s flu vaccine seems to be a poor match, preliminary CDC data shows, but it has been a mild flu season

CNN  

CNN — The flu vaccine has not been a great a match for the predominant viruses this season, preliminary data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows – but the season isn’t over, and the estimate could change, the agency told CNN on Thursday. CDC spokesperson Kristen Nordlund also told CNN in an email that the agency …

A mild U.S. flu season is waning, but is it really over?
3 years, 1 month ago

A mild U.S. flu season is waning, but is it really over?

LA Times  

This winter’s mild flu season has faded to a trickle of cases in much of the U.S., but health officials aren’t ready to call it over. Kids have driven flu’s spread in past years, so “it’s quite possible we could see continued increases,” Brammer said. It seems like the current flu season is “easing to the finish line,” said Dr. …

Flu is making a comeback in US after an unusual year off
3 years, 3 months ago

Flu is making a comeback in US after an unusual year off

Associated Press  

The U.S. flu season has arrived on schedule after taking a year off, with flu hospitalizations rising and two child deaths reported. “This is setting itself up to be more of a normal flu season,” said Lynnette Brammer, who tracks flu-like illnesses for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s a sad reminder of how severe flu can …

Flu is making a comeback in the U.S. after an unusual year off
3 years, 3 months ago

Flu is making a comeback in the U.S. after an unusual year off

LA Times  

Nurse Megan Chamberlain gives a flu shot to Anthony Devitt at a vaccine clinic in Brattleboro, Vt., on Oct. 26. “This is setting itself up to be more of a normal flu season,” said Lynnette Brammer, who tracks flu-like illnesses for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s a sad reminder of how severe flu can be.” During …

US health experts urge flu shots to avoid ‘twindemic’
3 years, 5 months ago

US health experts urge flu shots to avoid ‘twindemic’

Associated Press  

The U.S. is gearing up in case of a bad flu season on top of the continuing COVID-19 crisis, with a plea Thursday for Americans to get vaccinated against both. “We are preparing for the return of the flu.” Flu cases dropped to historically low levels globally over the pandemic, as restrictions designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus …

It’s flu vaccine time, even if you’ve had your COVID shots
3 years, 5 months ago

It’s flu vaccine time, even if you’ve had your COVID shots

Associated Press  

Amid all the focus on COVID-19 vaccinations, U.S. health experts have another plea: Don’t skip your flu shot. “People are sick to death of hearing about having to roll on out and get vaccines of any sort,” said flu specialist Richard Webby of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. Flu vaccines aren’t as powerful as vaccines against some other …

It’s flu vaccine time, even if you’ve had your COVID shots
3 years, 5 months ago

It’s flu vaccine time, even if you’ve had your COVID shots

LA Times  

A patient receives a flu shot in Mesquite, Texas. “People are sick to death of hearing about having to roll on out and get vaccines of any sort,” said flu specialist Richard Webby of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. COVID-19 restrictions including masking and staying home — especially for children, who are flu’s biggest spreaders — clearly …

When to get a flu shot in 2021
3 years, 6 months ago

When to get a flu shot in 2021

CNN  

CNN — Flu season and public health experts’ calls to get your flu shot come around every year, but it’s more important now than ever. Mario Tama/Getty Images “People who are older, with compromised immune systems, may have waning immunity, and so sometimes are to get their flu vaccines too early,” said CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency …

To fight Covid-19 and flu, joint vaccine clinics emerge
3 years, 6 months ago

To fight Covid-19 and flu, joint vaccine clinics emerge

CNN  

CNN — They’re a fall staple in most communities across the United States: flu shot clinics. “There has been an expectation that the flu would be worse this year than in year’s past, however our county is at a critical stage with COVID-19 transmission rates being at record levels, so that has been our main focus, in preventing outbreaks and …

What Happens If You Get Your Flu Shot And COVID Booster At The Same Time?
3 years, 6 months ago

What Happens If You Get Your Flu Shot And COVID Booster At The Same Time?

Huff Post  

Photo Agnes Elisabeth Szucs via Getty Images Can you get a COVID booster and flu vaccine at the same time? Yes, you can get a flu shot and a COVID vaccine at the same time If you’re eligible for a COVID vaccine, you can absolutely get one at the same time that you get the flu vaccine, according to the …

Here are the key reasons to get a flu shot — now
3 years, 6 months ago

Here are the key reasons to get a flu shot — now

NPR  

Here are the key reasons to get a flu shot — now Enlarge this image Cristina Spanò for NPR Cristina Spanò for NPR With all the talk about COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, it's easy to forget that another dangerous respiratory virus is poised to strike — the flu. "While the most important thing is to get any flu shot, there …

Will we all need COVID vaccine booster shots?
3 years, 8 months ago

Will we all need COVID vaccine booster shots?

Al Jazeera  

As more and more people are fully vaccinated around the world, attention has turned to whether or not booster vaccines will be required to maintain immunity and to protect against emerging variants of the COVID-19 virus. by Dr Amir Khan On July 8, Pfizer-BioNTech announced that it plans to apply for emergency authorisation for a booster dose of its vaccine, …

Does the flu vaccine affect my chances of getting COVID-19?
4 years, 5 months ago

Does the flu vaccine affect my chances of getting COVID-19?

Associated Press  

Does the flu vaccine affect my chances of getting COVID-19? Not to mention the confusion factor: The illnesses have such similar early symptoms that people who get the flu may mistakenly think they have COVID-19, said Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious disease specialist at Mayo Clinic. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the flu vaccine for everyone …

5 Flu And COVID-19 Myths People Need To Stop Believing
4 years, 5 months ago

5 Flu And COVID-19 Myths People Need To Stop Believing

Huff Post  

dragana991 via Getty Images Flu season and the COVID-19 pandemic are set to collide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it’s “likely” that the viruses that cause the flu and the viruses that cause COVID-19 will both be circulating this fall and winter. “It doesn’t make risk zero.” Myth: The flu vaccine could make you sick, weak or …

U.S. Flu Season Beginning To Ease, Modelers Say
5 years ago

U.S. Flu Season Beginning To Ease, Modelers Say

NPR  

Flu Season Beginning To Ease, Modelers Say Enlarge this image toggle caption Joe Raedle/Getty Images Joe Raedle/Getty Images While health officials in the United States wait to see just how bad a public health challenge COVID-19 will pose, they still have to deal with an all-too-familiar challenge: flu. This year's flu season started picking up steam around Thanksgiving. Sponsor Message …

When should I get the flu vaccine, and does coronavirus change things?
5 years ago

When should I get the flu vaccine, and does coronavirus change things?

ABC  

With coronavirus now spreading in parts of the Australian community, many people have been wondering whether they need to get their flu jab early this year. Key points: Australians are recommended to get their flu shot from mid-April It's unclear how much seasonal flu could worsen COVID-19, but experts want to avoid people having both Flu vaccinations are free for …

Flu shot: This season’s offers ‘substantial protection’ in a season tough on children
5 years, 1 month ago

Flu shot: This season’s offers ‘substantial protection’ in a season tough on children

CNN  

CNN — The flu season is still in full swing and it’s likely to continue for several more weeks, and if you haven’t gotten a flu shot yet, you should, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vaccine doesn’t offer perfect protection – it never does – but a new CDC report says it has significantly …

The flu season is hitting young people particularly hard. And it’s not over
5 years, 2 months ago

The flu season is hitting young people particularly hard. And it’s not over

LA Times  

Phlebotomist Stephanie Nuyda works on her patient, Gerald Morris, in the ER at Torrance Memorial Hospital in Torrance on Friday. The emergence of an unlikely strain of influenza has sickened and killed an unusually high number of young people in California this flu season, according to doctors and public health experts. Most people hospitalized with the flu in Los Angeles …

US on track for one of the worst flu seasons in decades
5 years, 2 months ago

US on track for one of the worst flu seasons in decades

CNN  

CNN — This flu season is shaping up to be one of the worst in decades, according to the United States’ top infectious disease doctor. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said while it’s impossible to predict how the flu will play out, the season so far is on track to be as …

All you need to know about the flu shot
5 years, 4 months ago

All you need to know about the flu shot

Firstpost  

Here is a primer on some of the most common types of flu vaccines along with some of the key facts about this year’s flu shots. Well, experts say that the influenza virus — the microorganisms that cause the flu — is smart and keeps on changing its genetic material every year. If a child — between two and eight …

Pregnant women must get their flu shots to help avoid future influenza epidemics
5 years, 5 months ago

Pregnant women must get their flu shots to help avoid future influenza epidemics

Salon  

This story originally appeared on Massive Science, an editorial partner site that publishes science stories by scientists. This flu shot is generated months in advance of flu season, based on the three “biggest risk” strains in southern hemisphere countries that have already experienced their flu season for the year. Some people may feel slightly ill or warm after getting their …

Flu shot more likely to save your life than not getting it, says influenza researcher
5 years, 7 months ago

Flu shot more likely to save your life than not getting it, says influenza researcher

ABC  

A flu expert says getting vaccinated against the infectious disease is more likely to save your life than without it, yet only around 30-40 per cent of people are taking up the shot. Key points: A Griffith University professor says only 30-40 per cent of people get vaccinated against influenza Professor Paul Van Buynder says the vaccine is only 60 …

Does a simple flu need a vaccination ? Absolutely YES!
5 years, 10 months ago

Does a simple flu need a vaccination ? Absolutely YES!

Firstpost  

Say the word ‘Flu’ and people respond with a simple head nod or shrug, with the immense assurance that all will be well soon. For pregnant women, children under 5, the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions, and healthcare workers, the flu is more severe and can result in hospitalisation or death. There are various strains that cause influenza: Type …

When is the best time to get your flu shot?
5 years, 11 months ago

When is the best time to get your flu shot?

ABC  

When most of us get the flu, we spend three or four days on the couch feeling miserable, then we bounce back pretty quickly. Protection often will have begun to wane four or five months later, so getting vaccinated in mid to late May, or even early June, will give you better protection at the height of the flu season. …

This year’s flu vaccine effective against top influenza strains
6 years, 1 month ago

This year’s flu vaccine effective against top influenza strains

Salon  

This article originally appeared on Healthline, the world’s second-largest health information website, which brings you transparent health information so you can make confident decisions for living well. This prediction is based on: information about how the viruses spread during the past year which previous virus strains caused the most illness how well the previous season’s flu vaccine “matched” the viruses …

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