Why is this winter flu season so bad?
1 week ago

Why is this winter flu season so bad?

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 As a surge in the number of patients with flu piles pressure on hospitals, health experts have warned this winter flu season is more infectious than last year’s. The UK Health Security Agency’s chief medical advisor Professor Susan Hopkins said last year’s flu season was relatively mild, and cases were much higher this season. open image in gallery Derriford Hospital is one of at least eight English hospitals that issued a critical incident alert to help manage a surge in presentations ) Changing strains of influenza can lead to more patients Dr Leon Peto, a consultant in infectious diseases and microbiology and clinical coordinator for the RECOVERY trial at the University of Oxford, said a season’s rise in flu cases can be can be triggered by the strains of the virus. “The severity of each flu season is variable, even given the same amount of flu that’s around we might see different amounts of severe disease.” Dr Peto said the influenza strains can change slightly year to year, and it was often those slight changes that caused the winter epidemics.

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History of this topic

Hospital wards face ‘pandemic-level’ strain with soaring flu cases triggering winter crisis
6 days, 15 hours ago

Hospital wards face ‘pandemic-level’ strain with soaring flu cases triggering winter crisis

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. Professor Stephen Powis, the national medical director for NHS England, said: “It is hard to …

Hospital flu cases triple on last year amid ‘mammoth demand’ on wards
6 days, 18 hours ago

Hospital flu cases triple on last year amid ‘mammoth demand’ on wards

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. South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust declared a critical incident on Wednesday, with a statement …

Sick season is in full force. What the latest CDC figures show
1 week, 5 days ago

Sick season is in full force. What the latest CDC figures show

Associated Press  

The holidays came with a side of flu for many Americans, with 40 states reporting high or very high levels of illness last week, according to the latest government health data. Pediatric hospitals have been busy since November with RSV, but “influenza has now joined the party,” said Dr. Jason Newland, an infectious diseases specialist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in …

Christmas FLU-NAMI: Experts issue urgent warning as cases surge across UK - call for return of social distancing to protect vulnerable
3 weeks, 1 day ago

Christmas FLU-NAMI: Experts issue urgent warning as cases surge across UK - call for return of social distancing to protect vulnerable

Daily Mail  

Experts have issued an urgent warning ahead of tomorrow's festivities amid spiralling flu infections — calling for 'lockdown' style measures to protect the most vulnerable. Rising pressures come despite data showing less than one in four frontline NHS staff have had the flu vaccine amid fears this year's version is less effective than hoped. Data suggests the flu jab used …

What to know about infectious diseases during this holiday season
3 weeks, 2 days 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 …

US flu season is underway, as cases surge in some areas and vaccinations lag
3 weeks, 5 days ago

US flu season is underway, as cases surge in some areas and vaccinations lag

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The U.S. flu season is underway, with cases surging across much of the country, health officials said Friday. “Just this week is really that turning point where people are out because of the flu,” said Dr. Catherine O’Neal, an infectious diseases doctor at the largest private hospital in the state, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical …

US flu season is underway, as cases surge in some areas and vaccinations lag
3 weeks, 6 days ago

US flu season is underway, as cases surge in some areas and vaccinations lag

India Today  

NEW YORK: The U.S. flu season is underway, with cases surging across much of the country, health officials said Friday. So yeah, we are certainly in flu season now,” said the CDC’s Alicia Budd. “Just this week is really that turning point where people are out because of the flu,” said Dr. Catherine O’Neal, an infectious diseases doctor at the …

NHS warning over Christmas gatherings as flu cases soar in worst December for three years
Trending News
3 weeks, 6 days ago

NHS warning over Christmas gatherings as flu cases soar in worst December for three years

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. The fresh NHS figures, which show hospital admissions for flu cases jumped by more than …

Fresh flu warning as explosion shows 'no signs of letting up' - with hospitalisations up 50 per cent in a week, say health chiefs
3 weeks, 6 days ago

Fresh flu warning as explosion shows 'no signs of letting up' - with hospitalisations up 50 per cent in a week, say health chiefs

Daily Mail  

Britain is being battered by a tidal wave of festive flu, health chiefs warned today. Surveillance programmes that monitor the UK's outbreak suggest flu hospital admissions in England have already surpassed last year's peak and are running at their highest level so far this winter. Surveillance programmes that monitor the UK's outbreak suggest flu hospital admissions in England have already …

Urgent ‘festive flu’ warning as NHS urges people to book pre-Christmas jab
4 weeks, 1 day ago

Urgent ‘festive flu’ warning as NHS urges people to book pre-Christmas jab

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 Eligible people are being urged to take their last change to …

Are you worried about the NHS this winter? Join The Independent Debate
1 month ago

Are you worried about the NHS this winter? Join The Independent Debate

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 NHS is bracing for a challenging winter as health experts …

Flu ‘skyrocketing’ amid spike in cases among children
1 month ago

Flu ‘skyrocketing’ amid spike in cases among children

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. People eligible for a free flu jab or spray have been urged to take …

Flu hangs on in US, fading in some areas and intensifying in others
11 months ago

Flu hangs on in US, fading in some areas and intensifying in others

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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data released Friday …

Rise in patients with winter viruses puts further pressure on hospitals
1 year ago

Rise in patients with winter viruses puts further pressure on hospitals

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. An average of 1,548 people were in hospital each day last week with flu, …

COVID-19 intensifies across California, with the worst probably still to come
1 year ago

COVID-19 intensifies across California, with the worst probably still to come

LA Times  

The winter COVID-and-flu season is ramping up in California and nationwide, with doctors and other experts saying the worst of the respiratory illness season is still to come. “And we’re probably not quite to the zenith of it yet,” said Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, regional chief of infectious diseases at Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “Looking at some of the data that …

Flu and COVID infections got worse over the holidays, with more misery expected, CDC says
1 year ago

Flu and COVID infections got worse over the holidays, with more misery expected, CDC says

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The flu season in the U.S. is getting worse but it’s too soon to tell how much holiday gatherings contributed to a likely spike in illnesses. The flu season generally peaks between December and February; CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen said she expects it to peak by the end of this month. According to CDC estimates, since …

Flu and COVID infections got worse over the holidays, with more misery expected, CDC says
1 year ago

Flu and COVID infections got worse over the holidays, with more misery expected, CDC says

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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

The flu is soaring in seven states and rising in others, health officials say
1 year, 1 month ago

The flu is soaring in seven states and rising in others, health officials say

LA Times  

The U.S. flu season is underway, with at least seven states reporting high levels of illnesses and cases rising in other parts of the country, health officials say. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted new flu data on Friday, showing very high activity this month in Louisiana, and high activity in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New Mexico and …

Vigilance called for as peak flu season starts
1 year, 2 months ago

Vigilance called for as peak flu season starts

China Daily  

By WANG XIAOYU| China Daily| Updated :2023-11-15 Health commission stresses improved monitoring as respiratory illnesses spread China is seeing the circulation of multiple infectious respiratory illnesses this winter, with surging cases of mycoplasma pneumonia, rising cases of influenza flu, but a downward trend in COVID-19 cases in recent days, health authorities and experts said on Monday. Mi Feng, spokesman of …

Respiratory virus season threatens to be a challenge again. Getting vaccinated now can help
1 year, 2 months ago

Respiratory virus season threatens to be a challenge again. Getting vaccinated now can help

CNN  

CNN — The first signs of respiratory virus season are just starting to show in the United States, but experts stress the importance of getting vaccinated now to stay healthy through the winter and reduce strain on the health care system. “With the addition of a third virus that can cause severe disease, even an average respiratory season can place …

Flu jab delay will cause ‘chaos’ and put vulnerable people at risk ahead of difficult winter, GPs warn
1 year, 5 months ago

Flu jab delay will cause ‘chaos’ and put vulnerable people at risk ahead of difficult winter, GPs warn

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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Delays to …

Flu patient numbers in England’s hospitals start to fall after surge
2 years ago

Flu patient numbers in England’s hospitals start to fall after surge

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The number of flu patients in hospital in England has …

Flu batters NHS with cases up to sixty times higher this year than last winter, figures show
2 years ago

Flu batters NHS with cases up to sixty times higher this year than last winter, figures show

Daily Mail  

Flu is hospitalising nearly 60 times more people this year than last winter, official figures show as the NHS continues to be battered by the virus. NHS England data show an average of 1,939 people with flu were in hospital each day last week. Figures for last week show that one in four ambulance patients in England waited more than …

What is the situation in the UK with flu this winter?
2 years ago

What is the situation in the UK with flu this winter?

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. People with flu are advised to let their body rest, get some sleep, stay …

Now CDC calls for people to wear masks over Christmas to stop spread of FLU and RSV
2 years, 1 month ago

Now CDC calls for people to wear masks over Christmas to stop spread of FLU and RSV

Daily Mail  

RSV may finally be starting to slow with case and test positivity figures dropping The CDC reports more than 30,000 confirmed flu cases last week, a new high Nearly all US states are recording 'very high' levels of flu circulation this week America's leading health officials are now recommending masking to prevent the spread of RSV and the flu this …

US flu outbreak: 6MILLION Americans have been infected by flu and 3,000 have died
2 years, 1 month ago

US flu outbreak: 6MILLION Americans have been infected by flu and 3,000 have died

Daily Mail  

America's flu season has returned with a vengeance after years of restrictions More than six million Americans have been infected with flu and nearly 3,000 have died from the disease so far since October — in the worst outbreak in a decade. America's flu season began early this year, with seasonal viruses returning with a vengeance after lockdowns, face masks …

With flu season here, health officials urge communities of color to get vaccinated
2 years, 1 month ago

With flu season here, health officials urge communities of color to get vaccinated

LA Times  

When Sandy Sandoval tries to encourage her family members to get the flu vaccine, they usually tell her that the shot does not work and the vitamins they’re taking are enough to protect them through the season. “I think a lot of people are kind of doing this mental calculus in their mind and saying ‘Well, I got four COVID …

‘Viral jambalaya': Early flu adding to woes for US hospitals
2 years, 1 month 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, 2 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, 2 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 …

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

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

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. Read our privacy policy The U.S. flu season is …

Flu season may have arrived early, health officials warn
2 years, 2 months ago

Flu season may have arrived early, health officials warn

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The UKHSA has urged everyone eligible to get a flu vaccine, saying Covid restrictions …

CDC director warns America is 'ripe' for a 'severe' flu outbreak this winter as cases quadruple
2 years, 3 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 …

Experts anticipate dual Covid AND flu outbreak
2 years, 3 months ago

Experts anticipate dual Covid AND flu outbreak

Daily Mail  

The 'twindemic' is being felt in the south, with Texas reporting a quadrupling of cases in the past month Both Covid and flu could surge this winter causing a dreaded 'twindemic', experts fear — with some southern states already feeling the early stages of an influenza resurgence. The virus is being felt the most across the US south, with Texas, …

‘Twindemic’ warning as health chiefs launch Covid and flu vaccination drive
2 years, 3 months ago

‘Twindemic’ warning as health chiefs launch Covid and flu vaccination drive

The Telegraph  

Health chiefs have warned of a Covid and flu “twindemic” this winter as they launched a renewed vaccination drive. Around 33 million people in England will be eligible for a free flu vaccination this year, while 26 million are also eligible for an autumn Covid-19 booster. Officials at the UK Health Security Agency warned there will be lower levels of …

Health authorities ramp up COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine push as winter case numbers rise
2 years, 6 months ago

Health authorities ramp up COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine push as winter case numbers rise

ABC  

Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Paul Kelly, has issued a fresh plea to anyone who has not had either their COVID-19 booster or the flu shot to get the jabs, saying the "double whammy" of both illnesses is putting a strain on health systems. Key points: Around two-thirds of eligible Australians have had their COVID-19 booster shot Professor Paul Kelly warns …

Flu seasons, like the COVID-19 pandemic, have become unusual and unpredictable. Here's why
2 years, 7 months ago

Flu seasons, like the COVID-19 pandemic, have become unusual and unpredictable. Here's why

ABC  

After the COVID-19 pandemic delivered the world a crash course on virus behaviour, this year's flu season is proving what healthcare specialists and epidemiologists have been saying all along: Viruses are unpredictable and, sometimes, a little weird. "Flu circulation was massively interrupted when countries around the world started imposing restrictions," Dr Sullivan said. Inversely, in some Australian states, testing for …

Queenslanders offered free flu jabs as soaring case numbers project 'frightening' flu season ahead
2 years, 7 months ago

Queenslanders offered free flu jabs as soaring case numbers project 'frightening' flu season ahead

ABC  

Queenslanders are being offered a free flu vaccine in a bid to protect against Influenza A as case numbers surge across the state. Key points: More than 150 Queenslanders have been hospitalised with the flu so far, while 10 are in ICU The Australian Medical Association says Queensland's current flu trajectory is "frightening" Businesses have been warned to prepare for …

A surge in influenza cases in Queensland prompts doctors to issue vaccine warning for children and vulnerable groups
2 years, 7 months ago

A surge in influenza cases in Queensland prompts doctors to issue vaccine warning for children and vulnerable groups

ABC  

Experts have sounded a warning about this year's flu season, with concerns young children will be particularly vulnerable to life-threatening complications. Key points: More than 400 people have been hospitalised with influenza in Queensland this flu season Doctors say children under two are particularly susceptible One expert says flu vaccines should be "essential" in vulnerable settings Queensland flu notifications for …

Your questions about flu season and vaccines answered as a COVID winter looms
2 years, 8 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
2 years, 10 months 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?
2 years, 10 months 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 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 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 …

How will the COVID pandemic affect flu season?
3 years, 1 month ago

How will the COVID pandemic affect flu season?

Al Jazeera  

Experts say Northern Hemisphere countries face an unpredictable winter as COVID continues to spread during the flu season. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are four types of influenza viruses A, B, C and D. But “human influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics of disease known as flu season.” People with influenza …

US health experts urge flu shots to avoid ‘twindemic’
3 years, 3 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 …

Healthcare sector fears flu epidemic in winter
3 years, 3 months ago

Healthcare sector fears flu epidemic in winter

NL Times  

The healthcare sector is concerned about the strain a flu epidemic in the winter could put on the healthcare system, Het Parool reported. The population had less chance to get infected with the flu in the past one and a half years, due to social distancing rules being in place. Now that we haven’t come in contact with flu that …

UK must be prepared for ‘significant flu epidemic’ this winter, says government adviser
3 years, 6 months ago

UK must be prepared for ‘significant flu epidemic’ this winter, says government adviser

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The UK needs to be prepared for a potentially “significant flu …

A welcome casualty, for once, of the COVID-19 pandemic: flu
3 years, 10 months ago

A welcome casualty, for once, of the COVID-19 pandemic: flu

LA Times  

February is usually the peak of flu season, with doctors’ offices and hospitals packed with suffering patients. Scientists don’t fully understand the mechanism behind that, but it would be consistent with patterns seen when certain flu strains predominate over others, said Dr. Arnold Monto, a flu expert at the University of Michigan. Nationally, “this is the lowest flu season we’ve …

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