Influenza

A new bill introduced by a group of senators aims to boost universal flu vaccine research by $1 billion over the next 5 years, as health officials continue to investigate the cause of the flu shot’s low efficacy.

While a new report has found that the flu vaccine has been just 36% effective this year, a recent study suggests that history of exposure to flu may, in part, be to blame.

Stay up-to-date on the latest infectious disease news by checking out our top 5 articles of the week.

The lack of a universal flu vaccine and the ease with which borders are crossed means a fast-spreading virus could be devastating.

The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have revealed that adults who are vaccinated are 36% less likely to get the flu. That number jumps to a whopping 59% for young children.

Influenza A (H3N2) has caused most of the illnesses in this severe flu season, but influenza B is becoming increasingly responsible for more infections as the flu season continues to hit the United States.

A Nebraska mother’s Facebook post has parents and health experts around the country wondering if an influenza B infection may have caused hives in a child who did not present with any other flu symptoms.

In case you missed them, we've compiled the top five infectious disease articles from this past week.

The CDC’s acting director provides a somber flu update and stresses the need to stay vigilant against the virus.

Despite a new report indicating that the flu vaccine hasn’t been very effective in North America this year, health officials say it’s still a valuable weapon against this severe flu season.

CDC experts provide a flu update for clinicians via a COCA webinar.

The CDC’s ACIP voted to approve updated adult immunization schedule recommendations for adults aged 19 years or older.

An accredited dentist suggests that practiced care for the mouth and teeth could potentially help individuals during flu season.

Stay up-to-date on the latest infectious disease news by checking out our top 5 articles of the week.

Findings from a new National Institutes of Health study may have important implications for flu vaccine development.

As this season’s flu continues to drive patients to hospitals in droves, an IV bag shortage and tapped out staffing makes infection control particularly difficult.

As flu cases continue to rapidly increase this season, school districts around the country have taken to closing schools in order to prevent the spread of the virus.

Stay up-to-date on the latest infectious disease news by checking out our top 5 articles of the week.

As 49 states report widespread flu activity for the second week in a row, researchers at UCLA offer hope in the form of a new flu vaccine candidate.

William Schaffner, MD, explains what we can expect for the 2017-2018 flu season and how clinicians can ensure their patients get vaccinated.

A new data analysis suggests that individuals born at the time of a flu pandemic are more susceptible to death in future pandemics.

Stay up-to-date on the latest infectious disease news by checking out our top 5 articles of the week.

The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) held a recent briefing on flu season as 49 states report widespread flu activity.

GlaxoSmithKline has announced that the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research has approved expanding the indication for their influenza vaccine to include use in those 6 months of age and older.

Said to have killed more people in a single year than the infamous 14th century European Black Death, the pandemic infected a full third of the world’s population.

A pharmacist cuts through the noise surrounding Oscillococcinum and its alleged role in flu management.

Most of the United States is now seeing widespread flu activity, as health officials urge flu sufferers to receive antiviral treatment as soon as possible.

William Schaffner, MD explains why pregnant women should get vaccinated against flu.

How many of those who recovered from WWI-associated infections had residual neurological impairments that increased their risk for violence?

With 13 more states reporting widespread flu activity in week 51, flu season continued to ramp up in the final weeks of 2017.