Flu
Latest about Flu
A single gene mutation could enable H5N1 to spread between people, study finds
By Nicoletta Lanese published
A new laboratory study pinpoints a way H5N1 could evolve to spread from person to person.
How to avoid bird flu
By Stephanie Pappas published
The vast majority of human cases of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. have resulted from direct contact with animals, so a few simple precautions can keep most people's risk very low.
Canada reports 1st local case of H5 bird flu
By Nicoletta Lanese published
A teen in Canada may be the first person to catch an H5 bird flu virus within the country. Health officials are now working to confirm the diagnosis.
H5N1 bird flu is evolving to better infect mammals, CDC study suggests
By Kamal Nahas published
Rising H5N1 bird flu cases in the U.S. prompted the CDC to study the virus in ferrets, revealing it may have the potential to spread and cause severe symptoms in other mammals.
How to get better faster when you have the flu, according to science
By Emily Cooke published
Experts explain how to shorten a flu infection.
How do people die of the flu?
By Bryan Rocha, Nicoletta Lanese published
Severe flu infections can lead to a range of deadly complications, especially in people whose immune systems are compromised by age or disease.
How long is the flu contagious?
By Marilyn Perkins published
Many factors affect the infectious period of seasonal influenza, commonly called "the flu," but there are some good rules of thumb for when it's safe to return to work or school.
Flu shot lowers hospitalization risk by 35% in vulnerable groups, data hint
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Data from the Southern Hemisphere hint that this year's flu shot lowers the risk of hospitalization among vulnerable demographics.
Flu shots have changed this year — here's why
By Emily Cooke published
Unlike past flu shots, flu vaccines for the 2024-2025 season don't contain the "Yamagata lineage" of influenza viruses because evidence suggests that type of flu no longer exists.
Source of person's recent bird flu case remains a mystery — and experts say that's concerning
By Kamal Nahas last updated
The latest human case of bird flu in the U.S. occurred in a patient with no reported exposure to affected animals, sparking questions over whether the virus is spreading between people. Experts say that's unlikely but argue the case raises other concerns.
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