flu

Stories 101 - 112 | << Prev 

FDA OKs High-Speed Flu Test
 FDA OKs High-Speed Flu Test 

FDA OKs High-Speed Flu Test

Technique will ID new strains in crucial early warning system

(Newser) - A new genetic test for the flu virus, which slashes the time it takes to identify new strains from 4 days to 4 hours, has been approved by the FDA. The test will play a key role in an early warning system if the US is ever struck by a...

Record 145M Targeted for Flu Shots

CDC pushes vaccine for 86% of Americans

(Newser) - Enough flu vaccine is now being manufactured to give shots to a record 145 million people, reports the Washington Post. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention plans an unprecedented campaign to ensure as many children, seniors and pregnant women as possible get shots, up to 86% of the population....

1918 Flu Survivors Still Have Killer Antibodies

Findings help fight against avian flu

(Newser) - The flu pandemic that killed up to 100 million people in 1918 left survivors with a strong set of antibodies—strong enough to still be viable today, Reuters reports. Mice given survivor antibodies managed to fight off the deadly flu when they were infected with the virus extracted from exhumed...

Brits Warn of Devastating Pandemic

World ill-prepared for massive outbreak

(Newser) - The world is in danger of losing up to 50 million people to an "inevitable" flu pandemic, and global response agencies aren't ready for such a test, the British government warns. A report rates early-warning systems as "poorly coordinated" and calls for an overhaul of the World Health...

Death, Illness on Canada Train Not Related
Death, Illness on Canada Train Not Related
UPDATED

Death, Illness on Canada Train Not Related

Woman who died on Via Rail not infectious; quarantine to be lifted

(Newser) - Canadian authorities are set to lift the quarantine on a train en route from Vancouver to Toronto after determining that the 60-year-old passenger who died aboard earlier today "most likely did not have an infectious disease," CTV reports. Ten other passengers came down with flu-like symptoms; "we...

Doctors Fear Flu-Superbug Combo
Doctors Fear Flu-Superbug Combo

Doctors Fear Flu-Superbug Combo

Mix kills 2 kids in Boston after taking 22 lives last year

(Newser) - Doctors nationwide took notice yesterday when two Boston kids died of a combined flu and fatal superbug—an increasingly common mix, ABC News reports. The blend of influenza and the staph infection MRSA killed 22 people last year, a huge jump from three cases the year before. Now, doctors fear...

Asia Unique in Geography of Flu Outbreaks

Climate, season seen as key in incubating strains of virus

(Newser) - Researchers have found yet another thing the West imports from China: the flu. East and Southeast Asia serve as a birthplace for new flu strains, the Times of London reports, thanks to the region’s unique mix of climates. By the time Europe and America get the sniffles six to...

Flu Closes Hong Kong Schools
 Flu Closes Hong Kong Schools 

Flu Closes Hong Kong Schools

'Precautionary measure' sends half a million kids home for two weeks

(Newser) - Over half a million children in Hong Kong are starting their Easter holiday early today after a flu outbreak led the government to order schools to close, AP reports. All kindergartens and primary schools in the densely populated territory will be shut down for two full weeks. Three children have...

All Schoolkids Should Get Flu Shot, Feds Say

CDC panel proposes vaccinations for additional 30M kids

(Newser) - All schoolchildren in the US should get flu shots, a CDC panel advises. Current guidelines call for shots for those ages 6 months to 5 years, but the new recommendation raises the age to 18, an expansion of 30 million youngsters, the AP reports. The CDC is expected to adopt...

Flu Shot: Better Luck Next Year
Flu Shot: Better Luck Next Year

Flu Shot: Better Luck Next Year

FDA includes new strains in formula

(Newser) - Next year's influenza vaccine will be reformulated to include three new flu strains in the hope of developing a more potent vaccine than this year's effort, according to US News & World Report. An FDA panel approved the move, following the lead of the World Health Organization. This year's vaccine...

This Year's Flu Vaccine Missing the Mark

Only 40% effective as unexpected virus strains hit the public

(Newser) - Flu season peaks in early February and experts say this could be a very bad year. Health officials say that is partly because this year's flu vaccines aren't effective enough, the AP reports. "Every area of the country is experiencing lots of flu right now," said a doctor...

Escape the Flu This Season
Escape the Flu This Season

Escape the Flu This Season

Tips for keeping the bug from sneaking up on you

(Newser) - No one wants to come down with the flu, especially during the holidays. Follow these tips to protect yourself:
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Avoid crowds. Shop online and cover your face if someone sneezes near you.

Stories 101 - 112 | << Prev