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Articles on Influenza

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The impact of the flu on a population can be measured by looking at figures including cases, hospitalisations and deaths. From shutterstock.com

It’s a bad year for flu, but it’s too early to call it the worst ever – 5 charts on the 2019 season so far

Headlines about this year’s flu season have been alarming. It’s true, we are having a serious season – but the data doesn’t indicate it’s the worst one we’ve ever had.
You might feel terrible. But your runny nose, sore throat and aches are signs your body is fighting the flu virus. And that’s a good thing. from www.shutterstock.com

Sick with the flu? Here’s why you feel so bad

How can a tiny flu virus make you feel so bad, all over? Here’s what’s behind your high temperature, muscle aches and other flu symptoms.
Children are more likely than adults to catch and spread influenza. From shutterstock.com

Kids are more vulnerable to the flu – here’s what to look out for this winter

Children’s immune systems are more vulnerable to the flu; even kids who are otherwise healthy can develop complications. The best way to protect children is by having them vaccinated.
They’re not perfect, but flu shots are still good to get. AP Photo/David Goldman

This year the flu came in two waves – here’s why

The 2018-2019 flu season was less deadly than the last. But the pattern of infection was unusual, thanks to the various strains circulating and the way flu shots work over time.
The new approach to keep research ready to go could be useful for other health emergencies, including other infectious diseases. from www.shutterstock.com

How the UK is leading the world on flu research, ready to kick in quickly when the next pandemic hits

All too often, researchers around the world act in competition when trying to answer research questions in an emergency situation, such as outbreaks of the flu. The UK is trialling a new approach.
The flu comes on rapidly and symptoms get worse over the first few days. Shutterstock

We can’t predict how bad this year’s flu season will be but here’s what we know so far

The 2018 flu season was mild, while 2017 was a particularly bad year. It’s impossible to predict what the 2019 flu season has in store, but we’ve seen more cases so far this year than usual.
What goes up must come down, and that includes the protection the flu vaccine offers against influenza. Irina Bg/Shutterstock

When’s the best time to get your flu shot?

Protection wanes after four or five months, so for most people, it makes sense to get a flu shot in mid to late May or early June so you’re protected when the flu season peaks in August or September.
Californians in June 2015 protest a bill that did away with personal belief exemptions for vaccinating children before they enter school. Rich Pedroncelli/AP Photo

Countering misinformation about flu vaccine is harder than it seems

Vaccination rates for children in some parts of California are down, despite a law that narrowed exemptions. Here’s a look at why people refuse to listen to evidence when it comes to the flu vaccine.
The flu shot decrease the risk of heart attacks in healthy individuals, according to research. Here, pipettes containing immune cells for testing against possible flu vaccines are seen at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., in 2017. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Get the flu shot – to lower your risk of a heart attack

Your risk of a heart attack increases 600 per cent within a week of catching the flu. The flu shot decreases that risk, whether you catch the flu or not.

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