Influenza virus – News, Research and Analysis – The Conversation

The influenza virus, which causes seasonal flu, is back at its usual rate after a hiatus due to health measures. (Shutterstock)

January 15, 2024

RSV, flu and COVID: demystifying the triple epidemic of respiratory viruses

Nathalie Grandvaux, Université de Montréal

The current triple epidemic of respiratory viruses is affecting all age groups, prompting comparisons with the pre-COVID-19 era.

April 23, 2023

Flu or COVID? You can now test for both at home with a single swab. Here’s what you need to know

Thea van de Mortel, Griffith University

Knowing if you have COVID or the flu can affect when you get vaccinated, need a particular antiviral, or if you need to work from home. But these combination tests can be expensive.

Nigeria has to step up biosecurity measures to check frequent bird flu outbreaks. Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP via Getty Images

March 16, 2023

Bird flu: Nigeria is on major migratory bird routes, new strains keep appearing

Clement Meseko, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Jos

Bird flu has been recurring in Africa since 2006 and Nigeria is heavily affected. High-level biosecurity measures are required to keep people and animals safe.

Broad protection from a universal flu vaccine could replace seasonal flu shots. Flavio Coelho/Moment via Getty Images

February 7, 2023

How do you make a universal flu vaccine? A microbiologist explains the challenges, and how mRNA could offer a promising solution

Deborah Fuller, University of Washington

Annual flu vaccines are in a constant race against a rapidly mutating virus that may one day cause the next pandemic. A one-time vaccine protecting against all variants could give humanity a leg up.

In the UK, more than 150 cases of bird flu have been reported between September and November of this year alone. Mark Agnor/ Shutterstock

November 22, 2022

Bird flu: UK is seeing its largest ever outbreak – which may prove particularly deadly for wild birds

Alastair Ward, University of Leeds

The UK government has set up a special task force to investigate.

Viral surveillance and prediction may be key parts of figuring out what goes into a vaccine. Pexels Cover/500px via Getty Images

June 2, 2022

Future COVID-19 booster shots will likely need fresh formulations as new coronavirus variants of concern continue to emerge

David R. Martinez, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

A new generation of vaccines and boosters against SARS-CoV-2 may take a page from the anti-influenza playbook, with shots periodically tailored to target the most commonly circulating virus strains.

Wouldn’t it be nice if one shot could protect you for life? Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images

January 27, 2021

A universal influenza vaccine may be one step closer, bringing long-lasting protection against flu

Patricia L. Foster, Indiana University

You need a new shot every year because current flu vaccines provide limited and temporary protection. But researchers’ new strategy could mean a one-and-done influenza vaccine is on the way.

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

June 13, 2019

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

Stephen Turner, Monash University

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.

They’re not perfect, but flu shots are still good to get. AP Photo/David Goldman

May 29, 2019

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

Patricia L. Foster, Indiana University

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.

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