Influenza News

Scientists have developed a formula that can predict the evolution of the seasonal flu for the next year. This will allow health providers to prepare and the public to be aware of the most serious instances of flu.

The strain of influenza that caused the 1918 flu pandemic (Spanish flu) probably came from birds, according to a new study.

Every season, flu causes on average 200,000 Americans to go to the hospital and kills thousands to tens of thousands of people, according to the U.S. CDC. This is the startling headline in a new report about flu.

Canadian researchers estimate that this season's flu vaccine is about 70 percent effective so far, which is much higher than the recent 24 percent estimate reported by a Spanish team.

The differences in the seasonal flu strains relate to tiny mutations in the influenza virus genes. However, major pandemics are connected to major genetic shifts. By studying these differences, scientists hope to predict the seriousness of the flu season.

The Chinese government has reported the first two human cases of H10N8 avian influenza. One case is linked to the death of a 73-year-old woman.

The death of a medical worker in China has prompted concern that the avian flu virus can spread between humans. This follows a second presumed case of human-to-human transfer.

Researchers are developing an advanced type of nanotechnology that “traps” viruses before they can infect host cells. This is designed to reduce the rate of flu infections.

How effective is Tamiflu? According to a U.K. parliamentary committee, no one really knows because the drugmakers have not disclosed enough data on the anti-influenza medicine.

A study has shown that mice lacking a certain protein, called Tmprss2, are no longer affected by particular flu viruses.