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Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus that infects the nose, throat and/or lungs. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache and fatigue. The virus spreads via droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, or, less commonly, by touching a contaminated surface, then touching one's face. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 3-11% of the U.S. population gets sick with the flu each year, and 4,900-52,000 people die. Getting vaccinated for the flu each year is the best way to prevent infection. 

COVID-19 and the Flu

This Week in Virology

Tackling Flu in the Time of COVID-19: Lessons Learned and the Path Forward

Oct. 15, 2023

Recent changes in the epidemiology of avian H5N1 influenza virus and the threat to humans and other animals.

May 7, 2021

 The induction of inappetence by respiratory virus infection which causes alteration of the gut microbiome.

Sept. 26, 2019

Jesse Bloom discusses his research on influenza virus evolution, immunity and cooperation by studying influenza viruses at the human population, cell culture and single cell levels.

 

Annual vaccination is the best way to protect oneself against the flu. Although the seasonal flu vaccine is widely available, less than 50% of the total U.S. population got vaccinated for the latest season on record. This is a public health concern. Improved funding and education is needed to facilitate widespread coverage.