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187 Results for search "Flu".

Health News Results - 187

ERs Might Be Good Spots to Offer Flu Shots

TUESDAY, March 26, 2024 (HealthDay News) — New research offers an easy prescription to get people to roll up their sleeves for a flu shot.

Just ask them to. 

And then reinforce the invitation with a little video and print encouragement.

"Our study adds to the growing body of knowledge showing that a number of important public health interventions can and should be deliv...

Flu May Be Tougher on Brain Health Than COVID-19: Study

THURSDAY, March 21, 2024 (HealthDay News) — The flu is more likely to lead to a neurological disorder than COVID, according to a new study that surprised its authors. 

"While the results were not what we expected to find, they are reassuring in that we found being hospitalized with COVID did not lead to more care for common neurological conditions when compared to being hospitalize...

Bird Flu Found in Sea Mammals, Upping Risk to Humans

Bird flu has mutated to spread more easily between birds and marine mammals, increasing the potential risk to humans, a new study warns.

Four sea lions, one fur seal and a tern found dead in Argentina all tested positive for the avian influenza virus H5N1, researchers report.

Further, genetic analysis revealed that the virus was nearly identical in all the animals, and shared adapta...

  • Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
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  • March 1, 2024
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How Would an FDA Ban on Popular Cold Meds Affect Americans?

America's most popular cold medications contain a nasal decongestant that doesn't work, creating a knotty dilemma for regulators, a new study reports.

Cold remedies containing phenylephrine remain consumers' most popular choice, despite decades of concern that the decongestant simply isn't effective, researchers say.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering whether to pu...

Folks Often Hide Infectious Illness at Work, Socializing

A disturbing number of people sick with an infectious disease conceal their illness to avoid missing work, travel or social events, new research reveals.

About three in four people (75%) had either hidden an infectious illness from others at least once or might do so in the future.

These folks reported boarding planes, going on dates and engaging in other social activities while sic...

Feed a Cold and a Fever, Experts Say

The old saying “feed a cold, starve a fever” is baloney, doctors say.

People fighting off a seasonal respiratory virus need adequate nutrition, regardless of their symptoms, according to advice from the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Fever is just one of the many defense mechanisms the human body uses to stave off any infection, said

  • Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
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  • January 26, 2024
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  • Putting the Lid Down Won't Cut Germ Spread From a Toilet Flush

    THURSDAY, Jan. 25, 2024 (HealthDay news) -- It's been said that closing the toilet lid before flushing can prevent the spread of all germs, by keeping any flush-produced mist in the bowl.

    But a new study refutes that, showing that tiny viral particles spread to many restroom surfaces during toilet flushing -- whether the lid is up or down.

    The only effective way of reducing the spre...

    • Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
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    • January 25, 2024
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    Robitussin Honey Cough Syrup Recalled Due to Fungal Threat

    The maker of Robitussin has recalled eight lots of Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult and Robitussin Honey CF Max Nighttime Adult cough syrups.

    The products, which are made by Haleon, may be contaminated with a microbe, and "in immunocompromised individuals, the use of the affected product could potentially result in severe or life-threatening adverse events such as fungemia or disseminate...

    Flu, COVID Are Spreading: Protect Your Heart

    Flu and COVID are sweeping across the country, posing a particular hazard to people at risk for heart disease.

    These respiratory infections can trigger heart complications from fever, dehydration and inflammation, experts from Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital say.

    Mount Sinai doctors are seeing an increase in heart problems prompted by respiratory infections, and it's happening acr...

    Flu Activity Slows Down, But Season Far From Over: CDC

    Following weeks of increases in flu activity, the latest U.S. government data shows "a single-week decrease" for the first time in months.

    But health officials warn that the flu season is far from over, with a surge expected shortly.

    "Folks try not to seek care during the holiday season, so we see these divots in the surveillanc...

    • Robin Foster HealthDay Reporter
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    • January 15, 2024
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    Could Antibody Discovery Lead to Better Flu Vaccines?

    Researchers appear to have discovered a new weapon in the war on a particularly difficult foe.

    They have identified a previously unrecognized class of antibodies that seem to be capable of neutralizing multiple strains of the flu virus.

    Their findings, recently reported in the journal PLOS Biolog...

    Most U.S. Parents Plan to Vaccinate Kids Against Flu, RSV: Survey

    Most parents plan to have their kids vaccinated against influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), even as COVID-19 vaccine acceptance flags, a new poll finds.

    Seven in 10 parents (71%) plan to have their children get an RSV jab and six in 10 (63%) plan to get their kids the flu vaccine, according to poll results published recently in the journal

  • Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
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  • December 18, 2023
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  • Your Child Has a Fever: When Is It Time to See a Doctor?

    It's that time of year when your kids come home with sniffles and sore throats, but when should you worry if they have a fever?

    To a certain extent, fevers are the body's natural way of fighting infection, one expert says.

    “Fever helps the immune system,” explained Dr. Christopher Tolcher, a pediatrician with Agou...

    Too Few Americans Are Getting Vaccinated for Flu, COVID & RSV, CDC Warns

    Low vaccination rates for the flu, RSV and COVID-19 are putting Americans at higher risk for severe illness and hospitalization this winter, a new government alert warned Thursday.

    There is an “urgent need” to boost vaccination rates as the trio of viruses spread through the country, the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention said.

    “Low vaccination rates, coupled with ...

    'Long Flu' Joins 'Long COVID' as New Diagnosis

    'Long COVID' has become a well-known potential consequence of COVID infection, with symptoms that can last weeks, months or even years.

    Now it appears that “long flu” is also possible, with some patients developing long-lasting health problems following a severe infection, a new study finds.

    But before panicking, know that “long flu” isn't as bad as “long COVID,” as it d...

    • Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
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    • December 15, 2023
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    Sore Throat? Try These 5 Home Remedies for Relief

    Sore throats are commonplace during cold and flu season, but luckily there are lots of home remedies that can help ease your misery, doctors say.

    These remedies “aren't quick fixes for an illness,” but they can help ease discomfort, said Dr. Heidi Hutchison, a family practice physician at Penn State Health Medi...

    Flu, COVID Cases Climb as RSV Infections Start to Level Off

    MONDAY, Dec. 4, 2023 (Healthday News) -- While flu and COVID cases are now on the rise, RSV infections may soon peak and level off, U.S. health officials report.

    COVID-19 continues to fuel the most hospitalizations and deaths among all respiratory illnesses -- about 15,000 hospitalizations and about 1,000 deaths every week, Dr. M...

    Respiratory Illnesses in China Not Caused by New Virus, CDC Director Testifies

    FRIDAY, Dec. 1, 2023 (Healthday News) -- In testimony provided Thursday to members of Congress, the head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that a surge in respiratory illnesses in China is not being fueled by a new virus.

    Instead, the spike can be linked to existing viruses and bacteria, including COVID-19, the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Mycop...

    Air Filters Probably Won't Cut Your Odds for Illness: Study

    Air filters might help keep the air in your home fresh, but a new review finds they don't appear to reduce your risk of catching an airborne virus.

    Technologies designed to make indoor spaces safer from infection are not effective in the real world, researchers from the University of East Anglia in the UK argue.

    The team analyzed data from 32 prior studies in which air treatment tec...

    Most Kids With the Flu Miss Out on Antiviral Tamiflu

    Children stricken with influenza aren't receiving the flu-busting antiviral drug Tamiflu even though it's recommended for them, a new study says.

    Three of five children with the flu aren't prescribed Tamiflu, researchers report online Nov. 13 in the journal

  • Dennis Thompson and Carole Tanzer Miller HealthDay Reporters
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  • November 14, 2023
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  • Majority of Workers at America's Nursing Homes Unvaccinated Against Flu, COVID

    Health care workers at America's nursing homes are woefully under-vaccinated for both flu and COVID-19, threatening their own health and that of the frail elderly patients under their care, a new report finds.

    Looking at 2023 data collected at nearly 14,000 nursing homes nationwide, researchers found that that fewer than one in every four (22.9%) health care workers had received up-to-dat...

    At-Home, Inhaled Flu Vaccine Could Be on Horizon

    Getting a yearly flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself from infection or severe illness, but not everyone likes shots.

    Now, there is some potentially good news for those who fear needles: A nasal spray flu vaccine that you can take or give at home is on the horizon.

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reviewing an application for the at-home use of a nasal spray ...

    Could a Cheap, DIY Air Filter Help Rid Your Home of Viruses?

    A cheap, do-it-yourself air purifier is powerful enough to effectively protect a home from free-floating flu and COVID-19 viruses, according to test results from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

    The filter, crafted with common hardware store supplies costing $60, outperformed pricey off-the-shelf air filters in

  • Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
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  • October 30, 2023
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  • Contrary to Popular Belief, 1918 Flu Did Not Target the Healthy Young

    It has long been believed that the 1918 flu pandemic disproportionately affected healthy young adults, but a study of human remains tells a different story.

    Together, Canadian and American researchers found that preexisting medical conditions like asthma and lower income increased the likelihood of death, just as in other pandemics, including COVID-19.

    “Our circumstances -- s...

    Just 23% of U.S. Adults 'Definitely' Plan to Get New COVID Shot

    Just 23% of American adults say they 'definitely' will get the new COVID-19 vaccine, while another 23% say they will 'probably' get it, according to a new poll, which also finds interest in the shot falls along partisan lines.

    More people plan to get seasonal flu shots and the new vaccine to help prevent severe symptoms for respiratory syncytial virus or RSV.

    The poll -- by the nonp...

    President Biden Gets COVID, Flu Shots

    President Joe Biden has been freshly vaccinated for three major respiratory viruses that could spread widely this fall and winter.

    Biden got both the updated COVID booster and his annual flu shot on Friday, White House physician Kevin O'Conno...

    It's Time to Start Preparing Against Flu, RSV & COVID-19

    Kids are back in school and it's time to think about viruses, for both yourself and them.

    It could be an early flu season in the United States, if what happened in the Southern Hemisphere offers any insight, according to Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.

    The flu vaccine is now available in some locations. A new COVID-19 booster has been approved by federal health officia...

    In Good News for U.S., Flu Vaccine Working Well in South America

    In a finding that should ease the minds of Americans ahead of another flu season, this year's vaccines have already cut the risk of hospitalization in half during the South American winter, health officials report.

    Even better, the flu virus strains that have been detected in the United States have so far shown a similar pattern to those in South America, although that could still change....

    City Living Means More Coughs, Colds for Kids

    Two new studies looked to explain an increased risk of respiratory infections like coughs and colds in babies and young children, finding city living to be among the culprits.

    Young children who grow up in towns and cities instead of the countryside suffer more respiratory infections, according to research presented Monday at a meeting of the European Respiratory Society, in Milan, Italy....

    When Cities Get a Pro Sports Team, Flu Deaths Rise

    Bringing a professional sports team to a new city often includes a big taxpayer-funded stadium subsidy, but new research shows that has a health downside: a spike in flu deaths.

    “Most, if not all, of the sports venues in the cities we studied received direct and/or indirect public financing,” said researcher Brad Humph...

    'Swine Flu' Strain Has Passed Between Humans & Pigs Hundreds of Times

    It's well known that some viruses make the leap from animals to humans, but a new study shows the influenza strain responsible for the 2009 H1N1 pandemic has been particularly prolific in hopping between species.

    That strain, called pdm09, has passed from humans to swine about 370 times since the pandemic, researchers report. Further, subsequent circulation in swine prompted the evolution...

    How Common Are Co-Infections With COVID, Flu, RSV?

    Results from more than 26,000 respiratory tests in late 2022 found simultaneous infections with COVID-19, influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in more than 1% of positive tests.

    Co-infections were especially widespread in children and teens. In people under age 21, researchers saw a 6% co-infection rate of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A.

    “With changing behaviors as the COVID...

    Gene Changes Made This Season's Bird Flu More Severe

    Genetic mutations caused this latest bird flu season to become more severe, increasing the risk it poses to humans and other mammals, a new study finds.

    The H5N1 avian influenza virus gained the ability to severely infect the brains of mammalian test subjects like ferrets, researchers with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found.

    That's a notable departure from previous strains ...

    Scientists Get Closer to a 'Universal' Flu Vaccine

    Researchers are reporting progress on the path to a "universal" flu vaccine -- one that would battle all strains of the virus and give the world a weapon against future flu pandemics.

    In an early clinical trial, U.S. government scientists found that their experimental flu vaccine was able to coax recipients' immune systems to produce "cross-reactive" antibodies. That is, they made antibod...

    Many Young Women Wouldn't Get Flu, COVID Shots in Pregnancy, Poll Suggests

    Despite the proven safety and effectiveness of COVID and flu vaccines during pregnancy, many young women are still doubtful, a new survey shows.

    Compared with older women and adult men, the poll found higher percentages of women ages 18 to 49 doubting that vaccination against these viruses during pregnancy is safe.

    The survey of 1,600 U.S. adults was conducted in January. Res...

    Flu Boosts Short-Term Odds for Heart Attack 6-Fold

    Getting the flu isn't fun for many reasons, but it can also trigger a heart attack, a new study suggests.

    A heart attack is six times more likely in the week after a person is diagnosed with flu than in the year before or after, according to Dutch researchers.

    This emphasizes the need for flu patients and those caring for them to be aware of heart attack symptoms. It also underscore...

    Is it COVID or Flu? FDA Approves 1st Home Test for Both

    A new at-home test will help people struggling with upper respiratory symptoms figure out whether they have COVID-19 or the flu.

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Lucira under an emergency use authorization (EUA) on Friday.

    “Today's authorization of the first OTC [over-the-counter] test that can detect influenza A and B, along with SARS-CoV-2, is a major mileston...

    How Worried Should the World Be About Bird Flu in Humans?

    A highly infectious strain of avian influenza is tearing through commercial and backyard poultry flocks, causing egg prices to rise as sick chickens are culled across the United States.

    Now, some experts are worried that the H5N1 avian flu might become humankind's next pandemic-causing pathogen, if the raging virus makes the leap from birds to humans.

    That's because other mammals ha...

    Flu Shot Could Be a Lifesaver for Folks With Chronic Ills

    The U.S. flu season is expected to extend into spring, and experts say it's not too late to get a flu shot.

    Last year's flu season was mild, but this season has already seen triple the number of flu-related deaths in the United States.

    “Even a minor respiratory virus can be hard on someone with lung disease, and the flu is especially challenging,” said

  • Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
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  • February 8, 2023
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  • Holiday Gatherings Didn't Trigger Spike in Respiratory Illnesses: CDC

    Going into the holiday season, many public health experts feared a “tripledemic” of flu, COVID-19 and RSV cases.

    New government data now shows that didn't happen.

    Reports of flu-like illness are down for the sixth straight week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday.

    <...

    Buyer Beware: Bogus Flu Meds Are Out There

    With flu rampant in the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers to be wary of over-the-counter products that promise to cure you of influenza, prevent it or reduce its severity.

    Sellers offering these products may make claims that are not accurate or safe, the FDA cautions.

    "These products can be found online, including popular marketplac...

    Flu, RSV, COVID: Shield Yourself From the 'Tripledemic' This Holiday

    Public health experts have been warning of a “tripledemic” of respiratory viruses this fall and winter, so the American Lung Association has some tips for breathing easier this holiday season.

    Flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 are all spreading throughout the United States, overwhelming health care systems.

    One way to make holiday or seasonal gatherings safer ...

    U.S. to Release Flu Meds From National Stockpile to Ease Shortages

    Having trouble finding influenza meds at your local pharmacy? You're not alone. Now, flu-infected patients will have better access to prescription medicines as the U.S. government releases doses of Tamiflu from the Strategic National Stockpile.

    The Biden administration announced Wednesday it will release an unspecified number of doses to U.S. states as the country deals with an early an...

    Winter & Kid's Asthma: High Time for Flare-Ups

    Cold, dry winter air and a trio of spreading viruses could cause children's asthma to flare up this winter season.

    But experts at one children's hospital offer some tips to help parents keep their kids' worrisome respiratory symptoms in check.

    While asthma is a lung condition that can make it harder to breathe, some things can make symptoms worse, such as illness, cold air and smok...

    Combo of COVID Plus Flu Can Bring Severe Illness to Kids

    Kids who get the flu and COVID-19 together may be in for a serious, even deadly, bout of illness, U.S. health officials said Friday.

    So far, infections with both viruses in children have been rare because last flu season was mild, but this one could see dramatic uptick in coinfections, according to a New York City-based expert.

  • Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter
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  • December 16, 2022
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  • U.S. Health Officials Urge Indoor Masking in Major Cities as 'Tripledemic' Rages

    As three highly contagious respiratory viruses spread across the United States, straining hospitals and triggering drug shortages, health officials in some major cities and states are calling for a return to indoor masking.

    Over the past few weeks, COVID-19, the flu and RSV have made millions of Americans ill, and indoor masking is seen as one way to slow the spread of the viruses.

    ...

    Seniors Urged to Get Flu Shots as U.S. Cases Rise

    Experts are asking seniors to get their flu shots ASAP as an exceptionally nasty flu season unfolds across the United States.

    Already, 8.7 million flu cases have been reported, with 78,000 hospitalizations and 4,500 deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the last week alone, the nu...

    Feds Urge Vaccination as 'Tripledemic' Hits More Americans

    Flu, RSV and COVID-19 are creating a perfect storm of respiratory disease that is overwhelming the nation's health care systems.

    Vaccination will be key to getting through the winter holidays with your health intact, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said during a m...

    Flu Has Started Early and With a Punch: CDC

    Flu season has struck the United States hard and early, burdening hospitals that are also coping with a surge in other respiratory viruses, including RSV and COVID-19.

    The nation has seen at least 4.4 million cases of flu so far this season, with 38,000 hospitalizations and 2,100 deaths from flu, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday.

    While typically f...

    Flu Shot Could Be Lifesaver for Folks With Heart Failure

    People battling heart failure should make the time to get their flu shots now, a new study suggests.

    Not only will the shots help prevent influenza in this high-risk group, but it could also reduce pneumonia infections and cardiac complications, researchers report.

    "If you have heart failure, you should get your flu shot because it can save your life -- that is what we found in thi...