Influenza

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Every year in the United States, on average 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and; about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.
Types of Influenza

Influenza is caused by three types of RNA viruses called influenza types A, B and C, which all belong to the family Orthomyxoviridae.

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Overview

Feature Articles

Latest Influenza News and Research

New approach to combat influenza and herpes with bean-based gum

New approach to combat influenza and herpes with bean-based gum

Rutgers researchers develop promising new oral antiviral for COVID-19

Rutgers researchers develop promising new oral antiviral for COVID-19

Annual COVID-19 boosters crucial for immunocompromised individuals

Annual COVID-19 boosters crucial for immunocompromised individuals

UTA expert discusses the latest developments of measles outbreak in Texas

UTA expert discusses the latest developments of measles outbreak in Texas

Scientists develop universal vaccine targeting multiple coronaviruses

Scientists develop universal vaccine targeting multiple coronaviruses

UZH researchers develop decoy molecules to restore immune defense

UZH researchers develop decoy molecules to restore immune defense

How your diet and probiotics can improve vaccine effectiveness

How your diet and probiotics can improve vaccine effectiveness

Registration Now Open for World Vaccine Congress Washington 2025: Leading Experts from Government, WHO, CEPI, and more to Speak

Registration Now Open for World Vaccine Congress Washington 2025: Leading Experts from Government, WHO, CEPI, and more to Speak

Current antivirals not successful in treating severe H5N1 bird flu infections

Current antivirals not successful in treating severe H5N1 bird flu infections

U.S. consumers still unaware of raw milk risks despite bird flu findings

U.S. consumers still unaware of raw milk risks despite bird flu findings

Breakthrough peptide inhibitor effective against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants

Breakthrough peptide inhibitor effective against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants

Older adults may have stronger immunity to bird flu, Penn study finds

Older adults may have stronger immunity to bird flu, Penn study finds

COVID-19 discovery could open the door to new treatments for chronic lung diseases

COVID-19 discovery could open the door to new treatments for chronic lung diseases

Updates on influenza vaccine strain recommended by WHO (2025-2026 northern hemisphere)

Updates on influenza vaccine strain recommended by WHO (2025-2026 northern hemisphere)

Many parents uncertain about bird flu information and risks, poll suggests

Many parents uncertain about bird flu information and risks, poll suggests

MRNA vaccines, once a Trump boast, now face attacks from some in GOP

MRNA vaccines, once a Trump boast, now face attacks from some in GOP

New sensor offers rapid detection of airborne bird flu virus

New sensor offers rapid detection of airborne bird flu virus

Eradivir begins Phase 2 challenge study for antiviral therapeutic EV25

Eradivir begins Phase 2 challenge study for antiviral therapeutic EV25

Researchers uncover how antibodies protect against Strep A infections

Researchers uncover how antibodies protect against Strep A infections

New antibody pair could defeat all SARS-CoV-2 variants

New antibody pair could defeat all SARS-CoV-2 variants

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