All articles tagged with #influenza a
Oregon is experiencing a milder flu season compared to last year despite a nationwide surge caused by a new influenza A strain, with hospitalizations and infections remaining relatively low and officials urging residents to get vaccinated and take precautions.
Flu cases are surging in the U.S., with doctor visits reaching their highest levels since 1997, driven by the spread of the H3N2 strain and a decline in vaccination rates, resulting in over 5,000 deaths and widespread high flu activity across many states.
Massachusetts is experiencing an early and intense flu season due to low vaccination rates and a rapidly spreading influenza A strain, leading to high cases, hospitalizations, and serious complications in emergency and pediatric units.
Amid a severe 'super flu' outbreak in 2026, New York hospitals are reinstating mask mandates to curb the spread of the highly contagious Influenza A/H3 virus, which has caused over 239,857 cases in the state, with the worst period between December and February.
Staten Island is experiencing a severe 'super flu' outbreak caused by the H3N2 strain of Influenza A, with hospitalizations rising despite a decrease in reported cases, and the overall flu activity remains high across New York and the U.S., posing significant health risks especially to children.
Flu activity surged in Wisconsin over the holidays, driven by a new influenza A virus variant, with cases and hospitalizations increasing nationwide, signaling a potentially tough flu season ahead, though overall severity remains low so far.
Flu cases are rapidly increasing in the Boise area and southern Idaho, with the CDC reporting high activity levels and a predominance of influenza A. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination and preventive measures, as the flu season peaks and severe cases, including hospitalizations and a death, are reported. It is not too late to get vaccinated to reduce severity and prevent complications.
Flu cases on Virginia’s Eastern Shore have surged over the past two weeks, mainly influenza A, leading to increased hospital visits and prompting health officials to urge residents to get vaccinated and practice good hygiene to prevent further spread.
New Jersey is experiencing an early and severe flu season, with levels at 'very high' and cases surpassing those of previous years, primarily caused by Influenza A, leading to increased hospitalizations and outbreaks, especially among the elderly and children.
Cases of the 'super flu' are rising across the U.S., especially in states like New York, New Jersey, and Colorado, with the CDC reporting increased hospitalizations and the emergence of a new H3N2 variant, subclade K, which is more serious and spreading rapidly.
Colorado is experiencing an early and rapid spike in flu hospitalizations, driven by cold weather and a new Influenza A variant called H3N2, with hospitalizations four times higher than the same period in 2024. Health officials emphasize vaccination, indoor precautions, and seeking medical care if symptoms appear.
A Pennsylvania resident has been hospitalized after contracting swine flu from infected pigs, marking the first pig-to-human transmission this year. The CDC reported that the patient has since recovered, and there have been no reports of person-to-person transmission. Swine flu, caused by influenza A H1N2 variant, is typically endemic among pigs but rarely infects humans. The CDC advises people to avoid direct contact with pigs and to monitor them for signs of illness to prevent the spread of the zoonotic disease.
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre have discovered that the century-old tuberculosis vaccine, BCG, also provides protection against influenza A, potentially influencing future vaccine development and offering broader virus defense, including against COVID-19. The study, published in Nature Immunology, revealed a previously unknown mechanism that extends the vaccine's shield to combat the most prevalent flu strain, paving the way for further research on its potential to prevent other emergent viruses.
Scientists have discovered a new class of antibodies in human blood that can neutralize different types of the flu virus, potentially leading to the development of broadly protective vaccines against seasonal flu. These antibodies target multiple forms of the influenza A virus, including subtypes H1N1 and H3N2, and have the potential to provide broad protection against different strains of the virus. This discovery could pave the way for more effective flu vaccines that do not need to be updated annually.
UPMC medical facilities will require all employees, patients, and visitors to wear masks starting Wednesday due to an increase in RSV cases, as well as influenza A and B. The hospital system will continue to monitor the situation and adjust protocols accordingly.