Flu

More hospitals are requiring masks as flu and COVID-19 cases surge

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NEW YORK — More U.S. hospitals are requiring masks and limiting visitors as health officials face an expected but still nasty post-holiday spike in flu, COVID-19 and other illnesses. While many experts say this season likely won’t prove to be as deadly as some other recent winters, it still could mean hundreds of thousands of … Read more

Doctors urge vaccine rollout after 80% dip in infant hospitalisations

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Children’s doctors are demanding a jab to be urgently rolled out after a trial found it slashed infants needing hospital treatment during winter by 80%. The vaccine protects against respiratory syncytial virus, a cold-like bug common in under-twos that kills 30 tots each year. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation advised ministers in June … Read more

Flu and COVID infections are rising and could get worse over the holidays, CDC says

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NEW YORK — Look for flu and COVID-19 infections to ramp up in the coming weeks, U.S. health officials say, with increases fueled by holiday gatherings, too many unvaccinated people and a new version of the coronavirus that may be spreading more easily. High levels of flu-like illnesses were reported last week in 17 states … Read more

COVID-19 still lacks ‘seasonality’ 4 years later, Tam warns – National

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As cold and flu season unfolds in Canada, a rise in COVID-19 cases is also happening across many provinces, most notably in Ontario and Quebec. Despite the spike in COVID-19 cases alongside other respiratory illnesses such as influenza, a discernible seasonal pattern has yet to be established, warned Dr. Theresa Tam, chief public health officer … Read more

Here’s When To Get COVID, Flu, And RSV Vaccines This Fall

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It’s fall, which means it’s the start of respiratory virus season. Beyond washing your hands, staying home if you’re sick and considering masking in crowded spaces, there are also vaccines available to help protect you from severe disease from three of the circulating viruses. For people 6 months and older, the updated COVID-19 vaccine is … Read more

Holiday Health: 5 Strategies Doctors Use To Avoid Getting Sick

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Over the next few weeks, millions of people — perhaps yourself included — will travel near and far to visit loved ones for the holiday season. And as holiday travel and gatherings ramp up, cases of respiratory illnesses, such as flu, COVID and RSV, are expected to soar. After all, these viruses spread best when … Read more