flu shot

Trump administration yanks CDC flu vaccine campaign

6:39pm February 19, 2025

As flu rages, the Trump administration has pulled the plug on a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention flu immunization campaign that targeted high-risk groups, including pregnant women.

Health & Safety

Top COVID FAQs of 2023: Staying safe at home, flying tips, shot combos, new variant

5:30pm December 21, 2023

by Marc Silver

How do I stay safe now that the public health emergency is over? We answer questions on boosters, risks when flying — and the new JN.1 variant.

Health & Safety

North Carolina's COVID-19 hospitalization numbers rise but remain low compared to 2022

4:52pm August 11, 2023

by David Ford

Just as they have every summer since the pandemic began, COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise across the country including North Carolina and here in the Triad. But a return to masking and social distancing isn’t likely.

Queue Listen Now

U.S. infectious disease experts fear that a winter surge of respiratory illness — like the one that overloaded emergency rooms with COVID-19 patients in January 2021 — could yet materialize this winter, with several circulating viruses wreaking havoc. So far, though, it looks like early peaks of RSV and the flu are receding.

RSV recedes and flu peaks as a new COVID variant shoots 'up like a rocket'

8:38pm January 06, 2023

by Rob Stein

RSV and the flu appear to be receding in the U.S., but COVID is on the rise, new data suggests, driven by holiday gatherings and an even more transmissible omicron subvariant that has become dominant.

Queue Listen Now

Health experts agree that the unseasonably early surges of RSV cases, especially among children, are a consequence of lifting COVID-19 precautions, which served to protect the public from a variety of viruses.

RSV is surging. Here's what to watch for and answers about treatment options

10:42am November 02, 2022

by Vanessa Romo

Doctors say they are seeing an unprecedented number of cases. How concerned should parents be? Why are young children so vulnerable? What's causing this year's outbreak? We offer some answers.

Gustavo Perez got his influenza vaccine from pharmacist Patricia Pernal in early September during an event hosted by the Chicago Department of Public Health at the city's Southwest Senior Center. This year's flu season may strike earlier and harder than usual, experts warn. A flu shot's your best protection.

Health & Safety

How to time your flu shot for best protection

7:01am October 01, 2022

by Rob Stein

Some flu experts are urging many people to get their shots earlier than usual this year because of the potential for an early, possibly severe flu season. But what's the best timing for you?

Nurse Nicole Simpson prepares a flu shot at the Salvation Army in Atlanta

Health & Safety

Experts advise flu shots for upcoming season

3:13pm September 23, 2022

by David Ford

It’s the beginning of flu season. Experts say September and October are ideal months for flu shots.

Vaccine-makers are readying 190 million doses of the flu vaccine for deployment across the U.S. this fall — 20 million more doses than in a typical year. A nasal spray version will be available, as well as shots.

2020 Flu Shot Strategy: Get Yours Early In The Season

10:00am August 04, 2020

by Fran Kritz

With the flu season looming, public health officials urge nearly all Americans over 6 months old to get immunized starting next month. Strategize now to avoid getting the flu while COVID-19 is raging.

Several lines of evidence now suggest that two common vaccines against respiratory illnesses can help protect against Alzheimer's, too. How much brain protection they offer will require more intensive study to quantify, scientists say.

Flu Shot And Pneumonia Vaccine Might Reduce Alzheimer's Risk, Research Shows

11:34am July 27, 2020

by Jon Hamilton

Two new human studies back earlier hints that vaccines designed to prevent respiratory infections might also provide some protection against Alzheimer's disease.

Queue Listen Now

Pharmacist Raphael Lynne gives a flu shot in Miami in 2018. This year's vaccination against influenza has been reducing infections by "about 40 to 50 percent," says Emily Martin, an epidemiologist with the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

U.S. Flu Season Beginning To Ease, Modelers Say

6:05pm March 09, 2020

by Joe Palca

Though COVID-19 has captured the headlines, influenza places a huge burden on the health care system. This year's flu shot provides good protection, the CDC says, so do get one if you haven't already.

Queue Listen Now