Category: Flu Virus

A research institute that analyzed the highly pathogenic bird flu virus detected in northern Japan in October says it is the same type as one found in the country during the previous two seasons from autumn to spring.

This season's first case was found last month in a dead wild crow in Bibai City in the prefecture of Hokkaido.

The National Agriculture and Food Research Organization says its genome analysis showed the H5N1 strain of the virus was of the same genotype as one of the viruses detected in the country in 2021 and 2022 seasons.

The organization says it has found no genetic mutations that could make the virus more contagious to mammals, and that it is unlikely that humans will be infected.

A series of bird flu outbreaks hit poultry farms and other facilities across Japan last season. The number of chickens and other birds culled reached a record high.

A group leader at the organization, Uchida Yuko, said the detection of the same type of virus as the last seasons indicates possible sustained infections among migratory birds.

Uchida urged poultry farms and other facilities to be on the alert for the virus, as it has already been detected in Japan.

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Bird flu from last two fall-spring seasons back in Japan, say ... - NHK WORLD

As the crisp autumn air sets in and leaves turn to shades of red and gold, many of us eagerly anticipate the seasonal delights that come with the autumn and winter months. But, for some, these seasons also bring an unwelcome guest: hay fever.

Hay fever is often associated with spring and summer. But climate change means hay fever season now extends well into autumn and winter. This is due to climate change shifting weather patterns and temperatures, causing extended periods of pollen production from various plant species.

This shift in hay fever season is not just annoying for sufferers. It also makes it particularly confusing in the colder months, when colds and the flu are rife, to determine whats causing your symptoms, since they so often overlap. This also makes it difficult to know which treatment will work best for your ailment.

Although there are several overlapping symptoms, there are a few key symptoms that can help you distinguish between colds, flu and hay fever:

Symptoms such as sneezing and a runny or stuffy nose are common in both hay fever and a cold.

But if you also have itchy, red, watery or puffy eyes and an itchy throat, you probably have hay fever. These symptoms are much less common with a cold. If your throat feels sore and you also have a cough, you probably have a cold.

Flu symptoms rarely crossover with hay fever symptoms though they do with colds.

A cough is the most common crossover symptom between a cold and the flu. Other symptoms, such as a sore throat, sneezing or a runny nose, can sometimes happen with the flu though its less common.

Likewise, chills, fatigue and body aches which are common with the flu can sometimes occur in people who have a cold, though this is less typical.

The best way to differentiate a cold and the flu is if you have a fever and if youre experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhoea, which can sometimes occur with the flu.

Another symptom to look out for is temporary loss of smell and taste. While this can occur due to hay fever, its usually accompanied by a blocked nose. If you find you have a loss of smell or taste but your nose isnt blocked, you probably have a cold of the flu.

Since no one wants to be struck down by a cold, the flu or hayfever, the best thing you can to to prevent symptoms is boost your immune system using science-backed strategies:

Bolster your gut: A diet rich in amino acids, vitamins, minerals and fibre is crucial for both your immune system as these are the essential building blocks of immune cells. A Mediterranean-style diet is shown to be beneficial for the immune system for this reason. This diet contains plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and protein sources like fish, meat or plant-based alternatives. Additionally, consider incorporating probiotics to support your immune health especially specific blends containing Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium, which may potentially benefit immune response and reduce infection severity.

Avoid smoking and alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are both shown to weaken immune defences. Even just five or six drinks on a night out can suppress the immune system for up to 24 hours.

Prioritise sleep: Sleep is important for maintaining immune function as it reduces inflammation in the body. Aim to get more at least seven hours a night. Less than this may increase your likelihood of suffering from common illnesses.

Manage stress: The stress hormone cortisol negatively affects immune cells, altering their function. It also increases histamine levels in the bloodstream, worsening allergy symptoms. Practicing mindfulness may help manage your stress and boost your immune system.

Exercise: Moderate-intensity physical activity (such as a brisk walk or ballroom dancing) can improve your immune response. But its important to strike the right balance as long, intense exercise without rest between workouts can actually worsen immune function. According to some data, this decrease can happen after only 90 minutes of moderate- to high-intensity physical activity.

Get your jab: Vaccination is vital. But since you can only vaccinate yourself against the influenza virus, other preventive measures such as washing your hands and wearing a mask in busy, indoor spaces can protect you against both colds and the flu.

If youre someone who typically experiences hay fever, you may also want to use some additional measures to prevent symptoms:

Avoid allergens: Steer clear of allergens that trigger symptoms. On high pollen count days, consider staying indoors, keeping windows shut and using HEPA filters indoors or an N95 mask to filter pollen particles.

Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines, such as cetirisine or loratadine, can be effective in managing hay fever symptoms. These should ideally be taken before exposure to allergens, and continued as long as symptoms last. Be sure to consult with your doctor for guidance before use.

Consider immunotherapy: Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, can reduce hay fever symptoms by desensitising your immune system to allergens over time, providing long-lasting relief. Immunotherapy needs to be done several times before its effective.

Making even just a few of these lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference in supporting your immune system and reducing your risk of getting sick or suffering hay fever symptoms during the colder months.

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Is it a cold, flu or hay fever? How to tell symptoms apart and boost ... - The Conversation

Ottawa

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Posted: November 01, 2023 Last Updated: November 01, 2023

Recent developments:

The city's COVID-19 numbers to watch are mostlystable at levels ranging from low to highin this week'sOttawa Public Health (OPH) updates.

Ithas a generallymoderate amount of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity and a generallylow level of flu, though its flu wastewater reading is seen as high.

For now, OPHsaysthe city's health-care institutions are not at a high risk from respiratory illnesses. It hadbeen a high risksince September, while December through February are always considered high-risk times.

Expertsrecommendthat people cover coughs and sneezes,wear masks, keep their hands and often-touched surfaces clean, stay home when sick and keepup to date with COVID and flu vaccinesto help protect themselves andvulnerable people.

Both COVIDand flu vaccines are now available for the general public in Ontario.

Wastewater

Data from the research teamshows that as of Oct. 26,the average coronavirus wastewater levelhas been generally stable for about five weeks, with a recent rise that's settled back down.

OPHconsiders this tobe high, down from very high last week.

Hospitals

The average number of Ottawa residentsin local hospitals for COVID-19 in the last week is stable at 45, with no patientsin an ICU.

A separate count thatincludespatientswho testedpositive for COVIDafter being admitted for other reasons, wereadmitted for lingering COVIDcomplicationsand were transferred from other health unitswas 116 as of its last update on Oct. 23.

The16 new patients from the previous week is labelled aslow, according to OPH, which is down from moderate.

Tests, outbreaks,deaths and vaccines

The city's weekly average test positivity rate is about 17 per cent, which is stable. OPH says this is a moderate level.

OPH says there are 35 activeCOVID outbreaks, up from 23 last week.Most outbreaks are in either retirement homes or hospitals. and there are a moderate amount of new outbreaks.

The health unit reported 217 more COVID cases in the last weekand twomoreCOVIDdeaths,both people age 90 orabove.

OPH's next monthly COVID vaccinationupdateis expected next week.

Spread

The Kingston area's health unit says its COVID trends are stable atmoderate to very highlevels and it'sin ahigh-risk time for transmission. Fluindicatorsarelow and RSV trends are either low or moderate.

Its average coronavirus wastewater reading is considered high and stable. Other availablewastewater trends outside Ottawa arestable in Smiths Falls, Brockville, Hawkesburyand Cornwall.

The average COVID-19 test positivity ratedrops from 27 to17 per cent inthe Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) andis a stable 14 per cent inthe Kingston area.

Hospitalizations and deaths

The Kingston area's health unit says it has a very high26 active COVID-19 patients in its hospitals, including anyone living in a different health unit. The province has reported that area's 126th overall COVID death.

The number of hospitalizations in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark (LGL) counties drops to three and the EOHU's drop to seven.

Hastings Prince Edward (HPE) Public Health, like Ottawa, gives a weekly hospitalization average. It rises from five to 13.

Western Quebec has a stable 74 hospital patients with COVID.

Three more EOHUresidents with COVID have died for a total of 318. LGL reports their 169th total death, the 26th this year.

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Pressure on health-care system eases thanks to improved respiratory virus indicators - CBC.ca

The Wake County Animal Shelter, closed since Oct. 6 to prevent the spread of canine influenza (dog flu), will remain closed through November.

Through Oct. 31:

To provide the best possible care, the center is reaching out to rescue organizations both local and from outside North Carolina. The center is requesting their assistance in relocating dogs from the shelter and helping with strays from animal control partners.

"We have dogs in our care that have not been exposed, those that have recovered and asymptomatic dogs," said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. "We need additional help from rescue organizations to make a difference in the lives of these dogs and offer them a chance for a fresh start."

Since the closure Oct. 6:

"We've received so many calls from the public asking how to help, and it means the world to us," said Jennifer Federico, the director of the Wake County Animal Center. "If you want to help, join us in stopping the spread of the virus. We will get through this; it is just going to take time.

To keep your pets safe:

"In addition to ensuring your pets are safe, you can help us by taking in strays, trying to find their owners, helping neighbors rehome their pets if needed and stepping up to offer services that we normally provide and just cant because of the dog flue at the center," Federico said.

Due to the closure, the following services are affected:

Adoptions at Animal Center: All adoptions of pets, including dogs, cats and other small animals are temporarily paused.

Surrenders: Owners are not able to surrender any animals during this closure.

Animal Control: All five Animal Control agencies across the county (Wake County, Raleigh, Cary, Garner and Holly Springs) continue to respond to emergency animal calls. However, they are not picking up strays or owner surrenders in the field.

Bite Animals: The Animal Center often holds pets on quarantine following bite incidents. However, at this time, those animals should be quarantined in veterinary offices or private homes.

Services that are being offered:

Lost Pets: If you believe your pet is currently at the Animal Center, please call at 919-212-PETS (7387) for instructions on providing proof of ownership and the process to reclaim your pet. Please note that lost pet walk-throughs inside the building are not offered during the quarantine period.

Owner-Requested Euthanasia: If you need to euthanize your pet due to health or behavioral issues, you can call and request an appointment for euthanasia. Owners are asked to provide veterinary notes detailing the animal's medical condition or specific behavioral issues. Euthanasia requested by owners is carried out immediately upon surrender to the Animal Center. Staff reserves the right to refuse this service if the animal does not appear to be in need of euthanasia. Owners will then be referred to a private veterinarian for assistance.

Phone Support for Stray Pets: If you've found a stray pet and are looking to locate its owner, we provide phone support and guidance on how to reunite the pet with its owner.

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4 dogs dead in flu outbreak; Wake animal shelter to stay closed through November - WRAL News

As the northern hemisphere enters the winter months, you might hear coughs and sneezes echoing through your facility and notice higher employee absentee rates. Welcome to the cold and flu season.

Following two mild flu seasons due to COVID-19 lockdowns, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considered the U.S. 202223 influenza season moderately severe, with an estimate of at least 31 million symptomatic illnesses, 14 million medical visits, 360,000 hospitalizations, and 21,000 deaths caused by influenza virus infection. The rate of influenza-associated hospitalizations was similar to hospitalization rates of four pre-COVID-19 seasons (201415, 201617, 201819, and 201920) and higher than all but one remaining season (201718) since the 201011 season.

The number of death certificates with influenza listed as an underlying or contributing cause of death during the 202223 season (9,697) was above the average number of influenza-coded deaths (8,530) during the five seasons preceding the COVID-19 pandemic (201516 through 201920) and three to 10 times higher than the number of influenza-coded deaths during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It remains to be seen whether the 202324 flu season will be mild or severe. The best plan of action is to adhere to your facilitys cleaning practices and protocols, and encourage your employees and building occupants to receive their flu vaccinations. Two infection control experts, Jordan Bastian, a senior infection preventionist with CloroxPros Clinical and Scientific Affairs team, and Jason Welch, a formulating chemist with Spartan Chemical Co., weigh in with their advice on preparing for the current flu season, and dealing with other common winter illnesses.

Bastian and Welch listed rhinovirus, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and strep throat as the most common winter illnesses, with the addition of COVID-19 in recent years.

Winter illness spikes for a few reasons but mainly because cold temperatures force people indoors for large gatherings, said Welch. He explained that reduced airflow in buildings due to closed windows and doors can keep germs trapped inside.

As activities and gatherings move inside, this creates an ideal environment for bacteria and viruses to spread on surfaces in shared spaces, added Bastian. More time inside means more of a chance for these germs to cause illness. As people gather in facilities with reduced airflow, viruses and bacteria easily spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, and the air. When someone coughs, sneezes, or talks, germs spread and many end up on nearby surfaces, said Bastian.

As we spend more time inside and touch hot-spot items like doorknobs, light switches, chairs, and tables, were more likely to come in contact with germs and also contribute to their spread.

Welch stressed that it isnt necessarily the winter season that is responsible for the spread of germs, but rather the indoor conditions. Germs spread in the same way, no matter what time of year it is, he said. They can be airborne, foodborne, and waterborne, and [spread] from potentially contaminated surfaces.

Bastian suggested that facilities take a three-step approach in their plan to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses via contaminated surfaces:

In busy public places, Welch recommends focusing on increased cleaning instead of disinfection. His reasoning is that disinfection only works in a controlled environment when the disinfectant is allowed to remain on the surface for the contact (also known as dwell) time listed on the product label. Following the recommended contact time is not always practical in a busy setting. Instead, frequent, quick cleanings will help remove germs on surfaces that are quickly re-contaminated.

Keep adequate stock of cleaners that are suited for the surfaces being cleaned, Welch said. Most importantly [have] a well-trained staff [that knows] how to properly clean the facility.

In addition to focusing on surface pathogens, Welch and Bastian advised facilities to consider strategies to prevent the airborne spread of germs. Bastian recommends that facility managers encourage respiratory etiquette, such as coughing and sneezing into a tissue or your elbow. Both stressed the importance of frequent handwashing and the use of hand sanitizer. Keep soap and paper towel dispensers filled, Welch said.

Dont overlook your facilitys HVAC systems. The best thing a facility can do is make sure their HVAC systems are up to date with maintenance and are turning over a proper air exchange, Welch said.

The CDC recommends aiming for five or more air changes per hour (ACH). This can be achieved through a combination of air exchange through a central ventilation system, natural ventilation, and additional devices that provide equivalent ACH to existing ventilation.

As we enter flu and cold season, the experts agree that, ideally, facilities should not need to ramp up their cleaning and disinfection efforts.

During flu season, times of increased illness, or during outbreaks, it is best to rely on your disinfection plan versus closing the facility or implementing extra cleaning and disinfection procedures, said Bastian. If you are using products effective in killing the virus or bacteria of concern, routine cleaning and disinfecting protocols should be sufficient.

Germ dont take vacations, said Welch. Facilities should have a solid cleaning and maintenance program year-round. Think about a kitchen; should the kitchen relax its sanitation procedures because its a certain time of year? I hope not!

Bastian said facility mangers can monitor the number of influenza cases in their area by reading updates from their local health departments along with the CDCs flu activity and surveillance report, FluView, which it updates every week during flu season. Another CDC resource is the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System, NREVSS, a laboratory-based system that monitors circulation patterns of RSV, human parainfluenza viruses (HPIV), human metapneumovirus (HMPV), respiratory adenoviruses, human coronavirus, rotavirus, and norovirus.

Facility managers can use the information in these reports to ensure they have cleaning products on hand that are effective against the pathogens responsible for the illnesses in their area, Bastian said. They can also keep watch for illnesses among building residents and employees, who ideally have paid sick leave. Welch offered common-sense, yet often ignored, advice: If youre sick, stay home!

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Weathering the Cold and Flu Season - CMM

ISLAMABAD-Experts on Sunday advised various precautionary measures while citing immunity-boosting methods to help people stay healthy as the majority of patients are getting infected with flu-causing viruses, like influenza, RSV, adenovirus, and rhinovirus, ahead of the winter season. Talking to a private news channel, A specialist for a chest infection, Dr Rashid Dawood, said that most parts of the country, especially Karachi hospitals, are witnessing a surge in cases of the influenza virus, adding that we advised people to take precautions and not panic given the rise in influenza cases. The doctor also encouraged the public to get vaccinated and adhere to precautionary measures to reduce the spread of the virus, thereby safeguarding their own well-being and that of the broader community and averting potential complications arising from influenza infections. Every year, thousands of people are affected by seasonal fever or influenza, he said, adding that the virus infects and multiplies within the bodys cells and impacts the respiratory system. Though it is not fatal, it can sometimes lead to hospitalization, he feared. Typically, the flu does not endure for more than two weeks, and the infection recedes at an average pace depending on the type of flu virus. In some rare cases, the flu virus can also adversely affect overall health by infecting the lungs, ears, sinuses, etc. It is important to take extra care by following all the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of infection, he added. Dr suggested that people should primarily avoid visiting crowded places, which include markets, offices, and family gatherings, and, in unavoidable situations, should wear face masks, maintain hand hygiene, and practice respiratory etiquette. He said the public should remember how we dealt with COVID-19 times, adding that the same things should apply again and cover their mouth while sneezing and coughing. Replying to a question, he said that people with one or more of the following symptoms, like fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue, may be infected with influenza or another virus. People with influenza-like symptoms should isolate and avoid close contact with other people, he said, adding that if this is not possible, the use of a face mask by people who are ill with influenza symptoms may help contain respiratory secretions when the person coughs or sneezes and lower the risk for infection among close contacts. Dr Dawood said family members or others in the home or another non-healthcare setting are providing care for someone sick with influenza symptoms and who must have close contact (within one meter). Citizens are also strongly advised to limit their interactions with large gatherings, maintain a healthy diet, get sufficient rest, and stay physically active, he added.

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Public urged to take precautionary measures against seasonal influenza - The Nation

Early flu symptoms can come on suddenly, usually within a few days of exposure to the influenza virus, and can include a fever.

While fever is often thought of as a common flu symptom, not everyone who gets the flu runs a temperature.

In addition to fever, common early flu symptoms include:

Early flu symptoms easily can be confused with a common cold, but while cold symptoms come on gradually flu typically will affect you fast.

Flu symptoms alone arent enough for a diagnosis, and they can overlap quite a bit with COVID-19 symptoms. The Food and Drug Administration earlier this year approved an over-the-counter home test for flu and COVID-19. It works much the same way as existing home COVID-19 tests, using a gentle swab of the nostril to collect a sample, and can give you a result in about half an hour.

The test can detect influenza A, influenza B and COVID-19.

See a medical provider at a Norton Prompt Care clinic or a Norton Immediate Care Center. Norton eCare offers virtual visits if you prefer to get urgent care from home.

For many, seasonal flu can come and go without the need to see a medical provider, said Mary Rademaker, M.D., medical director of Norton Immediate Care Centers. But it can be very serious for many others, and for those who are at risk of severe flu complications, we can prescribe an antiviral medication.

The flu is contagious and, in some people, can be deadly. Older people, young children and people with certain health conditions can develop severe illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following steps if you have the flu.

Related: When does the flu warrant emergency care?

If you have a fever, you can still spread the flu virus for about 24 hours after your temperature comes down. Stay home for another day after your fever is gone without taking any fever-reducing medicine such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

If you havent gotten the flu vaccine, its likely not too late to protect yourself and those around you. Flu season runs from fall through spring, and the flu shot takes effect after about two weeks. Even if its early March, you can still benefit from the vaccines protection.

The vaccine doesnt always prevent you from getting sick from the flu virus, but it is very effective at reducing your symptoms or preventing you from developing flu complications if you do catch it.

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Early Flu Symptoms | Louisville, Ky - Norton Healthcare

Toronto

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Allison Jones - The Canadian Press

Posted: October 30, 2023 Last Updated: 11 Hours Ago

This respiratory virus season in Ontario should be easier on the province and its hospitals than last year, but success will largely depend on levels of vaccination, the chief medical officer of health said Monday.

Ontario residents who are six months and older can now receive a free flu shot and an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

People over six months of age can receive their new COVID-19 shot if six months have passed since their last vaccine dose or confirmed infection. The shot targets the XBB variant of COVID-19, among the "family" of Omicron variants currently circulating, Dr. Kieran Moore said.

It's safe and convenient to get both the new COVID-19 shot and the flu shot at the same time, he said.

"If you want to separate them, that's fine, [but I]wouldn't let it go much longer," Moore said.

"Given that we anticipate influenza season starting in the coming weeks, it's really best to get both of those vaccines as soon as possible if we want the safest and healthiest winter and holiday season going forward."

Last fall and winter, high levels of COVID-19, the flu and respiratory syncytial virus(RSV) overwhelmed hospitals, particularly children's hospitals, with what health officials called a triple threat.

So far this year, the impact of the viruses is looking more staggered, Moore said.

"We're fortunate influenza [season]hasn't started, so that hasn't put a health system impact or impact on the health of Ontarians yet," he said.

"COVID general numbers are on the decline, but still quite active in the community, but the impact on the hospitals is getting less week by week and we hope as long as we don't have fading or waning immunity that that will continue."

The most recent updates on the Public Health Ontario website show that levels of COVID-19 in wastewater testing have been decreasing for a few weeks, but that per cent test positivity is on the rise.

As of last week there were about 400 people admitted to hospital with COVID-19, Moore said, and around 40 people in ICUs.

The flu season, while it hasn't yet taken off in Ontario, will likely be a long one, Moore said, with both influenza A and B strains leading to the virus circulating through to the spring.

"In the southern hemisphere, they found that there was a good match between the vaccine and the circulating strains, and hence a strong protection against severe outcomes like hospitalization and death," he said. "So we're anticipating a good match."

RSV season, however, is already well underway, with 100 people in hospital with the virus, up from just over 20 a few weeks ago, Moore said. About half of those patients are children under four years old and most of the other patients are over 65.

Health Canada has approved an RSV vaccine for people aged 60 and older, and Ontario is publicly funding those shots for people in that age group living in long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodgesand retirement homes licensed to provide dementia care services.

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Ontarians urged to get both flu, COVID-19 shots ahead of respiratory virus season - CBC.ca

The RECOVERY trial, which discovered four effective treatments for COVID-19, has expanded to investigate treatments for influenza (flu).

Globally, seasonal flu epidemics are estimated to kill between 290,000 and 650,000 people every year.Despite having known about influenza for almost a century and knowing that pandemic influenza remains one of the greatest threats to human health, we still do not have effective drugs for treating people with severe influenza.

Until now, few large-scale clinical trials have evaluated treatments for patients hospitalised with influenza. However, the features of the RECOVERY trial that made it such a success against COVID-19 including its streamlined design, large scale, and practical integration into routine healthcare make it well-placed to also improve the care of severe influenza patients.

Sir Peter Horby, Moh Family Foundation Professor of Emerging Infectious and Global Health in the Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, and Joint Chief Investigator for the RECOVERY trial, said As well as being the greatest pandemic risk, influenza remains a serious annual scourge. In a bad year, as many as 25,000 people in the UK die as a result of influenza. Yet we have no treatments that have been proven to improve outcomes in hospitalised patients. By including influenza in the RECOVERY trial, we have the opportunity to change this and find new treatments for this persistent menace.

As well as in the UK, the study will be open to patients hospitalised with confirmed influenza in selected hospital sites in France, Italy and the Netherlands through a new partnership between the University of Oxford and Ecraid (the European Clinical Research Alliance on Infectious Diseases). It will also be open to patients in hospitals that have previously participated in RECOVERY in Asia (India, Indonesia, Nepal and Vietnam) and Africa (Ghana and South Africa).

Participants will be randomly allocated to receive either the usual standard of care or the usual standard of care plus at least one of the treatments in the trial. RECOVERY will investigate the following drugs initially:

Sir Martin Landray, Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at Oxford Population Health and Joint Chief Investigator for RECOVERY, said RECOVERY was designed to provide a robust test of possible treatments for COVID-19 whilst keeping the burden on hospital staff and the health system to a minimum. This approach led to the discovery of effective treatments for COVID-19, such as dexamethasone, which have now saved hundreds of thousands of lives around the world. We are now expanding this approach to tackle the long-term challenge of influenza.

The 20222023 influenza season marked the return of influenza virus activity at almost pre-pandemic levels in the EU/EEA countries, highlighting an urgent need for assessment of flu treatments.

RECOVERYs assessment of treatments for flu is funded by Flu Lab, based in the United States. Through grants and investments, Flu Lab supports efforts to advance innovative solutions to persistent problems in the prevention and treatment of influenza.

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World-leading RECOVERY trial expands to investigate treatments ... - RECOVERY Trial

TheWilliamson County Health Departmentwill participate in the statewideFight Flu 23effortWednesdayand provide free flu shots to all eligible Tennesseans 6 months and older.

We want to protect as many people as we can in our communities from the flu, Cathy Montgomery, Williamson County Health director said. Getting an annual flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and everyone around you.

Williamson County Health Department will provide free flu shots at the following locations, and no appointment is needed:

Williamson County Administrative Complex, 1320 W. Main St., Franklin, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Fairview Clinic, 2629 Fairview Blvd., Fairview, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The flu vaccine will remain free to anyone eligible to receive it at all local health departments across the state throughout flu season.

The flu vaccine is safe and effective and can protect individuals against the most common types of flu, and the virus worst symptoms and outcomes.

The flu virus is very contagious. Pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and people with certain medical conditions are at the highest risk of severe complications from the flu. Annually, more than 7.5 million illnesses, 400,000 hospitalizations, and 22,000 deaths could be prevented in the U.S. if more people chose to get the flu vaccine.

To prevent spreading the flu virus to others, follow precautions such as proper hygiene and handwashing, cover your coughs or sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, and stay home if you are sick.

For more information about the flu virus andFight Flu 23, visittn.gov/health/fightflu. For information about gettinga free flu shot, contact theWilliamson County Health Departmentat615-794-1542.

Originally posted here:

County's Health Department offering free flu shots Wednesday at ... - williamsonherald.com