flu Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

COVID trends down in WA, officials say vaccines still recommended

By Rachel Sun October 6, 2023

Health officials are recommending updated COVID-19 boosters and flu shots for anyone 6 months or older. U.S. residents also can now order more free COVID-19 at-home tests through the postal service at covid.gov/tests. Each household can order a set of four rapid tests.Read More

Some hospitals in contingency operations, pediatric units rationing drugs

By Rachel Sun December 16, 2022

Idaho’s hospitals are feeling the strain from the “tripledemic” of RSV, flu and COVID-19, officials say. Dr. Jim Souza is the chief physician executive at St. Luke’s Health System in Boise.Read More

Experts urge public to get vaccinated as communities face respiratory triple threat

By Rachel Sun November 21, 2022

Cases of respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, have been steadily rising in Washington and Idaho along with pediatric hospitalizations. Influenza and COVID-19 also pose a risk, creating what experts are […]Read More

Flu And Colds Are Down. Should We Continue Wearing Masks Beyond The Pandemic?

By NPR News March 31, 2021

Nicole Grayson is a fourth-grade teacher at a private Christian school in Franklin, Tenn. She and her colleagues have noticed that students and teachers, who have been meeting mostly in person but wearing masks, haven't had the usual seasonal illnesses this year. Blake Farmer/WPLN News

A study released this month in the Journal of Hospital Medicine, led by researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, found that across 44 children's hospitals, the number of pediatric patients hospitalized for respiratory illnesses is down 62%. Deaths have dropped dramatically too, compared with the last 10 years: The number of flu deaths among children is Read More

CDC Director Robert Redfield Warns This Fall Could Be The Worst Ever For Public Health

By NPR News August 13, 2020

Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is calling on Americans to do their part to contain the coronavirus as flu season comes into view. Kevin Dietsch/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

In an interview with WebMD, CDC Director Robert Redfield warned of the dual threat of the coronavirus and flu season. He urged Americans to follow COVID-19 health guidance and get the flu vaccine. Read More

Why The World Seemingly Cares More About The New Coronavirus Than The Flu

By NPR News February 3, 2020

Employees of the Egyptian Quarantine Authority prepare to scan the body temperature of incoming travelers at Cairo International Airport. AFP via Getty Images

Every year, viruses like influenza kill hundreds of thousands worldwide — yet countries don't respond with lockdowns or airport screenings. Here's why they're doing so over the coronavirus outbreak.Read More

Doctors Advise: Get Your Flu Shot Now, Especially If You’re Pregnant

By NPR News October 21, 2019

Though complications from the flu can be deadly for people who are especially vulnerable, including pregnant women and their newborns, typically only about half of pregnant women get the needed vaccination, U.S. statistics show. CREDIT: BSIP/Getty Images

The advice from federal health officials remains clear and consistent: Get the flu vaccine as soon as possible, especially if you're pregnant or have asthma or another underlying condition that makes you more likely to catch a bad case.Read More

Achy Body, Scratchy Throat, Stuffy Nose: Is It A Nasty Cold Or The Flu?

By NPR News January 6, 2019

Sneezing and coughing can be symptoms of the flu or the common cold. But knowing which other symptoms signal flu could save your life.

It's that time of year again. You wake up with a scratchy throat, stuffy nose, a little achy — maybe a fever. Is it a classic head cold, or do you need to be more concerned? Could it be the flu?Read More

UW Medicine Gets Multi-Million Dollar Grant For Universal Flu Vaccine

By NWPB News April 6, 2018

A nurse prepares a flu shot from a vaccine vial. CREDIT: DAVID GOLDMAN

The Institute for Protein Design at the University of Washington School of Medicine has been awarded $11.3 million to work on a universal flu vaccine.Read More

How Long Are You Contagious With The Flu?

By NPR News February 20, 2018

Finally getting out from under the flu? Just because you're feeling better doesn't mean you can't get other people sick. You can spread the flu for longer than you might think.Read More