Influenza

Seasonal influenza strains constantly evolve in overlapping epidemics in Asia and sweep the rest of the world each year, according to an international research team publishing in the 18 April issue of the journal Science.

The findings suggest that by focusing surveillance efforts on East and Southeast Asia, researchers may be able to extend their forecast of the flu strains most likely to cause epidemics, which may in turn help experts decide which strains should go in the flu vaccine each year.

Influenza virus: Photo by CDC    » read more »

Public flu vaccination clinics planned in response to death, new CDC vaccination guidelines

Feb. 29, 2008 -- The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today confirmed that a 12-year-old Twin Cities metropolitan area girl died recently from complications of influenza. The girl had not been vaccinated, and had an underlying medical condition that may have put her at increased risk of influenza complications.    » read more »

January 23, 2008 -- BURLINGTON – The Vermont Department of Health reported the first laboratory-confirmed case of influenza in the state on Friday, Jan. 18.

“The first laboratory-confirmed case of influenza does not mean that the flu has not been present in our state before now,” said Cort Lohff, MD, state epidemiologist for the Vermont Department of Health. “Flu season is inevitable. Vermonters should take every precaution to avoid getting sick or spreading the flu to other people. And it is not too late to get your flu shot.”    » read more »

Bill would Increase Late-Season Vaccination; Improve Outreach to Populations at Risk from Flu

December 12, 2007 -- Washington, DC – Today, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) and Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) introduced the Influenza Vaccine Security Act, legislation to increase flu vaccination rates, improve stockpiling of critical supplies to treat and prevent pandemic influenza, and establish better distribution of seasonal flu vaccine.    » read more »

According to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Maine Center for Disease control, influenza season has begun in Maine.

November 30, 2007 -- AUGUSTA - According to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Maine Center for Disease control, influenza season has begun in Maine.    » read more »

Numerous clinics will be held around state Nov. 26 – Dec. 2

November 21, 2007 -- If you haven’t received your annual influenza vaccination yet, it’s not too late, say state health officials. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Minnesota Coalition for Adult Immunization (MCAI) and other organizations will hold their annual 'Ban the Bug' campaign from Nov. 26 to Dec. 2.    » read more »

County Health Director Reminds Residents "Protect the Ones you Love - Get a Flu Shot"

Nov. 20, 2007 --A man in his 60's and an infant, both from Maricopa County but unrelated, have been confirmed by the Arizona Department of Health Services State Lab as the state's first cases of influenza or flu this season. Both are recovering.    » read more »

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 16, 2007) – Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) officials are urging Kentuckians to get a flu vaccination after the first culture-confirmed case of influenza was reported by the State Public Health Laboratory this week. The case was in Fayette County.    » read more »

Actress and Mother Jennifer Garner Kicks Off American Lung Association's Faces of Influenza Awareness Campaign, Encouraging Families to Get Vaccinated Against Influenza

New York (November 12, 2007) – Actress Jennifer Garner joined leading medical officials at a press conference today to kick off the American Lung Association’s national Faces of Influenza public awareness campaign, urging Americans to get their annual influenza vaccination.    » read more »

CDC Advises Broadening of Vaccination Efforts

November 09, 2007 -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced today that the nation′s influenza vaccine manufacturers report that more than 103 million doses of influenza (flu) vaccine have been distributed as of November 2 — an amount that represents more doses than had ever previously been distributed at this date.    » read more »

11-08-2007 -- The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) announced today the first laboratory confirmation of influenza activity in the state for the 2007-2008 flu season. This first seasonal indication of influenza is from Oklahoma County where laboratory results identified type B influenza virus.    » read more »

Minnesotans urged to get vaccinated to prevent influenza

November 8, 2007 -- Minnesota has recorded its first culture-confirmed case of influenza for the 2007-08 season in a 44-year-old woman from Dakota County. The woman’s illness was caused by the B/Shanghai-like strain of the virus, the Minnesota Department of Health reported today. The woman’s virus is a good match for this year’s vaccine, health officials said. The specimen was submitted by the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview.    » read more »

October 17, 2007 -- "I am pleased to see that Trust for America’s Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics have released this report highlighting the needs of pediatric populations during a pandemic influenza epidemic. As our public health system works to prepare for both a potential pandemic and seasonal influenza, we must ensure that our efforts to protect our health extend to children as well.    » read more »

October 8, 2007 -- The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is urging women who are or will be pregnant during the influenza season, and those who come in contact with high-risk populations, to receive the influenza vaccine. Pregnant women are included in the high-risk group for influenza and related complications, yet the vaccination rate for them is less than 15 percent (1989-2005 National Health Interview Survey data).    » read more »