Science & Research
Comparing the Severe Outbreaks: 2025 vs. 2009 Flu Seasons
The 2024-2025 influenza season has emerged as one of the most severe in recent memory, drawing parallels to the notable 2008-2009 season. Both periods witnessed significant flu activity, but distinct differences in viral strains, transmission patterns, and public health responses have shaped their respective impacts. Overview of the 2024-2025 Flu Season As of February 22,…
Read MoreHistory of Vaccines: How and Why Do Vaccines Work
Vaccines have revolutionized public health, significantly reducing the incidence of many infectious diseases and saving countless lives globally. From their humble beginnings to modern advancements, vaccines are a testament to human ingenuity and scientific progress. Below, we explore the history of vaccination, how vaccines work, and why they are essential for protecting yourself and the…
Read MoreFighting Flu Together: Know Your Flu Testing Options in 2024
The 2023-2024 influenza (flu) season has trended in a traditional pattern across the country this year with 25 million illnesses and 91 pediatric deaths so far. The flu is serious and impacts everyone in our communities. It is still one of the deadliest vaccine-preventable diseases in the U.S. While the flu is widespread, it can…
Read MoreSurvey Finds 2 in 3 Parents Get a Preventative Flu Shots Each Year
Families Fighting Flu conducted a survey last fall to see how many people protect themselves and what their perception of prescriptions and preventive medications are when it comes to treating influenza, also known as the flu. Prioritizing Flu Shots for Children One hundred percent of surveyed parents stated they plan to have their child receive…
Read MoreCelebrating Black Health Heroes Fighting Flu
Keith C. Ferdinand, MD This flu season, the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention hosted the Million Hearts® Stakeholders Flu Vaccination Campaign. This campaign supported flu education, offering resources to educate communities on the importance of receiving an annual flu vaccine. Part of the resources included PSAs from their spokespeople. One of the…
Read MoreCan you Have Flu and COVID-19 at the Same Time?
YES, it is possible to have both viruses at once. While it’s not common, during the winter of 2021 to 2022, we heard about cases of “flurona” where someone was infected with both flu and Covid-19 at the same time. When you get sick, your immune system is working hard to make sure that you…
Read MoreWhat is Flurona?
“Flurona” is not a new type of COVID-19 or flu, it’s when people have both viruses at the same time. It’s not common for people to have both viruses at once, but it certainly can happen. When you get sick, your immune system is working hard to make sure that you get better. But, during…
Read MoreLessons Learned from COVID-19 for Flu Preparedness
While Josiah Swenson was fighting for his life in the ICU with a severe case of influenza B in March 2020, his mother was forced to leave him in the hospital alone due to COVID-19 precautions. Over the last two years, many other families suffered from the double impacts of flu and COVID-19. Like the…
Read MoreImproving Influenza Vaccines
Seasonal flu vaccines are our best protection against a dangerous and potentially deadly disease. Because the flu virus mutates so quickly, scientists update the vaccine every year based on the strains that are circulating that season. However, one thing that hasn’t changed in years is the way seasonal flu vaccines are produced. Most influenza vaccines…
Read MoreComparing Flu and RSV
What is RSV? Respiratory syncytial virus, otherwise known as RSV, is a virus that typically spreads during flu season. RSV can be serious, as it is the single most common cause of pneumonia in infants. How are RSV and flu similar? Both viruses affect children and older adults Both viruses have similar symptoms like coughing,…
Read More