Category: Influenza

Differentiating Flu and Strep Throat: Diagnosis and Causes

Influenza (flu) and strep throat may seem like one and the same, but they are two very different illnesses and the primary distinction is the origin of the disease. The flu is caused by a virus and strep throat is caused by bacteria. Strep throat and influenza may also share some symptoms, but the key symptomatic…


First Two ‘Flurona’ Cases Detected in US: Officials

A Los Angeles County COVID-19 testing site confirmed the first local case of “flurona,” or influenza combined with the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus that causes COVID-19, coming after a teen in Texas confirmed he was diagnosed with the two viruses. Authorities at the 911 COVID-19 testing site in Brentwood, California, confirmed a child tested…


High Pathogenic Avian Influenza on NL Exhibition Farm, Area Under Quarantine: CFIA

Canada’s food safety watchdog says it has confirmed cases of high pathogenic Avian Influenza at an exhibition farm in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says in a release Wednesday that the farm on the Avalon Peninsula does not produce birds for sale. The agency says as the birds infected with H5N1 were…


San Diego County Flu Cases Increase, But Below Five-Year Average

SAN DIEGO—The number of San Diegans testing positive for influenza increased by 34 percent over the previous week, but cumulative case numbers are still fewer than the five-year average, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency reported Dec. 22. For the week ending Saturday, a total of 191 lab-confirmed flu cases were reported in the region, compared…


Main Influenza Strain Has Mutated, Current Vaccines May Not Prevent Infection: Researchers

Several researchers said that the main circulating influenza strain in the United States has mutated, noting that vaccines may not prevent infection. According to a pre-print study (pdf) led by Scott Hensley, a professor of microbiology at the University of Pennsylvania, flu shots do not protect against a mutated variant of the H3N2 influenza virus, or…


5 Ways to Beat the Flu Naturally

With flu season rapidly approaching, recommendations for preventatives are everywhere but many are not backed up by science. Can you guess the top five? (Hint: vaccination is not one of them!) With flu season rapidly approaching, many are looking to vaccination as a “preventive” approach. Those who abstain are often accused of being uneducated or…


CDC: Influenza Virus Detections on the Rise Across US

Influenza virus detections are rising across the United States, federal health officials said in their most recent influenza update. In its weekly flu surveillance report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that influenza activity remains low but is on the rise. “The number of influenza viruses detected by clinical and public health labs…


San Diego County Reporting More Influenza Cases Than Normal

The number of influenza in San Diego this season is higher than the average for the same period in recent years, San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HSSA) officials announced on Oct. 13. A total of 195 lab-confirmed influenza cases have been reported so far this season. That compares to six at the…


CDC Director Pushes for Flu Shot, Warns of Surge This Season

The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) pushed for Americans to get vaccinated against influenza and warned of a potentially severe flu season as the winter months approach. “This low flu activity was likely due to the widespread implementation of COVID-19 preventive measures like masks, physical distancing, and staying home,” CDC…


Raw Honey: A Natural Sweetener With Health Benefits

Consuming honey, nature’s sweet gift freely given through the work and movement of honeybees, gets sweeter in light of its wide-ranging health benefits. If you reach for honey for your cup of freshly brewed tea or to sweeten your homemade desserts, you may already know that science favors honey for its wholesome health benefits versus…