Health News

Four-in-One Flu Vaccine Succeeded
A universal flu vaccine to protect against all strains of the flu doesn't exist yet. But a new one does appear to protect against four flu strains at once.
How Vaccines Have Changed Disease Rates
Sometimes it's easy to forget how common many diseases were before vaccines for them were introduced. When the disease is not around, people may not notice as much.
Impact of the H1N1 Flu Pandemic
In 2009, there were concerns across the world about the H1N1 flu. It turns out that, overall, death rates from this flu pandemic weren't worse than those of other flu seasons — at least for some.
The Most Serious Flu Consequences
It's flu season again, and there are ways to protect your children against the flu. A recent study revealed how serious the flu can be.
Flu Vaccine Rates Lower Than Desired
For years, health officials have been aiming to increase rates of flu vaccination across the US each flu season. While new data shows that more and more people seem to be getting vaccinated, the rates of the increases are slower than desired.
A Flu Shot for the Heart
The main purpose of the flu vaccine is to protect against influenza. But it may offer other benefits as well.
Vaccinated Teens May Protect Babies
A baby who catches whooping cough often requires hospitalization. Only babies over 2 months old can receive the vaccine for this illness. But  if many others in the community are vaccinated against the disease, that may help protect these young babies from it.
Egg Allergies? Fear Not the Flu Shot
Everyone is urged to get a flu shot, but what should you do if an allergy might interact with the vaccine? Risk the flu or risk the allergic reaction?  For many patients, these concerns have now been addressed.
Refusing Vaccines Contributes to Outbreaks
More than 9,000 people contracted whooping cough in California in 2010. It was the worst outbreak of the disease, also called pertussis, since 1947 in that state.
Did Your Doc Get a Flu Shot?
Doctors often tell their patients to get the flu shot. But how many healthcare professionals are taking that step themselves?