Canadian farmers take precautions as bird flu outbreaks hit U.S. dairy cattle

The Dose19:04What’s going on with H5N1 bird flu? H5N1 is in the news again, and this time it has spread to cattle in several U.S. states. It has even infected a dairy worker in Texas. Global health epidemiologist Raywat Deonandan explains how avian flu is spreading, how transmissible it is, what vaccines are available, and … Read more

Is milk safe to drink? Can you catch bird flu from beef? What to know about H5N1 cattle outbreaks

Confirmation that a dangerous form of bird flu is circulating among U.S. dairy cattle has raised questions among dairy producers — and consumers — on both sides of the border. Dairy and beef farmers are implementing biosecurity measures to keep H5N1 out of their herds, while Canadians are understandably concerned about what these outbreaks could … Read more

Now that bird flu is spreading among cows, scientists worry where H5N1 will jump next

On March 25, American officials published an urgent announcement: Dairy cows in Texas, Kansas, and New Mexico were falling sick. The cows had low appetites, and produced less milk than normal. Some farms also discovered wild bird carcasses on their grounds. Tests on a cow throat swab and raw milk samples all confirmed an unusual finding: … Read more

Yamagata lineage virus strangely disappeared

NEW DELHI: The flu virus that infected millions, particularly children, has mysteriously vanished from the face of the Earth. Experts are so convinced that it is gone that they believe it should be removed from vaccines altogether. This virus, known as the Yamagata lineage, was one of four flu viruses commonly included in annual influenza … Read more

Md. health department urges masks, vaccination after respiratory illness-related hospitalizations

As people return home from holiday travel and spending time with loved ones over the past couple weeks, the Maryland Department of Health is urging clinicians to strengthen protective measures to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses. This article was republished with permission from WTOP’s news partners at Maryland Matters. Sign up for Maryland Matters’ free … Read more

Not just COVID-19: Respiratory illnesses up across DC region

A look at data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows doctor visits for respiratory illnesses are in the “high” range in D.C. and Maryland, and the “very high” range in Virginia. “Some of that is driven by influenza, but there are a lot of other respiratory viruses that are also increasing at … Read more

Flu, COVID-19 Infections Rising in US, Could Worsen Over Holidays, CDC Says 

new york —  Look for flu and COVID-19 infections to ramp up in the coming weeks, U.S. health officials say, with increases fueled by holiday gatherings, too many unvaccinated people and a new version of the coronavirus that may be spreading more easily. High levels of flu-like illnesses were reported last week in 17 states … Read more

Doctors, health officials advise Marylanders to get vaccinated before holiday travel

According to Maryland Department of Health data on COVID-19, analyzed by Maryland Matters, there were an average of 303 people hospitalized with COVID each day in November. That’s up from an average of 244 people hospitalized each day in October. This article was republished with permission from WTOP’s news partners at Maryland Matters. Sign up for … Read more

UKHSA Highlights Disparities in Flu and COVID-19 Hospital Admissions

In a recent statement released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), a strong appeal has been made to eligible individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, especially those from Pakistani and black Caribbean ethnic groups, along with residents in more deprived areas, to proactively seek and secure their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. The move aims to … Read more