Tag Influenza

UW’s important influenza research conducted safely

July 2, 2014

The UW–Madison Influenza Research Institute (IRI) has been safely conducting important influenza research since its opening at Research Park in 2008.

Genes found in nature yield 1918-like virus with pandemic potential

June 11, 2014

An international team of researchers has shown that circulating avian influenza viruses contain all the genetic ingredients necessary to underpin the emergence of a virus similar to the deadly 1918 influenza virus.

UW-Madison flu expert recognized for research excellence

February 3, 2014

Yoshihiro Kawaoka, a professor of virology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine known for his groundbreaking work on influenza, has received the 2014 Excellence in Research Award from the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC).

H5N1 bird flu genes show nature can pick worrisome traits

October 23, 2013

In a study published today (Oct. 23, 2013) in Nature Communications, an international team of researchers shows how evolution can favor mutations that make avian flu more transmissible in mammals.

September kicks off flu shot clinics on campus

September 23, 2013

University Health Services (UHS) is reminding members of the campus community to get a flu shot - the single best thing you can do to stay healthy and prevent spreading the flu.

First flu shot clinic for faculty and staff today

September 19, 2013

The first UW–Madison flu shot clinic of the season for faculty and staff will be held today (Thursday, Sept. 19) at 21 N. Park St., rooms 1106/1108, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be clinics at 12 additional locations through Oct. 29.

Study puts troubling traits of H7N9 avian flu virus on display

July 10, 2013

The emerging H7N9 avian influenza virus responsible for at least 37 deaths in China has qualities that could potentially spark a global outbreak of flu, according to a new study published today (July 10, 2013) in the journal Nature.

$18 million to study deadly secrets of flu, Ebola, West Nile viruses

June 6, 2013

In an effort to sort out why some viruses such as influenza, Ebola and West Nile are so lethal, a team of U.S. researchers plans a comprehensive effort to model how humans respond to these viral pathogens.

UW flu expert elected to National Academy of Sciences

May 1, 2013

Yoshihiro Kawaoka, a professor of pathobiological sciences in the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine and leading expert on influenza, has been elected to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS).

Madison startup company mounting two-pronged attack against influenza

April 22, 2013

As a new type of "bird flu" causes deaths and worries in China, a Madison startup is attacking the problem on two fronts. FluGen, under the scientific guidance of University of Wisconsin–Madison researcher Yoshihiro Kawaoka, a world authority on influenza, is moving ahead with a better way to deliver existing vaccines and a novel "universal" flu vaccine.

New bird flu strain seen adapting to mammals, humans

April 12, 2013

A genetic analysis of the avian flu virus responsible for at least nine human deaths in China portrays a virus evolving to adapt to human cells, raising concern about its potential to spark a new global flu pandemic.

Flu transmission studies could resume soon

February 26, 2013

After a voluntary hiatus of more than a year, avian influenza transmission studies may soon resume at UW–Madison’s Influenza Research Institute (IRI) as the National Institutes of Heath (NIH) last week issued a new framework for vetting such experiments.

University Health Services: Time to get a flu shot

January 7, 2013

Over the past few weeks, Wisconsin has seen a significant increase in flu case numbers. The flu may be here but it’s not too late to protect yourself.

Campus flu shot clinics start Sept. 17

September 13, 2012

University Health Services (UHS) will again offer seasonal influenza immunizations (flu shots) for all registered students, faculty and staff. Just like last year, student flu shot clinics will be held at separate locations and dates from UW-employee clinics.

Morgridge Institute presents panel on H5N1 influenza research

May 30, 2012

The Morgridge Institute for Research will launch its Ethics@Discovery program on Thursday, May 31, at 2 p.m. with “Campus Conversation: Biomedical Research and National Security—Learning from the H5N1 Influenza Story.”

After epic debate, avian flu research sees light of day

May 2, 2012

After a marathon debate over a pair of studies that show how the avian H5N1 influenza virus could become transmissible in mammals, and an unprecedented recommendation by a government review panel to block publication, one of the studies was finally and fully published today (May 3, 2012) in the journal Nature.

Nature: Kawaoka authors commentary on flu research

January 25, 2012

The author of an upcoming Nature paper about H5N1 argues in a Nature Comment article today that research into deadly pathogenic viruses must continue if pandemics are to be prevented.

Flu researchers pause for thought

January 20, 2012

The authors of two H5N1-related papers, to be published in Nature and Science respectively, today announce in those journals their decision to call a voluntary 60-day pause on research involving highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses leading to the generation of viruses that are more transmissible in mammals.

Campus flu-shot clinics start Sept. 30

September 29, 2011

University Health Services (UHS) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison will once again offer free seasonal influenza immunizations (flu shots) for all registered students, faculty and staff.

H1N1 flu virus used new biochemical trick to cause pandemic

August 5, 2010

The influenza virus, scientists well know, is a crafty, shape-shifting organism, constantly changing form to evade host immune systems and jump from one species, like birds, to another, mammals.