Tag Influenza

Novel compound found effective against avian influenza virus

February 26, 2010

A novel compound is highly effective against the pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, including some drug-resistant strains, according to new research led by a University of Wisconsin–Madison virologist.

Virus hybridization could create pandemic bird flu

February 22, 2010

Genetic interactions between avian H5N1 influenza and human seasonal influenza viruses have the potential to create hybrid strains combining the virulence of bird flu with the pandemic ability of H1N1, according to a new study.

Flu shot clinics to be held Jan. 22

January 20, 2010

Two flu shot clinics will be held on Friday, Jan. 22, for students and employees.

Compound found to safely counter deadly bird flu

December 28, 2009

The specter of a drug-resistant form of the deadly H5N1 avian influenza is a nightmare to keep public-health officials awake at night.

Seasonal flu shots available for faculty, staff through Dec. 11

December 7, 2009

Injectable seasonal flu shots will be offered to faculty and staff at a number of campus locations next week, Dec. 7-11.

UW-Madison students: Get an H1N1 shot Dec. 4

December 2, 2009

University of Wisconsin–Madison students aged 24 and under are encouraged to come to the Southeast Recreational Facility (SERF) on Friday, Dec. 4, to get a free H1N1 flu shot in a flash.

UW-Madison receives $9.5 million Gates Foundation grant

November 19, 2009

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has received a five-year, $9.5 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to identify virus mutations that would serve as early warnings of potential pandemic influenza viruses.

UW-Madison launches H1N1 study with asthma sufferers

October 26, 2009

The School of Medicine and Public Health is one of just seven research centers conducting the first clinical trial in the nation to determine the dose of H1N1 vaccine necessary to give immunity to people with asthma.

UW-Madison flu outbreak enters second week

September 15, 2009

In week 2 of the semester (Sept. 6–12), University Health Services (UHS) evaluated 345 students with influenza-like illness (ILI). ILI cases represented 28 percent of primary care visits. Of the total cases reported since the outbreak began, 98 percent were under age 25 and 14 percent live in residence halls.

Student influenza cases appear at UW–Madison

September 3, 2009

As has been widely expected, UW–Madison officials have received reports this week that some students have come down with symptoms characteristic of influenza.

UW-Madison prepares for new semester with flu in mind

August 27, 2009

As University of Wisconsin–Madison students, faculty and staff prepare for next week's start of the 2009-10 academic year, administrators and campus health officials are finalizing plans to manage an expected re-emergence of the H1N1 influenza virus, or "swine flu."

Study suggests H1N1 virus more dangerous than suspected

July 13, 2009

A new, highly detailed study of the H1N1 flu virus shows that the pathogen is more virulent than previously thought.

WHO raises H1N1 pandemic level, UHS offers campus guidance

June 12, 2009

The World Health Organization has raised the Global Pandemic Phase to Level 6, signifying the presence of a pandemic. This change reflects the continued global spread of the novel H1N1 influenza virus. As in many other parts of the United States, H1N1 influenza cases continue to occur in communities throughout Wisconsin, including Madison and on the UW–Madison campus.

UW-Madison recommends against nonessential travel to Mexico

April 29, 2009

Chancellor Biddy Martin has endorsed recommendations of the campus International Emergency Response Committee (IERC), advising against all university travel to Mexico until further notice. This is in alignment with the travel warning issued on April 27 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Swine flu 101: UW faculty discuss latest information today, April 29

April 29, 2009

Three of Wisconsin’s leading minds on infectious disease are teaming up today to offer medical professionals, and interested members of the public, the facts they need to know about swine flu.

Researchers explore the broad-reaching effects of a pandemic in Wisconsin

April 28, 2009

If a pandemic hit Madison, canceling a football game at the University of Wisconsin–Madison's Camp Randall would protect thousands from exposure to illness. However, the economic cost would be substantial for stadium workers and employees at nearby restaurants and businesses if widespread, prolonged illness forced officials to call off an entire season of Badger football.

Message to campus community regarding swine flu

April 27, 2009

Members of the UW–Madison Community, UW–Madison officials are actively monitoring reports of swine flu affecting Mexico, with additional cases around the United States. At this…

UW-Madison officials monitoring swine flu

April 26, 2009

UW-Madison officials are actively monitoring reports of swine flu that is affecting Mexico, with additional cases in California and Texas.

Scientists isolate genes that made 1918 flu lethal

December 29, 2008

By mixing and matching a contemporary flu virus with the "Spanish flu" - a virus that killed between 20 and 50 million people 90 years ago in history's most devastating outbreak of infectious disease - researchers have identified a set of three genes that helped underpin the extraordinary virulence of the 1918 virus.

Curiosities: How do public health officials determine which strain of influenza to create vaccines for each year?

November 6, 2008

This year’s influenza vaccine in the United States contains three strains of the influenza virus. Last March, experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease…