influenza
Bird Flu Is Back in the US. No One Knows What Comes Next
The fast-moving pathogen, which has already invaded Europe, was found in East Coast ducks. The last outbreak that tore through the US killed 50 million birds.
A Pandemic Historian Warns Us All to Stop Looking at the Past
Being trapped in my own quarantine reminded me of how little we’ve learned.
The Race Is On to Develop a Vaccine Against Every Coronavirus
A “universal” shot would protect against every branch of Covid’s viral family tree—even future ones. But getting there won’t be easy.
Covid Lockdowns Prevented Other Infections. Is That Good?
The “hygiene hypothesis” says early contact with microbes trains our immune systems. But what happens after a year of distancing?
Covid Meant a Year Without the Flu. That’s Not All Good News
The 2019–20 flu season basically didn’t happen. Same for a couple other respiratory viruses. But that could make future seasons worse.
The Science That Spans #MeToo, Memes, and Covid-19
The theory underlying network science predates the internet. But in 2020, it became essential to understanding our interconnected world.
Anthony Fauci Has Some Very Good Reasons to Be Optimistic
During Day 3 of WIRED25, the public health rock star emphasized the importance of masks, distancing, handwashing … and a positive outlook.
Colds Nearly Vanished Under Lockdown. Now They’re Coming Back
The return of non-Covid respiratory illnesses is putting a new strain on testing supplies around the world—and is a preview of what’s in store for the US.
How Will Covid Be Remembered?
Emma Donoghue's new novel, The Pull of the Stars, shows how pandemics—like the 1918 flu—can be woven into history.
If the Virus Slows This Summer, It May Be Time to Worry
We hoped that Covid-19 would be a seasonal infection. We hoped wrong.
Social Distancing Has Become the Norm. What Have We Learned?
It's a good time to sort through what's known, unknown, and only just beginning to be understood about this months-long intervention.
Covid-19's Scary Blood Clots Aren't That Surprising
There's more than a century of research linking clogged blood vessels to infectious diseases.
The Dire Diplomacy of the Global 'Race for a Vaccine'
Stopping this pandemic will depend on scientists' ability to form partnerships across borders. President Trump has only made us weaker at this game.
The Shared Visual Language of the 1918 and 2020 Pandemics
Photos show the striking similarities between the 20th-century influenza outbreak and today's coronavirus pandemic.
The History of Pandemics Teaches Us That We Can't Be Taught
Is there a lesson in this repeating failure? Would we even learn it if there was?
The Face Mask Debate Reveals a Scientific Double Standard
No one complained about the lack of evidence for 20-second hand-washing. So why did we treat face masks differently?
It's Time to Face Facts, America: Masks Work
Official advice has been confusing, but the science isn't hard to grok. Everyone should cover up.
Coronavirus Is Bad. Comparing It to the Flu Is Worse
The whataboutism of infectious disease is as dangerous as it is hackneyed.
We Can Still Avoid a Repeat of Last Year's Deadly Flu Season
It's peak flu season, and almost 10 million people across the US have already been sickened by the virus.
Scientists Found a Flu Vaccine Flaw—Now They Have to Fix It
The H3N2 subtype is the deadliest of the common flu viruses---and the one vaccines are worst at fighting.
Scientists Get One Step Closer to a Universal Flu Vaccine
Two new studies bring us closer to a flu vaccine that works every year.
See How Diseases Spread in These Mesmerizing Graphics
Scientists can visualize the spread of diseases in lots of ways. This viz treats swine flu like it's a commuter taking a train around the world.
Surprising Study of Human Immune Responses Could Lead to Better Flu Vaccines
A new computer modeling study suggests the human immune system has a better memory than scientists had thought for strains of the flu it’s encountered in the past. In the future, the researchers say, it might be possible to exploit this to design better vaccines.
CDC Lab Errors and Their Implications: Congressional Hearing Today
The nation's top health leaders will appear in front of congress today to answer questions about the recent lab accidents involving smallpox and avian flu.