Articles about Flu

Exclusive: Group says measures to curb harmful content will also help to tackle violence against women and girlsMen and boys need as much protection as women and girls from harmful influencers and “the worst parts of the internet”, a group of MPs have told Ofcom, as they called for the regulator to give specific guidance to online platforms.More than 60 Labour MPs have written to the Ofcom chief executive, Melanie Dawes, urging her to protect men and boys from “manosphere” influencers, who expose them to gambling, sextortion and violent pornography. Continue reading...

Workers are ‘in the middle of chaos from political games’ as Senate Republicans try to negotiate with Democrats to reopen DHSSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxWorkers with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are reeling from the White House’s deployment of immigration law enforcement into airports as TSA workers enter their sixth week without pay as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown continues.Over 400 TSA workers have quit since the shutdown began in February, with major US airports reporting high call-out rates among workers, leading to longer security wait times. On Sunday, over, 3,450 TSA officers called out of work, with as many as 40% of officers at some airports calling out that day, according to DHS data. Continue reading...

Critics say £15 toy designed for children aged two and over risks exposing them to ‘a very adult, performative world’Argos has ignited a debate among parents and child development campaigners after promoting a wooden “influencer kit” aimed at toddlers.Critics have warned that the play set could normalise the precarious world of digital labour and prematurely expose children to the pressures of online visibility. Continue reading...

Watchdog also fines PhotobookShop for editing a paid review from an influencer who had described process as ‘fiddly’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAn online photobook retailer has been fined nearly $40,000 for asking social media influencers to not disclose they had been paid to post a review on Instagram.It marks the first time a penalty has been handed down to an Australian business for an influencer not disclosing paid post. Continue reading...

He had IRGC’s trust while having his differences with hardliners and had huge sway with likes of China and RussiaMiddle East crisis – live updatesIf confirmed, Israel’s assassination of Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s supreme national security council and one of the linchpins of Iranian politics, would be a devastating body blow to the country and probably a bigger reverse than the loss of the supreme leader Ali Khamenei at the outset of the war.In any attempt to decapitate the Iranian leadership, Larijani would always be the prime target, largely because of his ability to straddle so many levels of Iranian politics and his huge personal influence not just in Iran but with foreign states including China and Russia. Continue reading...

One analyst predicting that prices at the pump might hit $3.85 per gallon on Monday as war enters third weekSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxUS oil prices could see another day of wild fluctuation as the US-Israel campaign against Iran extends into a third week, with one analyst predicting that prices at the pump might hit $3.85 per gallon on Monday.Petroleum prices have spiraled upward as the broadening conflict has imperiled oil and gas production infrastructure in the region. On Friday, the US conducted strikes on Kharg Island, an essential oil processing hub in Iran. Tehran, meanwhile, continues to block ships from passing through the strait of Hormuz, where a fifth of the international oil supply typically passes through. Continue reading...

The 2025-2026 flu season is concluding with one of the lowest vaccine effectiveness rates in more than a decade, with the CDC reporting effectiveness of approximately 25-30% in preventing adults from needing medical care, according to data released Friday. A viral mismatch between the vaccine strain and dominant H3N2 variant that emerged early winter caused the poor performance, with vaccination proving more protective in children at around 40% effectiveness against medical visits. Despite low effectiveness, the CDC estimates 27 million illnesses, 350,000 hospitalizations, and 22,000 deaths from flu this season—substantially lower than the prior year's 40 million illnesses and 520,000 hospitalizations at the same point.

Donald Trump's policies have created a chilling effect in Hollywood, with executives and talent hesitant to comment publicly ahead of the March 15, 2026 Oscars due to a tense political climate. Reporters note unusual difficulty securing interviews, linking it to broader industry anxieties over government impact on film production. This atmosphere overshadows predictions for frontrunners like 'Sinners,' amplifying pre-awards uncertainty. Analysts foresee potential policy shifts affecting future funding and content post-ceremony.

CDC interim analysis from September 2025 to February 2026 shows this season's flu vaccine effectiveness at 22-34% against outpatient visits for adults and 30-41% for those 65+, with hospitalization protection at 30-31%, due to H3N2 strain mismatch. The season saw 27 million illnesses, 350,000 hospitalizations, and 22,000 deaths, lower than last year's peaks but with 101 child deaths, 85% unvaccinated. Despite flaws, experts like Dr. William Schaffner stress shots prevent severe outcomes, with adult rates at 46.5%. Vaccination campaigns will target improved strains for next season.

CDC studies from September 2025 to February 2026 estimate flu vaccine effectiveness (VE) at 22-34% against influenza A/B outpatient visits for adults and 30-41% for those 65+, with 30-31% against hospitalizations. Patrick Maloney, PhD, from CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, led the analysis. Low VE underscores need for improved formulations amid slumping protection. Findings inform next season's vaccine development.

An FDA advisory committee has recommended the development of next year's flu vaccine, as new data from the CDC indicates the current 2025-2026 flu vaccine provides moderate protection against hospitalization for vaccinated individuals despite concerns about late-emerging H3N2 strains. The committee reviewed winter flu shot effectiveness reports published in the CDC's online MMWR journal, which showed moderate protective efficacy against severe outcomes requiring hospitalization. The timing of vaccine selection remains critical as late-emerging H3N2 variants can significantly undermine vaccine effectiveness, a concern flagged by the committee during this year's review. Current guidance continues to emphasize vaccination for those at high risk of severe illness, particularly elderly and immunocompromised populations.