With flu season fast approaching, influenza-related news articles have dominated the health headlines this week. The spread of influenza is seasonal, typically from November to April in the northern hemisphere. Influenza or 'the flu' is a major cause of illness and death in the very young and very old. As we age, our immune systems have to work harder to fight the influenza virus. Older adults are at higher risk of complications from influenza, including high rates of secondary infection such as pneumonia. Although strategies such as hand washing and covering your mouth (known as 'respiratory etiquette’) may help reduce spreading of the virus, it is widely accepted that vaccination is the most important strategy to prevent influenza. What does the evidence say?
We’ve compiled a list of resources about influenza as well as other flu-like conditions including the common cold and chronic rhinosinusitis.
