Influenza (flu) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

We’re sharing this article early to provide faster access to peer-reviewed, accepted research. It is citable and carries a permanent DOI. This version is subject to further edits and will be replaced automatically by the final Version of Record. All legal disclaimers apply. AbstractInfluenza A viruses (IAV) remain a persistent One Health threat, and whole-genome sequencing from wastewater offers a promising surveillance tool. However, IAV is at low abundance in wastewater, making it difficult to sequence. We benchmark four targeted enrichment methods suited for multi-subtype whole-genome IAV sequencing including custom and off-the-shelf methods. Our custom HA tiled-amplicon panel is sensitive, fast, and cost-effective, making it suitable for monitoring low-abundance seasonal variants of known subtypes, although its reliance on conserved and intact primer-binding sites limits primer design to fewer subtypes. A published universal amplicon method targets all IAV subtypes but performs poorly in wastewater due to its reliance on intact genome segments. Meanwhile, probe-capture methods are resilient to RNA degradation.

Wednesday, 14 October 2026, 12:30 –13:45 (CEST)BackgroundAvian influenza A(H9N2) viruses continue to circulate widely in birds and have caused sporadic human infections, highlighting the ongoing risk of influenza viruses emerging at the animal-human interface. Addressing these risks requires timely risk assessment, coordinated One Health action, across human, animal and environmental health sectors, and sustained preparedness for pandemics through GISRS and its partners. Held shortly after the WHO biannual consultation on influenza vaccine composition, including the review of candidate vaccine viruses for pandemic preparedness, this webinar will provide the latest updates on A(H9N2) epidemiology, virus characterization, animal and environmental surveillance, and global risk assessment. By bringing together experts from human, animal, and environmental health sectors, the webinar will promote a shared understanding of current risks and strengthen coordinated preparedness for future zoonotic and pandemic influenza threats.

Flu cases are rising after Thanksgiving, but Canadians can still get vaccinated. Paul Hollingsworth reports on vaccination uptake in Halifax. HALIFAX- As the autumn season continues, a cold and flu bug is now spreading and more Canadians are experiencing a surge in sickness. “We are seeing the start of the influenza season here in Canada,” said infectious diseases specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch, who added pockets of the influenza virus are now popping up in different parts of the country. Health Canada reported last week there were 1,149 positive detections of influenza in Canada, with a 4.7 per cent increase of positive tests. “We need to take steps to better protect all Canadians, but also those who are more vulnerable to influenza,” said Bogoch, who applauded Nova Scotia’s decision to roll out its seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccines earlier than normal. Flu season influenza vaccine Pharmacist Jamie Flynn administers a vaccine at his pharmacy in Halifax.