Here are the flu strains health officials predict could hit hard next season
The WHO has warned countries in the Northern Hemisphere to be prepared to fight influenza viruses that fall under the subtypes H1N1 and H3N2 and the lineage B/Victoria in the next flu season
7 Important Health Stories to Watch in 2026
From immune cell therapies to measles outbreaks to federal attacks on public health, these are some of the health topics we’ll be watching next year
First Human Dies of Rare H5N5 Bird Flu Strain. Here’s What You Need to Know
H5N1 bird flu has been circulating in U.S. wildlife since late 2021 but has caused only one human fatality. Now a different type of bird flu has also caused a death
Are Turkeys at Risk of Bird Flu This Thanksgiving?
Nearly two million U.S. turkeys have died from bird flu in recent months. An agricultural economist explains what ongoing outbreaks could mean for Thanksgiving meals
This Overlooked Bird Flu Strain Might Be the Next Pandemic Risk
Experiments suggests H9N2 has adapted to human cells, but cases of person-to-person transmission haven’t been reported yet
Mosquitoes Invade Iceland, Earth Darkens, and Bird Flu Returns
Bird flu surges and a government shutdown collide, complicating efforts to track cases and protect flocks.
Bird Flu Is Back. Here’s What to Know
After a quiet summer, bird flu cases are rising again. Scientists expected the development, but what happens next is still uncertain
Cow Udders Could Brew Up Dangerous New Bird Flu Strains
Cells in cow udders could act as a site for human flu and bird flu viruses to swap genes and generate dangerous novel strains
Gene-Swaps Could Let Influenza Jump Species
Influenza viruses like bird flu can mix and match their genomes, and this has played a role in at least three of the last four flu pandemics
The Invisible Toll of Bird Flu on Wildlife
Bird flu fears have focused on the poultry and dairy industries and human health. But wild animals are threatened, too—at scales no one fully understands
Where Did Bird Flu Go?
Bird flu was nearly everywhere in the U.S.—in chickens, cows, pet cats and even humans. Cases have gone down, but experts warn that it hasn’t disappeared
Science Crossword: On the Fly
Your favorite word game with a twist of science