Type of medical symptom where the nasal cavity is filled with fluid mucus
Medical condition
Rhinorrhea, rhinorrhoea, or informally runny nose is the free discharge of a thin mucus fluid from the nose;[1] it is a common condition. It is a common symptom of allergies (hay fever) or certain viral infections, such as the common cold or COVID-19. It can be a side effect of crying, exposure to cold temperatures, cocaine abuse,[2] or drug withdrawal, such as from methadone or other opioids.[3] Treatment for rhinorrhea is not usually undertaken, but there are a number of medical treatments and preventive techniques.
The term was coined in 1866 from the Greek rhino- ("of the nose") and -rhoia ("discharge" or "flow").[4]
Rhinorrhea is characterized by an excess amount of mucus produced by the mucous membranes that line the nasal cavities. The membranes create mucus faster than it can be processed, causing a backup of mucus in the nasal cavities. As the cavity fills up, it blocks off the air passageway, causing difficulty breathing through the nose. Air caught in nasal cavities, namely the sinus cavities, cannot be released and the resulting pressure may cause a headache or facial pain. If the sinus passage remains blocked, there is a chance that sinusitis may result.[5] If the mucus backs up through the Eustachian tube, it may result in ear pain or an ear infection. Excess mucus accumulating in the throat or back of the nose may cause a post-nasal drip, resulting in a sore throat or coughing.[5] Additional symptoms include sneezing, nosebleeds, and nasal discharge.[6]
The Mayo Clinic says that a runny nose can be caused by anything that irritates or inflames the nasal tissues, including infections such as the common cold and influenza, and allergies and various irritants. Some people have a chronically runny nose for no apparent reason (non-allergic rhinitis or vasomotor rhinitis). Less common causes include polyps, a foreign body, a tumor or migraine-like headaches. Causes listed (alphabetically) and discussed are: acute sinusitis (nasal and sinus infection), allergies, chronic sinusitis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, common cold, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), decongestant nasal spray overuse, deviated septum, dry air, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis), hormonal changes, influenza (flu), lodged object, medicines (such as those used to treat high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, depression, seizures and other conditions), nasal polyps, non-allergic rhinitis (chronic congestion or sneezing not related to allergies), occupational asthma, pregnancy, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), spinal fluid leak, and tobacco smoke.[7]
Rhinorrhea is especially common in cold weather. Cold-induced rhinorrhea occurs due to a combination of thermodynamics and the body's natural reactions to cold weather stimuli. One of the purposes of nasal mucus is to warm inhaled air to body temperature as it enters the body; this requires the nasal cavities to be constantly coated with liquid mucus. In cold weather the mucus lining nasal passages tends to dry out, do that mucous membranes must work harder, producing more mucus to keep the cavity lined. As a result, the nasal cavity can fill up with mucus. At the same time, when air is exhaled, water vapor in breath condenses as the warm air meets the colder outside temperature near the nostrils. This causes excess water to build up inside nasal cavities, spilling out through the nostrils.[8]
Rhinorrhea can be a symptom of other diseases, such as the common cold or influenza. During these infections, the nasal mucous membranes produce excess mucus, filling the nasal cavities. This is to prevent infection from spreading to the lungs and respiratory tract, where it could cause far worse damage.[9] It has also been suggested that rhinorrhea is a result of viral evolution whereby virus variants that increase nasal secretion are selected for.[10] Rhinorrhea caused by these infections usually occur on circadian rhythms.[11] Over the course of a viral infection, sinusitis (the inflammation of the nasal tissue) may occur, causing the mucous membranes to release more mucus. Acute sinusitis consists of the nasal passages swelling during a viral infection. Chronic sinusitis occurs when one or more nasal polyps appear.[citation needed] This can be caused by a deviated septum as well as a viral infection.[12]
Rhinorrhea can also occur when individuals with allergies to certain substances, such as pollen, dust, latex, soy, shellfish, or animal dander, are exposed to these allergens. In people with sensitized immune systems, the inhalation of one of these substances triggers the production of the antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE), which binds to mast cells and basophils. IgE bound to mast cells are stimulated by pollen and dust, causing the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine.[13] In turn, this causes, among other things, inflammation and swelling of the tissue of the nasal cavities as well as increased mucus production. Particulate matter in polluted air and chemicals such as chlorine and detergents, which can normally be tolerated, can make the condition considerably worse.[citation needed]
Rhinorrhea is also associated with shedding tears (lacrimation), whether from emotional events or from eye irritation. When excess tears are produced, the liquid drains through the inner corner of the eyelids, through the nasolacrimal duct, and into the nasal cavities. As more tears are shed, more liquid flows into the nasal cavities, both stimulating mucus production and hydrating any dry mucus already present in the nasal cavity. The buildup of fluid is usually resolved via mucus expulsion through the nostrils.[9]
Rhinorrhea can be caused by a head injury, a serious condition. A basilar skull fracture can result in a rupture of the barrier between the sinonasal cavity and the anterior cranial fossae or the middle cranial fossae. This can cause the nasal cavity to fill with cerebrospinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea, CSF rhinorrhea), a condition that can lead to a number of serious complications, including death if not addressed properly.[14]
Rhinorrhea can occur as a symptom of opioid withdrawal accompanied by lacrimation.[15] When it occurs due to exercise, it is described as exercise-induced rhinitis.[16][17][18] Other causes include cystic fibrosis, whooping cough, nasal tumors, hormonal changes, and cluster headaches. Due to changes in clinical practice, rhinorrhea is now reported as a frequent side effect of oxygen-intubation during colonoscopy procedures.[19] Rhinorrhea can also be the side effect of several genetic disorders, such as primary ciliary dyskinesia.[12]
In most cases, treatment for rhinorrhea is not necessary since it will clear up on its ownespecially if it is the symptom of an infection. For general cases nose-blowing can get rid of the mucus buildup. Though blowing may be a quick-fix solution, it would likely proliferate mucosal production in the sinuses, leading to frequent and higher mucus buildups in the nose. Alternatively, saline nasal sprays and vasoconstrictor nasal sprays may also be used, but may become counterproductive after several days of use, causing rhinitis medicamentosa.[citation needed]
In recurring cases, such as those due to allergies, there are medicinal treatments available. For cases caused by histamine buildup, several types of antihistamines can be obtained relatively cheaply from drugstores.[citation needed]
Film franchise
Krrish is an Indian franchise of superhero films, television series, comics and video games. The film series is directed, produced and written by Rakesh Roshan. Krrish is considered Indian cinema's first such film series.[1] All three films starred Rakesh's son Hrithik Roshan in the titular role. The films are centred, initially, on a mentally disabled boy who has an encounter with an extraterrestrial being, and later, his son, who grows up to be a reluctant superhero.
In 2013, an animated television series based on this Krrish film series, and named Kid Krrish, aired on Cartoon Network India. It also spawned a spin-off animation-cum-live-action series titled J Bole Toh Jadoo that aired on Nickelodeon (India).[2] Krrish 3 was the first Indian film to launch its own official Facebook Emoticons as part of the promotion.[3] Krrish is the tenth highest-grossing film series in India.[4]
The film series covers the story of three generations of the Mehra family. It first begins with Dr. Sanjay Mehra (Rakesh Roshan) and his wife Sonia (Rekha) who are part of a car crash. Dr. Mehra has died while Sonia, who is pregnant, survives with injuries. This results in their son, Rohit Mehra (Hrithik Roshan), being born developmentally disabled. After receiving supernatural abilities from an alien he befriends, Rohit marries his best friend Nisha (Preity Zinta) by the end of the first film. Their son, Krishna Mehra (also Hrithik Roshan) is born with the same supernatural powers in the second film (Krrish) which he uses to help people, eventually turning into the superhero 'Krrish'. He is later romantically involved with city girl Priya (Priyanka Chopra). By the end of the second film, the characters Sonia, Rohit, Krishna, and Priya are the only members of the family that are still alive while Nisha died after a few days of Krishna's birth. The third film shows the entry of Kaal (Vivek Oberoi) who was created by Dr. Arya (Naseeruddin Shah) during an experiment on Rohit thus being Rohit's second son and the main antagonist of the film. Kaal apparently kills Krrish but he is saved by Rohit who dies while giving life to dead Krrish through his solar experiment. Krishna finally kills Kaal and by the end of the third film, Krishna, Priya and their son, Rohit (named after his grandfather Rohit Mehra) are alive while Sonia died somewhere between the events of Krrish and Krrish 3.
Scientist Sanjay Mehra (Rakesh Roshan) creates a computer program from which he calls for extraterrestrial life. When he believes he has finally gotten a response, the scientific community mocks him. While driving home, an alien spacecraft appears overhead. Sanjay veers off the road and dies, but his pregnant wife Sonia (Rekha) survives and gives birth to their son Rohit (Hrithik Roshan), who is developmentally disabled as a result of the crash.
An older Rohit befriends a young woman named Nisha (Preity Zinta) and they find Sanjay's computer and summon the aliens by accident. The visiting aliens leave in haste, leaving one behind by accident. Rohit, Nisha and Rohit's friends find and befriend the alien, naming him Jadoo ("Magic") and discover his psychokinesis abilities. Jadoo discovers that Rohit is mentally abnormal and uses his powers to enhance the boy's mind. Rohit finds himself accepted by most of his peers. A bully, Raj, and his friends attempt to embarrass Rohit multiple times, only to be beaten in fights as well as in sport since Rohit's physical strength and agility are increased along with his mental abilities to the peak of human potential.
Eventually, the government gets suspicious of Rohit and suspects him of hiding Jadoo. A group of policemen manages to knock Rohit out and capture Jadoo, preparing to take him to America for testing. However, Rohit wakes up and summons the aliens to return for Jadoo. Using his enhanced abilities, Rohit arrives in time to rescue Jadoo and manages to send him in his species spaceship. As he leaves, Jadoo takes Rohit's powers and Rohit is mentally disabled again. However, this saves him from prosecution by the government and after everything dies down, Jadoo silently returns Rohit's new abilities permanently. Rohit and Nisha lead a happy life together from then on.
Five-year-old orphan Krishna Mehra is undergoing an intelligence quotient test by his professors, who suspect he has high IQ and physical abilities. His grandmother Sonia (Rekha) takes the young Krishna to a remote mountain village in northern India to conceal his unique abilities. Years later, Krishna (Hrithik Roshan) meets Priya (Priyanka Chopra) when she vacations in the country. Krishna and Priya grow close just before she departs for her home in Singapore.
To appease her boss, Priya calls Krishna to join her in Singapore, where she tries to get him to perform heroic acts. Krishna does not, as he had promised his grandmother that he would hide his abilities. Krishna learns that his father Rohit was hired to help design a machine to see the future by Dr. Siddhant Arya (Naseeruddin Shah). He further learned that Rohit had been killed by Dr. Siddhant when he tried to destroy the machine, after learning of Siddhant's evil intentions. This caused his mother, Nisha (Preity Zinta), to die of a broken heart.
Krishna later goes to a circus where an explosion occurs. He puts on a mask to hide his identity in order to save some trapped children, after which he is given the identity of superhero Krrish. Vikram Sinha (Sharat Saxena), who has been searching for Krishna for years, informs Krishna that his father Rohit is alive and Dr. Siddhant has been holding him captive. Krishna follows Siddhant to his island lair, where a huge fight ensues between Krrish and the doctor's thugs. Krrish eventually defeats them and saves Priya and Rohit. In the final scene, Krrish mortally wounds Siddhant. Before he dies, Siddhant asks Krrish who he is, and Krishna reveals himself. After revealing to Rohit that he is his son, Krishna takes Priya and Rohit back to India, reuniting him with Sonia. Rohit finds out his wife, Nisha, died after he disappeared. He mourns her, together with his son and mother, but still thanks Jadoo (who is somewhere between the stars) for giving his family this gift.
Rohit Mehra (Hrithik Roshan), who is a professional scientist now, is living a happy life in Mumbai along with his son Krishna (Hrithik Roshan) who is now married to Priya (Priyanka Chopra). While working in the laboratory, Rohit invents a device to bring back the life of dead tissue using solar energy through reflections but failed to complete it because of the high intensity of sun rays. Priya works as a journalist for Aaj Tak whereas Krishna is struggling hard to keep a steady job while helping the city with his superpowers as the superhero 'Krrish'.
Somewhere in an isolated area, the owner of Kaal laboratories, Kaal (Vivek Oberoi), who has extraordinary telepathic powers, is completely handicapped with his body except his brain and two fingers. He has been creating powerful human-animal mutants (or Maanvars he calls them) using his DNA, particularly the ruthless chameleon mutant Kaya (Kangana Ranaut) who can assume any form she wants. Kaal has been trying hard to cure himself but has been unsuccessful thus far. He dreams of making billions by first creating dangerous viruses using his DNA, spreading them in densely populated areas and then selling his own antidotes.
Kaal chooses India as his next target and with Kaya and other mutants' help, he spreads his newly created virus in Mumbai which creates havoc among the city. Rohit, Krishna, and Priya remain unaffected by the virus. Rohit manages to create an antidote using Krishna's blood and Krishna spreads it throughout the city via explosions for quick effect. For this, Kaal's mutants attack and thrash Rohit's laboratory but Rohit and Priya are saved by Krrish. Priya is injured and hospitalized while one of the mutants is also injured which is kept in scientific custody by Rohit and his team. To find out how an antidote was developed without using his own blood, Kaal kidnaps Priya who is pregnant with Krishna's child and Kaya takes Priya's form. Rohit and Krishna are informed that Priya has lost her child. Afterward, Kaya starts living as Priya with Krishna and seeks for the antidote formula. Rohit departs to Singapore to explore some answers after he finds out that the virus has a link with his own DNA and Kaal laboratories as well. Meanwhile, Kaya develops an attraction towards Krishna but he soon discovers her true identity and reveals himself as Krrish to her. Kaya decides to help Krishna and discloses that Priya and her child are still safe in Kaal's hideout.
In Singapore, Rohit is kidnapped by Kaal's men. Rohit unveils to Kaal that he was kidnapped by Dr. Siddhant Arya (Naseeruddin Shah) who tried to create a synonymous avatar of the former but got only a disabled child and donated him into an orphanage where the boy was adopted by a wealthy family, who eventually grows up to become Kaal. Kaal cures himself by using Rohit's body serum. Krishna saves Priya after killing the mutants and finally reaches the correct hideout with Kaya's help where Kaal kills both of them. Kaal then surrounds himself completely into a steel body due to his powerful magnetic powers and departs to Mumbai in search of Priya meanwhile causing destruction to the city.
Angered by Krishna's death, Rohit decides to bring Krrish back to life by using the device invented by him but sacrifices himself to absorb the high intensity of sunlight. Krrish, now thrice as powerful as before, comes after him and saves Priya. Krrish, unable to crush Kaal after brutally fighting with him, concludes that the latter could be demolished by melting his steel body. He quickly adjusts the mirrors for reflection and points Rohit's device towards Kaal whose steel body melts finally. The film ends with Priya delivering a baby which also shows signs of extraordinary power.
Rakesh Roshan has revealed that he will soon start working for Krrish 4 as he feels that the public wants it. "I will start working on the sequel soon. Due to public demand, we may include some sidekick characters as well," said Rakesh Roshan while celebrating the success of Krrish 3, "I'm currently not working on a film outside the Krrish franchise with Hrithik Roshan, but I will do a film in the future. I would love to direct him in a fresh script as soon as I'm relieved with this franchise," Rakesh Roshan explained. He was accompanied by Hrithik Roshan at this event in Tamil Nadu on Monday, 12 November. Hrithik Roshan spoke about how he felt playing a superhero. "Being a superhero is like playing any one of us because we all have it inside us. It has been a great journey for me and I learned a lot by playing the character."[5]
In September 2016, Rakesh Roshan announced the fourth installment of the franchise. Rakesh Roshan said, When my wife showed me a tweet with Bappas (Lord Ganesha) picture as Krrish, it reaffirmed my belief that Krrish is the original superhero we have. It boosted my confidence and inspired me to make the fourth installment. The movie will be released during Christmas 2020.[6] Hrithik also tweeted about the film, sharing a photograph of Lord Ganesha dressed as Krrish.[7]
In September 2017, it was reported that Hrithik Roshan would portray both the protagonist and the antagonist by playing a dual role.[8][9] Priyanka Chopra will also reprise her character of Priya Mehra in the film, as confirmed by Rakesh Roshan.[10]
On the completion of 15 years of Krrish, Hrithik Roshan teased Krrish 4 via his social media handles on June 23, 2021.[11]
In 2004, owing to the popularity of Koi... Mil Gaya, an animation-cum-live-action spinoff series built around the popular alien character Jadoo from the film, called J Bole to Jadoo was launched on Nickelodeon (India).[2] It was one of the first 3D live action animation shows to be made in India.[12]
The show focuses on Jadoo as a central character and his interplanetary adventures when he enters the lives of two kids on Earth, Nina and Chakki. Also on the show are Jadoo's friends Tona, Half-Time and Ki2 from his home planet Tarkopar.[13] The show sketches Tarkopar as a colorful fantasy-land with rhythmic, organic and spiral structures and landscapes.[14]
Cartoon Network launched Kid Krrish which is an Indian animated movies series created by Filmkraft Productions which partnered with Trivandrum based Toonz Animation India and Cartoon Network Asia. It is targeted at ages 812. The first of the 4 movies Kid Krrish aired on 2 October 2013 on Cartoon Network India channel. The run-time is about an hour and it aired in 4 languages - English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.[citation needed]
Cartoon Network India aired the second movie in the Kid Krrish franchise, Kid Krrish: Mission Bhutan on 19 July 2014.[15] The third movie, Kid Krrish: Mystery in Mongolia, was aired on 7 September 2014.[16] And the fourth movie Kid Krrish: Shakalaka Africa was telecast on 25 April 2015.
This was released as a comic book magazine available in stores in 2013 and also converted into an animated mobile comic to be released as weekly chapters through an exclusive Krrish Comics App, which will be launched by Hungama Digital, Filmkraft Productions (I) Pvt. Ltd digital partner for Krrish 3. Carving Dreams was responsible for securing the deal between Filmkraft Productions (I) Pvt. Ltd, Graphic India and Hungama Digital.[17]
Superstar actor and Krrish star Hrithik Roshan commented, As we get ready for Krrish 3, I am pleased to announce this bonus never before seen Krrish story from Graphic India, the leader in Comics for India, and Hungama, the first name in digital mobile. Were working with an international team of comic book superstars so you can experience Krrish in a whole new way. Rakesh and Hrithik Roshan have created a hero that has captured the imaginations of millions across India. We are thrilled to be partnering with Filmkraft Productions (I) Pvt. Ltd and Hungama to continue the exploits of Krrish, in the natural extension of comic books, which is a perfect fit for any superhero. Graphic India co-founder and CEO Sharad Devarajan added, Through digital comics Krrish can now fly straight from the big screen and into the small screen of mobile devices, reaching his millions of fans. The comic is written by Tom DeFalco, illustrated by Sal Buscema, and animated by Ashish Avin and Dhanashekhar Mudaliar.[18][19]
A Krrish game was made in 2006 after the release of Krrish.[citation needed]
An official Krrish 3 game was launched for Windows smartphones, tablets and PCs. The game was developed by Hungama Digital Media Entertainment and Gameshastra.[20]
The protagonist of the series. He is the son of Rohit and Nisha, grandson of Sanjay and Sonia, husband of Priya. He inherited special abilities from his father and was taken to a remote village as a child by his grandmother to hide his growing powers. He eventually becomes the superhero Krrish, using powers of superintelligence and learning to quickly adopt new skills.
A disabled boy who meets an alien that gives him special abilities. He is the main protagonist in Koi Mil Gaya. In Krrish 3, he becomes a professional scientist working in a government organization. He is the son of Sanjay and Sonia, husband of Nisha, father of Krishna, father-in-law of Priya, and grandfather of Ajay.
The alien who is accidentally left on Earth for a while and befriends Rohit. He was the second protagonist of the first edition named Koi.. mil gaya. He played the major role as he gave Rohit special abilities. He also gave his own super powers to Rohit. Afterwards Rohit became a famous person (scientist).
Wife of Sanjay, mother of Rohit, mother-in-law of Nisha, grandmother of Krishna, grandmother-in-law of Priya, and great-grandmother of Ajay.
A scientist who invents a computer to summon aliens to Earth. He is the husband of Sonia, father of Rohit, father-in-law of Nisha, grandfather of Krishna, grandfather-in-law of Priya, and great-grandfather of Ajay.
Wife of Rohit, daughter-in-law of Sanjay and Sonia, mother of Krishna, mother-in-law of Priya, and grandmother of Ajay.
Wife of Krishna, daughter-in-law of Rohit and Nisha, granddaughter-in-law of Sanjay and Sonia, and mother of Ajay.
Rohit's scientist friend. He is a nuclear scientist as seen in Krrish 3.
A scientist seen in Krrish 3 working at Kaal Laboratories. He tries to help with the antidote but gets killed in the process.
Son of Krishna and Priya, grandson of Rohit and Nisha, and great-grandson of Sanjay and Sonia.
The villain of Koi... Mil Gaya. He loves Nisha, and understanding that Nisha loves Rohit, he constantly tries to defeat him.
Police inspector who tries to capture Jadoo in Koi... Mil Gaya.
The main villain of Krrish, who wants to use a future seeing computer to rule the world.
A handicapped evil genius in Krrish 3 who exhibits telekinetic powers, he is the founder of Kaal Laboratory and the creator of Maanvars, a team of mutants made by fusing the serum of humans and animals. He is Rohit's long-lost second son who was born through Dr. Arya's experiment.
Kaal's female henchman in Krrish 3, who is created by fusing the serum of a woman and a chameleon. She is instrumental in Kaal's scheme because of her ability to shapeshift into anybody whenever she wishes. She later falls in love with Krishna after shape-shifting into Priya.
A mutant created by Kaal through an experiment. Striker uses his tongue to kill the enemy. He is a derivative of a human and a frog and his tongue is his sharpest weapon. He is mischievous and that is indicated by his envious green eyes.
A mutant created by Kaal through an experiment. A fusion of a human and a rhinoceros, he uses the deadly sharp horn on his head to kill his prey. His body is as heavy as that of a rhino and he uses his size to his advantage when fighting with the enemy.
A mutant ant human hybrid, Ant Man possesses the strength to lift objects up to 100 times his body weight. His character and personality betray the animal within.
A mutant created by Kaal through an experiment. Half-human, half-cheetah, she is a deadly combination of speed and sharp claws. No human can match her in speed, and she teleports like a ghost. Feral yellow eyes indicate a voracious hunter and nothing escapes her eyes.
A mutant created by Kaal through an experiment. Part-human, part-scorpion, she has claws as hands and a poisonous sting at the end of her long plait, with which she strikes. She shows her targets no mercy and can kill them in one stroke.
Hi folks, its Kristen, temporarily reporting from gray and cloudyEdinburgh. This week, weve got a reader wondering if the flu vaccine can make you sick. But before we get to that ...
A friend of mine got the flu a day after receiving his flu shot. Was this a coincidence or is it possible to get sick from a flu shot? Marilyn, Portland, Oregon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 5, 2022
MILWAUKEE Every year, as temperatures drop and Milwaukeeans head indoors, influenza (flu) cases begin to rise. While its difficult to predict the exact timing of peak flu cases each year, the virus typically circulates heavily in fall and winter months. To protect yourself against the flu, the Milwaukee Health Department strongly encourages everyone six months and older to get their flu vaccine this fall.
During the 2021/2022 flu season, 38% of Milwaukee County residents received their flu shot. The immunization goal, set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2030 initiative, is to increase the flu vaccination rate to 70% nationwide. In an effort to reach this goal, the Milwaukee Health Department has free flu shots, available without an appointment or proof of insurance, at the Northwest Health Center (7630 W. Mill Road), Southside Health Center (1639 S. 23rd Street), and Menomonee Valley Drive-Thru (2401 W. St. Paul Avenue).
For many, the flu leaves you feeling wiped out and miserable. But for some, it is very serious and potentially fatal, said Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson. The best way to stay healthy and protect those you come in contact with is to get your annual flu shot. Taking the time to get vaccinated now can save your sick time and even save a life.
Recent studies show being vaccinated against the flu reduces the risk of flu illness by 40 to 60-percent among the overall population. While some people who get a flu vaccine still get sick, vaccination can make their illness less severe, reducing overall hospitalization rates and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions during hospitalizations.
Not only does vaccinating against influenza keep you healthy, it can protect those around you, which is especially important for people at higher risk for serious complications, including:
In addition to your annual flu vaccine, its important to take other measures to keep yourself and family healthy this flu season. Regularly cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and clean surfaces that may be contaminated with flu viruses. These everyday actions can help reduce your chances of getting sick and prevent the spread of germs to others if you are sick.
While flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, they are caused by two different viruses and require two different vaccines. Both vaccines are safe, effective, and able to be administered at the same time. Just like the COVID-19 vaccine, the flu vaccine does not inject live viruses into your body, so you cannot get the flu from the vaccine. Save time by getting the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine or updated booster together.
In addition to the Milwaukee Health Department Clinics, many other pharmacies, healthcare providers, and local health departments also have flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines and boosters available. Visit vaccines.gov, HealthyMKE.com, or contact your local health department to find an immunization clinic near you.
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Starting Oct. 5, Stanford faculty, staff, retirees, postdocs, and graduate and undergraduate students can receive free flu shots at flu clinics on the main campus, the Redwood City campus, SLAC, Stanford Research Park, and Hopkins Marine Station. Visit flu.stanford.edu to find out when and where flu clinics will be held.
In 2019, the School of Medicine Flu Crew helped administer flu shots to the Stanford community. (Image credit: Amanda Litty)
With more of the Stanford community returning to campus, we sat down with Dr. Rich Wittman, medical director at the Stanford University Occupational Health Center, and Dr. Jim Jacobs, associate vice provost of student affairs, executive director of Vaden Health Center, and chair of the Stanford University Public Health Steering Committee, to discuss what to expect from this coming flu season, whether its advisable to receive the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 booster simultaneously, what individuals can do to promote a healthier Stanford community.
Is it safe to get the flu vaccine and the updated COVID-19 booster at the same time? Which should you get first?
Wittman: Both the CDC and White House COVID-19 Response Team support getting both the updated COVID-19 booster and the flu shot at the same time. That said, its important for community members attending our flu clinics to know that we are only providing the flu vaccine, not COVID-19 vaccinations. People looking for the updated booster should contact their primary care provider or local pharmacies. Stanford Health Care is also offering the booster to adults and children over age 12, including students and their families, at the Neuroscience Wellness Center on campus, and at off-campus locations.
Jacobs: If you have already had your primary series and a booster for COVID-19, the recommendation is to prioritize your flu vaccination. Every flu season we provide thousands of flu vaccines to the university community and are ready to do so again this year. Its important to note, vaccination against COVID doesnt provide protection against flu or vice versa. There is no immunological overlap between the vaccines.
What kind of flu season can the Stanford community expect?
Wittman: Its always difficult to predict what we will see with flu, and there are a variety of factors that can impact the severity of the seasonal wave. What has been surprising to many over the past few years is the dramatic degree by which masking reduces the community burden of flu. Now, as many of us return to our normal routines and travel schedules, with more unmasked interactions, we can expect cases of flu-like illness to rise. This is supported by recent data from Australia, where they experienced their worst flu season in five years, with both higher numbers of cases and an earlier start to the flu season. It is unclear if this case rise may also have stemmed from a reduction in vaccination uptake among a population with vaccination fatigue or from a population with reduced natural immunity, given the low number of infections in recent years. Either way, we are best protected by getting vaccinated and masking when sick and during flu waves.
COVID-19 is still circulating. What are the differences between flu symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms?
Jacobs: There is a lot of overlap between COVID-19 symptoms and flu symptoms, including fever, upper and lower respiratory symptoms, and tiredness. The CDC has very helpful information on the similarities and differences between COVID-19 and flu.
Is it possible to have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time? If I get sick with the flu, am I at higher risk for contracting COVID-19?
Jacobs: Yes, it is absolutely possible to have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. We have seen it on campus in our student population. Anytime you are sick, your immune system is weakened and it is easier to catch other illnesses.
When is the best time to get a flu shot?
Wittman: Any time between late September through early November is a good time to get a flu shot. Since someone is well-protected from the flu about two weeks after getting their vaccine, we time our flu clinics for October so that people can have full protection from the flu by the Thanksgiving holiday. In most years, there are a number of flu waves that occur, from as early as November to as late as March, so those who miss this vaccination window can still protect themselves by getting the shot later in the year.
In addition to getting the flu vaccine, are there other things community members can do to prevent the spread of flu on campus?
Jacobs: The good news is that we already have the tools to create a safer flu season. The same public health measures that our community has been using to prevent the spread of COVID-19 can also prevent the spread of flu: wash your hands, cough and sneeze into your elbow, and stay home when you feel sick. Wearing face masks can also help to limit the spread of disease, and are strongly encouraged. The Stanford community has adapted to many changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and on behalf of the universitys Public Health Steering Committee, I would like to express my gratitude for your efforts to keep our community healthy, which has allowed for education and groundbreaking research to continue.
Photo: Flu Vaccine by CDC via Unsplash
SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah Summit County Health Department announced on October 6 that it will host several flu and bivalent COVID-19 vaccine clinics around the county starting October 11.
The vaccine clinics will be open from 11 a.m. 5:30 p.m. at the Coalville and Kamas Health Centers and from 8-11 a.m. and 1-5 p.m. at the Park City Instacare. You can find details about walk-ins and appointments here.
Depending on insurance, regular flu shots cost a baseline of $25 for adults and $10 for children six months to 18 years old. For those over 65 years old, high-dose flu shots are available for $64, and pneumonia vaccines are available for $125. The latest COVID-19 boosters are also available at these locations.
According to the CDCs website, flu vaccines generally reduce flu illness by 40-60% annually among the overall population. Vaccine effectiveness generally varies depending on who is vaccinated and which type of influenza people contract, but are generally advised as they protect people from potentially life-threatening complications that can arise from influenza. Flu vaccination also helps keep people who contract the flu out of hospitals, which is especially important as COVID-19 hospitalization remains a problem for hospitals across the country.
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Roll up those sleevesagain. With experts predicting a rough flu season ahead, its more important than ever to protect your familys health.
Lets face it: after more than two-and-a-half years of pandemic living, a lot of Canadians are tired of hearing about vaccines, boosters and viruses in general. Were seeing fewer masks in public spaces and trying to navigate what living with COVID means for each of us. Flu shots may not be top of mind for many parents right now and in some cases, theyre not even on the radar.
Understandably, pandemic fatigue may influence which precautions you take (or dont take) this fall and winter. But with a drastic reduction in masking and physical distancing, viruses are circulating a lot more freely than they were this time last yearand that means its time for your family to roll up their sleeves and get the flu shot.
Children are one of the more vulnerable populations when it comes to influenza, says Dr. Natasha Collia, an emergency physician at SickKids in Toronto. Kids are back to school and activities, and we know that cases of flu are expected to rise.
Symptoms of the flu (which has several different strains) are similar to those of COVID-19 and include fever, chills, aches and pain, a cough and a sore throat. Children may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. In severe cases, influenza in children may lead to pneumonia, dehydration, heart or neurological problems leading to hospitalization or death. Cases of the flu were dramatically lower during the height of the pandemic due to public health measures like masking and physical distancing, but theyre expected to significantly rise this season. About 12,000 Canadians are hospitalized with the flu in an average non-pandemic year, according to Health Canada, including several hundred children. Its a significant number, Collia says, given how easy it is to prevent such severe cases.
Flu shots are available to all Canadians aged six months or older, and its safe for pregnant women. Despite claims to the contrary, you cannot get the flu from the flu shot. The influenza vaccine is also available in nasal spray form, though infants and toddlers under the age of two, children who are immunocompromised, pregnant women and individuals taking certain medications must get the injectable version.
Children under the age of five are at risk of severe illness from the flu, and kids under the age of three are particularly vulnerable, Collia says. Seniors and immunocompromised individuals are also at high risk, so its important to avoid passing influenza onto grandparents and other high risk contactsthat neighbour who just underwent cancer treatment, for example, or a teacher who has an autoimmune disorder.
Its also important to remember that many hospitals are still overwhelmed. There are shortages of medication and the health care system is under strain because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, says Dr. Jennifer Kwan, a family doctor in Burlington, Ontario. Many families are finding it difficult to access basic over-the-counter paediatric medications like Tylenol or Advil, leading to unnecessary ER visits. This is especially concerning going into flu season, as scientists warn that new, more infectious COVID strains are on the way.
By protecting our families against the flu and other viruses, were doing our part to reduce the burden on healthcare workers while keeping our loved ones healthy. Dr. Kwan adds that preventative measures like wearing a well-fitting mask indoors will reduce the spread of multiple respiratory infections including influenza.
While disinformation about flu shots and vaccines in general rages on, the proven truth is that the flu shot is a simple and effective way to prevent severe illness and death for adults and children over the age of six months. Globally, its shown great efficacy, Collia says. Yes, [the flu shot] is safeand its our best form of protection.
Like any vaccine, there may be mild and manageable side effects like a fever or redness and soreness around the injection siteor if you received a nasal spray dosage of the influenza vaccine, a sore throat or runny nose. All of these side effects should clear up within a day or two, and some individuals wont experience them at all.
As soon as possible, our experts agree. Theres an easy way to remember when to get your influenza vaccine from year to year: flu before boo. Essentially, get your shot as early as possiblebefore Halloween at the latest. You want to get the shot and have your body build up resistance to the virus, and that takes about two weeks, Collia says.
And if youre booking a flu shot and a COVID-19 booster? Adults can get them simultaneously, but experts recommend that kids under the age of 12 wait two weeks between jabs. That way, if your child does experience side effects, it will be easier to pinpoint the cause.
The influenza vaccine does cover the dominant strains of flu but cannot prevent all cases. Inevitably, some kids are going to catch itand medical professionals are doing their best to prepare. Our emergency department schedules are [prepared for] back-to-school viruses, Collia says. But she also notes that educating and empowering parents in matters related to their childs health is just as important.
So, when should parents seek medical attention? If your child is having trouble breathing or working hard to breathe at any point, describing severe muscle pain or refusing to walk, appearing dehydratednot making tears or not peeingor has a seizure, Collia says, consult a doctor. (She adds that if your child is under 12 weeks and has a fever, you should always take them to the ER.) Other red flags include a cough that improves but then acutely worsens. Having this information can help parents navigate [viruses] and alleviate that fear and frustration as well.
The real message here: dont let it get to that point. If you protect [your health] ahead of time, it allows for less disruption caused by illness and less disruption to family dynamicslike [missing] work or schooland it also prevents severe disease, Collia says. After the last two-and-a-half years, less disruption sounds good to us.
The flu seasons of 2020 and 2021 were mild, mostly thanks to measures people took against COVID, such as wearing masks, social distancing and using copious amounts of hand gel. 2022, however, looks like a whole different kettle of fish.
The southern hemisphere where flu season starts has been hit hard. Australia, for example, has had the worst flu season in five years, and it has been hammered by COVID, too. This year has been the first real opportunity for both viruses to circulate freely as all COVID restrictions have now been lifted.
Its strongly advised that people in the UK get the flu vaccine and ensure they are up to date with their COVID vaccine boosters. Scientists arent sure how these viruses will dovetail, but evidence suggests that being infected with both viruses simultaneously greatly increases the risk of severe disease and death.
About 33 million people in the UK are eligible for a free flu vaccine, including those aged 50 or older, pregnant women, people in residential care, and frontline healthcare workers. There is also a nasal-spray vaccine for children aged two years and older, with many vaccine rollouts delivered in schools.
Flu usually has an R number between one and two, meaning that, on average, each infected person will infect one or two people. This level of flu transmission is significant.
In the UK, across the winters of 2017-18 and 2018-19, there were 46,215 and 39,670 flu-related hospital admissions respectively. And, as of early September 2022, there were 590 daily hospital admissions with COVID, with those numbers on the rise.
NHS trusts are usually under greater pressure during the winter. Yet already in the autumn, several health services report that their capacities are limited. Derriford Hospital in Plymouth had waits of up to 72 hours for admission from A&E, while the East of England Ambulance Service recently came close to declaring a major incident.
Nottingham Hospitals Trust declared a critical incident on September 29. The legacy of Boris Johnsons pandemic governance, with higher case and death rates than most comparable countries, has created further pressures across the health service, including hospitals and primary care. This does not bode well heading into a winter when there is a risk of high levels of both flu and COVID.
Despite the continuous circulating of new variants and sub-variants, the COVID vaccine continues to provide high protection against severe disease and death. The strains of flu also change each winter and are, to some extent, unpredictable. So flu vaccine effectiveness is variable, but typically between 40% and 60%.
Data from Australia provides an early estimate of around 40% effectiveness from their 2022 flu season. However, this is still an important level of protection, with hospitalisation rates among vaccinated people typically much lower than in unvaccinated populations.
The Australian data is important for people in the UK and elsewhere in the northern hemisphere. Surveillance agencies look at circulating virus types in the southern hemisphere, and use that data to decide the likely impact in their own countries, including the manufacturing of the flu vaccine. Australian virology reports show the vast majority of their laboratory-confirmed cases were a strain of influenza called H3N2.
The UK Health Security Agency says this years flu jab is a good match for this strain.
With the added pressures already on the NHS, a high vaccine uptake will be important. But wearing a mask can also help reduce the spread of flu and COVID. Meeting outdoors or opening a window to improve ventilation can also help to prevent new chains of transmission and lessen the likelihood of infecting vulnerable people.
The UK winter of 2022-23 will be a very good time to try to stay well, leaving some healthcare capacity for emergencies and vulnerable people.
The Sheridan VA Medical Center announced their team will be conducting a drive-thru flu vaccination clinic beginning at 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, in front of Building 71, the primary check-in building on campus.
Opportunities to receive a vaccination will also be recurring in-clinic. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Tuesday, patients may stop in for any vaccineflu, Covid, TDAP, Shingles or pneumonia. Patients may also stop into the clinic from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursdays, for any vaccine except Covid.
In addition to the standard flu vaccine, the high-dose vaccine will be available for patients 65 years and older. Veterans will need to have their VA identification on-hand and the medical center recommends wearing a shirt with easy access to the shoulder.
The VA Medical Center is alerting veterans who have a fever, cough or any other coronavirus symptoms the day of their shot, should schedule an appointment with their care team at a later date.
Why get a Flu Shot now?
According to the VA Medical Center, vaccination to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, but it takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body, so the sooner the vaccination, the better. Also, by getting a flu vaccination, veterans will be less likely to spread flu to othersevery year hundreds of thousands of Americans are hospitalized with the flu.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months or older should get a yearly flu shot. Flu can be serious among young children, older adults and those with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes.
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NEW YORK (PIX11) Flu cases spread across New York earlier than usual this year, health officials warned Wednesday.
Though flu season usually runs from October through May, influenza was already considered widespread across the state as of Wednesday, according to the New York Department of Health. Theres been an early and aggressive spread of flu, Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said.
I urge all New Yorkers to protect themselves and their family and friends by getting a flu vaccine as soon as possible, she said.
Bassett said the flu shot is the best protection against serious infection. Experts advise getting it as soon as possible. People can also get COVID booster shots at the same time.
There have been 596 laboratory-confirmed cases for the week ending Oct. 1, according to the state. By Oct. 9 of 2021, only 150 cases had been confirmed.
Flu cases have been reported in 44 of New Yorks 62 counties as of Oct. 3, officials said. The New York City area, the Capital District and Central New York are reporting the highest number of cases.
