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InfluenzaInfluenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that has shaped human history for centuries, with records of outbreaks dating back thousands of years. The term comes from 15th-century Italy, when epidemics were thought to result from the “influence” of the stars.
The virus itself wasn’t scientifically identified until 1933. Still, pandemics long predated the discovery, most notably the devastating 1918 “Spanish flu,” which killed an estimated 50 million to 100 million people (2.5% to 5% of the world’s population) worldwide.
The virus mutates constantly through small genetic shifts and, more rarely, major recombinations that can spark pandemics. Seasonal flu still causes up to 1 billion cases and as many as 650,000 deaths annually. While most cases resolve with rest and fluids, complications for individuals at higher risk for serious illness can be deadly. Annual vaccination, guided by global surveillance of circulating strains, remains the most effective defense.Explore Influenza
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Influenza infects up to a billion people worldwide each yearThe World Health Organization estimates that seasonal influenza causes about 1B cases annually, including 3 to 5M severe illnesses and between 290,000 to 650,000 deaths. World Health OrganizationLearn the history and science of influenza in 'This Podcast Will Kill You'In their flu episode, cohosts Erin Welsh and Erin Allmann Updyke unpack influenza’s biology, history, and impact—explaining everything from past pandemics to modern vaccines, all with their trademark mix of science and storytelling. This Podcast Will Kill YouHuman records of influenza stretch back more than two millenniaAccounts of flu-like illness appear as early as 412 BCE, when Hippocrates described a sudden wave of cough and fever. Centuries of recurring outbreaks culminated in the first clearly documented pandemic in 1580, spreading from Asia into Europe and Africa. OMG Medical HistoryExplore a 3D model of the influenza virusThis interactive 3D model reveals the influenza virus’s structure—its outer coat and spike proteins—and compares it with other well-known viruses, offering a clear view of how flu differs from pathogens like HIV or coronaviruses. HHMI BiointeractiveAnnual flu shots remain the best defense against influenzaFlu vaccination typically reduces the risk of medical visits by 30 to 60% and lowers hospitalization rates by around 40%. Between 2023 and 2024, in the US alone, vaccines prevented an estimated 120,000 hospitalizations and nearly 7,900 deaths. CDCHuman records of influenza stretch back more than two millenniaAccounts of flu-like illness appear as early as 412 BCE, when Hippocrates described a sudden wave of cough and fever. Centuries of recurring outbreaks culminated in the first clearly documented pandemic in 1580, spreading from Asia into Europe and Africa. OMG Medical HistoryThe 1957 and 1968 influenza pandemics caused millions of deaths worldwideThe 1957 H2N2 pandemic spread from East Asia, killing more than 1M globally, while the 1968 H3N2 pandemic began in Hong Kong and caused a similar toll, with both strains rapidly moving across continents. The LancetThe word 'influenza' comes from a 15th-century Italian belief in the starsIn Renaissance Italy, epidemics were thought to result from the influence of natural disasters or celestial bodies. The illness was named "influenza", meaning “influence” in Italian. Merriam-WebsterIn 1933, the influenza virus was first identified through “ferret flu” experimentsIn 1933, British researchers dripped filtered nasal fluids from a sick colleague into ferrets, which quickly developed “ferret flu.” This experiment proved influenza was viral, not bacterial, and established the basis for modern flu vaccines. the GuardianEurope’s first recorded influenza pandemic swept the continent in 1580The 1580 influenza pandemic, traced from Asia to Africa and into Europe, became the first flu outbreak clearly documented across the continent—killing tens of thousands and highlighting influenza’s potential for rapid global spread. OriginsA novel H1N1 influenza strain sparked a 2009 global pandemicFirst detected in Mexico, the 2009 “swine flu” pandemic infected up to 1.4B people worldwide. While mortality rates were lower than earlier pandemics, the outbreak still caused more than 150,000 deaths. Associated PressThe flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza virusesUnlike the common cold, influenza attacks suddenly with fever, body aches, and fatigue. Seasonal strains circulate worldwide, infecting up to a billion people each year and causing hundreds of thousands of deaths despite vaccines and treatments. Cleveland ClinicBillie Holiday's influence on Amy WinehouseWinehouse, who became popular in the 2000s, was known for her jazz style, which was indebted to the vocal technique Holiday had innovated decades earlier. In 2003, Winehouse paid homage to Holiday by covering "(There Is) No Greater Love," a standard that Holiday had recorded in 1947. Amy WinehouseFind out how prevalent the flu is at this current momentUpdated weekly, this USAFacts resource shares current data from the CDC detailing how many cases of influenza and other flu-like illnesses accounted for doctor's visits. Monitor the spread of respiratory illness during flu season with this handy resource and prepare accordingly. USAFactsCertain vaccinations may be more effective when given around the middle of the dayA 2023 analysis of the health records of more than 1.5 million people in Israel suggests that COVID-19 vaccines may be more effective when received around the middle of the day. Separate early research also suggests there may be similar trends for influenza vaccines. Washington University in St. LouisWales has had a massive influence on fantasy music, movies and books Many of "The Lord of the Rings" settings and languages are rooted in the country's landscape and dialect. Studio Ghibli icon Hayao Miyazaki was inspired by Wales' countryside. Rock band Fleetwood Mac used Welsh myths as a basis for songs. Literary HubThe best time to get a flu vaccine may be late-September or early-OctoberThe body needs a few weeks after the vaccine to build up a sufficient antibody response, which eventually wanes. Scheduling the vaccine accordingly can maximize its effectiveness when flu season ramps up. IFLScienceHear firsthand stories from Americans who lived through the 1918 flu pandemicThis video shares personal accounts from survivors of the 1918 influenza epidemic, capturing memories of sickness, loss, and resilience. Their voices offer a glimpse into how ordinary people experienced one of history’s deadliest pandemics. The Best Film ArchivesHistorian John Barry revisits the 1918 flu pandemicIn this podcast episode, historian John Barry explores the 1918 influenza pandemic—from its wartime origins and deadly second wave in Philadelphia to government missteps, global impacts, and comparisons with later pandemics like H1N1 swine flu. Peter AttiaThe flu vaccine has evolved alongside discoveries of new virus strainsAfter influenza B was identified in 1940, researchers created a two-strain vaccine by 1942. The WHO later built a global surveillance system to track mutations, enabling vaccines to be updated annually to target the strains most likely to circulate. World Health OrganizationMost flu vaccines are still produced using chicken eggsFor decades, influenza vaccines have been made by growing viruses inside fertilized chicken eggs. Though newer methods using cell cultures or recombinant technology exist, egg-based production remains the primary global manufacturing process. Science ChannelFlu vaccines are reformulated each year based on global predictionsTwice a year, health agencies analyze circulating influenza strains and select those most likely to spread in the coming season. Because vaccines must be produced months ahead, they represent the best available forecast. Understanding Animal ResearchCOVID-19 vaccine breakthroughs are driving efforts toward a universal flu shotmRNA and other technologies used for COVID-19 vaccines are being applied to influenza research. Scientists hope these advances will lead to a universal flu vaccine that protects against multiple strains and reduces the need for yearly shots. VoxFlu viruses use special proteins to invade and spread in the bodyInfluenza viruses carry two key surface proteins: hemagglutinin (H), which lets them enter cells, and neuraminidase (N), which helps them escape and spread. These proteins are the basis for the names of flu subtypes like H1N1 and H3N2 Professor Dave ExplainsSmall genetic changes force flu vaccines to be updated regularlyThrough a process called antigenic drift, influenza viruses accumulate tiny copying mistakes in their genes. These gradual changes alter the virus enough that immunity fades, making updated vaccines necessary each flu season. Vaccine Makers ProjectFlu spreads through droplets in the air and on surfacesInfluenza passes mainly through tiny droplets released when sick people cough, sneeze or talk. The virus can also survive briefly on surfaces, allowing it to spread when others touch contaminated objects. NPRMajor genetic shifts in flu viruses can spark global pandemicsAntigenic shift happens when two different influenza viruses infect the same host and swap genetic material. The result is a brand-new subtype of influenza which, if easily spread among people, can trigger a worldwide pandemic. Daniel LevyMost flu cases are treated at home, but antivirals help high-risk patientsRest, fluids and common medicines usually ease influenza symptoms. For people at higher risk of complications, doctors may prescribe antiviral drugs, which work best when started soon after symptoms begin. CNNMeasles reached global transmission during the 15th- and 16th-century Columbian exchangeDevastating diseases like smallpox, influenza, measles, and other viruses were largely introduced into the Western Hemisphere beginning with the 1492 arrival of Christopher Columbus and the ensuing age of exploration. History.comA timeline of major pandemics from 1899–2025Modern pandemics have been defined by the race between globalization (which increases risk) and the development of new medicines. The Great Influenza epidemic claimed some 50 million lives, and the COVID-19 pandemic killed more than 7 million. In between, diseases like Ebola, cholera, AIDS, and more have devastated communities. Council on Foreign RelationsBruce Springsteen's 'Nebraska' was influenced by writer Flannery O'ConnorSpringsteen became obsessed with the "Southern gothic" writer when he began working on the songs for "Nebraska," inspired by O'Connor's tragic characters and grotesque imagery. Literary HubPicasso was a major influence on Jean-Michel BasquiatBoth Picasso and Basquiat are major figures of 20th-century art, with distinctive styles that flew in the face of the formalized standards of their respective times. Below is one of Basquiat's portraits of Picasso, who influenced the younger artist’s approach to form, from 1984. MyArtBrokerAlfred Hitchcock influenced the way Spielberg shot 'Jaws'Steven Spielberg realized the key to unlocking the terror of the shark in "Jaws" would be by obscuring it, remembering an important lesson from Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho.” Spielberg recalled, “It’s what we don’t see that is truly frightening." Far Out MagazineCirculating libraries helped the novel's popularity surgeAs literacy rates began to rise in the 19th century, so did the demand for reading materials. The only problem? Newspapers and books weren’t cheap, and newly literate middle-class families struggled to afford literature. That changed when booksellers began offering small fees for patrons who decided to borrow rather than purchase books. This was eventually called a circulating library, an innovation that would satisfy the burgeoning readership of novels and increase literacy rates further. Random Bits of FascinationAlfred Hitchcock influenced thriller filmmaker M. Night ShyamalanThere may be no more obvious heir to Alfred Hitchcock’s throne than M. Night Shyamalan, the director known for suspenseful films like “The Sixth Sense,” “Signs,” and “The Village.” It should come as no surprise that Shyamalan says he’s a big fan of “the Master of Suspense,” going so far as to cite Hitchcock’s “Rebecca” as a major influence, one he called “epic and haunting.” Far Out Magazine Alfred Hitchcock's work continues to influence movie directors todayHitchcock’s importance and influence are exemplified in the specific tropes (such as the MacGuffin and the killing of innocents) and techniques (like the dolly zoom) that the director pioneered and popularized, demonstrating just how far-reaching his influence remains. Into FilmRead an early piece of journalism on country musicThis 1904 Harper’s Weekly article from Emma Bell Miles offers an early example of country music criticism. Miles traces the music’s roots to the mountaineers who pioneered it. It’s a famous piece for music writers: Miles saw a phenomenon building in the hills long before any major record label. Roots Rock WeirdoIndigenous art's influence on pop art often goes uncreditedKeith Haring’s iconic imagery, often known for its accessibility, was deeply inspired by the artwork of the Indigenous people of Australia. Their artwork influenced aspects of Haring's paintings, such as flat block colors and symmetrical compositions. While some critics find Haring to have appropriated their culture, others find his work to be pushing a message of unity and togetherness. FRIEZE magazineAndy Warhol’s Catholic background influenced his artWarhol’s life and work hold clear religious through lines, from his Byzantine Catholic upbringing to reexaminations of his catalog, including an unfinished work for the 1968 world’s fair commissioned for the Catholic Church through a local Catholic university. The Andy Warhol MuseumMathematical breakthroughs influenced Shakespeare’s storiesNew ideas in math were transforming Europe at the time Shakespeare penned his plays, including newly popular conceptions of zero via philosophers Descartes and Leibniz. The ConversationHollywood's efficient response to the Spanish flu made it a filmmaking destinationIn 1918, the Great Influenza epidemic killed more than 675,000 Americans. Los Angeles was one of the first cities to shut down movie theaters, most of which were independently owned and couldn’t afford the revenue loss. The results were twofold: the quick response meant that Hollywood could bounce back faster than other film hubs, and it also contributed to the rise of vertical integration as studios stepped in to purchase the flailing theaters. Deadline HollywoodAffluence largely influences where Michelin stars are awardedCountries with high GDP are the most highly decorated with Michelin stars. As this 2024 in-depth statistical analysis notes, though, that appears to be changing, with the Guide beginning to recognize other areas of the globe. MediumMemes can influence politics and cultureAlthough internet memes are typically considered trivial and humorous, they're also powerfully persuasive political tools used to convey mainstream ideas. Uncanny ValleyHow your subconscious influences your decisionsHow much of your desires and daily choices are truly yours? One of the most effective ways to influence someone's subconscious is when they're asleep. To study this possibility, researchers trained participants to be able to dream lucidly, a phenomenon that occurs when a dreamer knows they're dreaming. NOVAAlzheimer's is most prevalent in the South and the EastRisk factors for Alzheimer's can include age, race, education, and income levels, exposure to pollutants, and much more. As of 2023, these factors are seen in higher incidence rates for those above 65, in the southern and southeastern parts of the US. TIMEHow race science influences breast cancer researchDespite researchers' and physicians' pushback, race is still used in studies and clinics to categorize human differences in health conditions and treatment responses. This article explores how race has influenced breast cancer research. Considering race as a factor in cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment can lead to racial inequalities. Sociocultural factors, including food access and air pollution, greatly influence health outcomes. Undark MagazineInvestigation finds 'influencer' dietitians paid to promote sugar, supplements on social mediaA joint investigation by The Examiner and The Washington Post found that food, beverage, and supplement corporations and groups have paid registered dietitians on social media to promote content that goes against decades of scientific evidence on... The ExaminationThe medieval influencer who convinced people to drink teaThis article explains how the world shifted from mostly eating tea, whether as leaves to be chewed or caffeinated soup to be slurped, to drinking it. Lu Yu's first exposure to tea in the 700s didn't go so well, with him reviewing the concoction as... Atlas ObscuraHow demographics influence voter turnout and electionsThis article breaks down demographic data to show what it means for American elections. According to the latest US Census, the US is growing increasingly diverse. As the population becomes more diverse, so does the electorate. Analyzing the... Bloomberg GovernmentExplore 3D models of some of the most dangerous virusesEveryone has come in contact with common viruses—typically something like influenza (the common flu)—but sometimes they encounter more dangerous strains. While we're familiar with the symptoms that manifest, it wasn't until the advent of advanced microscopy that scientists could pin down the exact structure and behavior of various viruses. Howard Hughes Medical Institute
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