I am open-minded; I believe in integrative practices, and I agree that the medical establishment can be arrogant and unduly influenced by the pharmaceutical industry, which now funds so much of medical research. But I fully understand Scherer's frustration with his interminable discussions with Kennedy about scientific articles.
Each day, they pore over reams of data about how the virus is evolving worldwide, how well last year's shot performed, and which strains might be easiest to mass produce for a vaccine. The meeting, convened by the World Health Organization twice a year, is a critical moment for the WHO's Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.
It's clear that the worst is far from over for the NHS this winter, with hospitals again experiencing a rise in patients admitted with flu and other respiratory virus cases last week.
If you feel like everyone you know is dealing with a cough, cold and runny nose, it's not in your head. Multiple viruses, not just the flu, are currently circulating near season-high levels in the San Francisco Bay Area, according to wastewater data. Flu tests show seasonal influenza activity continues to be elevated in the region, although it's down from the season-high peak at the end of December, according to the California Department of Public Health.
