With a longer and more severe cold and flu season expected this year, many are questioning whether a single dose of the influenza vaccine will be enough to prevent severe illness and respiratory complications. The rise in conversations around extra vaccine doses and COVID-19 booster shots has led to further speculation—can you receive more than one flu shot in the same season? And would that offer enhanced protection?

The short answer is that one flu shot per year is generally sufficient for most individuals. However, there are some exceptions, particularly for young children receiving the vaccine for the first time. Additionally, because flu season lasts from October through May and multiple strains circulate, it is possible to contract the flu twice within the same season. Understanding flu immunity, vaccine effectiveness, and prevention measures is key to navigating this complex issue.

Flu viruses exist in multiple strains, primarily categorized into influenza A, B, C, and D. The ones responsible for seasonal epidemics are influenza A and B, with various subtypes and mutations occurring each year. When a person gets infected with one strain, their immune system develops antibodies to fight off that particular strain. However, these antibodies do not necessarily provide protection against a different strain, which is why individuals may experience the flu more than once in a season.

How Effective Is a Single Flu Shot?

Each year, the U.S. collaborates with the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop flu vaccines that target the most prevalent strains expected to circulate. The annual flu shot typically includes protection against two influenza A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and two influenza B strains (Yamagata and Victoria lineages). Despite these efforts, flu vaccine effectiveness varies due to factors such as:

• The accuracy of strain prediction for the season
• The age and health condition of the recipient
• The ability of the vaccine to provide cross-protection against unexpected virus mutations

In years when the vaccine closely matches the circulating strains, it can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalizations, and complications. However, mismatches can occur, leading to lower effectiveness rates.

Are Two Flu Shots Necessary for Adults?

While young children receiving their first flu shot require two doses for optimal protection, there is no evidence that a second flu shot benefits healthy adults. Research on immunocompromised individuals, such as organ transplant recipients, has explored the possibility of additional doses, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that there is no proven benefit in administering multiple flu shots to the general population.

The CDC explicitly states, “Studies have not shown a benefit from getting more than one dose of vaccine during the same influenza season, even among elderly persons with weakened immune systems.” For now, the standard recommendation remains one flu shot per season.

Can You Get the Same Flu Strain Twice?

If you've had the flu once in a season, the likelihood of contracting the exact same strain again is low. Once your immune system fights off a specific strain, it retains memory of that virus and can respond more effectively to future exposures. However, because multiple strains circulate during flu season, it is possible to become ill with a different strain even after recovering from an initial infection.

Why Do Some People Still Get the Flu After Vaccination?

While flu vaccines are designed to protect against the most common and severe strains, they are not foolproof. A vaccine’s effectiveness depends on how well it matches the circulating strains, how quickly the virus mutates, and individual immune responses. In some cases, vaccinated individuals may still contract the flu but experience milder symptoms compared to those who are unvaccinated.

For example, the 2018 flu vaccine was found to be only 36% effective against the dominant H3N2 strain that year. However, it still provided significant protection against hospitalization and severe complications, highlighting the importance of vaccination even when effectiveness rates vary.

How Long Does Flu Immunity Last?

Flu vaccine-induced immunity typically lasts for about six months. This is why the CDC recommends getting vaccinated in September or October, ensuring protection during the peak flu months of December through February. While early vaccination (such as in July or August) is not harmful, its effectiveness may wane before the flu season concludes.

Additionally, those who have already had the flu in a given season can still benefit from vaccination, as it provides protection against other circulating strains.

How to Prevent the Flu and Reinfection?

Beyond vaccination, there are several measures to reduce flu risk and prevent reinfection:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching public surfaces.
• Minimize exposure to infected individuals whenever possible.
• Use a tissue or your elbow to prevent the spread of germs.
• Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep.

For high-risk individuals—including infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions—taking extra precautions and seeking medical advice at the first signs of illness is essential.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

If flu symptoms persist beyond a week or worsen significantly, it is important to seek medical attention. High-risk individuals should be especially vigilant, as complications like pneumonia can arise. Contact a healthcare provider if experiencing severe symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Persistent high fever
• Severe dehydration
• Confusion or dizziness
• Choosing the Right Flu Vaccine

For those over 65, the CDC recommends high-dose flu vaccines that provide stronger immune responses, such as:

• Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent
• Flublok Quadrivalent Recombinant
• Fluad Quadrivalent Adjuvanted

These options offer enhanced protection for older adults who may not respond as robustly to standard flu vaccines.

While flu season can be unpredictable, an annual flu shot remains the best defense against infection and severe complications. Although getting a second flu shot in the same season is not recommended for most adults, staying vigilant with preventive measures can further reduce the risk of illness. If you have concerns about flu vaccination or your personal risk factors, consult a healthcare provider to make an informed decision about your flu prevention strategy.

Every year on 25 April, World Malaria Day is observed to raise awareness about one of the deadliest yet preventable diseases. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 263 million malaria cases and 5,97,000 malaria deaths across 83 countries in 2023. The WHO African Region carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. As per the numbers, this Region was home to 94% of the malaria cases, accounting for 246 million and 95% of malaria deaths. Children under 5 accounted for about 75% of all malaria deaths in the Region.

Ahead of World Malaria Day, WHO also called for renewed efforts at all levels - from global policy to community action to accelerate progress towards eliminating malaria.

World Malaria Day 2025 Theme

This year, WHO has joined the RBM Partnership to End Malaria and other partners in promoting: "Malaria Ends With US: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite". This is a grassroot campaign that aims to re-energize efforts at all levels, from global policy to community action, to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination.

World Malaria Day History

World Malaria Day was first celebrated internationally in 2008, building upon the earlier "Africa Malaria Day", which had been observed b African countries since 2001. The date, April 25, was established by WHO in 2007 during the World Health Assembly. In 2007, it was the 60th session of the World Health Assembly where the proposal to rename Africa Malaria Day to World Malaria Day was made to acknowledge the global presence of malaria.

World Malaria Day Significance

The day has a strong significance in healthcare as it brings attention to the disease that still continues to take so many lives, especially in low-income and tropical regions. It also serves as an important reminder to continue spreading awareness about the disease as well as promoting its prevention, treatment and continuous international cooperation to fight against it.

What Is Malaria?

The WHO describes malaria as a life-threatening disease spread to humans by some types of mosquitoes, mostly found in tropical countries. However, they are preventable and curable.

WHO notes: "Malaria is spread to people through the bites of some infected anopheles mosquitoes. Blood transfusion and contaminated needles may also transmit malaria. The first symptoms may be mild, similar to many febrile illnesses, and difficult to recognize as malaria. Left untreated, P. falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness and death within 24 hours.

There are 5 Plasmodium parasite species that cause malaria in humans, and 2 of these species – P. falciparum and P. vivax – pose the greatest threat. P. falciparum is the deadliest malaria parasite and the most prevalent on the African continent. P. vivax is the dominant malaria parasite in most countries outside of sub-Saharan Africa. The other malaria species which can infect humans are P. malariae, P. ovale and P. knowlesi."

What Are The Symptoms?

The early symptoms are fever, headache and chills, which can usually start within 10 to 15 days of getting bitten by an infected mosquito.

Some types of malaria can cause severe illness and death. Infants, children under 5 years, pregnant women, travellers and people with HIV or AIDS are at higher risk. Severe symptoms include:

• extreme tiredness and fatigue
• impaired consciousness
• multiple convulsions
• difficulty breathing
• dark or bloody urine
• jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
• abnormal bleeding

A new AI-powered blood test that can detect 12 types of cancer is to be tested on NHS patients. Using this test, experts would now be able to detect cancerous cells in people much before the symptoms appear. The trial, conducted on 8,000 patients, will analyse blood samples for tiny fragments of genetic material released by tumours.

The test called miONCO-Dx, was created using data from 20,000 patients. Initial tests have produced promising results, having shown that it can detect 12 of the most lethal and common cancers, including bowel cancer, at an early stage, with over 99% accuracy. With no other trial currently working in the same way, this is a world-leader and will support in placing Britain at the forefront of revolutionising healthcare. Notably, the UK government has awarded £2.4m to run the trial of the genetic test, which was developed by the University of Southampton and the biotech startup Xgenera.

How Does It Work?

The test was created by Xgenera, in collaboration with the University of Southampton. As little as 10 drops of blood are all that's needed to detect up to 12 common cancers. The test works by measuring the microRNA in a blood sample and using AI to identify if cancer is present and, if so, where it is located in the body.

What Cancers Will It Detect?

Lung, gastric, prostate, oesophageal, liver, bladder, ovarian, bowel, pancreatic and breast cancers–as well as bone and soft tissue sarcoma and a type of brain tumour. The Department of Health said the test was now ready for the "validation and verification" stage.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England's national medical director, said: "This blood test has the potential to help us detect bowel cancer earlier and reduce the need for invasive tests, and the next step in this trial will now be vital in gathering further evidence on its effectiveness and how it could work in practice."

How Is A Blood Test Conducted?

A blood test is a simple medical procedure used to check various health conditions. Here's how it is typically conducted:

1. Preparation: Depending on the test, you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours. The healthcare provider will explain any specific instructions.

2. Collection: You’ll usually be seated or lying down. A healthcare professional will tie a tourniquet around your upper arm to make the veins more visible. The inside of your elbow is the most common site for drawing blood.

3. Cleaning: The area is cleaned with an antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection.

4. Drawing Blood: A sterile needle is inserted into the vein, and blood is collected into one or more vials or tubes.

5. Post-collection: Once enough blood is collected, the needle is removed, and a cotton ball or bandage is applied to stop any bleeding.

6. Processing: The blood samples are then sent to a lab for analysis.

Novovax, the maker of the only protein-based COVID-19 vaccine available in the US announced that its shot is on track for full approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is an important development for the company. It has sent its stock soaring up to 21% on Wednesday morning for trading. It is said that this will also ease the fears of political interference that may have caused delay in the process.

Vaccine For Emergency Use Only

While the other mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna have received full FDA approval for specific age groups, Novovax's vaccine still awaits the approval. It is only authorized for emergency use.

The emergency use authorization or the EUA allows vaccines to be distributed during public health emergencies. However, once the emergency ends, the FDA can remove them from the market unless full approval is granted.

Why Did The Delay Happen?

The FDA originally planned to approve Novovax's vaccine by April 1. However, as per the inside sources, the process was paused at the direction of Dr Sara Brenner, the FDA's acting commissioner. The delay has also raised concerns, especially after Dr Peter Marks, the FDA's longtime vaccine chief, reportedly left his post due to disagreements with the Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, who is a known vaccine skeptic.

What Makes Him A Vaccine Skeptic?

In the past, RFK Jr. has worked closely with many anti-vaccine activists who work for his nonprofit group Children's Health Defense. While in his recent speech, he said that he has "never been anti-vax and have never told the public to avoid vaccination", his track record shows otherwise.

In a podcast interview, he said, "There is no vaccine that is safe and effective" and told FOX News that he still believes in the now long-debunked idea that vaccines can cause autism. In another 2021 podcast, he urged people to "resist" CDC guidelines on getting their kids vaccinated. "I see somebody on a hiking trail carrying a little baby and I say to him, better not get them vaccinated," he said.

His non-profit also led an anti-vax campaign sticker and he appeared next on the screen to a sticker that read: "If you are not an anti-vaxxer you are not paying attention," reports AP.

What Does The Vaccine Need For Approval?

The FDA recently asked Novavax to outline a plan to collect additional clinical data from people who have received the vaccine. Novavax says it is “engaging with the FDA expeditiously” and hopes to secure full approval as soon as possible. Full FDA approval is considered the gold standard, as it reflects a higher level of scrutiny and confidence in a product’s safety and effectiveness.

How Is This Vaccine Different From Others?

The COVID-19 vaccines that are currently available in the US teach the immune system to recognize the virus' spike protein, which is its outer coating. the Pfizer and Moderna's mRNA vaccine deliver genetic instructions that help the body create a temporary version of spike protein that trigger an immune response. In contrast, the Novovax's shot contains lab-grown copies of the spike protein itself, which are then combined with a substance that boosts the immune response.

This traditional approach—called a protein-based vaccine—has been used for decades in vaccines for diseases like hepatitis B and shingles. For people who are hesitant about mRNA vaccines, Novavax offers an alternative that uses a well-established method.