Royal Collection/Wikimedia Commons

What really killed Prince Albert?

Although some experts still disagree about the cause of Prince Albert’s untimely demise, the most likely culprit seems to be the bacterium Salmonella typhi.
Merry Christmas! www.shutterstock.com

And now for the flu forecast …

What flu season has in store: mostly H1N1 in the north and a three-way split between H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B in the south.
Livestock and farmers most at risk. Cull by Shutterstock

Five things you need to know about bird flu

The UK has just recorded its second outbreak of bird flu in less than three months. At the end of November, the relatively new subtype H5N8 – which was first spotted in late 2009 in China and which has…
If you’re sick, stay at home. Sneeze by Shutterstock

Five common misconceptions about seasonal flu

It’s that time of the year again. You probably think I mean Christmas, but as a virologist the sight of glitter, fairy lights and moulting pine trees immediately makes me think of the flu season. And if…
Authorities are rapidly trying to stop the spread of Ebola. Ahmed Jallanzo/EPA

How Ebola could head out of Africa – a tale of two travellers

It is 6am on a warm West African morning. Two men, Ahmed and Milton, are up early, getting ready for long journeys. Apart from that they have little in common. Ahmed is a high-ranking official in the Ministry…
Current outbreak the largest since disease was discovered. CDC/Cynthia Goldsmith/Public Health Image Library

What happens to your body if you get Ebola?

This morning you woke up feeling a little unwell. You have no appetite, your head is aching, your throat is sore and you think you might be slightly feverish. You don’t know it yet, but Ebola virus has…

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