As coronavirus spreads around the world, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the virus a pandemic. Definitions of the emotionally charged words ‘outbreak’, ‘epidemic’ and ‘pandemic’ can be blurred during viral outbreaks. So what do they each mean? Outbreak An outbreak is the initial stage classification of a disease affecting …
How far is a coronavirus vaccine?
The race to develop a vaccine for coronavirus is on. Since its outbreak in December last year, researchers and drug makers have scrambled to develop immunisations by repurposing old antivirals, utilising technology, or actioning new approaches to medicine. How close are we to developing a vaccine? How is a vaccine made? The process of …
Flu Jabs- What’s the fuss?
Last flu season, researchers recorded that about 220,000 Australians were diagnosed with influenza. The death toll reaching over 430 Australians last flu season, with flu vaccinations being distributed to over 12.5 million of us over that time. What you need to know The peak flu season in Australia is typically from June to July. Symptoms …