Now's the perfect time for your flu and COVID shots. Here's why.
If you still haven't gotten your COVID or flu shot, now is the time so you'll stay protected throughout the season, according to doctors.
Influenza
Do I have COVID, the flu or something else? 2024 symptoms to know.
But what kind of sickness do your symptoms point to? Here's a breakdown for COVID-19, flu and more — and why testing is so important.
Self-administered flu vaccine spray
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a "self-administered" influenza vaccine that could be available by next year's flu season. Dr. Roy Gulick, an infectious disease specialist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, joins CBS News with more.
When should you get the flu shot? A doctor weighs in on best timing, options.
What to know about the "optimal time" to get vaccinated against the flu — and how the FluMist nasal spray stacks up to the traditional shot.
"Dual mutant" flu strains found in U.S.
The CDC says at least two cases of so-called "dual mutant" flu strains have been detected in the United States. The strains have genetic changes that could impact the effectiveness of the main flu antiviral that hospitals rely on, commonly sold under the brand Tamiflu. Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, joined CBS News to discuss the virus.
Behind the rise of at-home medical tests
At-home tests for various medical conditions are becoming increasingly popular. What's driving that trend? CBS News reporter Nidia Cavazos explains.
Drug-resistant "dual mutant" flu strains now being tracked in U.S., CDC says
The two genetic changes to H1N1 could cut the effectiveness of the main flu antiviral doctors turn to.
Child confirmed as India's second-ever human bird flu case
The World Health Organization has confirmed a human bird flu case in India – a 4-year-old who was infected with the H9N2 avian flu virus.
CDC to post waste data amid bird flu outbreak
As bird flu spreads among cows in the U.S., the CDC plans to publicly post data on a specific influenza virus found in wastewater. Dr. Celine Gounder, CBS News medical contributor and editor-at-large for public health at KFF, joins to break down the latest developments in tracking the virus.
CDC shortens 5-day COVID isolation, updates guidance on masks, testing
The new recommendations apply to COVID-19 and other viruses, like flu and RSV.
CDC finds flu shots 42% effective this season, better than some recent years
The latest data comes as the FDA is weighing a major revision to the flu shots.
Pope Francis visits hospital for tests as he battles the flu
The Vatican says Pope Francis was taken to a Rome hospital "for some diagnostic tests" as he fights the flu.
Flu cases on the rise after holiday season
Cases of respiratory viruses are climbing across the U.S. after weeks of decline, according to new CDC data. Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, joins CBS News with his advice to stay safe during flu season.
Alarming flu surge kills 40 children
There is an alarming flu surge across the country, with doctors warning that the virus is spreading at an increased level in many states. As many as 40 children have died from the illness this flu season, the CDC said. CBS News' Omar Villafranca has more.
CDC reports single-week decrease in flu activity — but "upsurge" may loom
The CDC noted a recent dip in influenza activity, but experts say more increases are expected, meaning it's not time to back down from precautions like the flu shot.
COVID variant JN.1 spreads across U.S.
A sharp uptick in emergency room visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19, influenza and RSV began in mid-December, and a COVID variant called JN.1 is rapidly spreading.. Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, joins CBS News with the data and what to know about the variant.
COVID-19 cases are rising. What do you need to know now?
The COVID-19 virus is continually changing, and a recent subvariant, the JN.1, is rapidly climbing the charts.
Health officials are monitoring a triple threat of respiratory illnesses
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tracking the spread of the flu, RSV and COVID-19 this winter.
COVID cases rising as new variant spreads
The World Health Organization is calling the JN.1 COVID-19 strain, a subvariant of the Omicron strain, a "variant of interest." Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, joins CBS News with details on the virus's spread.
COVID and flu surge could strain hospitals as JN.1 variant grows, CDC warns
"COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising quickly," the CDC said, and the new variant JN.1 is making up an increasing share of cases.
COVID-19 increasing again, especially in Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, CDC says
Cases of other respiratory illnesses, including flu and RSV, are also on the rise.
Not yet vaccinated? Now's the time before Thanksgiving, CDC says
Experts say now is a good time to get vaccinated against COVID and flu ahead of your Thanksgiving holiday gathering.
Testing advances for Moderna's COVID-flu shot
Moderna plans to begin a late-stage trial later this year of its combination vaccines that offer protection against both COVID-19 and the flu. Dr. Stephanie Navarro Silvera, a professor in the Department of Public Health at Montclair State University, explains why a dual shot would be considered "a win in terms of public health."
How FDA's top vaccines official is timing his COVID and flu shots
Can you get your COVID booster and flu shot at the same time? Here's what health experts say.
3 tips to keep kids healthy this back-to-school season
Back to school can often mean back to germs. But experts say there are ways to keep kids protected — and make vaccinations less scary, too.
Trump selects Pam Bondi for attorney general after Gaetz withdraws
President-elect Donald Trump made the announcement Thursday evening after Matt Gaetz withdrew himself from consideration.
Guns, ammunition flowing from U.S. to Latin America and Caribbean
U.S. guns are fueling conflict in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Pete Hegseth meets with GOP senators seeking support for expected nomination
Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth was with Vice President-elect JD Vance on Capitol Hill on Thursday.
Education secretary pick Linda McMahon named in WWE child sex abuse lawsuit
The suit claims McMahon and others at the WWE were aware of misconduct decades ago and negligent in failing to prevent it.
Bob Casey concedes Pennsylvania Senate race to Dave McCormick
Incumbent Sen. Bob Casey on Thursday conceded in the U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania to Dave McCormick.
84-year-old Texas man accused of killing roommate and her dog
The man was arrested on an unrelated carjacking warrant and admitted to killing his roommate and her pet.
McBride: GOP trying to "manufacture a crisis" with bathroom ban
Sarah McBride, set to be the first transgender member of Congress, talked with CBS News' Scott MacFarlane and commented on the GOP's effort to restrict bathroom use.
Alabama carries out nation's third nitrogen gas execution
An Alabama prisoner convicted of the 1994 murder of a female hitchhiker became the third person executed by nitrogen gas in both the U.S. and Alabama.
Drug "several times" stronger than fentanyl linked to California overdose death
The U.S. Department of Justice filed charges in what could be the nation's first death-resulting criminal case involving a synthetic opioid that is possibly more dangerous than fentanyl.
U.S.
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84-year-old Texas man accused of killing roommate and her dog
The man was arrested on an unrelated carjacking warrant and admitted to killing his roommate and her pet.
Guns, ammunition flowing from U.S. to Latin America and Caribbean
U.S. guns are fueling conflict in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Pete Hegseth meets with GOP senators to secure support for expected nomination
Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth was with Vice President-elect JD Vance on Capitol Hill on Thursday.
Shohei Ohtani named NL MVP after record-setting Dodgers season
Shohei Ohtani becomes the second player named MVP in both the American and National leagues.
Yankees slugger Aaron Judge easily wins second AL MVP Award
Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge was a unanimous pick to win his second American League Most Valuable Player Award in three seasons on Thursday.
MoneyWatch
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Bitcoin hovers around $100,000 as post-election rally rolls on
While some are bullish, other experts warn of investment risks as what comes next is impossible to know.
Trump's proposed tariffs could raise U.S. grocery prices, analysis finds
Donald Trump's proposed tariffs could raise costs for U.S. consumers, economists say. Here's how much grocery bills could rise.
BJ's Wholesale Club hikes membership fees for first time since 2018
Warehouse chain follows rival Costco in raising amount its 7.5 million members must pay to shop at BJ's stores.
Bezos denies Musk claim that the Amazon founder predicted Trump loss
Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos — the two richest people on the planet — are squabbling over social media. No, really.
Here's where Elon Musk says his DOGE will aim to cut federal spending
Billionaires Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy say the Department of Government Efficiency has targets in mind for cost cutting.
Politics
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Georgia fires review board members after info leaked on 2 maternal deaths
Georgia's top health official dismissed all members of a state committee that investigates pregnancy-related maternal deaths after the leak, presumably by a committee member, of information about two such deaths.
Israel stands by as aid convoys come under attack in Gaza
A truck driver claims Israeli tanks and an Israeli drone watched as the aid convoy he was with was attacked in Gaza. But Israel's military says it is not responsible for protecting the aid.
Pete Hegseth meets with GOP senators to secure support for expected nomination
Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth was with Vice President-elect JD Vance on Capitol Hill on Thursday.
Trump selects Pam Bondi for attorney general after Gaetz withdraws
President-elect Donald Trump made the announcement Thursday evening after Matt Gaetz withdrew himself from consideration.
Nikki Haley criticizes Trump Cabinet picks Tulsi Gabbard, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Haley said of Kennedy, Trump's pick to be HHS secretary, that he has no background in health care and accused Gabbard, tapped for DNI, of repeating "Russian talking points."
HealthWatch
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Anti-fraud efforts meet real-world test during ACA enrollment period
The federal government put guardrails in place to limit unauthorized plan sign-ups and switches. But the changes could prove to be a burden to consumers.
Life expectancy gap in the U.S. widens to 20 years: "Truly alarming"
Life expectancy in the United States varies by more than 20 years depending on race and ethnicity and where you live, according to new research.
RFK Jr. weighing FDA crackdown on food additives under Trump
Kennedy's team is weighing a significant rewrite of the FDA's rules.
Why the latest bird flu case has experts worried about pandemic potential
A new potential case of bird flu in a California child without known contact with infected animals is raising concerns about a potential pandemic. Dr. Céline Gounder explains what to know.
New cases of bird flu in U.S.
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the latest on bird flu as new cases raise alarms among health officials. There have been 53 confirmed human cases across seven states this year. Health officials in California are reporting a possible case in a child who had no known contact with an infected animal.
World
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2024 is deadliest year for humanitarian aid workers, U.N. says
Bloodshed in the Middle East has been the single biggest cause of the 281 deaths among humanitarians globally this year, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Iran says it will boost uranium enrichment after IAEA rebuke
A rebuke of Iran led by the U.S. and its close allies at the global nuclear watchdog agency has drawn a vow by the Islamic republic to further ramp up uranium enrichment.
Emperor penguin found on Australian beach released at sea after 20 days of care
The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia was released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach.
Guns, ammunition flowing from U.S. to Latin America and Caribbean
U.S. guns are fueling conflict in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Suspicious package causes security scare near U.S. Embassy in London
London police said a "loud bang" heard near the U.S. Embassy was a controlled explosion carried out after a suspicious package was discovered.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Melissa Etheridge to perform at NWSL Championship
Grammy-winning artist Melissa Etheridge will sing the national anthem at the 2024 NWSL Championship in Kansas City. Known for her hit "Come to My Window," Etheridge shares her excitement about the honor and the big game.
Connie Nielsen on returning to "Gladiator" after 24 years
Connie Nielsen opens up about returning as Lucilla in "Gladiator II," reuniting with director Ridley Scott and exploring her character's emotional journey.
Shelby Lynne on how personal struggles and friendships impacted her music
Singer-songwriter Shelby Lynne opens up about her new album and how her friendships helped save her when she thought her recording career could be over.
Malcolm Washington on "The Piano Lesson"
Making his feature directorial debut, Malcolm Washington brings August Wilson's Pulitzer-winning play to the screen with help from his father, Denzel Washington and siblings John David and Katia
Connie Nielsen on returning to "Gladiator"
Ahead of the sequel's release, Connie Nielsen joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about stepping back into the world of Ridley Scott's epic saga and her character's emotional journey.
Technology
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Technology
Australia could ban social media for kids
Australian legislators introduced a landmark bill Thursday to ban social media for children under 16. CBS News London's Leigh Kiniry reports on what this could mean for social media companies.
DOJ targets Google's search engine monopoly
The Department of Justice on Wednesday filed a motion calling for Google to sell its Chrome search engine, arguing in court documents that "the playing field is not level." The Justice Department is also recommending dissolving any contracts in which Google is the default search engine on devices such as iPhones. Kelly O'Grady explains.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Bitcoin hovers around $100,000 as post-election rally rolls on
While some are bullish, other experts warn of investment risks as what comes next is impossible to know.
Bezos denies Musk claim that the Amazon founder predicted Trump loss
Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos — the two richest people on the planet — are squabbling over social media. No, really.
Science
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Emperor penguin found on Australian beach released at sea after 20 days of care
The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia was released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach.
Iceland volcano flares in region's 7th eruption in one year
A volcano erupted in southern Iceland, near the town of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon spa, marking the region's seventh eruption in a year.
How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
Restoring forests decimated by wildfires
Large wildfires fueled by climate change have destroyed tens of millions of acres of forests in the Pacific Northwest in recent years. Jonathan Vigliotti explores a major effort underway to restore those forests.
Giraffes need endangered species protection, U.S. officials say
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed new protections for giraffes, saying their populations are threatened by poaching, habitat loss and climate change.
Crime
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84-year-old Texas man accused of killing roommate and her dog
The man was arrested on an unrelated carjacking warrant and admitted to killing his roommate and her pet.
Georgia woman convicted of killing her toddler gets life in prison
Leilani Simon was spared the maximum punishment of life without a chance of parole.
Guns, ammunition flowing from U.S. to Latin America and Caribbean
U.S. guns are fueling conflict in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Alleged LA County drug distributor charged with dealing opioid more powerful than fentanyl
The U.S. Department of Justice filed charges in what could be the nation's first death-resulting criminal case involving a synthetic opioid that is possibly more dangerous than fentanyl.
Mexican cartel leader who faked own death arrested in California
Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa — the son-in-law of Jalisco New Generation cartel leader "El Mencho" — was arrested in Riverside, California, officials said.
Space
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Space
Trump, Musk attend SpaceX launch
President-elect Donald Trump attended SpaceX's sixth flight test of its Super Heavy-Starship on Tuesday with CEO Elon Musk. The burgeoning friendship between the two men played a key role in Trump's reelection, with Musk now set to run a government efficiency agency in the coming months. CBS News political reporter Jake Rosen and Politico aviation reporter Oriana Pawlyk join "America Decides" with more.
SpaceX launches Super Heavy-Starship, with Trump there to watch
President-elect Donald Trump was on hand with Elon Musk for the sixth test flight of SpaceX's huge Super Heavy-Starship rocket.
Far side of the moon once had erupting volcanoes, lunar soil shows
Researchers analyzed lunar soil brought back by China's Chang'e-6, the first spacecraft to return with a haul of rocks and dirt from the little-explored far side.
When you can see the Beaver Moon, 2024's final supermoon
November's full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is the last supermoon of 2024. Here's when it peaks and why it's called the Beaver Moon.
Astronauts decline to answer questions about post-flight medical issue
Medical issues aside, the astronauts described a water leak in June that triggered a blizzard in the International Space Station's airlock.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Melissa Etheridge to perform at NWSL Championship
Grammy-winning artist Melissa Etheridge will sing the national anthem at the 2024 NWSL Championship in Kansas City. Known for her hit "Come to My Window," Etheridge shares her excitement about the honor and the big game.
6 dead after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos
At least six people have died after officials say they drank tainted alcohol in the southeast Asian nation of Laos. Authorities say the victims include one American, two Danish tourists, a British woman and two Australian teenagers. Investigators believe they had drinks containing methanol.
Darian Jenkins reflects on NWSL career
After retiring from professional soccer, Darian Jenkins is bringing her expertise to CBS Sports. She is best known for her time with the Orlando Pride and North Carolina Courage. Jenkins reflects on her career and her new role with CBS Sports.
NWSL fans power record-breaking season
The National Women's Soccer League Championship will draw thousands of fans to CPKC Stadium, marking the end of a historic season. Jan Crawford explores how diehard supporters are driving a cultural shift in women's sports.
Thanksgiving travel kicks off
With Thanksgiving less than a week away, travelers are already crowding airports. Airlines expect to fly tens of millions of passengers between today and the Monday after Thanksgiving. Kris Van Cleave reports.