flu

Alex Vespignani, left, and Marco Ajelli are taking another look at one of the basic assumptions of computer models that forecast the spread of epidemics: that in the early stages of an epidemic, the average number of new cases caused by each infected person is relatively constant. Photo by Adam Glanzman/Northeastern University

Tracking an epidemic requires computer models. But what if those models are wrong?

Researchers at Northeastern have found that one of the basic assumptions used in disease modeling simply isn’t realistic. Now they’re looking at how epidemics travel through various layers of a population to find a better way to track a disease.

by Laura Castañón November 19, 2018

Students can still get free flu shots at Northeastern's UHCS on Forsyth Street. Above, a student receives a flu vaccine at the annual Bouvé Health Fair and Flu Shot Clinic held in the fall. <i>Photo by Adam Glanzman/Northeastern University</i>

Flu shots for students still available amid harsh influenza season

In January, UHCS administered a nearly four-fold increase in flu shots to students compared to the same month in 2017. Find out where students can get free flu shots on campus, and other recommendations to stay healthy.

by Greg St. Martin February 8, 2018

3Qs: Tracking the flu

Northeastern professor Alessandro Vespignani, a world-renowned statistical physicist, is working to forecast the spread of the flu.

by Greg St. Martin January 20, 2015

Free flu shots at annual health fair

On Wednesday, Northeastern will host the annual Bouvé College of Health Sciences Health Fair and Flu Clinic, where students, faculty, and staff can get free flu vaccines, donate blood, and receive information about a range of health and wellness topics.

by Greg St. Martin October 14, 2014

When healthy habits become risky business

People tend to adopt risky behaviors after getting vaccinated against transmissible diseases, but how does this behavior affect the spread of infections? In new research, Northeastern faculty are taking a closer look.

by Angela Herring January 21, 2014

3Qs: What to know about the new bird flu virus

Network scientist Alessandro Vespignani, who studies the spread of diseases, explains the pandemic potential of the emerging H7N9 bird flu and why it's different from past strains.

by Angela Herring May 13, 2013

3Qs: What to know about this year’s flu season

Mark Douglass, an associate clinical professor of pharmacy, discusses how to protect against the flu—which is experiencing its worst outbreak in a decade—and the importance of getting a flu vaccine.

by Casey Bayer January 11, 2013

Network science: does it keep you up at night?

This morning I met with Alessandro Vespignani, one of the network science faculty members, to discuss the overarching themes of his research. I’m always totally…

by Angela Herring August 23, 2012