William Schaffner

November 8, 2023

Flu season starting late but expected to increase for the holidays

The current flu season has started later and more gradually than last year although cases are expected to begin increasing in November before falling off in March.

By Courtney Graetzer
May 15, 2023

Polio patients, iron lung respirators, and…hey, is that Pat Boone??!!

Polio was a terrifying disease, once filling wards at VUMC with paralyzed patients in iron lungs. Vaccines have saved us from all that.

By Wayne Wood
January 19, 2023

Emerging Infections Program lands national award for COVID response

Vanderbilt’s Emerging Infections Program (EIP) recently received the Toby Merlin Award for Excellence in Emergency Response, presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

By Jake Lowary
November 11, 2020

Video: How to safely gather at the holidays — advice from Vanderbilt experts

Are there safe ways to see our family and friends during this COVID holiday season? Some advice on how to celebrate with care.

By Wayne Wood
January 13, 2020

Home with a cold or the flu? It’s OK to snuggle with your pet, infectious disease doctor says.

Dogs and cats can’t catch or spread human disease and “are a comfort, not a hazard”

By Wayne Wood
December 12, 2018

Mascots get flu shots in VUMC “anti-viral” video

Even canines, chickens and sabre-tooth tigers need protection

By Kelsey Herbers
December 6, 2018

Schaffner honored by Infectious Diseases Society of America

William Schaffner, MD, professor of Preventive Medicine in the Department of Health Policy and professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, is the recipient of the 2018 D.A. Henderson Award for Outstanding Contributions to Public Health.
By Craig Boerner
May 10, 2018

New Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame class has strong Vanderbilt ties

On May 3, the Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame announced seven health care professionals selected as this year’s inductee class, three of whom have close ties to Vanderbilt.
By Kathy Whitney
January 5, 2018

My Southern Health: Got the flu? Here’s why you need to stay home

Survey results suggest 75 percent of parents leave the house with the flu—and they’re spreading it to others.
By VUMC News and Communications
January 5, 2018

What you need to know about this year’s flu

Discover what strains are prominent, how effective this year’s vaccine is, and how hard the virus has hit Tennessee so far.
By VUMC News and Communications
November 21, 2017

Post-flu risks a growing concern for the elderly

Infectious disease experts are warning that flu can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and disability in elderly patients for months after they have recovered from their illness.
By Craig Boerner
October 30, 2017

Disparities in influenza outcomes

Neighborhood determinants – represented by census tract data – contribute to the risk of influenza hospitalization and could be used to guide interventions such as vaccinations to high-risk areas.
By Leigh MacMillan
October 26, 2017

Edwards, Schaffner honored by major infectious diseases organizations

Two highly regarded Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) infectious disease clinicians were recognized with service awards from prominent organizations during IDWeek in San Diego, California, Oct. 4-8.
By Craig Boerner
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