Helen Y. Chu

Jan 22, 2025 | knkx.org | Helen Y. Chu |Gabriel Spitzer

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus was probably spreading in the community well before the threat was identified. University of Washington researchers say they want to be better prepared for the next pandemic, and are launching a multiyear study that could provide advance warning of disease outbreaks.

Nov 19, 2024 | kuow.org | Paige Browning |Andy Hurst |Helen Y. Chu

Whooping cough is making a major comeback in Washington state. At this time last year, there were 54 cases of pertussis. Right now, the statewide case count is more than 1,300. The bacterial disease is most dangerous to babies, and many who get it require hospitalization. We talk with UW Medicine's Dr. Helen Chu about why whooping cough is surging in Washington. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by making a gift to KUOW.

Nov 5, 2024 | seattletimes.com | Helen Y. Chu |Collrane Frivold

Whooping cough typically starts with the sniffles, a cough, a runny nose and maybe a low-grade fever, but it can rapidly progress to coughing fits so severe that they make you throw up. The infection is caused by the highly contagious bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is called whooping cough because of the whooping sound that children make as they struggle to breathe. And it can be deadly, particularly in very young infants and older adults. Fortunately, there is a safe, effective vaccine.

Oct 20, 2024 | contagionlive.com | John Parkinson |Helen Y. Chu

Neonates are greatly susceptible to contracting RSV and developing severe disease in the earliest stages of life. “They get bronchiolitis, they get pneumonia, and they're hospitalized when they have trouble breathing and they need oxygen support,” said Helen Chu, MD, MPH, professor of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Global Health at the University of Washington. “For the last several decades, the number 1 cause of hospitalizations of infants in the United States was RSV infection.

Oct 5, 2024 | exbulletin.com | Helen Y. Chu

This year's influenza vaccine, announced earlier this year, targets three strains, compared to the previous four. Your doctor will explain why this is a good thing. SEATTLE — There's something different about this year's flu vaccine, and we're thankful for the pandemic. For the first time in more than a decade, the vaccine will target three strains of influenza instead of four. Doctors told KING 5 that's actually a good thing.