Obesity contributes to many health complications. However, a new study by Spanish researchers suggests that obesity may not increase the risk of death among people with swine flu.

During both the 2009 H1N1 flu epidemic and the whooping cough outbreak in California, elderly Hispanics had high rates of infection. New research suggests this might be due to low vaccination rates and language.

Older Hispanic seniors are less likely to receive immunizations against the flu and pneumonia, according to a recent study by the RAND Corporation.

Nationwide flu hospitalizations among older US adults peak first in western states such as California, Utah and Nevada and last of all in eastern New England states like New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Maine.

Scientists are studying antibodies created by the H1N1 (swine) flu virus that could potentially open the door to a universal flu vaccine that protects against a variety of strains.

Many Americans are not adequately protecting themselves against colds and flu this season. Are you? If not, find out how.