April 2026

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) imposes a substantial burden on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Assessment and management should take into account the considerable heterogeneity among this population, including sociodemographic factors, cultural beliefs and access to healthcare resources. 

Inducible laryngeal obstruction, also known as vocal cord dysfunction, is a common condition where the larynx narrows inappropriately, causing rapid onset of breathlessness and other symptoms. Delays in correct diagnosis, due to the condition’s similarity to asthma and other disorders, can mean that patients receive ineffective and sometimes harmful treatments. 

Influenza viruses continually change to evade immunity, so vaccines must be regularly updated. This article outlines how WHO-led surveillance and assessment of circulating strains guide seasonal vaccine composition, highlighting key updates and evolving vaccine options for 2026.