The World Influenza Centre (WIC)

The World Influenza Centre (WIC) is a global organization that studies and monitors influenza viruses, like the flu. It collects data from around the world to understand how flu viruses change over time. This helps scientists predict which strains might cause future outbreaks and develop effective vaccines. Based at the Francis Crick Institute in the UK, WIC collaborates with international health agencies to track flu activity, improve responses, and reduce the impact of flu seasons worldwide. Essentially, it plays a crucial role in helping protect public health by providing timely and accurate information about influenza viruses.