Medical Xpress November 4, 2025
Everyone knows that the fall brings flu season, replete with aches, pains and a new version of the vaccine. But why is cold weather synonymous with this virus? Virologist and William & Mary Associate Professor of Biology Kurt Williamson recently talked with W&M News on the science behind this pathogen and hypotheses for why infections have a seasonal spike.
Williamson studies viromes, all the viruses in a given environment, to understand their role in essential ecosystem-level processes. A large portion of these viruses are classified as bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria. His lab is currently working on a project looking at the viral and bacterial composition of soils managed under organic vs. conventional growing conditions.
The interview has been edited...
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