Australia is experiencing its worst flu season in five years, and that doesn’t bode well for the United States, federal health officials warned Tuesday. America’s flu season often mirrors what unfolds in Australia, where winter spans April through October. Making matters worse, only 49% of Americans plan to get a flu shot during the 2022-2023… read on > read on >
A new study has found no evidence that COVID-19 shots increase the incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome, according to researchers. “This is important because we can say that there is no significant increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome in the population,” said study first author Mustafa Jaffry, a medical student at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in… read on > read on >
Almost 8 in 10 U.S. adults have received their primary COVID-19 vaccine series, but only 31% of children ages 5 to 11 have done the same, according to a new report based on late September figures from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The reason for the discrepancy? A willingness to accept safety… read on > read on >
For many kids with autism, Rhett, a black Labrador retriever, has been a calming and comforting influence in his seven years as a therapy dog. But parents shouldn’t assume that a service pooch is the solution for every child on the autism spectrum, a new study finds. Not all kids with autism enjoy interacting with… read on > read on >
For older adults, getting vaccinated provides protection against COVID-19, but getting a booster is a key part of maintaining that immunity, a new study confirms. “The data support the CDC guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination and affirm that the vaccine is initially able to mount a good antibody response,” said study co-author Dr. Sean Leng. He’s… read on > read on >
Young women who have survived cancer are at risk of having sexual problems, such as loss of libido and discomfort, a new study finds. The quality of the survivor’s sex life is also influenced by the type of cancer she experienced and the intensity of the treatment, researchers found. “This is one of the largest… read on > read on >
Exposure to air pollution can impede COVID-19 recovery, whether someone is vaccinated or not, according to new research. “These findings are important because they show that, while COVID-19 vaccines are successful at reducing the risk of hospitalization, people who are vaccinated and exposed to polluted air are still at increased risk for worse outcomes than… read on > read on >
Birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progestin do not contribute to growth of enlarged breasts in teens and young women, a new study finds, and may actually be associated with developing less severe breast enlargement. Moreover, the combination pills don’t increase the risk of regrowth after breast-reduction surgery, said researcher Dr. Brian Labow… read on > read on >
The U.S. government will invest $266 million to shore up the community and public health workforce using American Rescue Plan funding. About $225.5 million will go to 83 recipients to support training and apprenticeship for 13,000 new community health workers, CNN reported before Friday’s announcement. These workers specialize in helping people find care and serve… read on > read on >
Many Americans with heart disease also have limited access to food, and this dangerous combination is growing rapidly, a new study finds. “Food insecurity is a common problem among people with cardiovascular disease, and we are seeing that issue become even more prevalent in recent years,” said lead author Dr. Eric Brandt. He’s a cardiologist… read on > read on >
