Category Archives: Infectious Diseases

Scientists have been searching for natural antifungals since there is increasing resistance to antifungal drugs.  Now research reports lavender essential oil has potent antifungal effects that may fight yeast infections. Lavender oil has a long history of being used as … Continue reading →

Since 2003, the H5N1 bird flu has infected and killed millions of birds in Asia, the Middle East and Europe. This has created an economic, food security and human transmission threat. Experts fear that the virus may evolve into a … Continue reading →

During the 2009-2010 winter, the H1N1 swine flu epidemic infected up to 89 million Americans. Now research reports that antibodies made from people infected with the swine flu could fight multiple strains of flu. This new discovery may help develop … Continue reading →

German doctors believe that an HIV-infected leukemia patient may have been cured of the HIV virus by a stem cell  transplant. The patient, known as the “Berlin patient”, first received the transplant in 2007 as treatment for leukemia. The transplant … Continue reading →

December 1st is World AIDS Day, spotlighting AIDS/HIV awareness, prevention and resources. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a disease of the immune system caused by infection with the retrovirus HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). This year, a group of celebrities … Continue reading →

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a disease of the immune system caused by infection with the retrovirus HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Previous research shows that black Americans and Hispanics have a high risk of HIV infection. Now the U.S. … Continue reading →

Health care workers are one of the priority groups targeted for mass flu vaccination. However, in past years many health workers have avoided flu shots. Now a policy statement released by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends mandatory flu … Continue reading →

In 2009, Canadian researchers became concerned that there may be a link between seasonal flu shots and an increased risk of swine flu. Now studies report that seasonal flu vaccination may increase the risk of H1N1 swine flu infection. However, … Continue reading →

Internationally, millions of dollars were spent last year to provide seasonal and swine flu vaccinations to priority groups. Healthcare workers are one of the priority groups targeted for mass flu shots. Now research reports that flu shots for healthcare workers … Continue reading →

The International World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people with contagious diseases like TB should not fly until no longer infectious. However, experts have been debating this controversial subject. Recent studies suggest that recirculated airplane cabin air is not likely … Continue reading →

Lectins are  sugar-binding plant proteins that can identify and attach to pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. This binding effect can stop reactions that lead to infection. Now research reports that the lectin BanLec found in bananas can block the … Continue reading →

Internationally, the World Health Organization is reporting a worldwide decline in H1N1 swine flu activity. There has been debate among experts if the swine flu still warrants vaccination. Now research reports there is “poor quality” evidence that flu vaccines effectively … Continue reading →

On February 12, 2010 the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released their latest situation update on the H1N1 swine flu. The CDC reports that most key flu indicators remain the same. However, flu indicators suggest that people … Continue reading →

South Korean researchers announced the identification of an herbal substance used in Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM) that can treat the Type-A H1N1 flu virus. The scientific team is based at the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine’s Center for Herbal Medicine … Continue reading →

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released their latest estimates on the H1N1 swine flu pandemic from April through December 2009. The CDC estimates that about 55 million Americans have been infected with H1N1 swine flu since … Continue reading →

Estimates of severity of H1N1 swine flu have been hard to calculate due to the difficulties of counting and testing large numbers of people with symptoms. These estimates help health officials plan for and project outcomes and interventions to treat … Continue reading →

Canadian health authorities report that 172,000 doses of H1N1 swine flu vaccine have been recalled.  Canadian health officials pulled a batch of the vaccine due to reports of higher rates of severe allergic reactions. Canada began swine flu innoculations in … Continue reading →

On November 13, 2009 Chinese health authorities reported that two people died hours after receiving the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine. Chinese authorities have since pulled the vaccines manufactured in the same batch that were used to inoculate the two victims. … Continue reading →

On October 21, 2009, Britain launched a swine flu vaccination program for health workers, children, pregnant women, adults with chronic health conditions and high-risk hospital patients. However, British health authorities have lowered their estimate of swine flu fatalities from 65,000 … Continue reading →

Scientists have been searching for natural antibiotics, since disease-causing microbes are becoming resistant to conventional antibiotics. Pumpkin has a long history of being used in Korea and other Asian countries as a folk medicine.  Now research reports that pumpkin rinds … Continue reading →

The swine flu H1N1 virus appeared during the spring of 2009, spreading into the U.S. and then worldwide. Now research reports that the majority of patients hospitalized with H1N1 influenza in the U.S. had underlying medical conditions. The underlying conditions … Continue reading →

The mechanism by which the flu virus damages the lungs has not been fully understood. Plants contain potent antioxidants that counteract free-radicals (unstable molecules that cause damage to cells) and protect against inflammation and chronic disease. Now research reports that … Continue reading →

European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has a long history of being used in traditional medicine to boost immunity and promote wellness. Elderberry is known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing properties. High in flavonoids, elderberry exerts antioxidant effects that neutralize harmful … Continue reading →

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is characterized by prolonged, debilitating fatigue, which lasts at least six months. This persistent fatigue affects the activities of daily living. CFS can affect people of all ages, gender, race or socioeconomic class. Now research reports … Continue reading →

Worldwide, healthcare workers are one of the priority groups targeted for mass swine flu vaccination. Other priority groups include children and adults with chronic health conditions and pregnant women. Now research reports that many health workers intend to avoid swine … Continue reading →

The World Health Organization has confirmed 3,205 H1N1 swine flu deaths world-wide. Each year about 250,000 to 500,000 people die from seasonal flu. However, sasonal flu vaccine will not protect against H1N1 swine flu. Now the Food and Drug Administration … Continue reading →

In 2002, researchers first began studying “Germs in the Workplace”, measuring the presence of bacteria and viruses in offices. Previous “Germs in the Workplace” surveys have found that office phones, desks, computer keyboards and computer “mice” are top spots for … Continue reading →

Lyme Disease is named for a town on the coast of Connecticut where a large cluster of cases occurred and the causative agent, a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, was discovered. Lyme Disease is transmitted while being bitten by certain species … Continue reading →