Dutch authorities have banned the use of Pfizer's Prevenar vaccine after three infants died shortly after vaccination. Prevenar offers protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, blood poisoning and ear infections. Prevenar is part of the chidlhood immunization schedule given as three doses. The Dutch stopped the distribution of a batch of Prevenar following three cases of death in a short period. "On average about 5 to 10 deaths are reported annually after...Read More
Infectious Diseases
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Dutch authorities have banned the use of Pfizer's Prevenar vaccine after three infants died shortly after vaccination. Prevenar offers protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, blood poisoning and ear infections. Prevenar is part of the chidlhood immunization schedule given as three doses. The Dutch stopped the distribution of a batch of Prevenar following three cases of death in a short period. "On average about 5 to 10 deaths are reported annually after...Read More
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 contain a potent antifungal protein that may fight yeast infections. The study, published in American Chemical Society's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, investigated the effects of pumpkin rind proteins on microbes. Researchers from Chosun...Read More
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 included asthma, diabetes, pregnancy, and heart, lung and neurologic diseases. The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, examined data from 24 states of patients hospitalized with H1N1 influenza from April to June...Read More
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 antioxidants may help prevent lung damage caused by the flu. "The recent outbreak of H1N1 influenza and the rapid spread of this strain across the world highlights the need to better understand how this virus...Read More
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 free radicals (toxic byproducts of metabolic functions) and protect against viruses. Now a research reports that elderberry may be useful in treating viral influenza infections. The review, published in Phytotherapy Research, investigated the pharmacological and...Read More
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 that the retrovirus XMRV (xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus) was discovered in the blood of CFS patients. The XMRV retrovirus was first detected in prostate cancers. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy...Read More
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 flu vaccination when supplies become available. The study, published in the British Medical Journal, examined the willingness of health care workers to accept H1N1 swine flu vaccination. Researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong...Read More
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 (FDA) has approved the release of four H1N1 swine flu vaccines. "Today's approval is good news for our nation's response to the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus," states FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D, in a...Read More
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a parasite that causes the intestinal disease toxoplasmosis. T gondii is a common parasite that infects over one billion people globally. Toxoplasmosis is transmitted through contaminated food, water, soil and cat feces. Now research reports that probiotics may help prevent and treat parasite infections. Probiotics such as acidophilus and bacillus are beneficial bacteria found in the intestinal flora. Probiotics are known to support GI (gastrointestinal) health and immunity. The study,...Read More
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 bacteria to thrive. Findings also revealed that a virus-infected worker can leave viruses on every surface they contact, with viruses surviving for up to three days. Now the latest "Germs in the Workplace" study has...Read More
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 of ticks (mostly the blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick) that carry this type of bacteria. The first sign of infection is erythema migrans, a circular rash, that occurs in most people within...Read More
