Immune and infectious diseases Archive

Mind & Mood

Thoughts on optimism

Published July 1, 2021

Science continues to find that people with an optimistic outlook enjoy healthier and longer lives. The power of optimism is not just having a sunny disposition, but applying this mindset to make positive change. Even if people are not naturally optimistic, there are ways to change one’s outlook, such as looking for opportunities during trying times, focusing on personal strengths, practicing gratitude, and visualizing their best possible self.

Pain

Chronic inflammation and your joints

Published July 1, 2021

The immune system sometimes launches a chronic inflammatory response in certain joints. That leads to pain, stiffness, and joint damage known as inflammatory arthritis. It’s usually unknown what triggers the conditions. Types of inflammatory arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis. Treatments include medications, such as biologic or nonbiologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and lifestyle habits, such as exercising, avoiding processed foods, reducing stress, not smoking, and getting enough sleep. Wearing a splint or brace on affected joints and seeking physical therapy may also help ease pain.

Heart Health

COVID-19 and cardiovascular concerns: An evolving story

Published July 1, 2021

Physicians’ understanding of how a COVID-19 infection affects the heart is still evolving. More definitive answers require long-term, randomized clinical trials that control for different factors (including varied medical histories and medication use) to study how COVID-19—and possible therapies—affect people who have or are at risk for heart disease. Like other infectious organisms, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) can increase the risk of blood clots and may damage the heart, but the danger is less common than initial reports suggested.

Mind & Mood

COVID-related loss of smell may be associated with mental health risks

Published July 1, 2021

Longer-term loss of smell after COVID-19 may be associated with mental health risks.

Cancer

Adjusting gut bacteria may improve response to cancer treatment

Published July 1, 2021

Gut bacteria may play a role in response to cancer treatments that target the immune system.

Healthy aging and longevity

5 important blood tests beyond the basics

Published July 1, 2021

Five blood tests beyond basic blood work may be worth pursuing for older adults. For example, a test to determine one’s vitamin B₁₂ level might be helpful, since older adults sometimes have trouble absorbing that vitamin. Likewise, older adults have less ability to absorb sunlight through the skin, which may lead to less production of vitamin D. Other blood tests to consider include those for HIV or hepatitis C infection, and a test to measure fasting blood sugar.

Pediatric health

Children not yet vaccinated against COVID-19? What to do

Published June 21, 2021

Now that many people have been vaccinated against COVID-19, it feels like things are starting to return to something resembling normal. But because the vaccines have not yet been approved for those under 12, families with children under this age need to be careful and thoughtful as they plan summer activities.

Healthy aging and longevity

HIV rates rising: Could new forms of PrEP help?

Published June 18, 2021

Last year, approximately 1.7 million new HIV infections occurred worldwide, and rates of infection are also rising in parts of the US. While a daily pill known as PrEP can help prevent HIV, two new formulations could make it easier for a broader range of at-risk people to use.

Healthy aging and longevity

3 things you can do about shingles

Updated June 14, 2021

Diseases & Conditions

Shaking off shingles

Updated June 14, 2021

Shingles is a painful neurological condition that is more likely to attack as people age. Left untreated, it can increase risk for chronic pain, blindness, and other long-term health problems.

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Immune and infectious diseases Archive

Articles

Thoughts on optimism

Chronic inflammation and your joints

COVID-19 and cardiovascular concerns: An evolving story

COVID-related loss of smell may be associated with mental health risks

Adjusting gut bacteria may improve response to cancer treatment

5 important blood tests beyond the basics

Children not yet vaccinated against COVID-19? What to do

HIV rates rising: Could new forms of PrEP help?

3 things you can do about shingles

Shaking off shingles

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