Vaccines and immunizations Archive

A 2024 study involving more than 149,000 people, middle-aged and older, found that those who had shingles were 20% more likely to notice signs of cognitive decline years later, compared with those who didn't have shingles.

Even if someone has never gotten the flu or COVID-or at least hasn't gotten very sick from them-there still are good reasons to get vaccines that protect against the viruses. Both the flu and COVID viruses can injure the body, making it vulnerable to new major illnesses such as heart, lung, gastrointestinal, or brain disease. But recent solid evidence has shown that vaccines not only reduce the risk of getting the flu and COVID, but also reduce the risk of developing the serious diseases associated with COVID or flu.

A diagnosis of influenza (flu) was linked to a sixfold risk of heart attack over the following week, according to a 2024 report.

Children get sore throats all the time - and most of the time they are nothing to worry about. But it is important for parents to know the common causes of sore throats, and to be aware that that certain instances are serious and should be seen by a doctor immediately.

Without enough quality sleep, children are more likely to have health and behavioral problems - and difficulty learning. Here are a few simple things you can do to help your child get the sleep they need.

As children go through another school year under the cloud of the COVID-19 pandemic, parents are asking what they can do to keep their children healthy. While no magic solutions can ward off every illness, parents can take steps to help children - and everyone in their household - protect their health by keeping their immune systems robust.

Bathing daily is a habit for many people, but does it need to be for children, preteens, and teens? Not necessarily. Of course, it depends on what they have been doing and whether or not they are visibly dirty or stinky, but most don't need a top-to-toe daily scrub.

Many parents face the challenge of getting their child to move from sleeping in bed with them to sleeping in their own bed. Changing this habit takes time; being practical and consistent about it helps.

In 2022, the largest known outbreak spread to nearly 100,000 people in more than 100 countries. Now, a new outbreak of mpox has put it back in the news. What should you know - and do - about this latest international health emergency?