Viral infections Archive

Healthy aging and longevity

A vaccine that can prevent shingles

Published August 1, 2021

The best way to avoid shingles and long-lasting pain that may result from it is to get the shingles vaccine (Shingrix), given in two doses. The vaccine contains a protein from a dead varicella-zoster virus. The shot is 90% effective and is recommended for adults ages 50 or older, even those who have had shingles before, received an older shingles vaccine called Zostavax, or don’t recall having had chickenpox. People should avoid the vaccine if they currently have shingles, are allergic to components of the vaccine, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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.

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.

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.

Pediatric health

Summer camp: What parents need to know this year

Updated June 2, 2021

Many parents and children hope that this summer will allow a return to typical activities. For families who are considering summer camp for their children, adjustments and adaptations will need to be made because of COVID-19, and parents should be prepared to ask questions about planning and risk management.

Diseases & Conditions

Answering your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine

Updated June 1, 2021

People who get the COVID-19 vaccine may experience arm pain, rashes, aches, fever, or fatigue. Doctors say it's worth the risk, since an older adult's risk of dying from COVID is 3% to 11%.

Pediatric health

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children — what parents need to know

Updated May 27, 2021

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome, or MIS-C, is a rare syndrome in some children that affects the heart and other organs. It may be a reaction to a current or past COVID-19 infection, but test results for the coronavirus are sometimes negative.

Diseases & Conditions

The pandemic isn't over — particularly for people with disabilities

Published May 25, 2021

While the pandemic has disrupted everyone's lives, its effects on the lives of people with disabilities are especially evident. And COVID-19 may pose a greater risk to some people with intellectual and physical disabilities, though this may depend on a variety of factors.

Healthy aging and longevity

5 inflammation-fighting food swaps

Updated May 10, 2021

Inflammation can be a beneficial sign that the body's immune system is fighting an infection, but it can also linger over time, damaging the body. There is evidence that eating a diet heavy in foods that promote inflammation can increase the risk for certain health problems, and also that a healthy diet can reduce inflammation.

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Viral infections Archive

Articles

A vaccine that can prevent shingles

COVID-19 and cardiovascular concerns: An evolving story

Adjusting gut bacteria may improve response to cancer treatment

5 important blood tests beyond the basics

HIV rates rising: Could new forms of PrEP help?

Summer camp: What parents need to know this year

Answering your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children — what parents need to know

The pandemic isn't over — particularly for people with disabilities

5 inflammation-fighting food swaps

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