Shingles vaccine linked to lower dementia risk in new research
For years, the shingles vaccine has been recommended to older adults as protection against a painful viral flare-up that can follow anyone who has had chickenpox. New research now suggests that protection may extend well beyond nerve pain. A study published this week in the peer-reviewed journal Annals of Internal Medicine found that elderly nursing […]
Whooping cough cases are surging and most adults are not protected
Cases have quadrupled compared to this time last year and declining vaccination rates are driving the increase across the country. Whooping cough is making a return that public health officials had hoped to avoid. The highly contagious bacterial infection, known medically as pertussis, has surged to roughly 16,375 reported cases […]
How measles can erase years of your immune system’s memory and why scientists are sounding the alarm
Most people think of measles as a childhood illness that runs its course and leaves the body stronger for it. The reality is considerably more unsettling. Beyond the fever, rash, and respiratory symptoms of the acute measles infection, the virus can do something far more lasting: erasing a significant portion of the immune system’s existing […]
Why getting your annual flu shot is essential: Timing and benefits
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive a flu shot every year. The best time to get vaccinated is during September or October, ensuring that you are protected before the peak flu season, which typically runs from December to February. Understanding influenza Influenza, commonly known […]
CDC releases new COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for 2024-2025
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently updated its guidelines for the COVID-19 vaccine, endorsing the new 2024-2025 formula to combat the ongoing threat of the virus. With the United States experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases due to the FLiRT variants, the updated vaccine aims to address these new challenges. What’s […]