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What is the latest on Bird Flu?

Infectious Diseases

Although dairy cattle and poultry continue to get infected and there are several more human cases, the risk to the public is considered low. Scientists and authorities are monitoring this closely and more testing of animals, humans and milk is underway. (This information is correct as of December 16, 2024, 1 pm EST) Avian influenza, Read more…

How long do flu shots last?

Infectious Diseases Vaccines

In general, you can count on 6 months of meaningful protection starting two weeks after you get your annual flu vaccine. Protection may wane earlier in older adults. Flu activity is just picking up now… it’s still a GREAT time to get your flu shot! Getting vaccinated in advance of flu season’s start ensures that Read more…

Do flu vaccines work?

Infectious Diseases Vaccines

Yes. Annual flu vaccines prevent hundreds of thousands of cases of flu and save thousands of lives every year. The answer to the question “how well do they work” isn’t black and white because it changes from year to year, and even sometimes within a season. But even in a year when the flu vaccine Read more…

Why can’t I get antibiotics for a cough?

Infectious Diseases Treatments

Taking an antibiotic when it’s not needed contributes to antimicrobial resistance and can put you and others at risk of more severe infections. TLDR: Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, fungi, parasites or viruses mutate in ways that make common treatments ineffective. More and more antibiotics are losing their effectiveness due to antimicrobial resistance, so it Read more…

Why are we hearing so much about Mycoplasma Pneumoniae?

Families/Kids Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases

Q: Why are we hearing so much about Mycoplasma Pneumoniae? A: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that can cause respiratory infections, including cold or flu-like symptoms, bronchitis, and walking pneumonia. Since spring of 2024, cases have risen across the USA, particularly in those 2-4 years old. You may have seen news headlines recently or know someone Read more…

Additional COVID vaccines approved for everyone ages 65+

COVID Variants Infectious Diseases Vaccines

Additional COVID vaccines approved for everyone ages 65+ Last week the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend additional doses of the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine for certain groups: • Everyone 65 years and older and anyone with a moderately or severely weakened immune system should receive a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine 6 Read more…

What’s the latest on Bird Flu?

Infectious Diseases

(This information is up to date as of October 27, 2024, 9am EDT) The risk to humans remains low. Although bird flu infections continue to be found on cattle and poultry farms and have infected some people working there, there are no signs that human-to-human transmission is happening yet. Public health scientists are keeping a Read more…

Why does global vaccine equity matter?

Infectious Diseases Social and Racial Justice Vaccines

Q: Why does ensuring people all over the world have access to vaccines matter? Are there ways we can help ensure global vaccine access? A:  Vaccine access is a global issue that saves lives and reduces the spread of pathogens worldwide. We can contribute by advocating for funding global vaccine initiatives and supporting organizations dedicated Read more…

FREE COVID-19 tests are available NOW!

Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing

FREE COVID-19 tests are available NOW! You can order your free tests by visiting www.covidtests.gov. According to the Dept. of Health & Human Services website, “The COVID-19 Tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through the end of the year.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Each household can receive four tests. 📈 With holiday gatherings right Read more…

Nerdy Girls Live 09/27/24 – What is mpox, and why is it in the news?

Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases Videos

Those Nerdy Girls and FactCheck.org talk about the mpox public health emergency. Hosted by: – Liz Marnik, PhD: Those Nerdy Girls & ScienceWhizLiz (@sciencewhizliz) – Jessica McDonald, PhD & Kate Yandell: FactCheck.org Always seek the advice of your health care provider with questions about your medical care. ➡️ 0:00-1:33 Welcome & Intros ➡️ 1:34-6:26 What Read more…