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Immune and infectious diseases Archive

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Read More about Shingles vaccine may also reduce stroke risk
Shingles vaccine may also reduce stroke risk

Shingles vaccine may also reduce stroke risk
The shingles vaccine was associated with a 10% to 20% lower risk of stroke among adults ages 66 and older, according to a recent study.
Read More about A vaccine that can prevent shingles
A vaccine that can prevent shingles

A vaccine that can prevent shingles
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.
Read More about COVID-19 and cardiovascular concerns: An evolving story
COVID-19 and cardiovascular concerns: An evolving story

COVID-19 and cardiovascular concerns: An evolving story
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.
Read More about Adjusting gut bacteria may improve response to cancer treatment
Adjusting gut bacteria may improve response to cancer treatment

Adjusting gut bacteria may improve response to cancer treatment
Gut bacteria may play a role in response to cancer treatments that target the immune system.
Read More about 5 important blood tests beyond the basics
5 important blood tests beyond the basics

5 important blood tests beyond the basics
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.
Read More about HIV rates rising: Could new forms of PrEP help?
HIV rates rising: Could new forms of PrEP help?

HIV rates rising: Could new forms of PrEP help?
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.
Read More about Summer camp: What parents need to know this year
Summer camp: What parents need to know this year

Summer camp: What parents need to know this year
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.
Read More about Answering your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine
Answering your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine

Answering your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine

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%.

Read More about Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children — what parents need to know
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children — what parents need to know

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children — what parents need to know
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.
Read More about The pandemic isn't over — particularly for people with disabilities
The pandemic isn't over — particularly for people with disabilities

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