Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Archive

Long COVID is the continuation or development of new symptoms three months after the initial infection from SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) without any other explanation. An estimated 6% to 11% of adults who have had COVID have long COVID. Researchers continue to learn about how it affects people and its possible long-term risks. The best protection against long COVID is avoiding COVID infection by getting vaccinated and wearing a mask in crowded areas.

Abnormal results on a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening test for cancer are typically followed by a systematic biopsy. But systematic biopsies can be problematic, and researchers are seeking alternatives. A large European study provides encouraging evidence favoring a different approach that uses MRI instead of biopsy.

While medical knowledge on celiac disease has evolved over the past few decades, there are still aspects that remain poorly understood. Perhaps not surprisingly, misconceptions are widespread among the general public.

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.

Men with high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels often get a biopsy of prostate tissue to check for cancer. The results of the biopsy are calculated to create a Gleason score, which helps doctors assess whether the cancer is low-, medium-, or high-risk. Based on that information, doctors may recommend that a man follow active surveillance (in which he monitors his PSA for changes) or begin cancer treatment.

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.

Men can avoid "dribbling" (leakage of urine after using the bathroom) by manually pushing out remaining urine from their urethra and doing exercises to strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles.

Many single older adults say that they are not looking for a relationship, and that hesitation may be connected to the anxiety about how to pursue a new relationship. But men should explore dating if they are interested. There are now easier ways for singles to meet, such as online dating. Another option to meet other singles is to explore a new activity or hobby, like signing up for a class or workshop or joining a fitness group or club.

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