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Read More about Remember the flu? Yep, it's that time again
Remember the flu? Yep, it's that time again

Remember the flu? Yep, it's that time again

Last winter's flu season was mild, partly due to record high rates of flu vaccination and steps people were already taking to protect themselves from COVID-19. But don't let that fool you — some flu seasons are severe, so it it's wise to get a flu shot and take other precautions that can help you stay healthy this winter.

Read More about Do people who have COVID-19 go on to develop other diseases?
Do people who have COVID-19 go on to develop other diseases?

Do people who have COVID-19 go on to develop other diseases?

Evidence suggests that people who recover from COVID-19 have an increased risk for developing new health problems, including heart attacks, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, muscle inflammation, blood clots that travel to the lungs, strokes from clots or hemorrhages, or psychosis. This is in addition to permanent damage that can result from having COVID, including damage to the lungs, heart, kidneys, brain, or other organs; and debilitating fatigue, difficulty thinking, and other symptoms that make it hard to function normally at work or at home.

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%.

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