Health News

Unprotected Old Folks
During both the 2009 H1N1 flu epidemic and the whooping cough outbreak in California, elderly Hispanics had high rates of infection. New research suggests this might be due to low vaccination rates and language.
¡Get Vaccinated, Por Favor!
Older Hispanic seniors are less likely to receive immunizations against the flu and pneumonia, according to a recent study by the RAND Corporation.
Good Gums Mean Good Lungs
Having healthy gums may prevent serious and potentially fatal respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia, according to the American Academy of Periodontology.
Tonsil Removal May Affect Breathing
Sleep studies are being used to study children who have undergone tonsil and adenoid removal surgery to detect possible respiratory complications.
TB and HIV: Partners in Crime
A recent study shows that a majority of tuberculosis cases in HIV-infected patients are going undiagnosed in rural African populations with minimal health resources.
Flu Sweeps the Nation
Nationwide flu hospitalizations among older US adults peak first in western states such as California, Utah and Nevada and last of all in eastern New England states like New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Maine.
May I Have This Dance?
Mayo Clinic researchers describe how the body becomes infected by the measles virus, one of the leading causes of death among children around the world.
Universal Flu Vaccine? When Pigs Fly!
Scientists are studying antibodies created by the H1N1 (swine) flu virus that could potentially open the door to a universal flu vaccine that protects against a variety of strains.
TB Therapy Risky for Elderly
Tuberculosis (TB) affects one third of the world's population. In some, the disease is latent, meaning it is inactive and non-contagious.
Give Your Lungs a Little Sunlight
Vitamin D, when used as a supplement to antibiotics, can help speed up the treatment of tuberculosis, according to a recent study out of London.