News has been developing fast from the H7N9 bird flu outbreak in China. But what do we know about the patients who have been infected with the disease? Are there common threads in these cases?

Officials across the globe have been closely watching the developments of bird flu cases in China, and now the zone being monitored has expanded.

Not getting vaccines that protect against meningitis can leave a child vulnerable to catching the disease. But what is the long-term outlook for those who had meningitis as children?

After surgery, the body needs to focus on healing. Smoking may interfere with this healing process. People who smoke after surgery could be putting their bodies at serious risk for complications.

Meningitis, which results in the inflammation of membranes around the spinal cord and brain, is a disease that causes death and disability around the world. Yet it can be prevented through the use of vaccines.

Counts of infections from the H7N9 strain of bird flu have been increasing since the first case was reported at the end of March.

Breastfeeding may be seen as optional in the Western world. But in other places, it may be necessary for the survival of the child, even if the mother has HIV.

Success and fame can come with a hefty price: living a shorter life. Researchers said fame and achievements in performance-related careers could come at the cost of a shorter life expectancy.

Most of the public health prevention information related to skin warts relates to public places, like swimming pools. But are these really where warts are most commonly passed on?

Doctors already wash their hands regularly to prevent the spread of infections. Often, they wear gloves as well. But it may be even better if they wore gloves more often.