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Understanding the Spread of Infectious Diseases This Holiday Season

Understanding the Spread of Infectious Diseases This Holiday Season

‘Tis the Season for Cheer—and Viruses As the holiday season approaches, gatherings of friends and family bring warmth and joy—but also the potential for spreading seasonal viruses. UC San Francisco infectious disease specialist Peter Chin-Hong has highlighted the “Big Four” viruses currently circulating in the United States: norovirus (a stomach bug) and three respiratory illnesses—influenza,…

Norovirus cases in Minnesota nearly double this December as the holiday season approaches. MDH

Norovirus cases in Minnesota nearly double this December as the holiday season approaches. MDH

What is norovirus? Often called the stomach flu, norovirus is highly contagious. It is the leading cause of foodborne illnesses in Minnesota and the most common cause of vomiting and diarrhea across the United States. Symptoms of the virus include a low-grade fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. While symptoms typically…

Officials cancel Christmas events and close schools early due to COVID, flu, and RSV outbreaks

Officials cancel Christmas events and close schools early due to COVID, flu, and RSV outbreaks

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported an increase in hospitalizations for COVID-19, the flu, and RSV during the week ending December 14, according to its Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard. As families prepared for the upcoming holiday celebrations, Illinois health authorities issued a warning on Monday regarding the rise in respiratory diseases. The IDPH’s…

This Christmas, families are encouraged to watch for signs of dementia. NHS warns

This Christmas, families are encouraged to watch for signs of dementia. NHS warns

According to medical professionals, memory loss symptoms, such as forgetting names or gifts, may be an early sign of diseases like Alzheimer’s. As families gather for Christmas, they are being advised to watch for signs of forgetfulness that could indicate dementia in their loved ones. Recent data reveals that dementia diagnoses in England reached a…

The Persistent Cough Everyone’s Talking About: What Experts Want You to Know

The Persistent Cough Everyone’s Talking About: What Experts Want You to Know

It’s respiratory illness season, and the country is witnessing a steady rise in flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. As people spend more time indoors and gather with loved ones for the holidays, the spread of these illnesses has become increasingly noticeable. Additionally, reports of a severe, persistent cough are becoming more common….

Scientific Discoveries That Changed The World

Scientific Discoveries That Changed The World

While every scientific discoveries is remarkable, some truly transform the field. To express our deep appreciation for science—as if we could love it more—we’ve gathered insights from our discussions and interviews within the life science communities to highlight the findings you consider most impactful. Among the groundbreaking discoveries that have forever altered the course of…

Why did the Renaissance start in Italy? Historical Insights

Why did the Renaissance start in Italy? Historical Insights

The Renaissance, a period of significant cultural and intellectual revitalization, has captivated historians and art enthusiasts for many years. But why did the Renaissance start in Italy, and what circumstances set the stage for this remarkable movement? This essay will examine the specific factors that led to the Renaissance’s emergence in Italy and discuss the…

CDC Updates Vaccine Guidelines: Key Info for Older Adults

CDC Updates Vaccine Guidelines: Key Info for Older Adults

A persistent cough was the first sign. Karyne Jones was admitted to the hospital in January 2018 due to pneumonia before she realized it. It required her three months to get over the symptoms, even after the germs had left her body. She was 63 years old, making her ineligible to receive the immunization that…

The new stroke prevention guidelines introduce Ozempic and other weight loss drugs

The new stroke prevention guidelines introduce Ozempic and other weight loss drugs

Despite being a major cause of disability and the fifth most common cause of death in the US, up to 80% of strokes are preventable. The American Stroke Association (ASA) stated this when it released its revised stroke prevention guidelines in the journal Stroke on Monday. Cheryl Bushnell, professor of neurology and head of the…

Investigation in Washington Examines Possible Human Infections from Avian Influenza

Investigation in Washington Examines Possible Human Infections from Avian Influenza

ScientificAsia: Employees who handled contaminated poultry experienced symptoms. At a commercial egg farm in Franklin County, four agricultural workers who had come into contact with sick birds were confirmed presumptively positive for avian influenza. The patients were treated with antiviral medicine and had moderate symptoms. More people on the farm are still awaiting testing, and…