Key Takeaways COVID-19 Vaccines:Stay up to date on which vaccines are available, who can get them, and how safe they are. The FDA’s New Requirements Under the FDA’s new requirements, there will need to be two months of follow-up data on the health of clinical trial volunteers after they receive their second doses of the vaccine. The FDA may choose to grant a vaccine maker an emergency use authorization—a designation that allows for public use of a product—if the new requirements are met....

Key TakeawaysThe FDA has approved a new method of self-screening for HPV, increasing accessibility to cervical cancer screenings.Self-screening tests allow individuals to collect their own samples at a clinic, but manufacturers may consider offering at-home tests.If a self-screening test comes back with positive results for HPV, follow-up exams with healthcare providers are still crucial.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved self-testing options for thehuman papillomavirus (HPV) virus, makingcervical cancer screeningsmore accessible....

Antonio_Diaz / Getty Images Preventive migraine drugs are used to reduce the frequency, duration, and intensity of migraine attacks, but they aren’t right for everyone. Studies suggest that less than 50 percent of people who could benefit from them actually take them.If you think you may be in this group, talk to your healthcare provider about exploring these FDA-approved medications. You may discover that when taken as directed, the right one for you may significantly prevent your migraines and generally improve your quality of life....

Key TakeawaysCicadas, like other bugs, are edible and offer some nutritional benefits.If you’re allergic to seafood, you should avoid eating cicadas and other bugs, as eating them may trigger a reaction.For some people, cicadas may be a pesky nuisance during summer’s warmer months. And for others, they may make for a tasty treat, full of nutritional value. But if you have a seafood allergy, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions you to steer clear....

Key TakeawaysThe FDA is warning that face masks containing metal can cause injury in an MRI machine.The FDA received a report of a patient who was burned after using a face mask with metal during an MRI.Your MRI operator should be able to provide you with a metal-free mask if needed. Key Takeaways The FDA is warning that face masks containing metal can cause injury in an MRI machine.The FDA received a report of a patient who was burned after using a face mask with metal during an MRI....

Key TakeawaysOn January 26, the Food and Drug Administration placed all alcohol-based hand sanitizers originating in Mexico on an import alert.Methanol is dangerous if ingested.You can verify the safety of your hand sanitizer using the FDA’s website. Key Takeaways On January 26, the Food and Drug Administration placed all alcohol-based hand sanitizers originating in Mexico on an import alert.Methanol is dangerous if ingested.You can verify the safety of your hand sanitizer using the FDA’s website....

Key TakeawaysThe new coronavirus variant contains genetic mutations that may interfere with diagnostic testing.There is a small risk of diagnostic tests producing a false negative test result.Having a false negative result can cause people to unknowingly spread the virus. Key Takeaways The new coronavirus variant contains genetic mutations that may interfere with diagnostic testing.There is a small risk of diagnostic tests producing a false negative test result.Having a false negative result can cause people to unknowingly spread the virus....

Key TakeawaysCongress has passed the FDA Modernization Act 2.0, which no longer requires new drugs to undergo animal testing before human trials.Pharmaceutical companies can still use animals to test new drugs before human trials if they choose to.Experts say that companies can use updated technology and artificial intelligence when making drug submissions, but more research is needed to determine if these are viable alternatives to animal testing. Key Takeaways Congress has passed the FDA Modernization Act 2....

Key TakeawaysA new test you take at home and mail to a lab can let you and your doctor know if you have COVID-19, the flu, or RSV.This combination test can help people get the appropriate treatment faster.Experts say that while the test is helpful, even faster results are important. Key Takeaways A new test you take at home and mail to a lab can let you and your doctor know if you have COVID-19, the flu, or RSV....

Key Themes From Our SurveyPeople are still worried about vaccine side effects, but they’re more afraid of COVID-19.More people feel confident about COVID-19 vaccines—about 70% of our sample are either already vaccinated or say they will take a vaccine.Vaccine attitudes are still divided, but even rejectors admit their opinions have a little wiggle room. Key Themes From Our Survey People are still worried about vaccine side effects, but they’re more afraid of COVID-19....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentCoping Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Definition Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Coping Nosophobiais an intense, persistent fear of getting sick or having a specific medical disorder. While many people experience anxiety about their health, people with nosophobia can’t control their fear. They’re often afraid of developing a specific disease or condition, such asheart disease,cancer, orsexually transmitted infections (STIs). Learn more about the fear of getting sick, including traits, symptoms, causes, and how to seek treatment when necessary....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionSymptomsDiagnosisCausesTreatmentCoping Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Definition Symptoms Diagnosis Causes Treatment Coping Fear of lizards is formally referred to asherpetophobia, which is a fear of reptiles. Someone afraid of lizards may also be afraid of reptiles such as alligators, snakes, turtles, or dinosaurs. This type of fear is known as a specific phobia. Approximately 9.1% of U.S. adults experience a specific phobia in a typical year, and about 12....

If your healthcare provider ordered this test, follow the instructions you were given. The good news is that it’s a really easy test to take, and it doesn’t require that you prepare in any way. Try not to worry about why your practitioner ordered the test; see what the results are first and what your healthcare provider thinks is going on before you start to think the worst. David Silverman / Getty Images...