Who's Most At Risk for a Breakthrough COVID Infection?

Key TakeawaysNew research shows that people with cancer and dementia have a higher chance of being hospitalized for a breakthrough infection than people who don’t have these conditions.Vaccinated people with pancreatic or liver cancer had the greatest risks of a breakthrough infection while people with thyroid or breast cancer had lower risks.Having multiple chronic health conditions and dementia also increased a person’s odds of developing a breakthrough COVID infection. Key Takeaways New research shows that people with cancer and dementia have a higher chance of being hospitalized for a breakthrough infection than people who don’t have these conditions....

January 17, 2025 · 12 min · 2472 words · Andrew Hughes

Who's Most at Risk of Long COVID? New Study Finds Possible Key Factors

Key TakeawaysA new study analyzed data from numerous studies and health records to identify potential risk factors for prolonged COVID-19 symptoms.Factors such as increasing age, being female, poor pre-pandemic general and mental health, asthma, and obesity were associated with a higher risk of developing long COVID.Existing research also shows that COVID-19 vaccination—whether it’sbeforeoraftergetting infected—may help reduce the risk of long COVID. Key Takeaways A new study analyzed data from numerous studies and health records to identify potential risk factors for prolonged COVID-19 symptoms....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1168 words · Angel Stark

WHO: Both COVID-19 Vaccines OK If You're Pregnant

Key TakeawaysThe American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the World Health Organization (WHO) both recommend that people who are pregnant get vaccinated with either of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines.Information about COVID-19 vaccine safety for pregnant people has been confusing, but the WHO’s most recent recommendation is in line with ACOG’s previous position statement.While the updated guidance advises that the vaccines are safe, any person (including those who are pregnant) should talk to their healthcare provider about getting the COVID-19 vaccine....

January 17, 2025 · 11 min · 2272 words · Bryan Nguyen

WHO: COVID-19 Herd Immunity Unlikely This Year

Key TakeawaysHealth officials from the WHO do not think the world can achieve herd immunity to COVID-19 this year.Herd immunity occurs when a significant portion of a population is immune to an infectious disease, either through vaccination or having a prior illness.Experts say estimating the number of people who need to get vaccinated to achieve herd immunity from COVID-19 is tricky. Key Takeaways Health officials from the WHO do not think the world can achieve herd immunity to COVID-19 this year....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1324 words · Kayla Johnston

WHO: Wear a Mask Indoors If Ventilation Is Poor

Key TakeawaysThe World Health Organization (WHO) is recommending that people wear face masks indoors when ventilation in the building is not adequate.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is also urging people to wear face masks when they are around people who are not part of their household.Experts say that there is a “real risk” of contracting COVID-19 at private indoor gatherings. Key Takeaways The World Health Organization (WHO) is recommending that people wear face masks indoors when ventilation in the building is not adequate....

January 17, 2025 · 8 min · 1527 words · Emily Mason

Whole-Body Effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsTypesTreatment GoalsPrevention Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Symptoms Types Treatment Goals Prevention Although FAS is an incurable lifelong condition that is underdiagnosed, treatment can improve its symptoms. This article will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of FAS in children and adults. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Facial to Behavioral Effects Prenatal alcohol exposure is the leading preventable cause of congenital (present at birth) conditions in the United States....

January 17, 2025 · 13 min · 2713 words · Raven Huffman

Whooping Cough Cases Surge Across the U.S.: What You Need to Know

Key TakeawaysWhooping cough cases are now three times higher than the number reported during the same period in 2023.Experts say lower vaccination rates and post-pandemic exposures may have contributed to the surge.Although the vaccine’s effectiveness declines over time, experts recommend staying up to date with vaccinations to reduce disease spread. Key Takeaways Whooping cough cases are now three times higher than the number reported during the same period in 2023.Experts say lower vaccination rates and post-pandemic exposures may have contributed to the surge....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1100 words · Terri Paul MD

Why "Refrigerator" Mothers Were Blamed for Autism

fizkes / Getty Images Origin of the “Refrigerator Mother” Theory Later, as Kanner and Nazi autism expert Hans Asperger began to explore the disorder, they worked almost primarily with upper-class parents whose self-presentation may have appeared formal and cold. Though Kanner believed that autism was probably innate in the child, he also noted an apparent coldness on the part of his patients' mothers and assumed that this added to the problem....

January 17, 2025 · 4 min · 709 words · Susan Serrano

Why a Central Line Is Necessary and Associated Risks

Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Purpose Central Line vs. Standard IV Risks Frequently Asked Questions A central line is a type ofcatheter(flexible tube) that allows fluids to flow in and out of your body. It is placed in a large vein so blood can be drawn and variousintravenous(IV) fluids can be delivered directly into a vein. Common reasons for central line placement include: A central line, also known ascentralvenouscatheter, is larger than a typical IV line and has benefits that make it more useful in some cases....

January 17, 2025 · 11 min · 2137 words · Leslie Chang

Why a Good Night’s Sleep Is Important for Your Health

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsRestorationStress ReductionMemoryBody WeightIllness PreventionMental HealthHow to Improve Your Sleep Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Restoration Stress Reduction Memory Body Weight Illness Prevention Mental Health How to Improve Your Sleep Sleep is important due to the impact it has on your overall health. Appropriate sleep is needed for mental focus and memory, managing stress, maintaining proper body weight, boosting the immune system, and a host of other wellness needs....

January 17, 2025 · 15 min · 2997 words · Kenneth Baker

Why a Stuffy Nose May Get Worse at Night

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesTreatment Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Causes Treatment Nighttime congestion often involves a combination of environmental triggers and abnormalities of the sinus and nasal passages that cause the swelling of tissues and/or build-up ofnasal mucus(snot). Most cases of stuffy nose are relatively harmless and easy to treat. But some may be a sign of a serious medical condition in need of specialist treatment....

January 17, 2025 · 9 min · 1728 words · Sean Garcia

Why Albuterol Is No Longer Used for Bronchiolitis

Palivizumab is a shot that can help protect certain infants and children 2 years old and younger who are at high risk of serious complications from RSV. It’s typically given once a month during the RSV season. Palivizumab is not a vaccine, and it cannot cure or treat a child who is already diagnosed with RSV. Steve Debenport / Getty Images Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is approved for the prevention of RSV in newborns and babies born during or entering their first RSV season and in children up to 24 months who are at risk for severe RSV disease during their second RSV season....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1127 words · Sandra Montgomery

Why All Your Friends Are Playing Pickleball

Key TakeawaysPickleball, a paddle-based sport that borrows from tennis and badminton, is growing in popularity among older adults.Because of its small court, moderately-paced gameplay, and simple rules, the game is welcoming to newcomers.Experts say pickleball’s social and physical benefits outweigh the risk of injury in most older adults. Key Takeaways Pickleball, a paddle-based sport that borrows from tennis and badminton, is growing in popularity among older adults.Because of its small court, moderately-paced gameplay, and simple rules, the game is welcoming to newcomers....

January 17, 2025 · 8 min · 1650 words · Becky Levy