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Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMedicarePrivate InsuranceMedicaidCHIPBasic Health ProgramsNo InsuranceNext in COVID-19 Vaccine Basics GuideData and Safety Monitoring Boards: The Safeguards Behind COVID-19 Vaccines Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Medicare Private Insurance Medicaid CHIP Basic Health Programs No Insurance Next in COVID-19 Vaccine Basics Guide Even after the federal public health emergency (PHE) ended in May 2023, most people continue to have access to zero-costCOVID-19vaccines.But since American health insurance coverage is quite variable, it is important to learn and understand the specifics of your health insurance plan....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCOVID-19 VaccineVaccine OptionsSafetyContraindicationsSide EffectsCOVID-19 & Lung CancerRecommendationsFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents COVID-19 Vaccine Vaccine Options Safety Contraindications Side Effects COVID-19 & Lung Cancer Recommendations Frequently Asked Questions The SARS-CoV-2 infection leads toCOVID-19, a disease that primarily includes respiratory symptoms.Though hundreds of millions of people have contracted the virus, the majority of people recover without problems. However, people with underlying medical issues, includinglung canceror aweakened immune system, are at risk for severe disease....

Key TakeawaysA global chocolate manufacturer petitioned the FDA to review the research regarding the health benefits of flavanols, which are compounds found in chocolate.While research is emerging, early data suggests flavanols may be associated with benefits ranging from improved cardiovascular health to cancer prevention.The FDA said it won’t prevent manufacturers from making qualified health claims about flavanols. Key Takeaways A global chocolate manufacturer petitioned the FDA to review the research regarding the health benefits of flavanols, which are compounds found in chocolate....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsVirus or Bacteria?DifferencesBacterial InfectionsViral InfectionsDiagnosisPreventionFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Virus or Bacteria? Differences Bacterial Infections Viral Infections Diagnosis Prevention Frequently Asked Questions Infections that occur shortly after the primary infection are calledsecondary infections.In this article, we will cover the differences between bacterial and viral infections. Is the Flu a Virus or Bacteria? Flu Symptoms Influenza viruses are detected year-round in the United States....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFlu Transmission ExplainedWhen You’re ContagiousFlu Prevention Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Flu Transmission Explained When You’re Contagious Flu Prevention Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is most often spread when a person comes into contact with droplets or aerosols that contain mucus from an infected person. But is the flue airborne? Some research shows that approximately half of flu cases may stem from airborne transmission....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHistory of Flu ShotCommon MythsIngredientsSide EffectsEffectivenessFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents History of Flu Shot Common Myths Ingredients Side Effects Effectiveness Frequently Asked Questions Theflu shotreduces your risk of contractinginfluenza, a virus that is common in the winter and causes coughing, aches, and fever. The flu vaccine can stop you from getting seriously ill or dying. Because of this, it’s recommended annually for all Americans who are 6 months or older....

Key TakeawaysHealth officials are investigating an outbreak of fungal meningitis among patients who received epidural anesthesia during surgical, medical, or cosmetic procedures at two clinics in Matamoros, Mexico.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, four people in the United States have died with probable cases of fungal meningitis and more than 200 people could be at risk.Contaminated medical equipment is likely to blame for this outbreak, though the cause is still under investigation....

Key Takeaways Eating plenty of olive oil, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables is a common pattern of eating among people living on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The so-called Mediterranean diet has become popular around the world and is not only delicious, but also offers health benefits like a lower risk ofheart disease,cognitive decline, andtype 2 diabetes. According to new research, adding a few new steps to the core principles of the Mediterranean diet to create a new version—the green Mediterranean diet—may offer even more health benefits than the original version of the diet, including helping with weight loss....

Key TakeawaysOmicron subvariant BA.2 is causing outbreaks overseas and could become dominant in the U.S. in the coming months.A rise in BA.2 has been found in U.S. wastewater surveillance, which may be a speedier way to detect new variants than test-based sequencing.For now, COVID-19 case counts remain low and experts say there is no need for alarm just yet. Still, they urge caution and encourage vaccination and other health safety measures....

Key TakeawaysA new TikTok trend features posters showing people how to make onion water, claiming that the drink can cure RSV and sinus infections.Experts say there’s no evidence that drinking onion water offers immune benefits and it can actually come with health risks.It’s best to follow evidence-based recommendations for supporting a healthy immune system. Key Takeaways A new TikTok trend features posters showing people how to make onion water, claiming that the drink can cure RSV and sinus infections....

Key TakeawaysPresident Joe Biden recently said the pandemic is over, but health experts said transmission levels, deaths, and low vaccine uptake prove otherwise.Experts say politicians should ultimately heed recommendations from public health officials before making such sweeping statements.In the meantime, health authorities recommend getting the new bivalent booster when eligible. Key Takeaways President Joe Biden recently said the pandemic is over, but health experts said transmission levels, deaths, and low vaccine uptake prove otherwise....

Key TakeawaysA new study has suggested that a higher intake of produce with low pesticide residue is linked to a reduced risk of early death. However, the consumption of high pesticide residue produce was not found to be related to an increased risk of early death.While the research is interesting, the study had some important limitations.Experts say that you should not cut back on your produce intake out of pesticide exposure concerns....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEffectivenessCorrect UseBenefitsPotential RisksHow to Reduce the Risk Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Effectiveness Correct Use Benefits Potential Risks How to Reduce the Risk The withdrawal method is a form ofnatural birth controlthat’s also known as “pulling out.” The method involves withdrawing the penis from the vagina prior toejaculation. You may wonder if you can still get pregnant using this method. The withdrawal method is not a very effective form of birth control....