High-dose shot can lower seniors’ risk of dementia by 55%

High-dose shot can lower seniors’ risk of dementia by 55%

This might make you think twice about skipping your annual shot. A new study suggests older Americans who get a high-dose version of a common vaccine may face a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia than those who stick with the standard jab. The protective effect appears strongest in women — who are about twice … Read more

Could UK’s deadly meningitis outbreak spread to the US? Here’s what experts say

Could UK’s deadly meningitis outbreak spread to the US? Here’s what experts say

This week, Southern England was rocked by what health officials called an “explosive” wave of meningococcal meningitis infections that resulted in 11 “probable” and 20 confirmed cases, including two deaths, according to the latest count from the UK Health Security Agency. The agency first alerted the public on March 15 about the outbreak of this … Read more

Boy, 7, dies of brain condition caused by world’s most contagious disease — years after he had it as a baby

Boy, 7, dies of brain condition caused by world’s most contagious disease — years after he had it as a baby

Sacramento health officials sounded the alarm about a potential measles outbreak on Monday after more than 100 children were exposed to an unvaccinated child at an educational enrichment program. It’s far from the only community at risk. The US has already passed 1,000 confirmed cases this year, with infections “worse than expected” in Utah and … Read more

Health care workers can’t recognize measles — and it’s putting people in ERs at risk

Health care workers can’t recognize measles — and it’s putting people in ERs at risk

Measles is back in a big way — and it’s catching some doctors off guard. In North Carolina, hospital staff took a staggering two hours and 20 minutes to isolate 7-year-old twin brothers who arrived at an Asheville ER last month with fever, cough, rash, pink eye and cold-like symptoms, KFF Health News reports. The … Read more

‘Universal’ nasal spray vax could protect against Covid, flu — and even allergies

‘Universal’ nasal spray vax could protect against Covid, flu — and even allergies

Flu and COVID and allergies, oh my! With a record-breaking flu season still underway — and spring allergies just around the corner — you may find your medicine cabinet packed to the brim with painkillers and decongestants. But a new treatment in development could be a game-changer when it comes to universal protection against a … Read more

Dear Abby: My family won’t get vaccinated to see my baby

Dear Abby: My family won’t get vaccinated to see my baby

DEAR ABBY: I am having a baby in five months. My doctor is recommending that anyone who visits the baby in the first three months be up to date on vaccines (Tdap, flu, COVID and RSV, if age 60-plus). We have decided to follow our doctor’s recommendations.  Some of my family members are resistant to … Read more

The hidden measles complication that can kill you years later — as nearly 200 cases confirmed across US

The hidden measles complication that can kill you years later — as nearly 200 cases confirmed across US

Measles is back with a vengeance — and the danger doesn’t end when the rash fades. The US saw a dramatic rise in cases last year, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting the highest numbers of the highly contagious respiratory disease in more than 30 years. And the numbers keep climbing. Federal … Read more

The six vaccines the CDC no longer recommends for kids — and why the US has been different from other countries

The six vaccines the CDC no longer recommends for kids — and why the US has been different from other countries

The CDC announced on Monday that it has updated its recommended vaccine schedule for children, reducing the number of immunizations all kids should receive from 17 to only 11. Effective immediately, the new guidelines recommend that six shots, which had previously been given to all children, only be given to those who are high risk, … Read more

First-of-its-kind fentanyl vaccine to prevents overdoses gears up for human trials

First-of-its-kind fentanyl vaccine to prevents overdoses gears up for human trials

A vaccine to protect against fentanyl’s deadly effects is headed for clinical trials in humans. The vaccine, which showed positive results in studies of mice and rats, is designed to block fentanyl from entering the brain, blocking its effects and preventing overdoses. If approved, it would become the first treatment to prevent overdoses of fentanyl, which … Read more

The scary measles complication that makes your body forget how to fight other infections — as cases rise to highest in 30 years

The scary measles complication that makes your body forget how to fight other infections — as cases rise to highest in 30 years

Surviving measles doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. In 2025, the US saw a dramatic spike in cases, with the CDC reporting the highest levels of the highly contagious disease in over 30 years. Now, health experts are sounding the alarm about a little-known complication that can make your body forget how to fight off … Read more

Women less likely to get cervical cancer one day if boy moms do this now

Women less likely to get cervical cancer one day if boy moms do this now

Parents of little boys have a responsibility — and it’s not just to raise good men. According to a new study published in Bulletin of Mathematical Biology this month, a single choice moms and dads make when their sons are tweens could have a major impact on women later. “We do not have to be … Read more

Do you have ‘super flu’? Why it’s worse this year and symptoms to look for — as hospitalizations jump 14%

Do you have ‘super flu’? Why it’s worse this year and symptoms to look for — as hospitalizations jump 14%

The flu had a glow-up. This year’s flu season is proving to be worse than normal, with hospitalizations up significantly compared to last year, and the CDC reporting 4.6 million cases of the flu so far. But with peak flu season still going on until at least February, signs of the unusual “super flu” variant … Read more

US vaccine advisers say not all newborns need a hepatitis B shot at birth

US vaccine advisers say not all newborns need a hepatitis B shot at birth

NEW YORK (AP) — A federal vaccine advisory committee voted on Friday to end the longstanding recommendation that all U.S. babies get the hepatitis B vaccine on the day they’re born. A loud chorus of medical and public health leaders decried the actions of the panel, whose current members were all appointed by U.S. Health Secretary Robert … Read more

This shot can actually slow the progression of dementia if you already have it: study

This shot can actually slow the progression of dementia if you already have it: study

Worth a shot? Over 6 million Americans live with dementia, a progressive condition that affects memory, reasoning, judgment and language skills. There is no known cure for dementia, but new research suggests that a common vaccine may help prevent its onset and slow its progression. Dementia affects memory, reasoning, judgment and language skills. Rido – … Read more

The ‘subclade K’ flu strain that’s causing spikes in the UK and Canada — and led Japan to declare an epidemic

The ‘subclade K’ flu strain that’s causing spikes in the UK and Canada — and led Japan to declare an epidemic

There’s a new kid on the block this cold and flu season — and it could prove worse than your average winter sniffles. The flu strain known as subclade K is ringing alarm bells due to its potential severity and resistance to current vaccines, public health experts warn. The strain is rapidly spreading internationally, with … Read more

Doctors concerned over possible severe flu outbreak, warn of ‘unusually bad’ season

Doctors concerned over possible severe flu outbreak, warn of ‘unusually bad’ season

This year’s flu season is already raising alarms among public health officials and infectious disease experts. According to the BBC, the U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS) has issued an “SOS” warning amid growing concern that this winter could bring one of the most severe influenza waves in recent memory. “This flu season is going to be unusually … Read more

Shingles vaccine connected to significant health benefits, experts reveal

Shingles vaccine connected to significant health benefits, experts reveal

The shingles vaccine is intended to prevent shingles, a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, also known as herpes zoster, but a new study suggests that it could have major secondary benefits. Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a potential link between the shingles vaccine and a reduced risk of developing vascular … Read more

I’m a doctor — this is the No. 1 thing people do wrong when they get sick with a virus like the flu

I’m a doctor — this is the No. 1 thing people do wrong when they get sick with a virus like the flu

Don’t sweat the fall stuff — including respiratory viruses. Cases of the common cold, flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) tend to increase in the autumn and winter as people spend more time indoors. Drier air also helps these viruses survive and spread more easily. Here are the best ways to protect yourself from … Read more

RFK Jr.’s advisers won’t recommend COVID-19 vaccines to Americans — calling them individual decisions

RFK Jr.’s advisers won’t recommend COVID-19 vaccines to Americans — calling them individual decisions

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s hand-picked advisory panel declined to recommend COVID-19 vaccines for anyone on Friday — leaving it up to Americans to decide if they want the jap or not.  The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted unanimously to move away from broad recommendations for the vaccine and instead suggested people make individual decisions, … Read more

Don’t make these 5 flu shot mistakes — and how to better boost your immunity

Don’t make these 5 flu shot mistakes — and how to better boost your immunity

Brace yourself: Flu season is around the corner. Soon, subways, schools and offices will be filled with sniffling, sneezing and wheezing as the dreaded virus makes its sickening comeback. Want to avoid becoming one of them? Dr. Bruce Hirsch, an infectious disease specialist at Northwell Health, revealed the top five mistakes Americans make when getting … Read more