The World Health Organization declared smallpox eradicated in 1979. In the 40 years since that achievement, a smallpox-related debate has remained within the scientific community.

Experts across the globe are still unsure whether live virus samples should be stored or destroyed.

Smallpox, caused by the variola virus, has been stored in frozen test tubes in two laboratories to preserve the surviving strains of the virus. While most were collected during the time of eradication, there are some samples dated to the early 1930s. After the complete eradication the WHO decided that the frozen samples should be destroyed. What the organization did not decide is a date for that destruction.

[Read more…]

In the field of public health, terms like “eradication” and “elimination” are commonplace. Yet to the average reader, the two words may seem identical.

So, what’s the difference in vocabulary? And what do the phrases actually mean?

As you may have guessed, disease elimination and disease eradication both involve getting rid of a disease. But, one term applies at a local level while the other is on a global scale:

[Read more…]

In the 80 years since it was introduced to the public, not much has changed for the yellow fever vaccine. The immunization still serves the same purpose: preventing a dangerous disease.

Many people around the world haven’t been at any risk for the mosquito-borne disease. That’s because yellow fever is still often found in tropical and subtropical climates like Africa and South America, although it’s recently been found in some new areas. The virus spreads through bites from infected mosquitoes, causing symptoms that range from mild to life-threatening.

With no cure or treatment, the vaccine for yellow fever is your only form of medical protection from the virus. The vaccine is a live, weakened form of the virus and is given as a single shot.

[Read more…]

Flu season is upon us and no matter what you do to prevent it, sometimes the virus can creep in.

Yes, even if you get the flu shot, you will have a chance of getting the flu. That’s because every year, the flu shot protects your body against certain strains and sometimes other strains can make you sick.

If you find yourself with a fever, coughing, and feeling fatigued, there are some foods you can incorporate into your diet that may help you feel better. And although eating may be the last thing you want to do, it’s crucial to provide your body the nutrients and energy it needs to get healthy again.

Here are some foods to incorporate into your diet to help kick that illness to the curb:

[Read more…]

Turning 50 is a milestone, and many people celebrate by throwing a big birthday bash! But, as with any birthday, the achievement also comes with new responsibilities.

It’s an unfortunate fact that as you get older, your body becomes more fragile and less resilient than in our younger years. This is why eating healthy and some exercise can be even more important as we age.

Even if you live an active lifestyle, many doctors suggest you get vaccinated against several diseases. Some of these include the shingles vaccine, as well as the Tdap vaccine, and the pneumococcal vaccine.

[Read more…]