A recent report by the CDC demonstrates that chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis rates are continuing to rise in the United States! Syphilis which was almost completely eliminated, is making a ressurgence, particularly in homosexual males.
Trends demonstrate that adolescents and young adults, as well as minority groups, particularly African Americans, have the greatest burden of these infections. Read more at the following link.
http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE5AF14A20091116
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Who Can Get the Flu Vaccine?
It has recently been reported that large corporations such as Goldman Sachs and Citigroup have received hundreds of doses of the coveted H1N1 vaccine. Further, while many retail locations, such as Walmart, CVS, etc, have had supplies of seasonal flu vaccine for those who line up and pay for the vaccine, less commercially associated locations such as physician offices (my pediatrician office included) have yet to receive their allotment of vaccine. Thus one must question -- how does this distribution occur?
A related online article noted that despite significant searching, the authors were unable to locate doses of H1N1 vaccine on eBay or Craig's list; further, when he (and his assistants) contacted physician offices offering to pay top dollar for what would otherwise be a free vaccine (provided by the government), the general response was that the vaccine could not be bought by the highest bidder. And yet, these large corporations, who claim to be giving the vaccine to those on the "high priority" list, are able to obtain hundreds of doses.
Thus begging the question -- how do we monitor the distribution?
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jemnWB5veRnM9evI2vqkMks9HwkwD9BPM93G0
A related online article noted that despite significant searching, the authors were unable to locate doses of H1N1 vaccine on eBay or Craig's list; further, when he (and his assistants) contacted physician offices offering to pay top dollar for what would otherwise be a free vaccine (provided by the government), the general response was that the vaccine could not be bought by the highest bidder. And yet, these large corporations, who claim to be giving the vaccine to those on the "high priority" list, are able to obtain hundreds of doses.
Thus begging the question -- how do we monitor the distribution?
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jemnWB5veRnM9evI2vqkMks9HwkwD9BPM93G0
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
New Strain of MRSA is Deadly and More Resistant
Researchers have identified a new strain of methicillin resistant staph aureus (MRSA) that appears to be up to 5 times more deadly than other known strains. This strain, USA600, seems to have some resistance to vancomycin (the antibiotic that is typically effective against other MRSA strains) and about one-half of those infected with the strain have died.
The message remains the same -- wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands. In addition, no sharing personal items!!
http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=632611
The message remains the same -- wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands. In addition, no sharing personal items!!
http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=632611
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