Health News

The Top 5 Flu Shot Myths
Still on the fence about getting a flu shot? If you ask friends or family their advice, you're likely to get a wide range of opinions. What to do?
Doctor-Patient Discussion Can Reduce Antibiotic Use
Many people are prescribed antibiotics for acute respiratory infections, such as the common cold. But are the antibiotics prescribed doing more harm than good? 
Common Cold Remedy May Not be Best
Zinc is commonly sold as a remedy for the common cold, but whether its effective is controversial. A recent review of research shed some light on this debated treatment.
FDA Reminder: Do Not Give Infants Cough and Cold Products Designed for Older Children
In January 2008, manufacturers voluntarily removed over-the-counter (OTC) infant (less than 2 years of age) cough and cold products from the market due to safety concerns. Later in fall of 2008, manufacturers also voluntarily relabeled these cough and cold products to state: “do not use in children under 4 years of age.” However, there are concerns that many parents may be giving cough and cold products that remain on the market - those designed for older children - to their infants. FDA reminds all caregivers never to give a child under two years of age any kind of cough and cold p...
FDA Drug Safety Communication: Tamiflu
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is informing the public of important product safety changes to the influenza drug Tamiflu ( oseltamivir phosphate) for oral suspension.
AHEM! Please Heed This Warning
Even though research has found that over-the-counter cough and cold medications can lead to poisoning and death among children two years of age and younger, parents are still giving their children such medications.
Come On back and See Us Real Soon
Hospital readmission rates for elderly black patients are greater than those of white patients, according to a new study.
Safety in Numbers
A review by scientists found that of the near 90 million doses of H1N1 flu vaccine administered in 2009-2010 in China, no pattern of serious side effects has emerged.
Closing Schools for the Flu
When there is an outbreak of flu or other epidemics, selective school closures are considered one way to reduce the number of cases. However, new research shows that this limited tactic may be ineffective.
Unprotected Old Folks
During both the 2009 H1N1 flu epidemic and the whooping cough outbreak in California, elderly Hispanics had high rates of infection. New research suggests this might be due to low vaccination rates and language.