
How — and why — to fit more fiber and fermented food into your meals

UTI in older women: Why postmenopausal women are susceptible to urinary tract infection, and what to do about it

Can a routine vaccine prevent dementia?

Some adults may need a measles booster shot. Who should get one and why?

Less butter, more plant oils, longer life?

Healthier planet, healthier people

Counting steps is good — is combining steps and heart rate better?

Appendix pain: Could it be appendicitis?

Can saw palmetto treat an enlarged prostate?

How does Ozempic work? Understanding GLP-1s for diabetes, weight loss, and beyond
Infectious diseases Archive
Articles
Harvard study: Shingles linked to a spike in risks for heart attack and stroke
A 2022 observational study that included more than 200,000 people found that those who'd had shingles at some point had a 30% higher long-term risk for a major cardiovascular event, compared with people who didn't have shingles.
How high a fever is too high?
A fever is the immune system's response to an infection or invader. Most fevers drop after people take over-the-counter medications. People should call a doctor if their fever reaches 103° F and go to an emergency room if it reaches 105°.
Cold-weather cautions
Wintertime can pose challenges to cardiovascular health. Cold temperatures can cause arteries to narrow, which can leave people with heart disease vulnerable to angina or heart attacks, especially during physical exertion. Changes in sleep, eating, and exercise habits related to the season may also affect the heart. Crowded indoor gatherings also raise a person's risk for respiratory infections, which can exacerbate heart disease.
Want to stay healthy over the holidays?
Another holiday season is here, and this year we need to contend with other viruses besides COVID-19. Three Harvard experts share their thoughts on the best ways to keep ourselves and our family members healthy as we celebrate holidays together.
The rundown on diarrhea
Everyone experiences acute (short-term) diarrhea at some time. The unpleasant experience often resolves on its own in a few days, but there are situations that require medical attention. Examples include bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, a high fever, and episodes that continue for a week or longer. A medical consultation can help determine if diarrhea is related to a specific bacterium or parasite, a medication side effect, a food intolerance, or an inflammatory bowel disease.
More protection for your heart? It's just a shot away
A yearly influenza vaccine may help lower the risk of serious cardiovascular complications, especially among people who've had a recent heart attack. Pneumonia and shingles vaccines also help reduce heart attack and stroke risks. Early fall is a good time to get back on track with these vaccines. Several different types of flu shots are available; experts advise getting whichever one is most readily available. For those ages 65 and older who have a choice, three vaccines (Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, Flublock Quadrivalent recombinant, and Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted) may offer slightly better protection than the regular-dose shot and are the preferred choice.
Enhanced flu vaccine suggested for older adults
Influenza vaccines that contain higher doses and extra ingredients (adjuvants) to boost their effectiveness can provide better protection than the standard flu vaccine for adults ages 65 and older, according to the CDC, and are recommended for the upcoming flu season.
Monkeypox: What parents need to know
Few cases of monkeypox have occurred in children during this outbreak, and while the illness is usually mild, it's important for parents to know how to recognize and prevent this virus.
Severe COVID infection may lead to noticeable cognitive loss
A 2022 study found that survivors of severe COVID-19 infections can develop cognitive problems, such as brain fog or trouble finding words, equivalent to the loss of 10 IQ points or 20 years of aging.
Fall vaccination roundup
Because aging makes it harder to fight off infections, it's especially important for people to stay up to date on vaccinations as they get older. Important vaccinations include those that ward off COVID-19; tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis; shingles; and pneumococcal diseases. Flu vaccinations are also important and are needed yearly. There are a few different types of flu shots. Doctors advise getting whatever flu vaccine is readily available. If there's a choice, the latest recommendation in 2022 for people 65 or older is to have the high-dose flu shot rather than the regular-dose version.

How — and why — to fit more fiber and fermented food into your meals

UTI in older women: Why postmenopausal women are susceptible to urinary tract infection, and what to do about it

Can a routine vaccine prevent dementia?

Some adults may need a measles booster shot. Who should get one and why?

Less butter, more plant oils, longer life?

Healthier planet, healthier people

Counting steps is good — is combining steps and heart rate better?

Appendix pain: Could it be appendicitis?

Can saw palmetto treat an enlarged prostate?

How does Ozempic work? Understanding GLP-1s for diabetes, weight loss, and beyond
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!
Sign Up