Health News

FDA Permits Marketing of First US Test Labeled for Simultaneous Detection of Tuberculosis Bacteria and Resistance to the Antibiotic Rifampin
The US Food and Drug Administration today allowed marketing of the Xpert MTB/RIF Assay, the first FDA-reviewed test that can simultaneously detect bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) and determine if the bacteria contain genetic markers that makes them resistant to rifampin, an important antibiotic for the treatment of TB.
Success Story for the Pneumonia Vaccine
The goal of developing new vaccines is to decrease the cases of certain illnesses. The vaccine for pneumonia appears to have done just that.
Coughing up an Explanation for Diabetes
The number of children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes has been rising. Sometimes, the disease is inherited. But sometimes, factors other than genes are involved in causing diabetes.
Mismatched Flu Strains? No Problem
Each year a new flu vaccine is created to try to match up with the strains of flu that are going around. What happens if the flu vaccine isn't a perfect match for the strain of virus it's fighting?
Achoo! It’s Not Just the Flu
Many of us have had the flu before and recovered completely. But some people can get very sick due to complications.
Can't Have an Omelette, but can Still Get the Flu Shot
The flu vaccine is one vital part of reducing your risk of flu. But what if you're allergic to eggs, which are used to make flu vaccines? There's a new option for you.
Treating Children's Sinus Infections
When your child's sniffles last longer than a week, a trip to the pediatrician may be in order. Bacterial sinus infections are common in children, and new treatment guidelines give pediatricians and parents more leeway in how to treat them.
Running Around with a Runny Nose
Little kids are notorious for having runny noses a lot of the time. It can be hard to tell the difference between allergies, a cold and a more serious infection. Research data can help.
FDA Approves Vibativ
The US Food and Drug Administration today expanded the approved use of the antibiotic Vibativ (telavancin) to treat patients with hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (HABP/VABP) caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
Emergency Meeting to Fight Virus Outbreak
The World Health Organization has initiated an emergency meeting this weekend to combat a mysterious new respiratory illness that may be more deadly than SARS.