Diseases

Don't worry, it's just a pandemic

PARIS (AFP) – Now it’s official: We have a flu pandemic. But what does it mean?

For many, the term may be tinged with fear. It evokes folk memories of three influenza pandemics that erupted last century and claimed tens of millions of lives.

The worst was the 1918-19 “Spanish flu.” Read more…

WHO: Swine flu pandemic has begun, 1st in 41 years

GENEVA – Swine flu is now formally a pandemic, a declaration by U.N. health officials that will speed vaccine production and spur government spending to combat the first global flu epidemic in 41 years. Thursday’s announcement by the World Health Organization doesn’t mean the virus is any more lethal — only that its spread is considered unstoppable. Read more…

Congressional panel to analyze VA hospital mishaps

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – A congressional panel will question Department of Veterans Affairs officials about mistakes that put patients at risk of possible exposure to HIV and other infectious body fluids at three VA hospitals. Read more…

Texan gets 45 years for spreading HIV through sex

McKINNEY, Texas – A jury sentenced a suburban Dallas man to 45 years in prison Friday for knowingly infecting six women with the AIDS virus.

Philippe Padieu, described by his own lawyer as a “modern-day Casanova,” shook his head and looked down when the decision was read. Jurors sentenced him to 45 years on five counts and 25 years on the sixth, to be served concurrently. Padieu had faced up to 99 years. Read more…

Coping with a cold

The spring equinox is just around the corner and before long the seemingly endless winter nights will gradually give way as the sun begins its journey northwards once again. However the temperature will continue to drop as we enter January and February and the likelihood of prolonged snow and ice increases. Read more…