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- What You Should Know About Novel Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu)
- Rabies: The Silent Killer
- Protect Yourself & the People You Love from Common STDs
- Flu is Here: Take Action to Protect Yourself
- Did You Know Your Pre-teen Needs Vaccinations Too?
- Know the Truth about MRSA Skin Infections
- Protect your Child from Flu, and the Babysitter, Too!
- What You Don′t Know About Sickle Cell Disease
- Five Important Reasons to Immunize Your Child
What You Should Know About Novel Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu)
Novel influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) is a new flu virus of swine origin that was first detected in April, 2009. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway. WHO′s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus.
Rabies: The Silent Killer
A young child awakens early one morning to a fluttering sound coming from the blinds covering his bedroom window. He gets out of bed and notices what looks like a small bird flopping around on the floor. The child picks up the bird and realizes that it’s not a bird but a bat and releases it out the window. Weeks later, the child develops a fever, headache, and becomes disoriented and is admitted to a hospital. Tragically, he dies two days later from what doctors diagnose as rabies. This scenario is not uncommon when it comes to humans being infected with rabies.
Protect Yourself & the People You Love from Common STDs
There are a lot of things you can get out of an intimate relationship – human connection, understanding, love. But one thing you don’t want to get is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). STDs are caused by infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact and can be passed through oral, vaginal or anal sex. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 19 million new STD infections occur each year in the United States – almost half of them among young people 15-24 years of age. In addition to youth, women and minorities are also severely affected. STDs are the most commonly reported infectious diseases in the United States. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common reportable STDs and can result in infertility in women.
Flu is Here: Take Action to Protect Yourself
Flu season came late this year, but it’s here now! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity increased steadily during the month of February and is widespread in most of the country right now.
Did You Know Your Pre-teen Needs Vaccinations Too?
As children enter their pre-teen years, their world becomes an exciting place of new experiences and newfound freedoms. But adults know that adolescence also brings new risks and potential dangers, and parents can’t be there every minute.
Know the Truth about MRSA Skin Infections
The truth about methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) may surprise you. MRSA is a type of bacteria that causes skin and other kinds of infections. Sometimes called “the superbug,” MRSA is resistant to certain antibiotics, but several antibiotics still work. And many times, antibiotics aren’t even needed -- doctors are often able to treat MRSA skin infections by simply draining them.
Protect your Child from Flu, and the Babysitter, Too!
You′ve done your homework, researching and interviewing to find the best care for your child, but is your caregiver—nanny, babysitter, daycare worker or family member—protected against the flu?
What You Don′t Know About Sickle Cell Disease
Learning the Truth about One of the Most Common Genetic Diseases
Sickle cell disease one of the most common genetic diseases in the United States. It is estimated that more than 70,000 people have sickle cell disease and more than two million people carry the gene that allows them to pass it on to their children.
Five Important Reasons to Immunize Your Child
You want to do what is best for your children. You know about the importance of car seats, baby gates, and other ways to keep them safe. But, did you know that one of the best ways to protect your children is to make sure they have all of their vaccinations?
- Page last reviewed: July 14, 2009
- Page last updated: Julu 14, 2009
- Content source: Office of Enterprise Communication
- Notice: Links to non-governmental sites do not necessarily represent the views of the CDC.
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