Governor Newsom proclaims state of emergency in response to bird flu

Governor Newsom proclaims state of emergency in response to bird flu

As avian flu spreads beyond Central Valley dairy herds to farms in southern California, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Wednesday to bolster and streamline the state’s response to the virus. “This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this … Read more

It’s not just cold and flu cases that are on the rise this winter

It’s not just cold and flu cases that are on the rise this winter

As temperatures drop and people host holiday gatherings indoors, cases of COVID-19, flu, RSV and other illnesses are ticking up. The holiday season comes with more parties, family gatherings and, thanks to cold temperatures, more time spent indoors. While coming together for festive fun can provide Christmas cheer, it can also provide the perfect conditions … Read more

How Doctors Take Care of Themselves When They Get the Flu

How Doctors Take Care of Themselves When They Get the Flu

As the ancient proverb goes, we all have the same 24 hours as Beyoncé. The same sentiment applies to cold and flu season: Technically, you and your physician are working with the same options for fever-reducing medicines, electrolyte drink packets, and blankets to rest under when you get sick. Doctors and their loved ones get … Read more

5 foods to boost immunity and stop cold and flu this winter

5 foods to boost immunity and stop cold and flu this winter

As the colder months approach and flu season draws near, many people begin to wonder how individuals can best protect their immune systems. A recent Protein Works study highlighted the top foods to take for each season. Small adjustments can significantly strengthen the immune response and keep individuals resilient throughout winter. Kyle Crowley, a nutrition … Read more

In US, it’s time to roll up sleeves for new COVID, flu shots

In US, it’s time to roll up sleeves for new COVID, flu shots

WASHINGTON —  Fall means it’s time for just about everybody to get up to date on their flu and COVID-19 vaccines – and a lot of older adults also need protection against another risky winter virus, RSV. Yes, you can get your flu and COVID-19 shots at the same time. Don’t call them boosters — … Read more

What you need to know about mosquito-borne diseases

What you need to know about mosquito-borne diseases

The Dose20:22Why should I be concerned about mosquitoes? Belle River, Ont., teacher Melanie Klimkowski never worried much about mosquitoes, since they never seemed interested in biting her.  After learning more about the bugs at a special workshop with her eighth grade class, she says she now carries small amounts of mosquito repellant at all times … Read more

Ottawa deploys mosquito-killing drones to prevent spread of West Nile virus

Ottawa deploys mosquito-killing drones to prevent spread of West Nile virus

For once, that buzzing sound in your ear this summer might not be a mosquito, but part of Ottawa Public Health’s (OPH) multi-faceted strategy to keep the insects — and the potentially dangerous viruses they can carry — in check. The public health agency is deploying drones capable of carrying and dispersing larvicides to kill mosquitos. The technology … Read more

Heat driving people indoors, transmissible variants causing people to get sick this summer, virologist says

Heat driving people indoors, transmissible variants causing people to get sick this summer, virologist says

Are you spending more time inside due to this extreme heat? A local virus expert has tips on how you can keep yourself healthy while indoors. The extreme heat that’s been making its way across the D.C. region in the last few weeks is causing many people to remain indoors, which one virus expert said … Read more

Montreal peregrine falcon chicks take first flights into a world full of danger

Montreal peregrine falcon chicks take first flights into a world full of danger

The world is full of dangers when you’re a falcon chick less than six weeks old and learning to fly — even if you’re a member of the fastest species on Earth. This week, three falcon chicks named Hugo, Polo and Estebane started to spread their wings around the nest site on the 23rd floor … Read more

Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease that’s on the rise in Canada

Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease that’s on the rise in Canada

Tick experts are warning Canadians to be on the lookout for symptoms of a tick-borne disease whose case counts have been steadily increasing over the past 15 years. Anaplasmosis is an infection contracted by humans and animals caused by the Anaplasma phagocytophilum bacteria and spread by ticks.  In the early 2000s, provinces and territories began reporting a handful … Read more