pneumonia

The CDC now recommends that people 50 and older get vaccinated against pneumonia

2:05pm October 24, 2024

The number of people that have been diagnosed with a pneumonia-causing bacteria has increased over the past six months. Older people are at higher risk of pneumococcal diseases like pneumonia and menningitis.

Coronavirus FAQ: What does endemic mean — and are we there yet?

4:35pm March 11, 2022

by Sheila Mulrooney Eldred

Two years ago, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic. Now there's talk that we may be approaching a new stage for SARS-CoV-2. Let's unpack the word "endemic."

Several lines of evidence now suggest that two common vaccines against respiratory illnesses can help protect against Alzheimer's, too. How much brain protection they offer will require more intensive study to quantify, scientists say.

Flu Shot And Pneumonia Vaccine Might Reduce Alzheimer's Risk, Research Shows

11:34am July 27, 2020

by Jon Hamilton

Two new human studies back earlier hints that vaccines designed to prevent respiratory infections might also provide some protection against Alzheimer's disease.

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KQED Deep Look delves into how the novel coronavirus attacks the lungs in this new video.

VIDEO: How The Novel Coronavirus Hijacks Our Defenses

4:19pm May 05, 2020

It's just a bit of genetic material wrapped in protein and fat. But the virus behind COVID-19 can wreak havoc deep inside human lungs when it triggers the immune system to go into overdrive.

A ventilator can help patients unable to breathe on their own, but the experience of COVID-19 patients has been sobering for doctors.

Health & Safety

Ventilators Are No Panacea For Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients

6:58pm April 02, 2020

by Jon Hamilton

Ventilators can be lifesaving for some critically ill patients, but they're no panacea. The experience so far with COVID-19 is that the majority of patients put on ventilators don't survive.

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Amir Kiani (from left), Chloe O'Connell and Nishit Asnani troubleshoot an algorithm to diagnose tuberculosis in computer lab at Stanford University.

Health & Safety

How Can Doctors Be Sure A Self-Taught Computer Is Making The Right Diagnosis?

7:29pm April 01, 2019

by Richard Harris

It's hard for humans to check algorithms that computers devise on their own. But these artificial intelligence systems are already moving from the lab toward doctors' offices.

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Sneezing and coughing can be symptoms of the flu or the common cold. But knowing which other symptoms signal flu could save your life.

Is It A Nasty Cold Or The Flu?

7:00am January 06, 2019

by Patti Neighmond

Knowing how to differentiate between symptoms of each can be important, especially if you're at high risk for flu's complications. Influenza can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization and even death.

Cost, procrastination and a lack of insurance coverage are just a few of the reasons adults give health care providers for not getting vaccinated against shingles and other illnesses.

Shingles Is Nasty, And The New Vaccine Works Well. Why Do Adults Avoid Shots?

11:21am March 20, 2018

by Michelle Andrews

Beyond annual flu shots, older adults need protection against shingles, pneumonia, tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, federal health officials say. But many aren't getting vaccinated.

Do you know what the deadliest disease is? Hint: It's not Ebola (viral particles seen here in a digitally colorized microscopic image, at top right, along with similar depictions of other contagious diseases)

Which Contagious Diseases Are The Deadliest?

4:47pm September 16, 2014

by Diane Cole

To put Ebola in context, we tried to find a list of the deadliest contagious diseases. We couldn't. So with the help of scientists and health agencies, we came up with a rundown of the world's worst.