Just when you think that childhood diseases were nothing more than a fuzzy memory -- you develop shingles. The same virus (varicella-zoster) that caused chickenpox when you were young gets reactivated in later life, causing a return of the rash, blisters, and discomfort that are common with both diseases. About 20 percent of older Americans develop shingles during their lifetime.
To help seniors understand and cope with this disease, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) has produced a new Age Page, "Shingles," which discusses the symptoms, risk factors, treatment, and complications, including post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), an extremely painful aftermath of shingles. The brochure also offers tips for staying comfortable and lists helpful resources. Readers can view the Shingles Age Page online or order a free copy at http://www.niapublications.org/engagepages/shingles.asp.
NIA is one of 27 institutes and centers that constitute the National Institutes of Health. The NIA leads federal efforts to support and conduct basic, clinical, epidemiological, and social research on aging and the special needs of older people.
Source: National Institute on Aging
Getting Down and Dirty With PPE: Presentations at HSPA by Jill Holdsworth and Katie Belski
June 26th 2025In the heart of the hospital, decontamination technicians tackle one of health care’s dirtiest—and most vital—jobs. At HSPA 2025, 6 packed workshops led by experts Jill Holdsworth and Katie Belski spotlighted the crucial, often-overlooked art of PPE removal. The message was clear: proper doffing saves lives, starting with your own.
Unmasking Vaccine Myths: Dr Marschall Runge on Measles, Misinformation, and Public Health Solutions
May 29th 2025As measles cases climb across the US, discredited myths continue to undercut public trust in vaccines. In an exclusive interview with Infection Control Today, Michigan Medicine’s Marschall Runge, PhD, confronts misinformation head-on and explores how clinicians can counter it with science, empathy, and community engagement.
Silent Saboteurs: Managing Endotoxins for Sepsis-Free Sterilization
Invisible yet deadly, endotoxins evade traditional sterilization methods, posing significant risks during routine surgeries. Understanding and addressing their threat is critical for patient safety.
Endoscopes and Lumened Instruments: New Studies Highlight Persistent Contamination Risks
May 7th 2025Two new studies reveal troubling contamination in both new endoscopes and cleaned lumened surgical instruments, challenging the reliability of current reprocessing practices and manufacturer guidelines.