Of all the modern medical interventions we have at our disposal, few have been victim to as much falsehood as vaccines. As the world battles a pandemic, stripping the truth from the lies is more urgent than ever. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 2010 and 2015, vaccines prevented an estimated 10 million […]
COVID-19 and the flu can cause similar symptoms. However, there are several differences between them. The novel strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). Both COVID-19 and the flu are respiratory illnesses that spread from person to person. This article will discuss the differences between COVID-19 and the flu. Symptoms The symptoms of […]
The novelty of the COVID-19 vaccines may seem daunting for some, and it is natural for questions to arise on their effectiveness. In this feature, we examine the difference between effectiveness and efficacy, compare the COVID-19 frontrunner vaccines to other vaccines, such as the flu shot, and compare their safety considerations. All data and statistics […]
Scientists recently identified two new strains of SARS-CoV-2 — one of which had been discovered in the United Kingdom and the other in South Africa. A new Pfizer study concludes that its vaccine should be effective against the U.K. variant. Both new variants, which appear to be more contagious, have mutations in a spike protein […]
Globally, diabetes is becoming increasingly prevalent, as are the myths and misconceptions that surround it. Here, we discuss 11 of these repeated untruths. Currently, around 1 in 10 people in the United States have diabetes. Globally, more than 422 million people are living with the disease. Although diabetes is a familiar word, symptoms vary, and […]
A plant based diet is one that focuses on only or mostly foods from plant sources. This way of eating may have benefits for both a person’s health and the planet. In this article, we look at what a plant based diet is, the health benefits, and what nutritional considerations a person should make before […]
Although obesity is common, there are many misconceptions associated with it — and these myths often fuel social stigma. In this edition of Medical Myths, we tackle five of the most common misunderstandings about obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States, 42.4% of adults have obesity. Globally, […]
As coronavirus continues to make the news, a host of untruths has surrounded the topic. In this Special Feature, we address some of these myths and conspiracy theories. The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has spread from Wuhan, China, to every continent except Antarctica. The World Health Organization (WHO) changed their classification of the situation from a […]
Although there are notable exceptions, most evidence suggests that COVID-19 is much less dangerous for children than it is for adults and infants. Knowing the symptoms of COVID-19 in children can help parents and caregivers identify the emergency warning signs and seek appropriate care. This article covers the symptoms of COVID-19 in children, some potential […]
High blood pressure is a dangerous condition that can damage your heart. It affects one in three people in the US and 1 billion people worldwide. If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure raises your risk of heart disease and stroke. But there’s good news. There are a number of things you can do to lower […]