DISEASE

Onions Are the Source of a Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak—Here’s What You Need to Know

Could your unlabeled onions contain salmonella? You don’t want to find out—better to throw them away.

Australia Is Vaccinating Hundreds of Its Koalas Against Chlamydia

Many of Australia’s koalas have chlamydia, which is making it extra difficult for them to keep their population numbers up.

James Gillray's 1802 cartoon depicted anti-vaxxers' predictions of the smallpox vaccine's effects.

8 of History's Most Misguided Anti-Vaxxers

Life-saving medical advances shouldn't be scary, but these notorious anti-vaxxers in history didn't get the memo.

Preschoolers waiting to be vaccinated for smallpox outside their doctor's office.

Mandatory Vaccines for Schools Began in Boston Nearly 200 Years Ago

The prospect of COVID-19 vaccine mandates for schools has been ruffling some feathers lately. It’s not a new issue.

Wondering How Safe an Activity Is? This COVID-19 Risk Calculator Will Tell You

Choosing “COVID-safe” activities is much easier said than done. This COVID-19 risk calculator can help.

These 25 Countries Have the Highest COVID-19 Vaccination Rates

Roughly 5.86 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have been administered, and these are the 25 countries with the highest vaccination rates worldwide.

You never know what's lurking in your salami.

The CDC Says You Should Be Heating Your Charcuterie Meats to Avoid Salmonella

Until a formal food recall happens, the best way to avoid this latest salmonella outbreak is to cook your charcuterie board meats.

6 Facts About the Delta Variant and COVID-19

From how it mutated to how COVID-19 vaccines stack up against it, here's what you should know about the delta variant of the coronavirus.

Dementia and Alzheimer's have different meanings.

The Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer's, Explained

Dementia and Alzheimer's both affect cognitive functioning and can interfere with daily life, but they're not the same.

This man has never gotten a vaccine for the common cold. He's being a bit dramatic about it.

Why Isn't There a Vaccine for the Common Cold?

Science has done some incredible things, but finding a cure for the leaky sniffles has proven elusive.

5 COVID-19 Vaccine Myths, Debunked

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe? What do COVID-19 vaccine side effects really mean? Here’s the truth about some prevalent misinformation.

American doctor and epidemiologist Jonas Salk, who developed the first vaccine against poliomyelitis, looks on as a colleague gives the injection to a woman.

11 Vaccine Pioneers You Should Know

From eradicating smallpox to battling the COVID-19 pandemic, these vaccine pioneers have helped make colossal strides in public health.

A medical professional does the vaccination; your body does the immunization.

Vaccination vs. Immunization vs. Inoculation: What's the Difference?

If we’re being pedantic here (and we are), ‘vaccination’ and ‘immunization’ shouldn't be used interchangeably.

The Triumph of Death by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, circa 1562.

Quinto Tiberio Angelerio, the 16th-Century Doctor Who Mandated 6-Foot Social Distancing

COVID-19 restrictions are difficult, but at least we don’t have to carry 6-foot canes to make sure we’re properly social distancing.

The National Hotel Epidemic: The Mysterious Disease That Nearly Sidelined James Buchanan on His Inauguration Day

In the weeks leading up to his inauguration on March 4, 1857, James Buchanan was recovering from a disease that got hundreds of people sick in Washington, D.C.

Yes, You Can Reverse a Cavity—Here’s How

Those white spots on your teeth might be trying to tell you something (like that your mouth is suffering a plaque attack).

People turned to unusual remedies to avoid catching the plague.

9 Weird Historical Ways to Ward Off a Plague

From fart jars to drinking urine, here are strange, gross, or downright dangerous historical methods people used to prevent catching a plague.

How the Polio Epidemic of 1950 Gave Wytheville, Virginia, a 'Summer Without Children'

Seventy years ago, a polio epidemic swept through Wytheville, Virginia—and the town went on lockdown.

A new at-home test for COVID-19 can provide results in 30 minutes.

The FDA Has Approved the First At-Home COVID-19 Test Kit—Here's What You Need to Know About It

The molecular test is highly accurate in detecting coronavirus and can offer results in 30 minutes, but the general public probably won't see it until the spring.

Science is closer to understanding what prompts severe COVID-19 illness.

Scientists Come Closer to Understanding COVID-19 'Cytokine Storms'

The "cytokine storms" that precede severe illness in patients with COVID-19 has been poorly understood. New research has traced the risk of lung damage and organ failure to two key proteins that have the potential to be treated with drugs.

Walmart Recalls Romaine Lettuce from October 2020 Over E. coli Concerns

Tanimura & Antle romaine lettuce sold at Walmart has been recalled following an E. coli outbreak in six states. Here's what you need to know.

President Woodrow Wilson photographed in good health.

When Woodrow Wilson Caught the 1918 Flu During a Pandemic, But Hid It From the Public

Woodrow Wilson never publicly acknowledged the 1918 influenza pandemic—not even after he caught the virus himself.

Who wouldn't be screaming in this situation?

Why Are Humans Afraid of Bugs?

Our ancestors may have predisposed us to fear spiders, insects, and other many-legged creatures, but there's a lot more to it.

Air quality in airplane cabins has become a growing concern during the coronavirus pandemic.

Just How Clean Is the Air On an Airplane?

The coronavirus has brought new attention to air quality on airplanes. And while it's better than you think, there are still risks to consider.

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