Influenza is a disease that strikes in two forms. Seasonal influenza returns each winter, killing up to half a million people in bad years and causing much misery. Pandemic influenza, by contrast, is rare - having occurred only a handful of times in the last century - and far worse than seasonal flu, often killing many millions across the world. The worst pandemic of all, the … [Read more...]
Explore Antimicrobial Resistance in the Food Chain
Antibiotics are not only an essential part of modern human medicine, they are also indispensable in veterinary medicine. Historically, low levels of antibiotics were added to the feed of healthy livestock, to promote their growth – a practice now banned in the European Union, but still in use elsewhere – while vets still use antibiotics to treat sick animals. This may have … [Read more...]
Understand Antibiotic Resistance as a Serious Global Health Threat
The misuse of antibiotics worldwide has eroded their efficacy and antibiotic-resistant bacteria rapidly emerge and spread across the globe. At the same time, the pipeline of new antibiotics is now almost dry. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that we have arrived at a point where the pandemic of antibiotic resistance has become a global health crisis. It is a silent … [Read more...]
Do I Have Pneumonia?
What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung affecting primarily the microscopic air sacs known as alveoli. It is usually caused by infection with viruses or bacteria and less commonly by other microorganisms, certain medications and conditions such as autoimmune diseases. How do I know if I have pneumonia? Pneumonia often seems like a cold or … [Read more...]
Do I Need Probiotics?
Probiotics are bacteria naturally found in your body, especially in your digestive system. Do you need them? Yes. Your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are the "good" bacteria. The root of the word probiotic comes from the Greek word pro, meaning "promoting," and biotic, meaning "life. So these good bacteria help your body to get rid of the bad … [Read more...]