Safety records of surgery centers found lacking
In the wake of several hepatitis outbreaks, a JAMA study found frequent lapses in infection management.
View ArticleH1N1 vaccine: What physicians can do with leftover doses
Federal and state officials have guidelines for doctors on how to dispose of expired vaccine and when to administer unused doses that are still viable.
View ArticleReinventing vaccines: New frontiers in prevention
Genetic engineering, increased understanding of the immune system and new immunization delivery technologies could make this century the golden age of vaccines, observers say.
View ArticlePertussis epidemic in California linked to vaccination gaps
Some doctors in the state say parents not vaccinating children, and physicians limiting the immunizations they administer because of payment issues, contributed to the outbreak.
View ArticleHIV/AIDS national policy unveiled
The Obama administration plan does not propose significant increases in HIV/AIDS funding but instead calls for better coordination of existing resources.
View ArticleWhat editorial writers are saying about Obama's national AIDS strategy
- The Obama administration in July unveiled an HIV/AIDS strategy that aims to reduce HIV infections and provide better care to people living with HIV..
View ArticleFlu vaccine beginning to arrive as physicians brace for season
Experts advise doctors to administer the vaccine when they receive it, immunizing everyone 6 months and older, not just those at highest risk.
View ArticleU.S. public health emergency plan calls for better vaccine production
An HHS report outlines initiatives to streamline research and development of medical countermeasures, and allows for expedited FDA approval.
View ArticleNDM-1 superbug poses threat to medical tourists
Indian officials accuse a study's authors of naming the mutant gene after New Delhi as a way of scaring patients away.
View ArticleFlu vaccine should be condition of health professionals' employment, group says
An epidemiology organization states there is an "ethical responsibility" to prevent the spread of infection to patients.
View ArticleAntibiotic impasse: Resistant to progress
Growing resistance to antibacterial drugs and a slowdown in developing new ones leave physicians with dwindling options for treating infections.
View ArticlePreventive measures shown to cut hospital C. diff rates
Simple steps can protect patients, a new study says. But some physicians say quality metrics encourage antibiotic use and increase the number of infections.
View ArticlePertussis vaccine guidelines expand as disease spreads
A federal advisory panel says Americans 11 to 64 years old need a dose if they have not yet received one.
View ArticleHumbled by those who crossed Bridge of No Return
AMA Leader Commentary - A message to all physicians about current events in medical practice.
View ArticleMedicaid vaccination rates tied to flu shot pay levels
When physician payment goes up, the rate of full vaccinations in children also rises, a new study finds.
View ArticleVaccination rates for adults continue to drop below optimal levels
New data from the CDC show that not enough people 19 and older are immunized against preventable infectious diseases.
View ArticleWhat editorial writers are saying about the battle against AIDS
- World AIDS Day was observed on Dec. 1, providing an opportunity to reflect on what progress has been made..
View ArticleFlu relief: Season off to more typical start
It's much less severe than in 2009-10, with influenza-associated deaths and hospitalizations down significantly, the CDC says.
View ArticleNew MRSA guidelines specify infection treatment
The Infectious Diseases Society of America's first-ever recommendations for combating the superbug say antibiotics are not always needed.
View ArticleRegaining trust after vaccine threat debunked
A leading medical journal says MMR vaccine-autism study was fraudulent. Doctors still face a barrage of safety questions from worried parents.
View ArticlePhysician vaccination a top priority and a duty
Ethics Forum - A column that answers questions on ethical issues in medical practice.
View ArticleFlu activity up but way behind 2009-10 season
This year's 8,200 flu cases are far short of last year's totals, which numbered more than 40,000 by this time.
View ArticleGreater training sought to combat resistant bacteria
With antibiotic research stalled, the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends educating physicians on prescribing antimicrobial medication.
View ArticleHospitals' high-tech tools track who's washing their hands
The systems promise more accurate hygiene measurement -- and remind doctors and nurses who forget to wash up.
View ArticleDoctors should be on lookout for dengue fever
With U.S. hospitalizations rising between 2000 and 2007, physicians are being asked to watch for trends of the disease.
View Article"Germaphobe" creates disposable covers for remote controls
The plastic sheath invented by a Pennsylvania physician is marketed to hotel chains as well as individuals.
View ArticleNew York bill seeks physician dress code to cut infections
Neckwear, watches and even white coats could be forbidden under legislation that aims to reduce health care-associated infections.
View ArticleMeasles cases in the U.S. highest in 15 years
There were 118 infections between Jan. 1 and May 20, the most to occur during that period since 1996.
View ArticleHIV in primary care: Treating an aging epidemic
As HIV-positive patients live longer due to improved treatments, they are developing chronic diseases that need to be managed by primary care doctors, experts say.
View ArticleToo few health professionals getting flu shots
The CDC says 63.5% of health care workers were vaccinated in the 2010-11 season, with physicians among the most immunized. The target is 90%.
View ArticleWhat editorial writers are saying about vaccines
Other Views on Medical News - Commentary from other news and opinion sources
View ArticleAntibiotic prescriptions for children drop by 24%
Prescribing rates for patients 14 and younger fell from 1993 to 2008, but antibiotic resistance is still growing.
View ArticleYoung doctors apt to question use of vaccines
Recent medical school graduates are less likely to believe that immunizations are safe and effective compared with their older practicing counterparts, a new study shows.
View ArticleSocial media increasingly used to gauge public health
The real-time data allow for quick dissemination of information to a global audience, health officials say.
View ArticleHIV testing recommended for teens and young adults
New AAP guidance encourages pediatricians to know the symptoms of early-stage HIV and openly discuss sexual activity and other STDs with patients.
View ArticleDo you practice in an antibiotic-prescribing hot spot?
Prescription rates vary widely by state, with West Virginia residents given about twice as many antibiotics as people in Alaska and Oregon, data show.
View ArticleOnly 28% of HIV patients have condition under control
Most Americans with the disease don't think they need ongoing treatment, or don't know they have it. Physicians can help with increased testing.
View ArticleNew curriculum helps residents talk about vaccine safety
California health professionals develop a project for primary care doctors in training that focuses on evidence-based immunization data and common myths.
View ArticleHospital-acquired infections linked to higher readmission rates
MRSA and C. diff are not just harmful infections that lengthen hospital stays. They often lead patients back after they’re discharged.
View ArticleHHS establishes medical disaster response centers
At least one vaccine expert questions how effective the centers will be in preparing countermeasures for multiple types of emergencies.
View ArticleMedical vaccine exemptions for children not always justified
More than 87,000 were granted nationwide to kindergartners over a seven-year period. Exemptions were more common in states with loose opt-out requirements.
View ArticleNew products pitched to improve injection safety
Injection-related outbreaks have proved difficult to eliminate. Syringes that prevent reuse and systems that simplify injections involving multiple medications are being pushed as potential fixes.
View ArticleCDC targets holdout health workers on flu shots
Federal health officials want physicians to top the 86% vaccination rate they achieved during the previous flu season.
View ArticleTask force seeks breakthrough in developing antibacterial drugs
Twenty-nine such medications were licensed between 1980 and 1989. The number fell to nine between 2000 and 2009.
View ArticleEditorial: Time to get a flu shot
Patients are more likely to receive the vaccine if their doctors recommend it to them.
View ArticleTracking prescribing habits cuts inappropriate antibiotic use
Infectious diseases experts plan to discuss this finding at a meeting designed to apply advances in the field to patient care.
View Article26 organizations team up to fight antibiotic resistance
Better coordination is needed to ensure that antibiotics remain effective in treating common infections, experts say.
View ArticleAMA meeting: Call for flu-shot mandate in long-term-care setting
Nearly half of health care professionals in this area skip getting an influenza vaccination. The requirement will protect a vulnerable group of patients, delegates say.
View ArticleFirst state flu shot mandate at center of legal battle
A union is suing Rhode Island over a regulation requiring all health workers to receive influenza vaccine or wear masks while they’re working.
View ArticleAggressive flu season fills doctor waiting rooms
Reports of influenza-like illness level off nationally, but some regions are seeing increases in flu-related illness, the CDC says. Seniors have been hit particularly hard.
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