Could depression be the result of a brain infection?
ConclusionThe paper's hypothesis is interesting, but it remains just that – a hypothesis. While it is true that some pathogens, such as the Borna disease virus mentioned in the article, have been linked with neuropsychiatric disorders, there is no proof as yet that bacteria, viruses or parasites could cause major depression. Still, as the old truism goes: "Absence of evidence is not the same as evidence of absence". The lack of evidence could be because nobody has bothered to look for it before.The author concludes that, "It would be worthwhile to conduct large-scale studies of carefully characterised de...
Source: NHS News Feed - November 28, 2014 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Mental health Source Type: news

Zoster Vaccine, Live
(Source: What's New at CBER)
Source: What's New at CBER - November 20, 2014 Category: Biomedical Science Source Type: news

No Extra Risk With Zoster Vax in RA Patients on Biologics
(MedPage Today) -- No complications or increased incidence of HZ post-vaccination. (Source: MedPage Today Geriatrics)
Source: MedPage Today Geriatrics - November 19, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: news

What Immunizations Can Pregnant and Postpartum Women Receive?
Discussion Pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women along with their infants are at higher risk for infectious diseases. Pregnant women have altered immune, cardiac and respiratory systems that contribute to the increased risk. It is thought that postpartum immunological recovery can be up to 1 year. For the infant, breastfeeding provides some immunity to infectious diseases. Cocooning, where others in close contact are immunized against common infectious diseases is also another strategy to help infants who are not yet old enough to be vaccinated. Recent guidelines for treatment of influenza with antiviral medicatio...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - October 27, 2014 Category: Pediatrics Authors: pediatriceducationmin Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news

Update on Recommendations for Use of Herpes Zoster VaccineUpdate on Recommendations for Use of Herpes Zoster Vaccine
This report summarizes the latest recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices regarding the administration of the herpes zoster vaccine. Who should get it, and when? Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - September 19, 2014 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Infectious Diseases Journal Article Source Type: news

RheumShorts: Kineret, Shingles Vax, Home Rehab (CME/CE)
(MedPage Today) -- Recently published studies in rheumatology covered use of anakinra (Kineret) in pregnancy, varicella-zoster vaccines in lupus patients, and home exercise after knee replacement. (Source: MedPage Today Rheumatology)
Source: MedPage Today Rheumatology - September 18, 2014 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Closure of Varicella-Zoster Virus–Containing Vaccines Pregnancy Registry — United States, 2013
(Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)
Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report - August 22, 2014 Category: American Health Source Type: news

Update on Recommendations for Use of Herpes Zoster Vaccine
(Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)
Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report - August 22, 2014 Category: American Health Source Type: news

Kaiser Permanente study finds shingles vaccine remains effective after chemotherapy
(Kaiser Permanente) The herpes zoster vaccine continues to be effective in protecting older adults against shingles, even after they undergo chemotherapy, according to a Kaiser Permanente study published today in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)
Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science - August 5, 2014 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news

What Causes Neck Stiffness?
Discussion The complaint of neck stiffness always makes the clinician a little concerned until he/she understands the whole history because of the potential diagnosis of meningitis/encephalitis. While this potential is always concerning, there are many other causes of neck stiffness or pain to consider that are much more common. Normal wear and tear, injury or overuse that occur in daily activities and work can cause neck stiffness or pain. Often, even in adults, the cause of the pain is not recognized. Good examples are the adolescent above, or an innocent stumble, particularly if carrying something that may cause a perso...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - June 30, 2014 Category: Pediatrics Authors: pediatriceducationmin Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news

GP Recommendation Increases Acceptance of Shingles VaccineGP Recommendation Increases Acceptance of Shingles Vaccine
Older patients are far more likely to say they intend to get vaccinated against herpes zoster if a general practitioner recommends vaccination. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape PublicHealth Headlines)
Source: Medscape PublicHealth Headlines - April 15, 2014 Category: Primary Care Tags: Infectious Diseases News Source Type: news

Herpes Zoster Rates Are Increasing, but Why?Herpes Zoster Rates Are Increasing, but Why?
The idea that varicella vaccination beginning in 1996 is the cause of an increase in shingles cases is not supported by the evidence. CDC Expert Commentary (Source: Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines)
Source: Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines - April 14, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: Infectious Diseases Commentary Source Type: news

Shingles Vaccine Likely to Be Cost-EffectiveShingles Vaccine Likely to Be Cost-Effective
Vaccinating older adults against herpes zoster (HZ) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is probably cost-effective, according to a critical review of the literature. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - March 6, 2014 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Infectious Diseases News Source Type: news

Merck Announces Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2013 Financial Results
Dateline City: WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. Fourth-Quarter 2013 Non-GAAP EPS Increased by 6 Percent Over Prior Year to $0.88, Excluding Certain Items; GAAP EPS Decreased by 13 Percent to $0.26. Full-Year 2013 Non-GAAP EPS of $3.49, Excluding Certain Items; GAAP EPS of $1.47. Fourth-Quarter 2013 Worldwide Sales Were $11.3 Billion, a Decrease of 4 Percent Reflecting Unfavorable Impact of Patent Expiries and a 3 Percent Negative Impact from Foreign Exchange. ...
Source: Merck.com - Corporate News - February 5, 2014 Category: Pharmaceuticals Tags: Corporate News Financial News Latest News Source Type: news

Herpes Zoster Linked Again to Increased Stroke, MIHerpes Zoster Linked Again to Increased Stroke, MI
The vaccine that reduces herpes zoster might also cut risks for vascular events, including stroke, transient ischemic attack, and myocardial infarction, researchers speculate. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Cardiology Headlines)
Source: Medscape Cardiology Headlines - January 2, 2014 Category: Cardiology Tags: Neurology & Neurosurgery News Source Type: news