public health

public health

public health

More than 40% of Americans will lose confidence in public health recommendations following changes in federal leadership

A survey conducted in the United States by the Harvard Opinion Research Program shows that more than four in ten American adults (44%) say that changes in federal leadership will cause them to lose confidence in the recommendations of public health agencies, compared to 28% who say they will trust them more. The survey, which included a sample of more than 3,300 participants aged 18 and older, also revealed that other health issues have strong support among Democrats and Republicans, such as chronic disease prevention, pandemic protection, and reducing maternal and infant mortality.

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An antiviral already on the market could be more effective than oseltamivir (Tamiflu) against avian influenza

A team in the US has tested the efficacy of baloxavir, an antiviral already on the market for treating common flu, against avian influenza in mice. The results, published in the journal Nature Microbiology, show that it is more effective than the currently recommended oseltamivir (Tamiflu) except when the infection is via the mouth, in which case it is equally effective. According to the authors, baloxavir ‘could be considered for the potential treatment of serious H5N1 virus infections in humans’.

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A quick guide to reporting obesity without getting it wrong

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the prevalence of obesity worldwide has increased by more than 100 % between 1990 and 2022. This reality has been and is constantly reflected in the media, but not always narrated or illustrated in the right way. Here are some tips on how to report on this disease from experts, international guidelines and specialised image banks.

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Temperature-related deaths could rise by 50% in Europe by the end of the century

An international team has analysed temperature and mortality data from 854 urban areas in Europe, and estimated that temperature-related deaths could increase by 50 % by the end of the century - which would mean up to 2.3 million more deaths - if no climate change mitigation measures are taken. This percentage is even higher in southern parts of the continent, such as Spain. The results are published in the journal Nature Medicine.

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Trump announces US withdrawal from World Health Organisation

The new US president, Donald Trump, announced on his first day that the country will leave the World Health Organisation (WHO) within the next twelve months. The reasons behind the decision, according to him, are the ‘mismanagement of the covid-19 pandemic and other global health crises’, as well as ‘disproportionate payments compared to other countries’ dues’.

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Commission proposes changes in obesity diagnosis and going beyond BMI

The work of a global commission, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology and endorsed by more than 75 medical organisations worldwide, presents a new approach to diagnosing obesity. This is based on other measures of excess body fat, in addition to body mass index (BMI), and on objective signs and symptoms of poor health at the individual level.

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Paediatric HIV, a major challenge on World AIDS Day

In the context of World AIDS Day, which is celebrated on 1 December, it is essential to reflect on one of the most urgent challenges in the fight against this disease: HIV in the paediatric population. A project led by the Complutense University of Madrid seeks to reduce paediatric mortality by training research leaders in sub-Saharan Africa and applying technology and innovation.

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New early warning system proposed to estimate heat and cold deaths

A new epidemiological forecasting model could provide a better system for early temperature-related health warnings, according to a paper published in Science Advances. The model, called Forcaster.health, could provide mortality predictions at least 10.5 days before cold episodes and 8.3 days before hot episodes. The Universitat Pompeu Fabra and ISGlobal took part in its design.

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