Infectious Diseases

What we know about H5N1 avian flu and the risk to humans
The World Health Organization says although H5N1 has “spread widely in wild birds and poultry for 25 years,” there are now several international reports of spillover infections to mammals—including minks, otters, foxes and sea lions.
COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy helps protect newborns, Canadian study suggests
A booster shot during pregnancy bolstered protection against the Omicron variant in particular, said the study authors from the Canadian Immunization Research Network.

Single injection drug looks promising for early stages of COVID-19: study

Those who received peginterferon lambda within three days had an 89% reduction in risk of hospitalization.
U.S. study examines whether COVID-19 vaccines increase the risk of GBS

U.S. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System used to determine risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome following use of three different COVID-19 vaccines
Eye drops recalled after U.S. drug resistant bacteria outbreak

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week sent a health alert to doctors, saying the outbreak included at least 55 people in 12 states. One died and at least five others had permanent vision loss.
U.S. surveillance system flags possible safety signal for Pfizer’s bivalent vaccine and stroke risk

Health Canada and other international regulatory agencies have not observed an elevated risk of stroke or any signals.
What works and what doesn't? Canada-wide trial examining COVID treatment efficacy with unique format

The CanTreatCOVID is unique in that it’s an adaptive platform trial, which will allow it to compare multiple treatments simultaneously, in real-world conditions.
COVID-19 vaccines do not affect fertility

Study from China confirms pregnancies by artificial insemination not affected.
Efficacy and safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in children 5 to 11 years of age

New systematic review and meta-analysis provides reassuring evidence for parents.
A tough viral season is tough on children's ears: What family physicians should watch for

Most hearing loss resolves after viral illness, but make sure to follow up with patients after an ear infection.

What we know about H5N1 avian flu and the risk to humans

COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy helps protect newborns, Canadian study suggests

Single injection drug looks promising for early stages of COVID-19: study

U.S. study examines whether COVID-19 vaccines increase the risk of GBS

Eye drops recalled after U.S. drug resistant bacteria outbreak

U.S. surveillance system flags possible safety signal for Pfizer’s bivalent vaccine and stroke risk

What works and what doesn't? Canada-wide trial examining COVID treatment efficacy with unique format

COVID-19 vaccines do not affect fertility

Efficacy and safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in children 5 to 11 years of age

A tough viral season is tough on children's ears: What family physicians should watch for