Content about Infectious diseases

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A new online service, dubbed TreatMyUTI.com, is offering patients what it says is the first online access to physician diagnosis and treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections with no office visit, exam or lab test required.

TreatMyUTI.com was founded by a group of physicians and this plan of diagnosis and urinary tract infection treatment is the first in a series of health issue diagnosis and treatment services that will be offered, the company stated.

NEW YORK — Automatic spending cuts stemming from the failure of Congress and the White House to reach a budget deal will likely harm the disease-preventing capabilities of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to a new report.

GlobalData, a market research and analytics firm, said the slashing of the CDC's funding by $450 million, or 8%, due to the sequester would both hamper its ability to prevent infectious diseases through immunization, surveillance and response programs while also failing to accomplish the goal of decreasing federal spending.

NEW YORK — While most of the nation is beginning to populate the cough-cold aisle in search of relief of their runny noses, coughs and sore throats, manufacturers of nonprescription cough-cold remedies are realizing the largest jump in sales that they've seen for quite some time. 

For the most common conditions suffered by consumers or someone in their household, OTCs served as the first line of defense for more than 40% of consumers across the board, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers that was conducted in September.

LEBANON, Pa. — Reckitt Benckiser this fall launched Cepacol Sensations, pictured here in a CVS, for those consumers looking for sensational relief to help soothe their sore throat irritation. The product line contains a lower amount of numbing medication than Cepacol Maximum Strength products, but the three variants relieve sore throat pain and provide either an instantly cooling, warming or refreshing sensation.

BOULDER, Colo. — Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy on Tuesday announced that it now is offering immunizations for influenza, whooping cough, pneumonia and shingles on a walk-in basis at all of its locations. Pharmaca pharmacists can provide the shots to any customer who requests one during open pharmacy hours.
 

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, once was among the most feared childhood diseases and was a frequent killer of young children. Today, it's mostly under control, a testament to the importance of vaccinations.

(THE NEWS: Pertussis cases increase tenfold in Washington over May 2011. For the full story, click here )

DEERFIELD, Ill. — It seems that many U.S. adults are unaware of what inoculations are government-recommended vaccinations, while more than half are not diligent about regular checkups with their primary care physician, according to a Walgreens survey.

NEW YORK — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a Pfizer vaccine for Streptococcus pneumoniae in adults ages 50 years and older, the company said.

Pfizer announced the FDA approval of Prevnar 13 (pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine [diphtheria CRM197 protein]) as a single-dose for adults.

EDISON, N.J. — DSE Healthcare Solutions reached out to volunteers with recurrent urinary tract infections through social media sites for a 12-week Cystex challenge. The outreach incorporated the Cystex Facebook page, Cystex Ladies Room Blog and outreach to bloggers, who spread the word through their network of consumers and other bloggers.

ATLANTA — A new resistant strain of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus may be on the rise due to the frequent use of over-the-counter antibacterial ointments, according to a study to be published in the October issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

As reported by CNN.com, Japanese researchers made the finding after testing 259 MRSA strains for susceptibility to bacitracin and neomycin, two of the antibacterial ingredients commonly found in such OTC ointments as Neosporin and Polysporin.

BOULDER, Colo. — Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy on Tuesday announced that it is now offering immunizations for influenza, pneumonia and whooping cough on a walk-in basis. The majority of Pharmaca’s pharmacists are trained to provide the shots to any customer who requests one during open pharmacy hours.

In addition, Pharmaca will hold Flu Shot Clinics every Tuesday in September, October and November, between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.