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Roundup: CDC Lowers Minimum Age for Pneumococcal Vaccination From 65 to 50; and More News
4 min. read
Written By: John Fernandez
Published: November 1, 2024
Written By: John Fernandez
Published: November 1, 2024
CDC: Vaccination Against Pneumococcal Disease Now Recommended for Adults Aged 50 and Older
In a significant update to its vaccination guidelines, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has lowered the recommended minimum age for pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50 years. This change aims to provide more adults with protection against pneumococcal disease, a serious infection caused by the bacteria streptococcus pneumoniae.
Pneumococcal disease encompasses a range of infections, including pneumonia, sinusitis, ear infections, blood infections, and meningitis. While these infections can affect individuals of any age, they are particularly prevalent and severe among older adults.
As the CDC notes, “Lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination gives more adults the opportunity to protect themselves from pneumococcal disease at the age when risk of infection substantially increases.”
With this adjustment, adults aged 50 and older are now encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers to ensure they are up to date with their pneumococcal vaccinations. The CDC emphasizes the importance of this proactive measure, stating, “Pneumococcal bacteria can cause serious illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, and older adults are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.”
Pneumococcal disease can manifest in various ways, from mild infections to life-threatening illnesses. The common forms include:
- Pneumonia: A severe lung infection that can cause difficulty breathing, chest pain, and fever.
- Sinusitis and Ear Infections: Often occurring after a cold, these infections can lead to pain and complications if untreated.
- Meningitis: An inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which can be life-threatening.
- Bloodstream Infections: Can result in sepsis, a potentially fatal condition.
The earlier individuals receive their vaccinations, the better equipped they are to fend off these potentially severe illnesses, the CDC stresses.
Consult with a healthcare provider to discuss vaccination options and ensure your immunization schedule is up to date.
New Study Challenges Myths About Gout, Finding Genetics as a Major Cause
A groundbreaking international study has revealed that gout is primarily a chronic illness influenced by genetics, rather than just about lifestyle choices. This research, led by the University of Otago in New Zealand, sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding this painful condition, which is known to be typically aggravated by too much read meat and alcohol, particularly beer.
Gout is a type of arthritis characterized by sudden and severe attacks of pain, swelling, and redness in the joints, often affecting the big toe. It occurs when there are high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can form crystals in the joints, leading to intense inflammation and discomfort.
The genome-wide association study, published in Nature Genetics, analyzed the genetic information of 2.6 million individuals worldwide. A significant portion of the data — about 75 percent — was sourced from participants of 23andMe, Inc., a company specializing in direct-to-consumer genetic testing.
The researchers discovered that inherited genetics plays a crucial role in determining who develops gout. This challenges the common belief that lifestyle and diet are the primary culprits behind the condition.
Professor Tony Merriman, the senior author from Otago’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology, emphasizes the importance of these findings in combating the stigma associated with gout. “Gout is a chronic disease with a genetic basis and is not the fault of the sufferer. We need to debunk the myth that it is solely caused by lifestyle or diet,” he said in a prepared statement.
This misconception often leads to feelings of shame for those affected, causing many to suffer in silence instead of seeking medical help, the researchers point out. Mr. Merriman urges that while certain dietary factors—like consuming red meat—can trigger gout attacks, the root cause lies in high urate levels, the formation of crystals in the joints, and an immune system response that targets these crystals. Genetics significantly influences all these factors.
The researchers emphasize that understanding the genetic basis of gout helps to remove the stigma — but also highlights the importance of seeking medical advice for preventive treatment that can reduce urate levels in the blood and reduce associated pain.
NIH Clinical Trial Aims to Personalize Cancer Treatment for Patients with Cancers of the Blood, Bone Marrow
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has launched a new clinical trial focused on improving treatment options for individuals diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) -- aggressive cancers of the blood and bone marrow.
The trial, the Myeloid Malignancies Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice (myeloMATCH), is funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of NIH. Researchers seek to explore innovative treatment combinations that specifically target genetic changes in cancer cells.
According to W. Kimryn Rathmell, M.D., director of NCI, in a statement: “By making these trials available to patients across the country, we aim to bring advanced science directly to their communities and ensure that what we learn can help future patients.”
AML and MDS are complex cancers that can progress rapidly, making early and tailored treatments crucial. Richard F. Little, M.D., from the NCI emphasizes the importance of quickly identifying the specific subtype of cancer each patient has. “The goal of this trial, myeloMATCH, is to test targeted drug combinations and initiate treatment as soon as possible after diagnosis,” said Dr. Little in a statement
Here's how the trial works: Patients with newly diagnosed AML or MDS will first undergo rapid genetic testing of their tumor samples. This will help match them to specific treatment options based on the unique genetic features of their cancer. If a suitable targeted treatment is not available, they will receive standard care.
If the initial treatment successfully reduces the disease, further genetic testing will be conducted to identify the best next steps. As the disease diminishes, researchers will use advanced tools to pinpoint the most effective treatments for any remaining cancer cells.
This trial represents a significant step toward more personalized and effective cancer treatments, potentially offering hope to many facing these challenging diagnoses.
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