It’s cold and flu season, and most of us will encounter a virus at some point. So, how does our immune system work to keep us healthy? According to Michaela Gack, PhD, Scientific Director of the Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center, once we fight off a virus, our immune system does its best to protect us from a second infection. “Whenever we have a second infection, these antibodies can be produced and thereby protect us but there are some limitations,” said Dr. Gack. “It only works if it’s the same virus or very similar virus.”

The CDC reports there’s been an increase in cases of ‘walking pneumonia’ among young children, which is sure to have some parents concerned. “Right now, we are seeing a lot of all different types of pneumonia. There’s bacterial, viral and what we call atypical pneumonia. Walking pneumonia usually refers to an atypical pneumonia, and we're certainly seeing a lot more of that, but walking pneumonia can be different things,” explained Camille Sabella, MD, pediatric infectious disease specialist for Cleveland Clinic Children’s. “It's usually not your standard bacterial pneumonia. Walking pneumonia is usually caused by something called mycoplasma pneumonia, but it can also be very similar to viral pneumonias as well.” 

Doctors urging parents to get their children the recommended vaccination to prevent the possible spread of preventable diseases.  

A new Cleveland Clinic study found that having a history of COVID-19 can double a person’s long-term risk for heart attack, stroke, and even death. “There were several surprising findings about this study,” said Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD, cardiologist for Cleveland Clinic. “First, just having a COVID-19 positive test, a PCR positive test, results in at least a two-fold increase in risk. And this risk doesn't show any sign of attenuation. That was a surprising part. As far out as follow-up data was available, which is three years of follow-up, the heightened risk remains.” Dr. Hazen said they also discovered that the long-term risk for cardiac issues increased if the person was hospitalized for COVID-19. In fact, their risk was comparable to someone who had a heart attack before. So, what does all of this mean?

August 27, 2024, Press Release from Mercy Health: LIMA, OHIO (August 27, 2024) – As a new school year begins and students prepare to hit the books, their parents are bracing for the inevitable wave of back-to-school germs. Classrooms and extracurricular activities can be breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses, making it crucial for parents to take proactive steps to fight illnesses.

July 29, 2024, Press Release from Allen County Public Health: Allen County Public Health (ACPH) is pleased to announce that individuals with Medicare Part D coverage can receive vaccinations from ACPH with no out-of-pocket expenses. Vaccines that are covered with no out-of-pocket costs include all adult vaccines that are recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices including RSV, Shingles, Tdap and vaccines recommended for international travel. Previously ACPH individuals getting vaccinated with Medicare Part D coverage were required to pay for vaccinations and seek reimbursement or individuals were referred to pharmacies to obtain these vaccinations.

(CLEVELAND CLINIC) - With the new year underway, now is a good time for parents to check with their pediatrician about childhood immunizations.

Allen County, OH (WLIO) - Allen County Public Health is reporting an increase in both COVID and Flu cases in the area. Recent numbers show tha…

Ohio Lawmakers are not going to make the COVID vaccine part of the required vaccinations for children.   They believe is should be the parents choice if they want their kids to get the vaccine or not.