From Texas - Herpes zoster, more commonly known as shingles, may be linked to family history. Researchers examined over 1,000 patients that were treated between 1992 and 2005 and found that, of over 500 patients with shingles, 39% reported having a blood relative who had also suffered from the condition. The CDC has recommended the shingles vaccine Zostavax for those aged 60 and over.
From Washington - Teens that donate blood are more likely to suffer from complications than older donors. Researchers found that complications such as loss of consciousness or bruising occurred in 10.7% of donors aged 16 to 17, 8.3% of those aged 18 to 19, and only 2.8% of those aged 20 or older. It was also noted that 16-year old donors were 60% less likely to return to donate within 12 months if they experienced complications.
And finally, from Australia - Those suffering from sleep apnea are more likely to experience heart problems during air travel. Researchers placed 22 patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea in an aircraft simulation, compared them to 10 healthy subjects, and found that half of the subjects with OSA experienced higher oxygen uptake and heart rates. The researchers stressed that OSA is becoming more common due to increasing rates of obesity in the U.S.
For Insidermedicine in 60, I’m Davin Johnson.
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