Infectious Diseases

This section is devoted to communicable diseases that are transmitted in a specific way, whether through human contact, contaminated food, viruses, bacteria, or insect bites.



Shiitake mushrooms are believed to have numerous health properties, not the least of which is the strengthening of the immune system. They contain a compound that have been shown in numerous animal studies to boost the immune system. Researchers believe there may be positive benefits in patients with AIDS and other infectious diseases, though much research still needs to be done. Until the verdict is in, it can't hurt to add shiitake mushrooms to one's daily menu. They can be used in everything from soups to pasta dishes and make each dish a little bit more interesting.


Infectious Disease News
New Single Pill for AIDS
July 8, 2006 11:01 AM
The first complete treatment for AIDS that is taken once a day as a single pill is expected to be available soon. The pill, which combines three drugs made by two companies, would be a ...
Bird Flu in Spain
July 8, 2006 07:40 AM
Spain has recorded its first case of H5N1 bird flu, the Agriculture Ministry said Friday. The deadly strain was found in a water fowl in a marsh area outside the northern city of Vitoria. (seattlepi.com) ...
New Drug For HIV Approved by FDA
June 25, 2006 08:26 AM
A new drug to treat HIV won federal approval Friday. The Food and Drug Administration said it approved Prezista for the treatment of the human immunodeficiency virus. The drug is the first approved HIV medication ...
Bird Flu Virus Mutation
June 23, 2006 09:30 PM
The World Health Organization has detailed the first evidence that a person likely caught the bird flu virus from a human, then passed a slightly mutated version to another person. But experts said Friday the ...
Malaria Outbreak in Bahamas
June 20, 2006 09:12 AM
Authorities in the Bahamas said Monday they would spray areas around the island chain's capital and in a southern island in a bid to contain a malaria outbreak that has sickened 16 people, including an ...
Bird Flu in Canada
June 17, 2006 10:50 AM
A case of H5 avian flu has been detected in a gosling from a small backyard flock in the western end of Prince Edward Island. Further testing on the bird will be conducted over the ...