09/11/2011

GENETICS OF FLU IN CAMBODIA
Flu experts around the world are planning for the possibility of a global flu pandemic. Flu is seasonal – and many people succumb to the infection every year. But when flu is caught from an animal – like a bird or pig – it can be much more dangerous. Luckily bird flu has so far shown a very limited ability to pass from human to human. New research reveals that a young Cambodian boy and his teacher were found to have two strains of flu at the same time. Neither was bird flu and the two viruses didn’t combine. But scientists are worried about what might happen if they did.

MAPPING FLU
As well as analysing strains of flu for any genetic changes, researchers are also trying to track the spread of infection. And this week a Europe-wide flu survey has gone live – to monitor the health of people across the continent. The public is being asked to note any symptoms – as well as how long their illness lasts and whether they previously had a flu jab.

LINK BETWEEN DIABETES AND TB
There’s news of the curious link between two medical conditions - why is it that people with diabetes are three times more likely to develop TB?

HEALTH MYTH - SUGAR AND WIND
And – a delicate question – is it true that sugar causes wind?