RSV Vaccine Was Highly Effective in First Year of Use, Study Shows
A new study shows that the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine was highly effective at preventing hospitalization in older adults in its first year of use. In the summer of 2023, the US government approved the first ever vaccines against RSV based on clinical trials demonstrating its safety and effectiveness. A full year of data have confirmed these findings; Older adults who were vaccinated had a 75% lower risk of hospitalization from the virus than those who didn’t receive the shot.
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Climate Change Fueling Surge of Valley Fever Cases, New Study Suggests
Climate Change may be driving an increase in Valley Fever infections. In the Western US, more frequent and extreme droughts are leading to a long-term increase in a fungi called Coccidioides, which causes Valley Fever. In California the number of Valley Fever infections tripled between 2014–2018 and tripled again from 2018–2022. Since the fungus enters the body by breathing in the spores, Valley Fever starts in the lungs and can cause severe damage. The fungus can then travel throughout the body including bones, skin and brain.
