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Health Blog

Welcome to the ongoing series of blog posts from UTMB Health focusing on key aspects of maintaining your health

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Cervical cancer 101 with Houston Moms

From screening measures to treatment options and prevention methods, Dr. Marisol Carpio-Solis shared everything she knows about cervical cancer during a recent conversation with our partners with Houston Moms.

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RSV immunizations - a chat with Houston Moms

From what babies are eligible for the monoclonal antibody immunization, to how it differs from the option for pregnant women, Dr. Manuela Murray shares all the information about the recently approved RSV injections.

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A breakdown of the newly approved RSV immunizations

Throughout 2023, three injections offering protection against RSV were approved. Learn more about each type and what, if any, might be right for you and your loved ones.

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The cumulative effect of annual flu shots

Did you know annual flu shots can have a cumulative effect that can protect you beyond the current flu season? Pediatrician Dr. Manuela Murray shares her first-hand experience with the proven theory.

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Respiratory viruses and back-to-school

Communities in the area are seeing an uptick in individuals with COVID-19, and with that experts are reminding it's not too soon to think about other respiratory illnesses like the flu and RSV.

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Back-to-school immunizations

Pediatrician Dr. Lee Elam offers a high-level breakdown of some of the typical vaccinations needed throughout childhood.

COVID vaccine can decrease chances of developing long COVID

There is a myriad of symptoms people describe following COVID. Many complain of brain fog and fatigue. Other common symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fast heart rate, diarrhea, lightheadedness, depression and persistent loss of taste or smell. This list is far from comprehensive, as many experiences other symptoms as well.

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Researchers working on effective CMV vaccine

Developing a vaccine against cytomegalovirus (CMV) is right at the top of researchers’ priority list. However, most people have never heard of the virus.

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Now Medicare Part D covers vaccines at no cost

The new year is starting strong with the news that those with Medicare Part D may receive all recommended vaccines without paying a dime.

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Odds are your holiday meal was vaccinated

Unless you are vegan, odds are that your holiday meal was vaccinated. Whether you had prime rib, a Christmas ham or a turkey with all its fixings, vaccination was involved. Even the whipped cream on the pumpkin pie came from a vaccinated dairy cow. While most of us appreciate the role vaccines play in keeping us and our pets healthy, few recognize the major role vaccines play in our food supply.

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Be aware: COVID is not done with us yet

People are sick of hearing about COVID. So are we! But the truth is, the virus is not sick of us, and it’s not going anywhere. There has been nearly a 30 percent increase in COVID hospitalizations among elderly adults in the past two weeks. You should be aware of new information.

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Buckle up: Flu season fast approaching

This winter, we may have a "twin-demic” of both COVID and flu filling hospital beds and clinics. It is important that people receive their influenza vaccination to keep this from happening.

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Certain flu shots can better protect older adults

Flu is ripping through our community. Now is the time to get vaccinated! If you are an older adult, you should know that some flu vaccines offer you better protection than others.

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Third dose booster offers many benefits for children

Like many common vaccines, the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines should have been a three-dose series. The first two injections prime the immune system, and the third boosts it to provide a higher antibody response. In 5 to 11 year olds, the booster more than doubles the antibody levels found following the second dose. Additionally, boosting has been shown in other age groups to further improve the antibodies so that they better bind the virus and provide more protection against variants.

Health and wellness with UTMB Health and Houston Moms

Covid Vaccine and Kids 5+

Dr. Elizabeth Rodriguez Lien shares what parents need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine and the 5+ population.

We get it to help #fightflu/ National Influenza Vaccination Week: December 5-11

5 Myths About the Flu Vaccine

This week (Dec. 5-11) is National Influenza Vaccination Week, which is an annual observance to remind everyone six months of age and older to get their annual flu vaccine. We hear many myths about the flu vaccine, and we’re here to bust them.

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Get the Flu Shot and Fight Flu

It’s that time of year again—flu season. Getting the annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu.