Doctor with patient

Health Blog

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

Medical Minute - Aortic Stenosis

Learn more about aortic stenosis, symptoms and UTMB Health's care plan with this Medical Minute.

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What to know about pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccines

Much more is known about COVID-19 and pregnancy now that we’re a year into the pandemic. Fortunately, in the majority of cases, SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy turns out well. COVID-19 can be worsened, however, by the extra work of breathing and stress on the heart that occur with pregnancy.

two children wearing glasses

Vision Care for Pediatric and Special Needs Patients

A common saying is to “try to see the world through the eyes of a child.” Children have the amazing ability to show authenticity, vulnerability, laughter, tears, and adaptability in almost any situation. They also experience a great deal of development in both vision and cognitive skills from year to year.

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Sore lymph nodes and itchy splotches — is this normal?

We’ve received many questions from readers anxious about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Several questioned reactions they experienced after receiving their shot. I hope our responses help answer the questions you may have as well.

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Here are answers to a few of your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine

We’ve received many questions from readers anxious about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Several questioned if they should be vaccinated at all while others wondered if they need to continue wearing masks once vaccinated. I hope our responses help answer the questions you may have as well.

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Benefits outweigh risks of COVID-19 vaccines

Texans are lining up to receive their COVID-19 vaccine and many more are patiently waiting their turn. The good news is that while COVID-19 can be life-threatening, the only medical risk to vaccination is for those with a history of allergic reactions to these vaccines or their ingredients.

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Which COVID-19 vaccine should you get?

In front of the press, President-elect Joe Biden rolled up his sleeve for the Pfizer vaccine and Dr. Anthony Fauci for the Moderna vaccine. While some tried to read something into their choices, these vaccination events were likely arranged to instill public trust in both vaccines. Regardless, the public wants to know which vaccine is best.

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When will it be my turn to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

It’s music to many physicians’ ears to hear people clamoring for their COVID-19 vaccine. The virus has damaged the economy and taken far too many lives. A year ago, it was unbelievable that effective, safe vaccines could be delivered in less than a year from the first identification of a new pathogen.

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Here are some answers about new COVID-19 vaccines

Two COVID-19 vaccines have received Emergency Use Authorization in the United States. They’re commonly referred to as the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Both are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and use a technology developed over the last decade.

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'Immunity passport' might be our ticket back to normal

The fantastic news about the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines has led many to ask when things will return to normal.

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Treatment for Overactive Bladder Patients

Overactive bladder (OAB) affects almost 50 percent of women in the United States, presenting as urinary urgency and frequency, with or without urinary leakage.

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Spinal Stenosis: Is an Operation Worth Considering?

Spinal stenosis, a very common neurosurgical condition, can be associated with spondylosis, ligamentous hypertrophy, and disc osteophyte complexes. Stenosis often presents as myelopathy (compression on the spinal cord) or radiculopathy (compression on the nerve root).

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Volunteers to purposefully get COVID-19 to help you

It may seem crazy, but in some clinical trials volunteers are purposely infected with diseases like the flu, cholera and malaria. These types of trials are referred to as challenge studies.