Category Archives: Health

Doctors say flu starting to hit adults as hospitalization rates of seniors climb

Doctors say influenza spread is starting to hit older adults as surveillance levels indicate the hospitalization rate of seniors is not that far behind that of children. Data from the Public Health Agency of Canada for the week ending Nov. 26 show that children under five still made up the highest number of hospitalized flu […]

WHO: COVID disruption resulted in 63,000 more malaria deaths

The coronavirus pandemic interrupted efforts to control malaria, resulting in 63,000 additional deaths and 13 million more infections globally over two years, according to a report from the World Health Organization published Thursday. Cases of the parasitic disease went up in 2020 and continued to climb in 2021, though at a slower pace, the U.N. […]

‘Supplies are tight’: Canadian Blood Services concerned about current inventory

OTTAWA – Canadian Blood Services says it’s been successful in attracting new donors, but a slew of unfilled or cancelled appointments over the past few months has left the blood supply lower than it would like. The organization set an ambitious goal in June of attracting 100,000 new donors to address its smallest donor base […]

Flu vaccination rates not high enough, doctors say, as pediatric hospitals fill up

TORONTO – Despite the ongoing crush of sick children straining Canadian hospitals — many of them suffering from the flu — not enough people are getting vaccinated against the virus, doctors say. The Canadian Press asked health ministries and departments in every province and territory to provide their most up-to-date flu vaccine uptake numbers. Among […]

Organic livestock farmers, hit by rising prices, seek help

WHITINGHAM, Vt. (AP) — Organic dairy and other livestock farmers are seeking emergency federal aid as they grapple with skyrocketing organic feed costs, steep fuel and utility expenses as well as the consequences of drought in many parts of the country. Two dozen U.S. senators and representatives wrote to U.S. Agriculture Department Secretary Tom Vilsack […]

Explainer: What flu strain is circulating now and why so many kids are getting sick

TORONTO – The flu has returned with a vengeance after being absent for a couple of years during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s hitting children especially hard. Here’s what doctors say is happening, and why. What flu strains are we seeing this flu season? Based on predictions from the World Health Organization on what strains would […]

Children’s medicine shortage hits U.S. as flu season picks up

Caring for sick children has become extra stressful recently for many U.S. parents due to shortages of Children’s Tylenol and other medicines. Doctors and other experts say the problem could persist through the winter cold-and-flu season but should not last as long as other recent shortages of baby formula or prescription drugs. They also say […]

What fertility treatment coverage is offered by Canada’s provinces and territories

Seven provinces provide various forms of financial help for people needing treatment for infertility — Ontario funds one IVF cycle for women up to age 42. There is no limit on age or the number of treatment cycles for intrauterine insemination (IUI). The province does not cover medications, which it says are about $5,000 per […]