Flu-Linked Brain Swelling Is Rare in Kids, But It Can Be Fatal

A life-threatening condition involving out-of-control brain swelling can occur in kids who are battling the flu, but it’s extremely rare. 

A review of recent cases highlights the importance of quick diagnosis and aggressive treatment to saving the lives of kids with the condition, called influenza-associated acute necrotizing en...

Bans on Flavored Vapes Have Pros And Cons, Study Finds

State bans on enticing flavors of e-cigarettes bring real benefits in terms of lowering vaping among adults of any age, new research finds.

But it points to a downside, too: A slowdown in statewide declines of cigarette smoking after flavored vapes were banned. 

“Both e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes are essentially...

How Old Is Your Heart? It Could Be Aging Faster Than You Are

Researchers who’ve developed a new “heart age” calculator say many Americans have unhealthy hearts that are physiologically older than their chronological age, with men faring worse than women.

The research team theorizes that telling folks their heart age might help spur them to healthier lifestyles and treatment.

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U.S. Senate Confirms Infection Expert as New CDC Director

After months with an appointed caretaker, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finally has an official director.

Dr. Susan Monarez, who became the agency’s acting director in March after anti-vaccine skepticism tanked President Donald Trump’s original nominee for the post, was confirmed Tuesday in a 52-47 S...

EPA Moves to Cancel Key Climate Regulations That Limit Pollution

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is looking to remove the legal underpinning for most regulations against climate change.

If approved, the EPA’s proposal would rescind the 2009 decision that set forth a legal basis to regulate greenhouse gases as pollutants. Known as the "endangerment finding," it allowed the EPA to lim...

Wisconsin Reports First West Nile Virus Case of the Year

Health officials have confirmed Wisconsin’s first human case of West Nile virus in 2025.

The case was found in Barron County, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) said. Mosquitoes collected in both Milwaukee and Lafayette counties have also tested positive for the virus.

"The first detections of West Nile virus thi...