A city in eastern China recently enacted a policy regarding stray dogs that may have a tremendous influence on the relatively high rabies rate for the region. Unfortunately, the new policy already earned serious criticism from locals. The enforcement methods used for the changes are highly concerning to many dog owners.

Hangzhou authorities announced in mid-November 2018 that new rules would go in effect for dog ownership.

The news came shortly after the city banned 34 breeds of canines, which also caused fear and frustration.

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Every year it’s recommended that all individuals receive the influenza vaccination. The flu shot offers protection against specific strains of that season’s virus.

But, along with flu prevention, the vaccine may improve health in other areas. Recent studies have shown that this vaccine is especially important to individuals with a history of heart problems.

These heart problems could include heart failure, heart disease, or even a stroke.

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In the early 1900s, rabies killed over 100 people each year. Now, the CDC states that only one to three deaths occur annually here in the United States.

Today, it’s mandatory that all dogs in the U.S., including household pets and strays, receive the rabies vaccine. Animal Control may not administer the vaccine, but the shelters that accept the strays are required to give the shot upon intake. Many expect that step to virtually eradicate rabies across the country.

In January 2017, a woman from Virginia attended a Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh, India, as noted by the CDC. Unbeknownst to her, she contracted rabies when a stray puppy bit her. Instead of seeking medical attention for the bite, she rinsed the wound with water. The report didn’t say when the woman was bitten, but when she returned home a few months later, she began experiencing some symptoms. These included flu-like symptoms, pain, and tingling in her right arm, and other signs mimicking a panic attack.

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Outbreaks around the world have made it clear that meningitis is a higher risk for college students. Now, a new study shows that this is particularly true for the meningitis B strain.

The new study points out a variety of reason for the increased risk in this one group. The difference between the main meningitis vaccine and immunizations for the B strain appears to be a major cause.

The standard meningitis vaccine that nearly all college students receive protects against four serogroups: A, C, W and Y. The vaccine to protect against serogroup B was only made available in recent years. Without a chance to get the vaccine as a child, many college-age students never received the meningitis B vaccine.

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Hepatitis B, a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, can range from a mild illness (acute HBV) to a more serious, lifelong illness (chronic HBV). There has been an available vaccine for hepatitis B since 1982.

Despite this, the number of deaths from viral hepatitis rose to 1.4 million worldwide in 2016. That number surpasses the deaths from tuberculosis, HIV or malaria respectively. The HBV infection can be prevented by vaccination in early childhood. Once infected, it can even be treated with the same antiretroviral drugs used against HIV.

Although, there is still a stigma surrounding the disease that leaves millions around the globe unvaccinated, untreated, or suffering in silence.

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