Dr. Susan Sharma: This is insidermedicine in 60. From Atlanta, an aggressive and sometimes lethal strain of the cold virus is emerging. The virus AD14 is a strain of adenovirus, a group of 50+ viruses that can cause colds, gastroenteritis and pink eye. While adenoviral infections are usually mild, this particular strain causes severe pneumonia and in some cases death.
From Los Angeles, while popular TV shows glamorize plastic surgery, it is important to remember that surgery carries risk. The recent death of rapper Kanye West's mother appears to be related to complications following plastic surgery. Over 11 million plastic surgeries were performed last year and the risk of death from liposuction may be as high as 20 per 100,000 cases. The risk of dying from a car crash is 16 per 100,000.
From San Francisco, using cigarettes of decreasing nicotine levels may help smokers quit. A study of 20 smokers showed that those who smoked cigarettes of gradually decreasing nicotine ended up smoking 40% fewer cigarettes. In addition, 25% of smokers quit following the study.
And finally from Suffolk, another outbreak of the bird flu is suspected at a second UK farm located a few miles from the original case. Officials arrived at the Grove farm to start culling over 5000 turkeys but noted that some were already dead. Officials are urging poultry keepers to practice the highest levels of biosecurity. For insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.
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