Top health stories from around the web this week: 23 September 2013
International health news
- “Dramatic” drop in HIV infections – The number of AIDS-related deaths and HIV infections has fallen globally from 2.3 million in 2005 to 1.6 million today.
- Global crisis linked to suicide rise – Experts say the recent world economic situation could be linked to a rise in suicide rates in Europe and North America.
- Universal flu vaccine close – Seasonal flu vaccines quickly become outdated, scientists think they have developed the first universal flu vaccine blueprint.
Health advice
- Avoid these cities if you have autumn allergies! – The ten worst U.S. cities for autumn allergies have been published, with several in Tennessee making the list.
Country health alerts
- UK: Debate on hospital staff wearing full-face veils – NHS hospitals are asked to have clear guidelines in place for Muslim employees who may wish to wear a niqab.
- Austria: Holy water contains E.coli – 85% of holy water in fonts and springs is contaminated say researchers, with hospital chapels being the worst.
- Mexico: Obese yet still starving – Despite having the highest obesity rates of the high-population countries, large numbers of Mexicans are struggling to find food.