When Is a Pandemic No Longer a Pandemic?

Streptococcus pneumoniae (known as “pneumococcus“) is a bacteria that causes diseases such as middle ear infections, pneumonia, meningitis and septicaemia.  It can cause fatal disease if not treated early enough with effective antibiotics. WHO estimate that around half a million lives are lost due to this bacteria each year. It is the leading cause of … More When Is a Pandemic No Longer a Pandemic?

Pandemic Proportions

More than 200 respiratory viruses are responsible for what is colloquially called “the common cold”. All of them are seasonal to some degree. Enveloped viruses (so called because they are surrounded by an envelope of lipid) peak in winter because the cold dry air provides an optimal environment for viral transmission. Heat, humidity and possibly … More Pandemic Proportions