Obesity 'contagious', experts say

"Having a friend, sibling or spouse who is overweight raises a person's risk of being obese too, US researchers say. They said data on more than 12,000 people suggested the risk was increased by 57% if a friend was obese, by 40% if a sibling was and 37% if a spouse was. They...

Devils find Sanctuary

Tasmanian devils — the marsupial made famous as a snarling cartoon character named Taz — are being relocated to an island off Australia to avert their extinction by a contagious cancer. Some scientists fear the move could endanger rare birds and other animals on the...

Stomach virus likely caused Olive Garden illnesses

"A contagious stomach virus is likely to blame for sickening about 370 people who ate at an Olive Garden restaurant in Indianapolis last week, a county health official said on Monday.Stool tests of three Olive Garden employees and one customer were positive for a norovirus, a...

Key Facts About Flu Vaccine

"The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent this illness is by getting a flu vaccination each fall."

South Korea confirms bird flu outbreak

"SEOUL (AFP) - South Korea has confirmed its first bird flu outbreak in three years after a strain of the avian virus was found in tests on dead birds. "Tests conducted by the National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service confirmed a bird flu outbreak caused by the...

Flu and flu jabs

"What is flu? Influenza is a highly contagious virus infection affecting the respiratory system. What are the symptoms? Symptoms begin after an incubation period of one to four days and include: * a high temperature up to 390C (1030F) * headache * loss of...