KATU - News - Healthcast

Tamiflu-resistant swine flu cluster reported in NC

Health officials say four people in North Carolina have tested positive for a type of swine flu that's resistant to the drug Tamiflu. It's the first cluster of that many cases seen in the U.S.

Report: 20-somethings can go 2 years between Paps

New guidelines by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists say most women in their 20s can have a Pap smear every two years instead of annually to catch slow-growing cervical cancer.

Call the free Flu Hotline before you go to the doctor

Before you rush to the clinic or hospital, there's a simple call you can make. Oregon Public Health Flu Hotline (1-800-978-3040) now has nurses to talk to about symptoms, prevention advice, concerns about flu exposure, taking care of others and when to see a doctor.

Military experiment seeks to predict PTSD

The U.S. Marine Corps is conducting a military experiment to try to predict who's most at risk for post-traumatic stress disorder. Understanding underlying triggers might help reduce the burden of those who return psychologically wounded - if they can get early help.

FDA panel backs safety, benefits of Spiriva

Federal health experts on Thursday brushed off lingering safety questions about a popular inhaler drug and suggested it carry bolder benefit claims.

Experts say radical measures won't stop swine flu

Health experts say extraordinary measures against swine flu - most notably quarantines imposed by China, where entire planeloads of passengers were isolated if one traveler had symptoms - have failed to contain the disease.

Study: CT scans rule out heart attacks faster

CT scans are increasingly used to diagnose problems because they give a deep, detailed view inside the body. But they put out a lot of radiation, which may raise a person's chances of developing cancer.

Task force doctor stands by mammogram advice

A member of the independent panel whose new mammogram recommendations have led to confusion defended the task force's report, saying Thursday that it was based on the most up-to-date, accurate information available.

FDA panel backs Pfizer's enhanced vaccine for kids

Federal health experts said Wednesday an updated version of Pfizer's best-selling anti-infection vaccine is safe and effective for infants and toddlers, despite company studies that failed to meet certain goals.

Dead cat first confirmed feline fatality from H1N1

A cat that died Nov. 7 is the first feline fatality from H1N1 flu, tests have confirmed. The 10-year-old male cat was brought to the Animal Clinic in Lebanon on Nov. 4 with labored breathing. A member of the family had been sick with influenza-like illness a week earlier.