Latest from Amina Zafar
Why higher measles vaccination coverage matters so much now
Measles is so infectious that when under-vaccinated individuals mingle, they'll always be at risk. That's why public health officials across Canada stress the importance of high vaccination rates amid backsliding and growing outbreaks.
Astronauts' 9-month stay in space could help with healthier mission to Mars
As astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams acclimatize to Earth, the effects of being stranded in space for nine months, and their recovery, will give scientists a chance to improve preparations for long distance flights.
Second Opinion
A play-by-play of how measles outbreaks can spiral out of control
As measles infections tick up and up across multiple provinces, local public health alerts of new cases come with detailed descriptions of the person's whereabouts before they were diagnosed. Here's why the dates and times matter to control the contagious illness.
Do I need a measles vaccine dose? What to know
Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a highly contagious virus that's more infectious than influenza, chickenpox or COVID-19.
Use of psychedelics is on the rise in Canada. Doctors are starting to look at long-term risks, benefits
People who take prohibited psychedelics like psilocybin or LSD and go to the emergency department for care show a higher risk of death within five years compared with Canada's general population, a new study suggests.
Dramatic measles outbreaks worry health officials
There have been 95 measles cases reported in Canada so far this year — with Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba reporting new cases in the last week, says Canada's chief public health officer.
U.S. hasn't sent essential seasonal flu data to WHO ahead of key vaccine meeting
Seasonal flu vaccines need to be updated each year because the virus changes so frequently. But the U.S. hasn't contributed its information on what's spreading there since January, a World Health Organization official says.
Canada buys 500,000 doses of H5N1 avian influenza vaccine for those most at risk
The Public Health Agency of Canada said Wednesday it's purchased 500,000 doses of a human vaccine to protect against avian influenza for those most at risk from being exposed to the virus by infected animals.
Why so many people in Canada seem to be sick right now
You may be seeing and hearing a lot of people coughing around you right now as the Public Health Agency of Canada has said influenza is widespread in many parts of the country.
Second Opinion
A way out of the family doctor shortage? Shift training, say medical school deans
Deans from Canada's three new programs for family medicine focus on meeting increased demand through team-based care and early exposure.