Tonsillectomy just as safe for adults as kids

A new study offers reassurance for adults who need to have their tonsils removed — the procedure has low complication and low death rates.

Tonsil removal (tonsillectomy) is a common type of surgery, but there is little information about the safety of the operation in adults, the researchers noted. The new study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery.

Hand washing, zinc may ward off colds

The cold season is in full swing, with everyone swearing by their own methods for avoiding infection or treating themselves should they get sick.

Now, a new review published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) finds that some methods seem to work better than others, namely hand washing and zinc supplements for prevention of a cold, and decongestants and pain relievers for treatment.