Respiratory Illnesses, Vaccination Trends, and Advances in Gastroenterology
Morning Medical with Dr. Chow
A daily update covering the latest medical & health news from around the world using artificial intelligence. Doctor Chi-Ming Chow is a family physician, general internist, and cardiologist. He is also a Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto.
Chi-Ming Chow
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Respiratory Illnesses, Vaccination Trends, and Advances in Gastroenterology

E413 • Apr 17, 2026 • 17 mins

In this episode, Dr. Chi-Ming Chow addresses the increasing respiratory illnesses in Canada and the concerning decline in vaccination rates. He provides updates in the fields of gastroenterology and hepatology, focusing on colorectal cancer screening and hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance. Dr. Chow examines liver transplant outcomes and recent advances in IBD treatment. The episode also highlights the approval of Neffy for allergic reactions and the impact of "office air" on appearance and well-being. Additionally, Dr. Chow explores the role of conversational AI in mental health support. He concludes with a wrap-up of these key health topics.

Key Points

  • Hospitalizations for respiratory illnesses in Canada remain high, with COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus significantly contributing to the burden on healthcare systems.
  • The approval of Neffy, a needle-free nasal spray for allergic reactions, offers a promising alternative to traditional epinephrine autoinjectors, potentially increasing patient comfort and compliance.
  • A study on conversational artificial intelligence for mental health support in college students showed modest improvements in anxiety and depression scores, highlighting its potential as a scalable and accessible mental health resource.
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