My November reminder… don’t forget your seasonal flu vaccine (and consider a fresh Covid vaccine).
And speaking of preventive health… not only is it November, but it is, again, MOVEMBER!
I again, to the delight of my wife, am growing my “mo” in support of men’s health and the (founded in Australia!) non-profit, Movember.
Back story? Back in 2014, both of my boys played football at Sacred Heart Prep, and we were having quite a season. What started with “no shave November” turned into a mustache challenge: make the finals, and I’ll shave and craft a stylish handlebar mustache! Did I mention that I was the team doctor? So I give myself way too much credit, but the next challenge had to do with getting to the championships, and as they say, the rest is history (and historically awful facial hair!). SHP went undefeated, and we were Open Division champions. I got my “ring”, and I kicked off my “Movember” Men’s Health fundraising career.
So here we are, 11 years later…
Please consider making a donation on my personal page.
Or sponsor one of the other TVD Mo’s.
(Interested in joining Team TVD and growing your Mo? Let me know!)
In (men’s) health (well, this month),
Eric
Eric Weiss, MD, DTM&H, November 2025
Why Your Child Needs a Flu Vaccine Every Year
As the 2024–25 flu season unfolded, the burden on children was heavy. Early CDC data show that among children aged 6 months to 17 years, this season’s flu vaccine reduced outpatient visits for influenza by about 32% to 60%, and lowered the risk of hospitalization by 63% to 78%. These numbers show that even when the viruses circulating in the community shift and evolve, the flu vaccine continues to provide meaningful protection — keeping more kids healthy and out of the hospital.
Rapamycin, Miracle Drug?
Rapamycin, also known as sirolimus, has some unique features that make it noteworthy. It not only works against fungi, but also has a strong impact on the immune system. In 1999, the FDA approved its use in organ transplants, and it is also used on arterial stents to prevent blood clots.
I never cease to be impressed by the breadth of talent on Team TVD.
Many of you know that our very own Dr. Alan Spira is, in addition to being a fine and caring physician, a black belt martial artist, a veteran, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine, an acupuncturist, and an author, he is also an accomplished artist!
Most recently, his piece, titled “Wuhu on the Yangtze” (acrylic, 16×20), was accepted to exhibit in the Pacific Art League’s Anniversary Exhibition. The exhibition will run from November (sorry, Movember) 14th through January 13, 2026, in Palo Alto.
Please join me in celebrating Alan at the opening reception on Friday, November 14th. Note, there is no charge, but you are asked to RSVP here.
Congratulations, Alan, you never fail to surprise.
Lastly this, TVD Newsletter is a labor of love. If you enjoy reading this, please share widely! Was this forwarded to you by a friend? Please subscribe here.
Yours, in health,
Eric and the TVD MD team…
The information contained in this newsletter is provided for general informational and education purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare provider to discuss whether any treatment, medication, or information is appropriate for you, and for guidance on any emerging updates in care. Never disregard or delay seeking medical advice based on the information provided here.
