Marla Ahlgrimm: HIV and Hormones

HIV is a virus spread through sexual contact. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that it is a serious condition that affects the entire body, hormones included. Women are especially affected by hormone problems related to HIV.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, hormones are best considered chemical messengers. They are responsible for bouncing signals between organs, and they affect everything from metabolism to sex drive. When a woman contracts HIV, this can have a negative effect on hormone balance. Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA production are all affected by HIV and its more aggressive transformation AIDS.

Marla Ahlgrimm | It’s Flu Shot Season

Fall is gearing up and that means flu is on the way, says Marla Ahlgrimm. The retired pharmacist explains that now is the time to start thinking about getting your flu shot.

Q: What is the flu shot?

Marla Ahlgrimm: The flu shot is one of the most common vaccines in the United States. It is essentially an inactive form of the flu virus. Once injected into the body, your immune system reacts by producing antibodies that provide a significant amount of protection from influenza.