Health Headlines: Wealthy Kids More Likely to have Peanut Allergies

Women who had the flu while pregnant were twice as likely to have a child later diagnosed with autism, according to a new study of 96,000 children in Denmark. Even worse, pregnant women that had a fever lasting a week or longer were three times more likely to have their child diagnosed with autism. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism spectrum disorder affects one in 88 children, including about one in 54 boys. [NBC News]

Children from wealthy families may be more likely to have peanut allergies than those less well-off, according to a new study presented this week at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Researchers analyzed blood samples from 8,306 children and adults. Study researcher Dr. Sandy Yip, of the U.S. Air Force says that the study supports the hygiene hypothesis, which is the idea that living in a cleaner environment may make people’s immune systems more sensitive, and increase the prevalence of allergies. [Health News Daily]

The Los Angeles City Council wants residents to go vegetarian on Mondays. The council voted unanimously 12 to 0 to ask residents to pledge to remove meat from their diets on Mondays. Highly doubtful something like that would pass in Boston, but if you are a vegetarian student, here is where to eat on campus. [LA Times]

Nearly 16,000 adults a year in the United States have genital injuries that can be caused by shaving, sports equipment, falling off  furniture, or even sex toys. According to a new study published in the Journal of Urology, genital injuries are more common than dental injuries. [ABC News]

Arthritis pain left untreated in one joint can eventually hurt the entire body, according to a new study presented at the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting this week. When osteoarthritis progresses to multiple joints it can trigger pain everywhere from head to toe. New research finds the pain can be relieved by treating it with muscle relaxants and antidepressants. [USA Today]