In the News – Swine Flu and Alopecia Areata Linked?

Snippet from the article:

Here’s a reason to get your flu shot that you probably haven’t considered: infection with H1N1 may trigger baldness in a small number of people.

A new report from Japan suggests a link between alopecia areata, a condition in which patches of hair fall out, and swine flu (H1N1). The researchers report that seven patients experienced hair loss one to four months after developing the illness.

Read the rest — H1N1 May Cause Baldness

Apparently 7 patients with H1N1 (swine flu) saw hair loss, and although this is an extremely small number of patients to make a link, it’s worth exploring further. The exact cause of alopecia areata remains unknown, so finding even casual links could possibly lead to new information and perhaps even treatments.