Latest KFF Health News Stories
Opinion writers weigh in on public health topics stemming from the pandemic.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Temperature Check: Tips For Tracking A Key Symptom Of Coronavirus Contagion
Taking one’s temperature is not as easy as it sounds. For one reporter, the first challenge was finding a thermometer.
‘Essential’ Or Not, These Workers Report For Duty
In Los Angeles County and beyond, people continue to toil through the coronavirus pandemic, often in positions that put them in constant contact with the public. Many are low-wage workers who can’t afford to stop working.
California’s New Attack On Opioid Addiction Hits Old Roadblocks
State officials in California have achieved some success in promoting the use of medication-assisted treatment for people with opioid addictions, but they are bumping up against familiar resistance and constraints.
Analysis: He Got Tested For Coronavirus. Then Came The Flood Of Medical Bills.
Hidden costs for ER visits and other fees could cost people thousands of dollars.
With Coronavirus Rare In Rural Florida, Experts Dispute Way Forward
At least 30 states have issued statewide stay-at-home orders. Florida, one of the eight states with the highest number of COVID-19 cases recorded so far, is the only one in that group not to have such an order.
Blood Centers Will Collect Plasma From COVID-19 Survivors In Bid For Treatment
New guidelines issued Tuesday could speed a century-old therapy to those critically ill with the pandemic virus.
Perspectives: COVID-19 Vaccine Might Be Worth Government Turning A Blind Eye To Pharma Profits
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Pre-Term Birth Drug Calls Into Question FDA’s Prolific Use Of Expedited Approval Process
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical development and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Sheltered At Home, Families Broach End-Of-Life Planning
Barbara Dreyfuss died March 1 after contracting COVID-19 at a Seattle-area nursing home. Her earlier decision to document her final wishes may offer an example for families as the deadly virus spurs interest in end-of-life care.
Falsas promesas de curas, tratamientos y pruebas caseras para COVID-19 por internet
Pruebas no aprobadas por la FDA y varios informes cuestionables de Internet relacionados con pruebas de coronavirus, vacunas y curas “milagrosas” han estado circulando por las redes sociales.
The Washington Post takes a look at Johnson & Johnson’s operations in Tasmania, which produced genetically modified “supper poppy” plants. In other public health news: e-cigarettes, mental health services, Alzheimer’s treatments, and dementia.
Editorial pages focus on these topics stemming from the pandemic and others.
Outbreaks In Los Angeles County Nursing Homes Nearly Quadruple
The county released names of 11 homes with outbreaks and is working with them on infection control, quarantine and isolation protocols. Also, NBC reports more than 400 long-term care facilities have confirmed cases. News on nursing homes comes from New York and Louisiana, as well.
‘Ticking Time Bombs’: Inmates Express Concerns About Inability To Escape Pandemic In NYC Jails
An inmate tells The New York Times about lying ”back to back” with other men like on a “slave ship” and being guarded by men who had little protective gear. So far, about 170 prisoners have tested positive in the city. Officials around the country grapple with how to respond to the crisis as at least 8 states have inmates who tested positive. News on the prison system is from California, Illinois, Indiana and Georgia, as well.
Meet The Controversial Doctor Who Touts The Use Of Malaria Drugs To Fight Coronavirus
Didier Raoult, the head of a university hospital institute in Marseille, France has been a leading voice in the fight to use a malaria drug to treat COVID-19. But the self-described “maverick” has a storied history of controversial remarks.
Although Some Cities Have Banned Evictions, Advocates See Need For More Extreme Measures
The idea of a rent strike, where rent is waived instead of delayed, is gaining momentum on social media platforms as millions face the first of the month without any way to meet their bills. Meanwhile, a spate of major companies announced furloughs on Monday in the latest sign of the country’s economic distress from the crisis.
‘Tremendous Resource’: More Than 7,000 Scientists Respond To Researcher’s Tweet To Join Database
Government agencies are tapping into the nationwide database created last week by a 34-year-old Harvard University scientist looking for others wanting to volunteer to help fight the virus. Other public health news is on what makes coronavirus so risky for the elderly, a call to loosen blood donor restrictions, advice from two women who survived Spanish Flu, Holocaust, plasma treatments, and high risks for cancer patients.
Funding Cuts Come As Gut-Punch To New York Hospitals Stretched To The Limits With Surge Of Patients
“During a time I need to commit all the energy I have to really save lives and expand access and not skimp on resources, now I have to worry about how we’re going to continue to pay our bills,” said Dr. David Perlstein, CEO of St. Barnabas Hospital. In other hospital news: rural areas worry about already tight resources, outbreak deniers film activity outside facilities, White House asks for data on patients, cities and states scramble to set up overflow locations, and more.