Latest KFF Health News Stories
President Donald Trump and his top health officials are facing increasing scrutiny over mixed messages and missteps in the early days of the outbreak that were often the result of Trump wanting to paint a rosier picture than experts were reporting.
Controversy Swirling Around His Brother’s Health Care Dealings Could Be Pitfall For Joe Biden
Politico looks at allegations regarding James Biden’s dealings in the health landscape. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s campaign outlines its lines of attack against former Vice President Joe Biden.
Unsure If You Should Routinely Take Aspirin? Here’s The Latest On What To Know About Health Benefits
The original wonder drug can be an important part of a daily medication routine for many people even though it has gotten plenty of bad publicity over the years for dangerous bleeding in the brain and gastrointestinal track, according to this New York Times story. More public health news is on warning labels on an asthma medication, autism, Juul’s influence campaign, a CRISPR documentary, 3D housing for homeless, a rare recovery from childhood flu, and napping at work.
‘I Want To Be An Ambassador Of Hope’: Second Of Two Patients To Be Cured Of HIV Reveals His Identity
Known only as the “London Patient” in scientific literature, Adam Castillejo wrestled going public when he was diagnosed free of HIV last March before finally deciding his story carried a powerful message of optimism.
News on immigration is also on comments made by HUD secretary Ben Carson about ”quite nice” structures built at the border that could also be used for housing the homeless.
The U.S. has counted at least 539 cases across 34 states and has confirmed 22 deaths from the illness. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the newly confirmed cases showed signs of “community spread,” meaning they couldn’t be traced back to a single source and suggesting the outbreak is intensifying. But, Fauci said, “I don’t think you want to have folks shutting down cities like in northern Italy. We are not at that level. That is a hot spot. Social distancing like in Seattle is the way to go.”
Media outlets take a look at the global response to the coronavirus outbreak.
As witnessed in a Washington state facility that’s seen the majority of U.S. deaths, nursing homes are particularly vulnerable already to viruses. In particular, the coronavirus has an outsized effect on older patients. Experts, health staff, and loved ones are all worried about what that can mean for nursing homes across the country. Meanwhile, Washington state officials are considering taking over the facility at the center of the Seattle-area outbreak.
“We’re making every effort to get them off the ship as safely and quickly as possible,” said Dr. John Redd of HHS. Passengers have been quarantined after a previous traveler who had disembarked the ship later died from the coronavirus. Meanwhile, the State Department warns against taking cruises, a blanket advisory that shocked some experts.
Series Of Glitches And Missed Opportunities Led To Disastrous Test Kit Shortage, Experts Say
The problems started in early February, at a CDC laboratory in Atlanta, and didn’t improve from there. The Trump administration is fielding increasingly strident criticism about the missteps that experts say exacerbated the outbreak in the U.S. Meanwhile, Stanford University creates a coronavirus test in which results only take 24 hours to process.
A look at how states are working to contain the outbreak as their cases numbers climb.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Surging Health Care Worker Quarantines Raise Concerns As Coronavirus Spreads
The number of U.S. health care workers who have been ordered to self-quarantine because of potential exposure to the new coronavirus is rising at an exponential pace. Many experts say something has to change.
Around The Corner: 3D Housing Designed For The Homeless And Needy Seniors
As homelessness among older adults increases, a movement is afoot to use a powerful 3D printer to construct affordable and durable housing.
Pence Leaves Out Key Details About Health Coverage Of Coronavirus Testing
The vice president’s remarks are more proof that health care is complicated.
Must-Reads Of The Week From Brianna Labuskes
Newsletter editor Brianna Labuskes wades through hundreds of health care policy stories each week, so you don’t have to.
En la línea de batalla, socorristas se preparan para el coronavirus, y para protegerse
En Seattle, al jueves 5 de marzo, 27 bomberos y tres policías estaban en cuarentena. Doce mostraban síntomas parecidos a la gripe. A otros dos los sacaron del aislamiento.
Opinion writers weigh in on these health care issues and others.
Editorial writers focus on issues surrounding the spread of coronavirus.
Longer Looks: Abortion, Coronavirus And Medicare For All
Each week, KHN finds interesting reads from around the Web.