Latest KFF Health News Stories
While WHO placed the coronavirus fatality rate at 3.4%, many experts think it’s much lower, closer to 1%. The problem is that it’s hard to get an accurate tally, especially with a virus like COVID-19 where many patients present with just a mild cough. In other news: a look at how the most severe cases in China were treated; the perils of touching your face; comparisons to the 1918 flu pandemic; and more.
When people have yet to meet their deductibles, the cost of getting tested during an epidemic could be discouraging. In other economic news linked to the coronavirus: how to keep calm when markets tumble; lost benefits for sick workers; the ripple effect of the outbreak; and more.
The Show Goes On: Despite Warnings, High-Profile Closures, 2020 Hopefuls Persist With Campaigning
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said “in the best of all possible worlds” the three candidates should probably limit their travel and avoid crowds, “but right now, we’re running as hard as we can.” Vice President Joe Biden’s team said the candidate will follow guidance from government officials, but there are no changes planned to his schedule. Meanwhile, election officials try to ensure a safe environment for primary voters.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) said they are taking the precautions after crossing paths with the patient at the Conservative Political Action Conference. Some were worried that President Donald Trump, who attended the event, may have been exposed to the virus.
Worry Mounts For Health Workers On The Front Line As Outbreak Spreads
“It’s just not sustainable to think that every time a health care worker is exposed they have to be quarantined for 14 days. We’d run out of health care workers,” said Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. But many are worried that the very people who will be working round-the-clock to help coronavirus patients are among the most vulnerable population for becoming infected. Experts are also worried about airport screeners.
Trump Once Blamed Vaccines For Autism, But Now In Face Of Coronavirus Outbreak He’s Changed His Tune
President Donald Trump in the past has been an outspoken vaccine skeptic who has bragged about not getting a flu shot. Now, he’s looking at it as a solution to the overwhelming crisis on his hands. Meanwhile, even if scientists develop a vaccine, they have to continuously out-think an ever evolving virus.
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.