Latest KFF Health News Stories
Taking Antibiotics Midlife May Slightly Hit Cognitive Scores Later: Study
A new study, which looked at women who reported at least 2 months of antibiotic exposure in their mid-50s showed lower mean scores on a standard cognitive assessment 7 years later. Meanwhile, ten lots of three oral drugs shipped to hospitals, nursing home, and clinics nationwide have been recalled.
Georgia Bill Aims To Reduce Harm From Surgical Smoke
At issue is smoke as a byproduct of thermal destruction of tissue, which may pose health risks for people present during surgery. Separately, a bill to improve access to mental health, which had been moving through the Georgia legislature, faces sudden opposition.
Families Fighting For Justice Long After Covid Deaths In Nursing Homes
USA Today describes how many lawsuits have slowed to a crawl as nursing homes have sought court deadline extensions, filed appeals, petitioned to change courts, or sought legal protections from states to shield their liability from the covid-19 pandemic.
Former ICU Nurse Found Guilty Of Homicide In Drug Error
News outlets report on the conviction of former Tennessee nurse RaDonda Vaught for criminally negligent homicide — a case that has gripped the health care industry. Addiction recovery workers in Oregon, the North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency, a record-breaking 911 operator in Cobb County, and more are also in the news.
FDA Poised To OK Second Covid Booster For People 50 And Older
The FDA is expected to authorize a fourth shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna covid vaccine without a meeting of its independent vaccine advisory panel, due to an anticipated wave of BA.2 infections. The plan is expected to be announced early this week, but could shift as talks are ongoing.
Omicron Deaths Higher For Those Who Got J&J Than Other Vaccines: CDC Data
CBS News flags recent CDC numbers that indicate that deaths for recipients of the Johnson & Johnson covid vaccine may have peaked during the omicron wave at double the rate of those who received the Moderna or Pfizer mRNA shots.
Long Covid Symptoms Might Depend On Which Variant You Had, Study Finds
Researchers found when the alpha variant was the dominant strain, the prevalence of muscle aches and pain, insomnia, brain fog and anxiety/depression significantly increased, but the loss of smell, dysgeusia (a distorted sense of taste), and impaired hearing were less common, Fox News reported.
From $0 To Over $100: Uninsured Now Hit By Steep Costs For Lab Covid Tests
With the federal reimbursement fund dried up and additional covid aid approval from Congress uncertain, tens of millions of Americans without health insurance now face charges to test for and treat covid that were previously covered — and that health experts worry they will skip due to costs.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine these public health topics.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on the world’s best hospitals, grief, psychedelic venom, covid, and more.
Opinion writers explore these covid issues.
Burger King, Other Fast Food Brands Will Phase Out PFAS In Food Packaging
Several leading fast food brands have committed to removing the “forever” chemicals from food packaging, some soon and some by 2025. Meanwhile, in California a fogging company used mislabeled pesticides to tackle covid, and in Los Angeles a chemical spill triggered smell complaints.
Pandemic Affected Language, Hearing Skills Of Many Ohio Preschoolers
The Columbus Dispatch reports 52% of preschoolers tested in central Ohio neighborhoods failed speech-language screenings, and 40% failed hearing tests in 2021. Pandemic impacts on educational norms across the U.S. are blamed. North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, and Georgia are also in the news.
Texas AG Targets Puberty-Blockers, Pride Week In Schools
Media outlets cover the ongoing push against LGBTQ+ health-related matters in Texas by Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is now investigating two drugmakers over off-label use of puberty blockers, and alleges that celebrating Pride Week in Austin schools constitutes sex education and may break state law.
Senate Bill Aims To Prevent Russian Cyberattacks On Hospitals
The threat of Russian cyberattacks damaging health infrastructure is at the heart of a new bill from Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen (Democrat) and Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy (Republican). A planned psychiatric hospital in Tampa, a new autism center in Bangor, and more are also in the news.
Some E-Cigarettes Get FDA OK, Larger-Brand Approvals Pending
The approvals were for several tobacco-flavored products, on the basis they may work as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. Decisions on bigger brands, plus menthol-flavored items are still pending. Separately, the AP reports on another Alzheimer’s drug approval process.
Ban On Sale Of Baby Crib Bumpers Advances
Baby crib bumpers have reportedly been linked to dozens of infant deaths over several decades, and a bill which passed the Senate Wednesday could ultimately ban them. The Union Democrat reports on the confusing choices faced by parents when it comes to buying safe products for infants.
After Tense Hearing, Jackson Appears To Have Senate Votes For Confirmation
Leaders of both parties tell The Washington Post that Democrats still seem to be fairly united in support of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, President Joe Biden’s nominee for the Supreme Court, and she may get some Republican votes, too. Meanwhile, the court is releasing little information about the health of Justice Clarence Thomas, who was hospitalized last week.
Bill Banning Most Abortions After 15 Weeks Heads To Arizona Governor
After the Arizona Legislature approved aggressive anti-abortion restrictions Thursday, voting along party lines, the bill is headed to the desk of Republican Gov. Doug Ducey. Meanwhile, in Houston a lawmaker is threatening legislation against companies that cover out-of-state abortion travel costs.