Latest KFF Health News Stories
As Covid Rules Relax, Opioid Overdose Deaths Rise In Central Florida
Health News Florida reports on a spike in overdose deaths in central Florida, and while the pandemic exacerbated the problem, deaths have risen since covid restrictions were lifted. News outlets cover the opioid crisis across the nation, plus other news in Maryland, Iowa and Utah.
Christmas Party In Norway May Have Been Omicron Superspreader
Despite safety precautions, reports say a recent gala held by a company in Norway may have caused the biggest omicron covid outbreak outside its source location in South Africa. Reports detail omicron spreading globally, alongside other surges and vaccination efforts.
Majority Of Young Adults Are Obese Or Overweight
Fresh Johns Hopkins data says America has a weighty health issue affecting nearly four out of seven people ages 18 to 25. Meanwhile, another study found a third of U.S. children may be underinsured. News on strokes, deaths of Black babies, and high chronic illness rates in Black kids are also reported.
IBS Linked To Allergic Response After Abdominal Infection
Fox News’ headline for this story hints that Irritable Bowel Syndrome is sometimes dismissed by clinicians as being imagined. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that flu activity is still rising during the winter season but is lower than usual.
Personal Attacks Ratchet Up As Politics Collide With Health Care
Dr. Anthony Fauci hits back at comments made by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.). And Democrats are furious at Republicans who blame President Joe Biden for pandemic woes at the same time they resist mitigation efforts. News outlets also report on the status of the spending bill.
Activists Planning Strategies To Crush, And Defend, Abortion Rights
AP says the anti-abortion movement plans a “state-by-state” battle to suppress abortion, as Mississippi’s Gov. Tate Reeves, a Republican, says a law banning most abortions is planned. But Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, suggested Roe v. Wade should be coded into law.
FDA, CDC Plan Swift Reviews Of Vaccines Revamped For Omicron
Meanwhile, the emergence of omicron has driven vaccination and booster rates up. But some scientists worry that more boosters now could make future vaccines less effective.
J&J Proves A Good Booster Choice For Pfizer Shot Recipients In Study
This is according to a small study from Boston, which looked at protection given by a J&J booster shot after getting two Pfizer shots originally. Separate news says covid shots give cancer patients good protection and that Pfizer may have a shot for under-5s ready soon.
Evidence Mounts That Omicron Is Easier To Spread Than Delta
As scientists race to learn more about the omicron covid variant, infections at a Hong Kong quarantine hotel raise concerns about its transmissibility.
Omicron’s Progress Hints At Mild Cases, Less Death
As omicron begins to spread quickly through the U.S., local and global officials and medical experts are finding some positive news: South African data hints it may cause less serious cases, and “mild” ones in children, but Dr. Anthony Fauci said it was too early to be certain.
Men Spread Coronavirus More Easily Than Women Or Kids, Study Finds
The reason is based in biology: It’s because men have bigger lungs. Loud talkers and singers also spread the virus more readily, the study showed. Other news on covid’s spread is from Texas, Iowa, New Hampshire, counties that voted for Donald Trump and more.
As Omicron Creeps Into More States, Delta Cases Are Also Rising
As of this report, 17 states have confirmed omicron variant cases. At the same time, the delta variant’s grip on the U.S. remains tight as daily case counts are again above 100,000.
Stricter International Covid Travel Rules Kick In Today
News outlets round up what you need to know before heading out on a trip. And Dr. Anthony Fauci says that the U.S. will reevaluate the travel ban on African countries.
From 2019 To 2020, Medicare Telehealth Visits Shot Up Over 6,000%
The dramatic shift was possible because of flexibilities included in health care provisions put in place during the covid emergency. In other telehealth news, a report in Stat suggests that mental health care for complex matters is also skewing toward more virtual delivery.
Courts Decide In Favor Of 2 Vaccine Mandates In California
News outlets report on the decision of a superior court judge to deny requests from the fire department to delay the city’s vaccine mandate, and a separate court decision which lifted a temporary injunction placed on San Diego Unified School District’s student shot mandate.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid and vaccine issues.
Viewpoints: New Research To Predict Parkinson’s; Ideas For Decreasing Drug Addiction And Overdoses
Editorial writers examine these public health concerns.
Longer Reads: How Poverty Hurts People’s Health
Settle in this weekend with features stories on welfare, tainted water, the U.S. pandemic response, police violence, schools, vaccines and the homelessness crisis.
Infrastructure Woes Could Limit Access to Anti-Covid Pills
Physician assistants want a new title, Carlyle Group buys a Medicaid payments IT management company. And other health industry news.