Latest KFF Health News Stories
Young Adult Myocarditis After Covid Shots Found Mild, Temporary
In other news, a major British study into mixing covid vaccines found that people showed a better immune response after a Pfizer or AstraZeneca shot followed by a Moderna one nine weeks later. The Wall Street Journal reports on the rise in post-booster breakthrough cases, which are still rare.
Glaxo Reports Its Antibody Treatment Is Effective Against Omicron Variant
GlaxoSmithKline says tests show its antibody treatment protects against the mutations from the omicron covid variant. News outlets look at other treatments, as well.
WHO Finds ‘No Clear Benefit’ To Treating Covid With Convalescent Plasma
The World Health Organization strongly advises against its use. Meanwhile, total confirmed U.S. covid cases approach 50 million. Other pandemic news stories report on hospitalizations, treatments, testing, racial disparities and more.
There Were Over 4,000 Covid Cases In Indiana School Kids This Week
The 4,321 new weekly covid cases among K-12 students is the highest number since mid-September. Other news outlets report on covid in education, child mental health matters in Louisiana and Miami, and how student health worries caused dorm-cleaning at the University of Georgia.
Early Findings: Omicron May Be Milder Than Delta, Might Even Help Defeat It
The omicron variant is proving very contagious but so far seems to cause less-severe illness. That’s good news, some infectious-disease experts say, because it will crowd out the delta variant. Experts say we’ll know in about two weeks whether that’s true.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers consider these covid issues.
Different Takes: Disability Services Are In Crisis; Examining The Opioid Epidemic
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health issues.
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.