Latest KFF Health News Stories
Scott Atlas Resigns From White House Advisory Position
The tenure of Dr. Scott Atlas was marked with several controversies when he espoused views on pandemic issues like masks and herd immunity that ran contrary to guidance from CDC scientists.
State Officials Wait On Biden Administration Pandemic Policies
Most state and local health departments are expected to be receptive to the guidance and changes ushered in by the next White House, but the challenges all face are steep. Meanwhile, President-elect Joe Biden continues to select his team.
White House Cedes Authority To States To Disperse Limited Vaccine Stores
The Trump administration will distribute early supplies of COVID-19 vaccines to the states, based on population. But how they are used is then up to state officials. Meanwhile, the White House plans to hold large indoor holiday parties.
How Lightning-Fast COVID Vaccine Has Spawned Contests, Doubts And Scams
It’s an unprecedented scientific accomplishment: Approximately 40 million doses of two very effective vaccines could be available by year’s end in the United States, enough for 20 million people to receive full protection.
Who Will Be In First Wave Of COVID Shots? CDC Panel Hashes It Out Today
The panel members don’t work for the government but provide expertise in how vaccines work, how the immune system responds, family medicine and infectious diseases, ABC News reports.
‘Assume You Were Exposed’: Holiday Infections To Accelerate The Surge
With the coronavirus pandemic already spiraling to near out of control, experts advise that Thanksgiving travelers and gatherers get tested about five days after potential exposure.
Record Number Of Americans Are Hospitalized, Overwhelming Capacity
More than 96,000 are severely sick enough with COVID-19 to require hospital care. In rural areas, the flood of patients means that medical professionals must treat friends and family. Hospital news is also reported from California, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Idaho and Indiana.
Cómo COVID-19 resalta la incertidumbre de las pruebas médicas
Según estimaciones, estas pruebas tienen una tasa de falsos negativos de hasta el 30%, es decir que 3 de cada 10 personas que realmente tienen la infección darán negativo.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
How COVID-19 Highlights the Uncertainty of Medical Testing
Widespread COVID testing has revealed uncomfortable truths about medical tests: A test result is rarely a definitive answer, but instead a single clue. A result may be falsely positive or negative, or it may show an abnormality that doesn’t matter. And as COVID testing has made too clear, even an accurate, meaningful result is useless unless it’s acted on appropriately.
Amid COVID and Racial Unrest, Black Churches Put Faith in Mental Health Care
Black Americans are less likely to receive mental health treatment than the overall population. But as needs soar this year, faith leaders are tapping health professionals to share coping skills churchgoers and the community can use immediately.
Where COVID Is on the Menu: Failed Contact Tracing Leaves Diners in the Dark
State and local public health officials are sure that bars and restaurants are spreading COVID. But they don’t always have much concrete evidence to support their convictions.
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and others.
Opinion writers express views about these public health topics and other issues, as well.
Restaurants, Grocery Stores Scramble To Deal With Winter Outbreaks
Restaurants remain some of the hardest-hit businesses, and unlike in the spring, no relief package is in sight. News is on revelers, substance abuse treatment on line and more, as well.
NYC To Reopen Public Schools For In-Person Learning; HBCUs Fare Well
News outlets report on news from New York, North Carolina, Maryland, Colorado, Oregon, California, and more, as well.
The Race To Vaccinate: UK Prepares To Start Soon
News reports are from England, Russia, China, Brazil, Japan, Korea and Argentina.
More COVID Surprises: Baby Born With Antibodies; Long-Haulers’ Teeth May Suddenly Fall Out
The infant, born in Singapore, did not actually carry the disease. The boy’s mother had contracted the disease when she was 10 weeks’ pregnant.
More Airlines Will Offer Digital Health Passes To Bring Back Passengers
In other news, super long lines form for testing in Massachusetts, sampling sewage helps health workers predict surges and more.
New Study Sheds Light On Treatments For Pediatric Brain Cancers
News is on a potential blood test to detect cancers, genetic screening efforts and more.