Latest KFF Health News Stories
Canada’s Advice: Wear A Mask During Sex
Canada’s chief public health officer says to skip kissing and wear a mask during sex. As divorces are rising, a California company is making see-through masks. Maybe that will help.
COVID Is Top Cause Of Police Officer Deaths; Man Dies After Sturgis Rally
In other public health news: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tests positive; how the virus has affected both Black aging and the opioid crisis; and researchers take a longer look at how a bus ride in China spread the virus.
In most places, not well, mostly because of the fears of teachers and other staff that they could catch the coronavirus. Also, students in Wuhan, China return to class.
Biden Lays Blame On Trump For School Reopening Turmoil
The chaos hitting many of the nation’s school districts is due to a lack of federal leadership surrounding the pandemic, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden said during his latest campaign event. If president, Biden pledged to get schools the equipment needed to open safely.
Pelosi Ignores COVID Strictures, Claims ‘Set-Up’
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ignored California’s coronavirus restrictions, got caught on camera and now claims she was set up by the hair salon owner. Predictably, her adversaries relish the moment. And Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) falsely claims pandemic statistics are inflated.
‘Not My Approach’: Fauci Returns To Giving Guidance
With problems with his throat cleared up, Dr. Anthony Fauci is back talking to scores of media outlets and making news.
Administration Moves Affect Health Care
A number of Trump administration policy changes are examined. Could President Donald Trump make a breakout health care policy move in the final months of the campaign? Stat suggests a way he could lower drug prices.
Strife At FDA: Second Trump Appointee Ousted Amid Squabble With HHS
John “Wolf” Wagner is out as the head of FDA’s office of external affairs. Politico reports that two high-level staffing changes and a public relations consultant’s termination at HHS are part of a “tit for tat” battle between FDA chief Steven Hahn and HHS Secretary Alex Azar related to the botched convalescent plasma announcement. Meanwhile, KHN reports on hospitals defying FDA on that issue.
Vaccine Search Progresses, But Is It Too Fast?
As COVID vaccine trials look for subjects, some scientists are worried about going too fast in the quest to release a vaccine. Also, do-it-yourself vaccines.
Georgia Governor Applies To Opt Out Of Obamacare Exchange
Gov. Brian Kemp (R) wants the Trump administration to let him block state residents from using the federal exchange set up under the Affordable Care Act and force Georgians to seek out their own commercial options instead. In other health law news: Texas medical professionals urge the governor to expand Medicaid; and Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) fails to offer up his promised ACA alternative.
Treating COVID With Steroids Cuts Deaths Of Hospitalized Patients
The World Health Organization calls for corticosteroids — which are inexpensive and easily accessible — to become the new standard for coronavirus care based on the evidence of its lifesaving benefit in a series of clinical trials.
Study: Experimental Medications Slow ALS
While not a cure, two experimental drugs appear to delay the progression of Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Bee Venom Might Fight Breast Cancer
An Australian study suggests honeybee venom can fight one type of breast cancer. Other studies look at sickle cell anemia and at face masks.
CDC Alerts States To Start Preparing For Vaccine Rollout As Soon As Late October
In an urgent letter to governors, CDC Director Robert Redfield told state officials to fast track the “massive” preparations required to set up distribution sites and plans if a coronavirus vaccine is approved.
Cities and States Look to Crack Down on ‘Less-Lethal’ Weapons Used by Police
Dozens of protesters were injured in recent protests, triggering efforts to limit or ban the use of rubber bullets and other projectiles.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
LA County Authorities Cautious Despite Declining COVID Numbers
The county, a hotbed of coronavirus infection in California, has seen a steady reduction in positive test results, new cases, hospitalizations and deaths over the past few weeks. But officials are concerned about public behavior over the Labor Day holiday weekend and wary of relaxing strictures too soon.
Older Blacks are perishing quietly, out of sight, victims of the pandemic and a lifetime of racism and its attendant adverse health effects.
Dozens of U.S. Hospitals Poised to Defy FDA’s Directive on COVID Plasma
The FDA, under pressure from the Trump administration, has authorized broader use of convalescent plasma for emergency treatment in COVID patients. But several major hospitals are resisting, saying they’ll opt instead to use the scarce resource to complete a clinical trial.
Watch: Florida Gutted Its Public Health System Ahead of Pandemic
KHN Midwest editor and correspondent Laura Ungar appeared on Spectrum News and Fox 35 Orlando to discuss cuts to Florida’s public health system that have hampered its response to the coronavirus pandemic.