Latest KFF Health News Stories
Hypothermia Helped Some Critical COVID Patients Get Off Ventilators
Two of four patients in the experiment were successfully taken off mechanical ventilation after the treatment. Other topics in the news include seasonal changes in COVID-19, asymptomatic spread, antibodies and more.
ICU Doctor And Nurse Shortages Loom
Critical care personnel are in demand in 26 states. News outlets also report on other pandemic hazards health care workers face.
As Telehealth Use Grows, Industry Tackles Thorny Issues
As more patients turn to virtual appointments, health care providers see ways the practice could stick around after the pandemic. Meanwhile, electronic health records companies eye a return to in-person work.
Pregnant Women Who Use Marijuana At Higher Risk Of Having Child With Autism, Study Finds
“We highly discourage use of cannabis during pregnancy and breastfeeding,” said study author Dr. Darine El-Chaâr of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute in Canada.
Florida Stands Firm On Reopening Classrooms; Georgia Recommends Postponement
News on school reopenings is from Florida, Georgia, New York, Texas and is on higher education, as well.
Study: Neck Gaiters Are Worse Than Wearing No Mask At All
The material, often worn by runners, appears to break down larger droplets into aerosols that can stay suspended in the air for up to three hours. The study also found that bandannas are ineffective.
‘Feared Complication’: Fourth Louisiana Child Dies From COVID-Related Illness
The rare illness, named MIS-C, causes inflammation of the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes and gastrointestinal organs. Public health news is on a Georgia child’s death and more.
Domestic Abuse Victim Receives Second Full Face Transplant
The procedure took 20 hours and involved a team of 45 clinicians. Public health news is on groceries, video dating, e-bike safety, and mental health, as well.
From Flu To Football, Trump Has Plenty Of Ideas To Share
President Donald Trump offers his opinions on the 1918 flu, COVID-19 transmission in children, his executive order on preexisting conditions and more.
Administration Wades Into COVID Policies Impacting Disability, Religious Rights
As doctors and hospitals create policies to cope with the unprecedented pandemic, advocacy and religious group urge the White House to intervene in cases of alleged discrimination.
HHS Targets Redo Of ‘Inaccurate’ Hospital Payments
The current method is flawed, some analysts say, leading to a pay gap between low- and high-wage hospitals. Also, Democrats say older voters will be unhappy with President Donald Trump’s order to end the payroll tax.
Russia Approves COVID Vaccine Before Final Trials Complete
While many global experts question the safety of the vaccine, Russian President Vladimir Putin says that one of his daughters has been inoculated.
US Citizens, Residents Returning From Mexico Could Be Blocked At The Border
The Trump administration is considering unprecedented travel restrictions that would empower border agents to restrict reentry to U.S. citizens and permanent residents due to virus concerns. It’s unclear if it has the legal authority to ban citizens from entering their own country.
Strapped States Struggle To Afford Trump’s Order; Stimulus Talks Stalled
Governors scramble to figure out how to deliver their 25% share of the $400-a-week jobless benefit included in President Donald Trump’s executive order. Meanwhile, negotiations between congressional leaders and the White House remain at an impasse.
20 Million And Counting: Global Confirmed Cases Climb
The worldwide death count also edges near 750,000. After the surge of the last two months, new cases in the U.S. are starting to trend downward, though.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Public Health Officials Are Quitting or Getting Fired in Throes of Pandemic
A review by KHN and the Associated Press finds at least 49 state and local public health leaders have resigned, retired or been fired since April across 23 states. One of the latest departures came Sunday, when California’s public health director was ousted.
Amid COVID Chaos, California Legislators Fight for Major Health Care Bills
There’s less time, less attention and fewer resources this year, but that isn’t stopping lawmakers from acting on controversial health care legislation not directly related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Behind The Byline: The Count — And the Toll
Check out KHN’s video series Behind the Byline: How the Story Got Made. Come along as journalists and producers offer an insider’s view of health care coverage that does not quit.
Exclusive: Over 900 Health Workers Have Died of COVID-19. And the Toll Is Rising.
KHN and The Guardian unveil an interactive database documenting front-line health care worker deaths. The majority of them are people of color — and nurses face the highest toll.