Latest KFF Health News Stories
Another CDC Reversal: Agency Takes Back Info On How COVID Spreads In Air
On Friday, the CDC website was updated to say that 6 feet of distance may not be enough to avoid airborne transmission of COVID-19. That guidance was removed on Monday. CDC officials say draft language was posted in error, but the misstep comes at a time when public confidence in the agency is taking a hit due to confusing messaging.
NIH Staffer Unmasked As Online Peddler Of COVID Misinformation; Will Retire
William Crews, a public affairs specialist for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, will leave the agency led by Dr. Anthony Fauci after the Daily Beast revealed that Crews is the managing editor of a conservative website where he authored many posts slamming Fauci, masks and other government COVID guidance.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Rural Hospitals Teeter on Financial Cliff as COVID Medicare Loans Come Due
A lack of direction from federal administrators is causing confusion for many hospital administrators. Rural hospitals are among the ones hit hardest.
It’s Not Just Insulin: Lawmakers Focus on Price of One Drug, While Others Rise Too
While insulin is the poster child for outrageous prescription costs, patients are paying ever more to treat depression, asthma, HIV, cholesterol and more. And the pandemic has overtaken efforts to force the issue in Congress.
Señales de una “vacuna sorpresa en octubre” alarma a científicos de carrera
El presidente Donald Trump, que parece decidido a anunciar una vacuna para COVID-19 antes de las elecciones, podría autorizarla legalmente a pesar de las objeciones.
“Where It Hurts,” a new podcast from KFF’s Kaiser Health News (KHN) and St. Louis Public Radio, explores painful cracks in America’s health system that leave millions without the health care they need. Season One, titled “No Mercy,” tells the story of what happened in Fort Scott, Kansas, when the rural town’s 132-year-old Mercy Hospital […]
Signs of an ‘October Vaccine Surprise’ Alarm Career Scientists
President Donald Trump has the legal power to authorize a COVID vaccine over the objections of the Food and Drug Administration and vaccine manufacturers. Such a move could further erode public trust in a vaccine and foist an unsafe shot on Americans.
‘Wrong Direction’: Increase In England’s Cases Could Be Tipping Point
Global news is from England, Israel, France, Spain, Australia, Guatemala and Sweden.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and others.
Editorial writers express views about these health issues and others.
Kids Exposed To Wildfire Smoke Will Likely Suffer More Asthma, Doctors Say
Other public health news is on obesity, the flu and mental health.
Michigan Joins Other Colleges Canceling Spring Break
Colleges aim to reduce risks by minimizing mass travel to and from campuses. News is on successes and failures of reopenings, privacy issues, a gap year for kindergartners and more.
New Hampshire’s New Cases Likely Linked To Maine Gatherings
Media outlets report on news from New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, Louisiana and more.
Airline Travel: Exposures Around 11,000; One Person On London Flight Infected 15
Airline news is on tracing infections, workers’ lower infection rates, safety standards and border closures.
As Months Tick By, Doctors Say They’re Improving Their Fight Against COVID
“Health-care preparedness today is much better than it was in February and March,” said Andrew Badley, head of the Mayo Clinic’s Covid Research Task Force.
You Likely Can Give Coronavirus To Your Pet, 3 New Studies Suggest
Antibodies found in dogs and cats suggested that a large proportion of the animals tested may have gotten COVID-19 from their owners. Another study found that the coronavirus jumped back and forth between people and minks.
Tocilizumab Tested In First Large Study Of Black And Hispanic COVID Patients
The drug, currently sold as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis under the names Actemra and RoActemra, helped prevent the need for breathing machines in hospitalized patients.
How To Win Anti-Misinformation Strategies About Vaccines On Social Media
Pinterest might have a lesson to offer Facebook about how to spread healthy information about vaccines and COVID, according to STAT. News is on fewer Americans wanting to take the vaccine and more, as well.
Obamacare, Reproductive Rights Join COVID In The Campaign 2020 Spotlight
The future of those and other key health care issues hinge on the outcome of November’s elections: Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and President Donald Trump are reinforcing that point to voters on the campaign trail.