Latest KFF Health News Stories
Lack of Antigen Test Reporting Leaves Country ‘Blind to the Pandemic’
A KHN review found more than 20 states either don’t count or have incomplete data on the use of COVID-19 antigen tests, leaving the public in the dark about the true scope of the pandemic.
Tough to Tell COVID From Smoke Inhalation Symptoms — And Flu Season’s Coming
Respiratory symptoms stemming from coronavirus infection and smoke inhalation are too similar to distinguish without a full workup. This is complicating the jobs of health care workers as wildfires rage up and down the West Coast.
COVID Vaccine Trials Move at Warp Speed, But Recruiting Black Volunteers Takes Time
The National Institutes of Health has suggested minorities should be overrepresented in COVID-19 vaccine trials — perhaps at rates that are double their percentage of the U.S. population. But efforts to recruit patients from racial minority groups are just beginning, while some trials have already advanced to phase 3.
Los NIH, “muy preocupados” por efectos secundarios en ensayo de vacuna para COVID
La Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos está evaluando la posibilidad de seguir a los reguladores británicos y reanudar el ensayo de la vacuna. Pero hay dudas.
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and others.
Perspectives: Time To Prepare For Toll COVID Takes On Organs; Lessons On Resiliency, Second Surges
Opinion writers express views about these public health issues and others.
Mexican Borders Reopen For Nonessential Travel From US
All land and sea borders had been closed since March 21, although flights had largely continued during that time. Other news is from Germany, Panama and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Pa.’s COVID Shutdown Orders Were Unconstitutional, Federal Judge Rules
“The solution to a national crisis can never be permitted to supersede the commitment to individual liberty that stands as the foundation of the American experiment,” U.S. District Judge William Stickman IV, a Trump appointee, said in his opinion.
Masks: Counterfeits; Impact On Kids; Debates About Safety Vs. Freedom
Customs seized a shipment of N95 masks from China that failed a safety test. More mask news is on questions parents have about covering the faces of children, ads in Michigan to encourage use and more.
Surveillance Failure: COVID Spread Undetected In US For Weeks, New Report Finds
Washington was hit by a strain from China, while a strain from Europe infected parts of New York and Connecticut. A different report looks at how inadequate monitoring of travelers in January impacted U.S. spread. Other news is on testing in underserved communities and different types of testing and tracing, as well.
VA Pulls System Offline After Data On 46,000 Vets Is Exposed
Public health news is also on the mental health of mothers, dental treatment for seniors, “systemic” head injuries at protests and more.
Election Officials Counting On Younger People To Help At Polls
The shortage of older volunteers may lead to long lines and closed polling locations, a situation that occurred in Milwaukee in April. In more health developments: hospitals in vacation towns, HIV patients and reminders to get the flu shot, as well.
Quarantined Mizzou Students Say School Forgot To Bring Them Food
In other higher-education developments: students at Michigan State are quarantining after an “alarming” outbreak of cases; Arizona State University says nearby bars aren’t following COVID protocol; LSU students who get coronavirus tests will have priority for football tickets; and more.
NYC Schools Not Ready To Open Next Week, Teachers Union Says
School staffers are concerned about “basic procedures and supplies” and school building ventilation in place when they returned last week to prepare for the scheduled reopening, The Wall Street Journal reports.
Kaiser Permanente Is First Health System To Win Carbon-Neutral Status
The health insurance company is not affiliated with Kaiser Health News (KHN) or KFF. Other health systems in the news include UnitedHealthcare, Lifespan, Care New England, Northwestern Medicine, Palos Health, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Atlantic Health and CentraState Healthcare.
4 In 10 Americans Know Someone Who Was Hospitalized Or Died From COVID
The Pew Research Center conducted the poll in August. The proportion of Hispanics who knew someone (46%) more than doubled since the April/May survey. Other hospital news reports on music therapy, inequalities and on-site telehealth.
At Least 800 Nurses, Hundreds Of Health Care Workers Strike In Chicago
They’re calling for safer working conditions and better pay. The strike, which is scheduled to last seven days, was supposed to include about 1,300 nurses, but a Cook County judge ruled that 525 nurses couldn’t join because it would endanger patients’ safety.
Once A Vaccine Is Approved, What Comes Next?
News outlets examine the obstacles that could complicate efforts to inoculate the globe from COVID-19.
CMS Opens Public Comments On Nursing Home Infections
The measure could be added to its Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program this year.
Drug Company Touts Anti-Inflammatory Drug’s Role In Shortening COVID Recovery
Eli Lilly said it planned to discuss with regulators the possible emergency use of baricitinib for hospitalized patients. Other news is about early research on an antibody that might neutralize COVID and how the virus controls the brain, as well.