Latest KFF Health News Stories
Research Roundup: Dexamethasone; MRNA Vaccine; Levothyroxine
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
‘Explosion Of Evidence’ Shows How Synthetic Chemicals Harm Your Health
In other research news: the effects of gut microbes on malnourished children; and NIH’s plan to launch a “flurry” of COVID-19 trials.
In Mexico, President Downplays Masks As Cases Rise
Other global developments are reported out of Hong Kong, Puerto Rico and the Czech Republic.
How Western States And Texas Are Faring
Reports on the coronavirus from Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho and others states.
States Struggle As Hospitalizations Climb And COVID Reaches Rural Areas
Not much good news from the states on the battle against the coronavirus. Reports from Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Iowa, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Baseball’s Opening Day Subdued
COVID changes Opening Day and affects football too.
Parental Panic: More School Districts Announce Online Start
Georgia’s largest school district and a number of D.C.-area districts announce online schooling for the fall, and Seattle appears headed in the same direction. Arizona’s top education official suggests reopening plans should be based on data.
Hives, Blisters: Skin Rashes Might Offer Clues To Virus
Many types of rashes have been seen in patients. More public health news is on partiers, workers, prisoners and more.
Drug Overdoses Rise As US Battles Dual Crises Of COVID And Addiction
Drug overdoses hit a record high in 2019 in the U.S. and 2020 is on track to be even more grim. Wisconsin reports that opioid overdoses have more than doubled. And Kim Kardashian writes about husband Kanye West’s mental health.
Flu? Far Fewer Numbers Reported In Southern Hemisphere
In some countries where COVID measures are in place, the flu has all but disappeared. Other public health news is on restrooms, food poisoning, mental health, child care, adjunct professors and one more way doctors and hospitals pad medical bills.
The Vexing Question Of Reinfection: It’s Unlikely, Experts Say
Anecdotal reports of people testing positive twice raise questions, while research continues into the coronavirus’ behavior and human immune response.
Big Payouts For Vaccine Executives
Who gets rich off of the race for a coronavirus vaccine–even if they don’t finish the race? And news about remdesivir shortages.
Several Airlines Tighten Mask-Wearing Rules
And President Donald Trump goes maskless at a D.C. hotel, despite city regulation. Also, a new Politico poll says a majority of voters strongly support statewide mask mandates and several more states are requiring them, as well.
Health Care Providers Must Tell HHS How They Spent COVID Funds
The Department of Health and Human Services quietly announced the news Monday. Other health industry news comes from Beaumont Health, Memorial Hermann, CHS, Quorum Health, Hims & Hers, HCA and other groups.
Rise In U.S. Cases Far Surpasses Rise In Testing; Labs Struggle To Keep Up
Also in testing news: neighborhood and socioeconomic status can determine how hard it is to get a COVID test, weighing the pros and cons of a rapid test, and more.
Iowa Medicaid Director Stepping Down
Mike Randol was hired in November 2017 to oversee Iowa’s privatized Medicaid program. Randol previously held the same position in Kansas, which also privatized its Medicaid program.
Trump Again Points To Cognitive Exam To Defend Mental Fitness
In his latest Fox News interview, President Donald Trump repeated previous boasts about acing the Montreal Cognitive Assessment — a standard test to detect early signs of dementia — while questioning presidential opponent Joe Biden’s mental capacity.
White House Staff’s Cafeteria Closed After Worker Tests Positive For COVID
Restaurants in the office buildings adjoining the White House were closed after a cafeteria worker there tested positive for COVID.
US, Pfizer Strike Vaccine Deal: $2 Billion For Possible 100 Million Doses
The Trump administration announced its largest purchase yet as the federal government commits huge sums to another drugmaker to secure access to its potential COVID-19 vaccine.
Administration To Extend $5B In Aid To Nursing Homes To Cope With COVID Surge
The funds, announced by President Donald Trump Wednesday, are part of renewed efforts to help facilities that care for seniors respond more effectively to the pandemic. Nursing homes in hard-hit areas will be prioritized first.