Latest KFF Health News Stories
First Case Of Person Contracting COVID Twice Is Documented
Genetic testing shows that a Hong Kong man was reinfected with the coronavirus. While there have been anecdotal reports of such cases previously, this new evidence offers important information for scientists studying COVID-19 immunity.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
They Pledged to Donate Rights to Their COVID Vaccine, Then Sold Them to Pharma
Advocates of cheap and widely available vaccines thought the pandemic might change business as usual. They were wrong.
Wildfires Provide Another Reason to Mask Up
As the long U.S. fire season gets underway, it’s even more important for Western residents to have a good face mask. Unfortunately, most of the masks we’re wearing for COVID-19 aren’t great for smoke.
Veteran’s Appendectomy Launches Excruciating Months-Long Battle Over Bill
An uninsured Colorado man owed $80,232 after two surgeries — the second to correct a complication from the first. After months of negotiating with the hospital, he still owes far more than most insurers would pay for the surgery he had.
Analysis: You’ve Checked for Fever. Now, What’s Your Risk Tolerance?
Getting out of our bunkers doesn’t mean throwing caution to the wind.
Los incendios forestales son otra razón para usar máscaras
El humo de más de 300 incendios forestales en California está asfixiando a mucha gente en el centro y norte del estado y expandiendo sustancias tóxicas en el aire.
Is Cuomo Directive to Blame for Nursing Home COVID Deaths, as US Official Claims?
New York’s governor directed nursing homes to take COVID patients. But is it fair to say he “forced” them to do so, or that his directive led to the deaths of thousands of elderly residents? Most public health experts say no.
Cómo Florida drenó su sistema de salud pública y le abrió la puerta a COVID
A medida que la nación empezó a drenar su sistema de salud pública, personal y fondos cayeron más rápidamente en este estado, dejándolo desprotegido para la peor crisis de salud en un siglo.
Viewpoints: Trump, Ostrich Or Hero?; Tough Days Ahead For The FDA
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic issues and others.
How The Globe Is Faring: Germany Stages Concert To Study Mass-Event Spread
Developments in the global pandemic are reported from Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, Iran, France, Brazil, India, Lebanon, Italy, New Zealand, South Korea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mexico, Japan and other nations.
Different Takes: Treat Essential Workers Like They’re Essential; Medicine Fails People Of Mixed Race
Editorial pages focus on these public health topics and others.
Mask Mandates Prove Effective In Oklahoma
The Oklahoman reports that state data shows cities with mask mandates nearly cut by half the number of new virus infections after three weeks. Other news from around the nation comes from Wisconsin, Montana, South Dakota, Texas, California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Kansas, Mississippi, Georgia, Illinois, Arizona, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico and North Dakota.
Young People With Chronic Conditions Fear Return To Campuses
With weakened immune systems, they fear COVID could be fatal. Pubic health news is on unanswered questions about COVID, dieting, hydroxychloroquine, and more.
More Police Turn To Ketamine To Help Calm People Under Arrest
The AP reports that the drug is increasingly being used by police in arrests despite conflicting medical standards and reports of resulting hospitalizations and even deaths. Other science and health news explores the study of dangerous mosquitos, stuttering and paralympic athletes.
CDC Director Questions ‘Critical Worker’ Designation For Teachers
Federal and state officials, as well as university leaders, continue to struggle with how to safely bring students and teachers back to day cares and classrooms.
‘Building The Bridge As We Cross It’: How Firefighting Is Adapting To COVID
So far, virus protections among wildfire fighters seem to be working, but the battle is far from over. In other news, evacuations at Bay Area hospitals and nursing homes; COVID adaptations at evacuation centers; and how two Gulf Coast storms could hamper the pandemic response.
Pharma And Trump Square Off On Drug Prices
President Trump, looking for anything positive in health care, hopes to batter drug companies on prices to find a winning campaign issue. Pharma batters back.
Four Insurance Carriers Hit Big Profits Compared To A Year Ago
Part of the reason is patients putting off care during the pandemic. Industry news looks at mergers, lawsuits, ethics, and surprise medical bills, as well.
The People Behind The COVID Vaccine Effort
A profile of a Pfizer scientist and a volunteer for a vaccine trial provide a glimpse of the progress being made for a vaccine. Meanwhile, Russians are upset their vaccine didn’t get much attention.