Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Covid Deaths Up In A Few States Amid Holiday Caution Signals
The Hill: COVID Deaths Tick Up In Some States Ahead Of Holidays
Several states are experiencing increases in deaths related to COVID-19 as the holidays approach and this year’s respiratory viral season sets in. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), eight states saw increases in coronavirus deaths based on data available through Nov. 11: Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Michigan, North Carolina and Tennessee. The absolute increases ranged from 0.1 percent in Colorado to 3 percent in Maryland. (Choi, 11/21)
Axios: Omicron Still Driving COVID Infections For Second Holiday Season
With the holidays approaching, it may be the first time in years that COVID-19 is not a predominant concern – but the Omicron wave of the pandemic is not exactly over. In the two years since Omicron emerged, it has continued to rank as the predominant strain in the U.S., and its subvariants are now driving most of the country's coronavirus infections. (Habeshian, 11/21)
The Boston Globe: COVID-19 Levels In Boston-Area Waste Water Increase Slightly
Public health officials are distributing rapid COVID-19 tests and urging people to receive an updated vaccine as levels of coronavirus in Boston-area waste water rise ahead of the holiday season. Boston Public Health Commission officials said they will hand out 10,000 free testing kits at community centers and other distribution hubs across the city. As of Nov. 15, coronavirus levels rose 93 percent over the previous 14 days, the commission said. (Sweeney, 11/21)
Also —
San Francisco Chronicle: How To Minimize COVID, Flu And RSV Risk This Thanksgiving
A recent survey found that about 75% of adults expressed little or no worry about getting infected with the coronavirus, while two-thirds downplayed the risk of transmission to loved ones. And federal data shows only about 14% of eligible adults have received the reformulated COVID vaccine, while about 35% have gotten the flu vaccine. But with an uptick in COVID cases and hospitalizations, the flu season kicking off early, and respiratory syncytial virus making the rounds, some of us may think twice about spreading respiratory viruses this Thanksgiving. This is especially true for anyone who is immunocompromised or elderly. (Hwang, 11/22)
Axios: COVID, RSV Cases Rise As Americans Gather For The Holidays
Virus activity is picking up again as millions of Americans crisscross the country for Thanksgiving, taking fewer precautions to protect themselves against illness as concerns about COVID-19 fade away. Indoor holiday gatherings are expected to fuel a spike in cases of COVID-19, RSV and the flu — and with vaccinations against all three respiratory viruses lagging, health experts worry hospitals could be slammed again this winter. (Reed, 11/22)
The New York Times: How Viral Infections Cause Long-Term Health Problems
Infection with the coronavirus is known to leave behind a long legacy of health problems, many of which are characterized as long Covid. But mounting evidence suggests that independent of that syndrome, the coronavirus also befuddles the immune system into targeting the body, causing autoimmune disorders in some people. ... Covid is not unique in this aspect. Scientists have long known that infection can set the body down the path of autoimmune disease. The classic example is Epstein-Barr virus. (Mandavilli, 11/22)
Meanwhile, nursing home vaccination rates are lagging —
Axios: Nursing Home Vaccination Rates Are Low As COVID Cases Rise
Only about 17% of nursing home residents and 2% of staff are up to date on their COVID-19 shots as cases rise across the country and health officials prepare for another seasonal tripledemic of respiratory diseases. (Reed, 11/22)
