Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Doctors Say Covid Symptoms Are Changing, Now Look More Like A Cold
NBC News: Common Cold Or Covid? Upper Respiratory Symptoms Are Growing More Prevalent, Docs Say
Doctors are beginning to notice Covid-19 cases that look more like a very bad cold, especially in areas of the country where the highly contagious delta variant is quickly spreading. While shortness of breath and other lung issues remain among the most worrisome Covid-19 symptoms, it appears upper respiratory complaints — marked by congestion, a runny nose and headache — may be increasing. (Edwards, 6/30)
In other covid research —
The Wall Street Journal: Vaccinated People Who Get Infected Carry Less Covid-19 Virus, CDC Researchers Say
People who became infected with Covid-19 after getting a messenger RNA vaccine carried less virus and had shorter cases than unvaccinated people who became infected, a study by government health researchers found. Sixteen people in the study who got infected, despite taking a Pfizer Inc. or Moderna Inc. vaccine, had on average 40% less virus in their nose compared with the 155 unvaccinated people who became sick, according to the study, published online Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine. (Hopkins, 6/30)
CIDRAP: Some Wildlife Species May Harbor SARS-CoV-2 And Pose Risk To People
Inoculation with SARS-CoV-2 resulted in viral shedding in deer mice, bushy-tailed woodrats, and striped skunks but not cottontail rabbits, fox squirrels, Wyoming ground squirrels, black-tailed prairie dogs, house mice, or raccoons, according to an Emerging Infectious Diseases study yesterday. The researchers chose these animals based on their peridomestic status in the United States. In other words, because these wild animals are often in close contact with humans, they may present future danger if SARS-CoV-2 is able to infect them, evolve, and then cross back to humans. (6/30)
CNN: What Parents Need To Know About Children And The Delta Variant
The Delta variant of Covid-19 is more contagious than other lineages, and is spreading rapidly in under-vaccinated populations. While vaccination is a matter of choice for adults, many children -- particularly those under the age of 12 -- cannot get vaccinated at all. That leaves a lot of uncertainty, especially for parents and caregivers considering summer camps and school. (Langmaid, 6/30)
The New York Times: Why You Still Might Want To Have A Home Covid Test On Hand
Got the sniffles? Worried about that night out in a crowded dance club? Or maybe you just want to visit grandma but are concerned about her risk, even though you’re vaccinated. At-home rapid Covid tests — which allow you to swab your own nose and get the results in minutes — can be a useful and reassuring way for both the vaccinated and unvaccinated to navigate the ongoing pandemic. (Parker-Pope, 6/29)
