Don’t Be Surprised If Your Free Govt. Covid Tests Are Already ‘Expired’
Experts say that expired tests that may be delivered as part of the latest round of free test kits shouldn't immediately be discarded — they may still be valid. Meanwhile, the CDC director is urging flu and covid vaccinations this fall amid low uptake rates. Also: hydroxychloroquine is in the news again.
USA Today:
Free Government COVID Tests May Work After Expiration Date, FDA Says
Consumers who've ordered free home COVID-19 tests through a federal website could be in for a surprise: they might get kits with expiration dates that passed months ago. But experts say you shouldn't immediately discard those tests. Even though you might not see it on the packaging, the federal government has extended expiration dates on many of these home tests. Consumers can check this Food and Drug Administration website to find extended expiration dates for home coronavirus tests. (Alltucker, 9/29)
On the fall covid surge, vaccines and more —
The Hill:
CDC Director Urges Flu, COVID Vaccination Amid Low Uptake
Vaccination rates for COVID-19 and the flu have declined, and a significant portion of the U.S. population indicated they are not interested in getting either this year, according to a new survey. The survey from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases found that only about 20 percent of Americans are worried about themselves or someone in their family getting infected with the flu, COVID-19 or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). (Weixel, 9/28)
AP:
What To Know As Fall Vaccinations Against COVID, Flu And RSV Get Underway
Updated COVID-19 vaccines may be getting a little easier for adults to find but they’re still frustratingly scarce for young children. Health officials said Thursday the kid shots have started shipping — and reminded most everyone to get a fall flu shot too. About 2 million Americans have gotten the new COVID-19 shot in the two weeks since its approval despite early barriers from insurance companies and other glitches, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. (Neergaard, 9/28)
Stat:
Flu, Covid Vaccination Rates Decline, New Survey Data Show
Vaccination rates against flu and Covid-19 have declined since earlier in the pandemic and a new survey suggests significant portions of the U.S. population intend to forgo these vaccines this fall. The survey, conducted by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, suggests only about one in five Americans worry that they or someone in their family will contract influenza, Covid, or RSV — respiratory syncytial virus. (Branswell, 9/28)
CNN:
Is It Cold, The Flu Or Covid-19? A Doctor Helps Sort It Out
Autumn is here, school is back in session, and along with the recent uptick in Covid-19 cases, people are experiencing sniffles, coughs and other cold-like symptoms. What should people do if they have these symptoms? At what point should they get tested for Covid-19, flu and other viruses? What can they take to feel better, and when should they seek medical help? And what precautions should they take at school, work and home? (Hetter, 9/28)
Hydroxychloroquine is in the news again —
USA Today:
Post Misrepresents Mayo Clinic Hydroxychloroquine Stance | Fact Check
The claim: Mayo Clinic updated guidance to say hydroxychloroquine is effective against COVID-19. A Sept. 25 Instagram post (direct link, archive link) shows a screenshot of a blog post with a supposed guideline change at one of the country's top hospitals. “Mayo Clinic updates guidance, now states hydroxychloroquine is effective against COVID-19,” reads the headline in the image. Our rating: False.
There was no such update. (McCreary, 9/28)
Also —
The Hill:
Sen. Stabenow Tests Positive For COVID
Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) said Thursday that she tested positive for COVID-19 and would continue working remotely as she isolated. (Fortinsky, 9/28)
