Latest KFF Health News Stories
Severe Strep A Infections In Children Prompt A Warning From The CDC
News outlets report the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning about group A streptococcal bacteria, which is causing a surge of serious infections in children. Seasonal flu, the tripledemic, cold medicines, and the strategic national drug stockpile are also in the news.
106,699 Americans Dead: Drug Overdoses Jumped 16% Last Year
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the final report on drug-related deaths in the U.S. as well as other factors that contributed to a lower life-span expectancy. Related epidemic stories report on increases in xylazine overdoses, fentanyl, and more.
Senate Sends Omnibus To House; Breastfeeding And Pregnant Worker Amendments Added
Senators cleared the $1.7 trillion spending bill Thursday. Two health policy amendments were added: the PUMP Act which expands breastfeeding time and space protections for more nursing workers; and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act which requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for medical conditions arising from pregnancy and childbirth.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations. Note to readers: KHN’s First Edition will not be published Dec. 26 through Jan. 2. Look for it again in your inbox on Tuesday, Jan. 3. Happy holidays from all of us at KHN!
Research Roundup: Covid; Airborne Viruses; Food Dye
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Editorial writers examine these covid related topics.
Risk Of Dementia May Be Reduced By Hearing Aids, Study Finds
Aids may help with cognition for people with hearing loss, researchers say. In other news on dementia and Alzheimer’s, people diagnosed with the conditions speak out on how they would like to be treated at the holidays.
This Mental Health Startup Aims To Help Those With Serious Illness
Stat covers an innovative startup aimed at helping those with serious mental illness, while noting that “few” other startups serve that group. The firing of a medical safety expert; apologies from UCSF for “unethical” experiments at a prison hospital; private equity moves in health care; costs of care; and more.
First Patient Gets BioNTech MRNA Herpes Vaccine Candidate
Reuters reports on the first-in-human phase of a clinical trial of a vaccine designed to prevent HSV-2, the virus behind genital herpes. Separately, the World Health Organization has updated its human papillomavirus vaccine recommendations to include a 1-dose strategy.
Extreme Cold To Hit Much Of US, Triggering Health, Safety Warnings
“Wild drops in temperature,” Mashable reports, can be expected as a bomb cyclone pushes polar air down through the center of the country over the coming days. Outlets cover safety tips, an upcoming state of emergency in Georgia prompted by the weather, and how homeless people are affected.
Texas Ruling Likely To Limit Teens’ Access To Confidential Birth Control
The ruling from U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Trump appointee, likely means that youths who receive care through the Title X family planning program will no longer be allowed to do so confidentially, Fox News reported. Other news is from Iowa, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Florida, and Virginia.
FDA Approves Roche’s Monoclonal Antibody Covid Treatment
The anti-inflamatory drug, named Actemra, can be used for treating hospitalized adult patients and was previously approved in 2010 to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Meanwhile, researchers find a possible genetic cause for MIS-C.
End Covid Screening For Asymptomatic Patients In Hospitals: Experts
Stat reports an “influential board” of infectious disease doctors says the potential risks of covid screenings now outweigh the benefits. Other news outlets tackle omicron subvariant symptoms, the RSV-flu-covid tripledemic, and more.
Fewer Than 1 In 2 Nursing Home Residents Have Latest Covid Boosters
News outlets report on a worrying trend in covid vaccination status among nursing home residents, with only 47% of residents having had bivalent boosters as of Dec. 4. Staff at nursing homes have even lower rates: just 22%. All of this comes even as covid deaths climb, and more seniors are hospitalized for covid.
Tamiflu Being Released From National Stockpile To Help Combat Flu Surge
The Biden administration will provide stockpiled antiviral medication to states and territories that request additional supplies as flu cases ravage most of the nation. Other medical shortages also make today’s news.
‘Close,’ But Senators Not There Yet On Deal To Keep Government Open
After working late into the night, senators are set to reconvene early Thursday morning to continue hammering through amendments to the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill that includes several major changes to U.S. health programs. Title 42 is at the center of much of the disputes.
Average American Life Span Falls To Shortest Mark In Decades
Federal government data shows that an American child born in 2021 could expect to live to age 76.4. That number fell by almost eight months in 2021, following an even greater drop of 1.8 years in 2020. Covid and drug overdoses largely account for the negative shifts.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: Paxlovid Is Most Effective Covid Remedy; DeSantis Stoking Covid Vaccine Fears
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
77 People Died ‘Without The Dignity Of A Home’ In DC This year
The Washington Post covers the grim death statistic that was reported by the District’s medical examiner, with intoxication, the cold, and homicide among the causes. Meanwhile, the Salt Lake Tribune reports that five unsheltered residents died in recent days, likely due to recent winter weather.
