Latest KFF Health News Stories
Feel Sick After Your Covid Vaccine? That’s A Good Sign, Study Finds
New research has linked side effects to a greater antibody response. And in other news, a preprint study that has not yet been peer-reviewed found that the new bivalent booster is no better against BA.4 and BA.5 than the original monovalent vaccine.
Covid Symptoms To Watch Out For Now: Runny Nose, Headache, Cough, Sore Throat
The predominant symptoms of covid have shifted since the beginning of the pandemic, researchers say. The virus now most commonly manifests itself with a sore throat, runny nose, persistent cough, and headache. Vaccinated and unvaccinated patients are experiencing similar signs, though they may rank differently between groups.
Hospitals On Edge As Details Emerge In Shooting That Killed 2 Medical Workers
Other facilities in the Dallas area have increased security measures following the deadly shooting at Methodist Health Center. The two victims were identified as a nurse and a patient case manager.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: US Unprepared For Next Pandemic; Nursing Shortage At Dangerous Levels
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues and more.
Overhaul Of Weight Loss Surgery Rules May Broaden Eligibility
Surgical standards haven’t been updated in over 30 years, USA Today reports, and are said to be out of step with growing U.S. obesity levels. Updated standards could increase the number of people eligible for bariatric surgery. Among other news: transplant surgery, schizophrenia gene links, and more.
Cluster Of Candida Auris Superbug Reported In Kids In Las Vegas Hospital
Infections of Candida auris, a drug-resistant superbug, were reported in three infants with heart defects at a Las Vegas hospital in May. The Las Vegas Review-Journal says it’s the first U.S. cluster of pediatric cases of the fungus. Other news is on Medicaid expansion, prisoner health monitoring, and more.
Amoxicillin In Short Supply Due To ‘Significant Demand’
Doctors are also running short of helium for MRI machines as the nonrenewable element becomes scarcer around the world. Meanwhile, doctors have suggestions for those who are having trouble filling their Adderall prescriptions.
Over 100,000 Physicians Left Their Jobs In 2021: Report
A report finds 117,000 physicians are the biggest group among some 334,000 health care workers who left the workforce, with retirement, burnout, and other pandemic stressors to blame. A nurse strike in the Bay Area, hospitals’ financial struggles, and other issues are also in industry news.
Monkeypox Infections Lead To 6 More Deaths
The deaths were reported in New York City, Chicago, Nevada, and Maryland. Meanwhile, a study reported in CIDRAP says that racial disparities in the monkeypox vaccine program are easing somewhat. And while case numbers decline, experts still emphasize caution.
‘Uncharted Territory’: Covid, Flu, RSV Infections All Expected To Rise
Public health officials eye a potential “tripledemic” coming this winter. Hospitals are already straining to cope with the surge of patients.
Uptake Of Covid Boosters Slows, Even Among Older Americans
Despite a growing concern over new omicron subvariants, surveys and data indicate lower adoption rates of the follow-up shots.
Pentagon Abortion Policies May Impact Defense Spending Bills
Republican lawmakers say that the Defense Department’s plans to pay for service members’ abortion travel could be the subject of future legislation, especially if they gain control of Congress in the November elections.
CDC Director Walensky Tests Positive For Covid
Dr. Rochelle Walensky has mild symptoms, media outlets report, and caught covid despite being “up to date” on covid shots and using precautions like masks. Separately, NBC News covers the risk of new variants for people with immune deficiencies, and other reports note the rise of BQ.1 and BQ.1.1.
White House Plans Push To Combat Addiction In Pregnancy
The plan includes expanded availability of medication to treat substance abuse. Also: a new paramedic policy for overdose patients, and fentanyl contamination in cocaine.
After 2 Nurses Killed In Dallas Hospital, Worker Safety Again In Spotlight
Two employees in the mother/baby unit at Methodist Dallas Medical Center were shot and killed Saturday, reports say. A 30-year-old man out on parole has been charged in the slayings. He’d been given permission to attend the birth of his child.
Nursing Homes Already On CMS Watchlist Could Face Stiff Penalties
The Biden administration unveiled plans to impose tougher consequences on the worst-performing nursing homes. For the small number already designated as “special focus” facilities, they could lose federal funds if they receive more than one violation citation.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
San Francisco To End Monkeypox State Of Emergency
The emergency declaration, now due to end October 31, has been in place for about three months and comes as case counts drop to fewer than one per day. But in Nevada, the first Clark County death from monkeypox was reported. Meanwhile, Seattle had the worst air in the world for a second day.
Pfizer To Soon Quadruple Price Of Covid Shots In US
Prices will rise to about $110 to $130 per dose after the current United States government’s current purchase program expires, Reuters reports. Meanwhile, pressure on drugmakers to widen access to medicines comes even as Novartis says it will allow some generic leukemia drug production.
