Latest KFF Health News Stories
Genetic Legacy Of Medieval Plague: Outbreak Still Shapes Our Immunity
Researchers explored the DNA of people who survived or died from the “Black Death” — the 14th century outbreak that was the deadliest in recorded history — and traced those outcomes to human immune systems today.
Opinion writers discuss these pandemic issues.
Research Roundup: Codeine And Tramadol Use In Kids; Vitiligo; Covid
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Michigan Study Finds Manufacturing Jobs Linked To ALS Risks
The Detroit Free Press covers a University of Michigan study that links worker exposure to metals, solvents or pesticides with a higher risk of developing ALS. Meanwhile, in Washington state, the air quality in Seattle was just ranked as the worst in the world due to wildfire pollution.
People Can Now Select Preferred Gender In Social Security Records
The Social Security Administration also said it was exploring allowing people to use an “X” designator in the future. Meanwhile, NBC News reports on a national “Don’t Say Gay” bill effort by Republicans. Memory boosts, running benefits, and “voice biomarkers” are also in the news.
Patients With Disabilities? No Thanks, Say Some Doctors
A group of doctors expressed their disinclination to work with patients with disabilities during anonymous or first-name-only surveys, citing reasons like the shortened amount of time they’re able to spend with individual patients. The research was published in Health Affairs. Also: problems with the VA electronic record system, provider racism in cardiac care, and more.
CDC Study Finds Antihistamine Link In Opioid Overdose Deaths
CDC researchers found that 18% of victims of opioid overdoses in 2019 and 2020 tested positive for antihistamines. Separately, parents are warned, again, to check for drugs mixed with candy during Halloween after a fentanyl bust found drugs in candy wrappings.
FDA Advisers Agree Premature Birth Drug Makena Should Be Withdrawn
The Food and Drug Administration has been making an effort to withdraw the controversial drug, Stat notes, and now a panel of expert advisers has voted to support that goal. Separately, Pittsburgh-based insurer Highmark chose to cover prescription digital mental health therapies.
Covid Linked To A Quarter Of Deaths In Pregnancy During 2020, 2021
An oversight report to Congress, released yesterday, also shows that pregnancy mortality rates were nearly 3 times higher for Black Americans. AP reports that the percentage of preterm and low birthweight babies also rose in 2021 after being steady for years.
FDA Allows A First Booster Dose Of Novavax Covid Vaccine
The additional dose of the Novavax shot can be administered at least six months after initial vaccination for those adults who would otherwise not get a booster. The CDC has signed off on the authorization.
CDC Moves To Ensure Covid Vaccines Remain Free For Uninsured Kids
The CDC’s vaccine advisory panel voted Wednesday to add covid shots to the Vaccines for Children program that ensures free inoculations for kids who are uninsured or qualify for Medicaid. Also, misinformation about child vaccinations is debunked.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: These Steps Will Bolster Nursing Profession, US Health System
Editorial writers examine this issue and more.
Perspectives: Too Many News Articles Have Conspiratorial Tone About Covid
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical and drug-cost issues.
Scientists Find Deeper Links Between Good Sleep, Heart Health
A new study found that getting a good night’s rest may be as important for heart health as good diet and exercise regimes, CNN reports. A Press Association story notes that sleeping less than five hours a night may be linked to risks of multiple diseases, including heart issues, later in life.
Johnson & Johnson, A Health Care Bellwether, Likely To Cut Workforce
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Research Uncovers Clues To Sexual Transmission Of Monkeypox
Researchers have, for the first time, detected the monkeypox virus in testes of non-human primates during acute infection, CIDRAP reports. This has implications for how the disease may be sexually transmitted between humans. Other news includes Epstein-Barr vaccine efforts.
Infant Deaths After Fertility Treatment More Likely For Black Mothers: Study
New research finds racial disparities in the risk of newborn infants dying after their conception process was aided by fertility technology. Meanwhile, another study shows people of color are at much higher risk of hospitalization because of flu.
40% Of Young Adults Now Use Marijuana. Women Drive The Up-Trend
Federal data shows how common marijuana use is becoming. For example, although recreational marijuana became legal only recently in Vermont, young users outnumber abstainers. Vape shop marketing and naloxone in Los Angeles County libraries are also in the news.
Deal Struck To End 10-Week Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Worker Strike
Kaiser Permanente and the National Union of Healthcare Workers have agreed on terms for a four-year contract to close the work stoppage primarily carried out in northern California. The union will hold two days of votes on the proposal.
