Latest KFF Health News Stories
Covid BQ.1 Variant Rising: Now Constitutes 10% Of US Cases
Subvariants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 derived from omicron covid variant BA.5, and news outlets cover the rise of them across the country and worries that they may create a surge in cases this winter. Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony Fauci spoke on the “highs and lows” of the Trump administration’s covid response.
As Monkeypox Cases Fall, Scientists Probe How It Spreads
The outbreak is slowing, although some experts express concern that it may still become a widespread problem. Separately, rising flu activity is reported ahead of usual patterns, with southeast and south-central states having the highest levels.
Cancer Vaccine Possible By 2030, BioNTech Co-Founders Say
BioNTech’s Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci say mRNA technology at the heart of their company’s covid vaccine could be repurposed so that it primed the immune system to attack cancer cells instead of invading coronaviruses, The Guardian reports. Plus, the latest efforts to eradicate polio worldwide.
Hearing Aids Can Now Be Purchased Without First Seeing A Doctor
Following clearance from the FDA, over-the-counter aids can be purchased by adults with mild to moderate hearing loss — a market of tens of millions of people, many of whom have until now avoided getting help because devices were so expensive.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers weigh in on these public health topics.
CDC Warns Of Bad Flu Season As Cases Already Tick Up
Meanwhile, two high schools in California are already taking a hit, as more than 1,000 students are absent with suspected respiratory illnesses.
Pandemic Side Effects Like Job Loss, Food Insecurity Worsened Teen Mental Health
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show “most” U.S. adolescents experienced “negative events” during the pandemic. The risks grew as the number of negative events increased, the study found. In other news, a study says dementia could be detectable a decade before diagnosis.
Pharmacy Chain Tactics Failed To Stop Opioid Crisis: Documents
A report in Stat looks into tactics deployed by major pharmacy chains Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart during government efforts a decade ago to hold them accountable for the opioid crisis: A Walgreens executive, for example, suggested not tracking the company’s rule-breaking.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on former NFL player-turned-neurosurgeon Myron Rolle, Parkinson’s, Ebola, sepsis, and misinformation.
‘Weirder’ Winter Covid Wave Expected, Driven By Complex Mix Of Variants
A torrent of different omicron subvariants are emerging independently across the world, each with advantageous mutations. Anticipating the wave, the U.S. public health emergency was just extended.
Biden To Sign Executive Order Today Meant To Help Lower Rx Costs: Official
Reuters, citing a White House official, said the order requires the Department of Health and Human Services to outline within 90 days how it will use new models of care and payment to cut drug costs.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Social Security Benefits Will Rise 8.7% Next Year
The Social Security Administration said Thursday that the average recipient will receive more than $140 extra a month, starting in January.
Viewpoints: How A Brazilian Doc Managed To Vaccinate Her City; 15-Week Abortion Ban Not The Answer
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Missouri’s Covid Patient Visitation Law May Have Cost Over $20 Million
The Republican-controlled legislature passed a law barring patient visitation bans, a “signature accomplishment,” says the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. But estimates of the cost of the law may have been low by a factor of 10, new analysis suggests. Paying for gowns, gloves, and masks is to blame.
Judge OKs Florida’s Ban On Medicaid Coverage For Gender Care
A preliminary injunction had been sought by transgender people in Florida impacted by the state’s ban on funding for gender-affirming care for all ages. It was denied. Medicaid loophole problems in Texas, approval for Medicaid expansion in South Dakota, and more are also in the news.
Research Roundup: Brain Cells; Covid; Drug-Resistant Tumors; Stroke; More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Repurposed Diabetes Drugs In High Demand For Weight Loss
But questions linger about whether the cost is worth it for drugs such as Wegovy and its cousin Ozempic, which has been called a “Hollywood drug.” Plus, other updates on physical fitness, stress eating, and Noom.
FDA Acknowledges National Shortage Of Adderall
Reports of supply shortages of Adderall have been circulating for weeks, but the FDA now admits there is a problem and said it would work to keep supply available for patients. Also: a Moderna skin cancer vaccine, racial bias in spirometry tests, and more.
