Latest KFF Health News Stories
Fla. Medical Board Becomes First In US To Seek Ban On Gender-Affirming Care For Minors
The guidance drew backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates and medical experts, NBC News reported. Protesters outside the meeting yelled “Shame!” and held a “die-in.”
Research: Long-Term Problems May Be Triggered By Common Infections
A report highlights growing evidence that even relatively typical infections could cause long-term health issues akin to the way long covid hits some people. Meanwhile, in Texas, the first child in the U.S. this season has died from influenza.
Even Without Paxlovid Treatments, Covid Can ‘Rebound’: Study
A new study finds covid symptoms can recur days or weeks after a person recovers from a covid infection, even if no Paxlovid treatment was involved. CIDRAP reports the statistics: 30% of “untreated” patients had symptoms rebound.
More Mobile, Less Verbal: Pandemic Impact On Babies Studied
A study from Ireland finds that babies born during the isolation of covid lockdown are less likely to communicate with gestures or sounds by age 1, but are quicker to crawl.
Focus Falls On Health Experts On Twitter, After Elon Musk Bought It
Twitter has become a vital tool for many health organizations, Modern Healthcare reports, playing a role in marketing, information dispersal, and more. The San Francisco Chronicle asks if covid experts will stay on Twitter after its purchase by Elon Musk.
Experts Downplay Risks Of Halloween ‘Rainbow Fentanyl’
Worries over fentanyl-tainted Halloween candy were spurred when the Drug Enforcement Administration put out a PSA about the matter, USA Today says. An expert interviewed by NPR said the issue is “heavily politicized.” Separately, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody renewed those warnings.
Estimate Finds Legal Abortions Dropped 6% In Two Months After Roe Overturned
An analysis aiming to quantify the impact of the Dobbs decision finds that legal abortion fell nationwide by more than 10,000 in July and August. Numbers increased by about 12,000 in states where abortion is still legal, suggesting that half the women living in states where the procedure is banned traveled to another to secure one.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Childhood Polio Vaccination Must Increase; Why Is There No RSV Vaccine?
Editorial writers tackle polio, RSV, covid, and more.
Affordable Health Care Could Become A Human Right In Oregon
A ballot measure in Oregon is offering the chance to explicitly declare affordable health care a human right as part of the state constitution. Also in the news: flesh-eating bacteria in Florida, rising calls to the 988 line in Wyoming and New Mexico, post-birth Medicaid extensions, and more.
Report Highlights Racial Disparities In Californians’ Disability Care
A Disability Voices United report says the disability service system is “plagued” with such issues, with dangerous risks for essential services. Meanwhile, a Washington Post story says the Republican National Committee Chairwoman mocked Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman’s post-stroke speech abilities.
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 aging, asbestos, abortion, racism, long covid, and zombie brains. (Yes, you read that right.)
Walgreens Pharmacy Staff Will Be Allowed To Work More Slowly
NBC News reports that Walgreens is going to stop judging pharmacy staff performance on speed or “task-based metrics,” with the pharmacy giant saying that evaluations will center on patient support and quality instead. Separately, a patient died in an Alzheimer’s drug trial, sparking risk concerns.
The Cost Of Operating Health Care Services Is Rising: Report
Becker’s Hospital Review covers a report from the Medical Group Management Association, which says pressure on the health system, staff shortages, and supply chain upsets are leading to rising costs almost everywhere. Meanwhile, Axios says hospitals are “pleading” for delays to Medicare pay cuts.
Cancer Death Rates Fell In Every Age Group From 2015-19, Report Says
In other cancer research, Newsweek reported that scientists have found that the venom of the Australian southern sand octopus may significantly slow cancer growth in patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma, one of the most serious forms of skin cancer.
Black, Hispanic People Less Likely To Get Paxlovid, Study Finds
In other news about Paxlovid, researchers say they will soon begin testing its effectiveness against long covid. Meanwhile, a new study reinforces research that humans can pass covid to dogs and cats.
YouTube, Twitter, Schools Are Fighting Back Against The Spread Of False News
YouTube now has a verification process that allows certain professionals to be labeled as an authoritative source on a medical topic. And Twitter is using “prebunking” methods to head off hoaxes or misinformation.
WHO Warns TB Is Rising, And Covid Is To Blame
The number of people infected with tuberculosis, including drug-resistant TB, rose 4.5% in 2021 from 2020’s figures — for the “first time in years,” AP notes. Meanwhile, as the monkeypox outbreak continues, the CDC is emphasizing testing and treatment during pregnancy. RSV is also in the news.
Arizona’s Strict Abortion Ban Won’t Start This Year
Axios reports that a deal was reached between the state’s attorney general and Planned Parenthood after an earlier appeals court ruling blocked the 158-year-old ban. Abortion services have resumed. Meanwhile, NBC News says a national abortion access bill will be introduced today.
