Latest KFF Health News Stories
New Guidelines Offer ‘Safe’ Opioid Use Plans After Children’s Surgeries
The guidelines, published in JAMA Surgery, acknowledge the risks of misuse, but, “we don’t want to contribute to scaring parents and to scaring physicians about undertreating pain,” said co-author Matthew Kirkpatrick, an addiction expert. Other public health reports are on shortages of COVID tests, failed tracing efforts and more.
‘Better Than We Had Feared’: Math Skills Take A Hit, But Not Reading
Researchers stress that the MAP Growth assessments given this fall might be underestimating the impact of online learning among disadvantaged groups.
True To Its Name, COVID-19 Likely Spread Unchecked In US Last December
Researchers analyzed blood donations collected by the American Red Cross from residents in nine states. They found evidence of coronavirus antibodies in 106 out of 7,389 blood donations. The CDC analyzed the blood collected between Dec. 13 and Jan. 17.
For Many Hospitals, Financial Health Is Teetering
The median hospital operating margin dropped 8.5% year over year and 18.7% for January through October compared with the previous year, according to an analysis of about 900 hospitals.
FDA To Scrap Controversial ‘Unapproved Drugs Initiative’
Additional reports are on a new HIV medication for babies and on AstraZeneca, Biogen, Kinaset and DeepMind, as well.
First Alzheimer’s Blood Test Now On Sale Only With Doctor’s Order
AP reports that the blood test has not been approved by the FDA and is not covered by insurance or Medicare. Its maker, C2N Diagnostics of St. Louis, charges $1,250 and offers discounts based on income. Results are available within 10 days.
There’s Never Been Enough Protective Gear For Health Care Workers. Now It’s Even Worse.
Months into the pandemic, medical facilities continue to struggle to procure the PPE needed to keep health care personnel safe from virus exposure. In related news, nurses are in too short supply and California recommends weekly testing for workers.
Partisan Fault Lines Deeply Divide Americans’ Pandemic Views: Survey
The poll urges leaders to “remove politics and partisanship from their messaging” and remind people that mitigation measures are “good for the people they love and will speed up the return to a strong economy and a normal life.”
Savings Run Out For More Americans As Senators Face Uphill Relief Talks
NPR reports that more and more people are having to put expenses, even rent, on credit cards and default on bills. With financial struggles deepening, a bipartisan group of senators are trying to kickstart stalled stimulus negotiations.
White House Cedes Authority To States To Disperse Limited Vaccine Stores
The Trump administration will distribute early supplies of COVID-19 vaccines to the states, based on population. But how they are used is then up to state officials. Meanwhile, the White House plans to hold large indoor holiday parties.
State Officials Wait On Biden Administration Pandemic Policies
Most state and local health departments are expected to be receptive to the guidance and changes ushered in by the next White House, but the challenges all face are steep. Meanwhile, President-elect Joe Biden continues to select his team.
Scott Atlas Resigns From White House Advisory Position
The tenure of Dr. Scott Atlas was marked with several controversies when he espoused views on pandemic issues like masks and herd immunity that ran contrary to guidance from CDC scientists.
Who Will Be In First Wave Of COVID Shots? CDC Panel Hashes It Out Today
The panel members don’t work for the government but provide expertise in how vaccines work, how the immune system responds, family medicine and infectious diseases, ABC News reports.
How Lightning-Fast COVID Vaccine Has Spawned Contests, Doubts And Scams
It’s an unprecedented scientific accomplishment: Approximately 40 million doses of two very effective vaccines could be available by year’s end in the United States, enough for 20 million people to receive full protection.
Record Number Of Americans Are Hospitalized, Overwhelming Capacity
More than 96,000 are severely sick enough with COVID-19 to require hospital care. In rural areas, the flood of patients means that medical professionals must treat friends and family. Hospital news is also reported from California, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Idaho and Indiana.
‘Assume You Were Exposed’: Holiday Infections To Accelerate The Surge
With the coronavirus pandemic already spiraling to near out of control, experts advise that Thanksgiving travelers and gatherers get tested about five days after potential exposure.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers express views about these public health topics and other issues, as well.
Editorial pages focus on these pandemic topics and others.
The Race To Vaccinate: UK Prepares To Start Soon
News reports are from England, Russia, China, Brazil, Japan, Korea and Argentina.
