Latest KFF Health News Stories
Coronavirus Antibodies Can Be Tricky
In some people, the antibodies have attacked their immune systems instead of the virus. And some experts, responding to a large study that suggested immunity may not last very long, say fears are overblown because it’s normal for levels of antibodies to drop after the body clears an infection.
Vaccine Results Before Election Not Likely, Pfizer CEO Says
“Let’s be very patient,” said Dr. Albert Bourla, adding “I know how much it is needed for the world.” He had previously said results could be expected in October. Both Pfizer and Moderna claim to be close.
Begin Colon Cancer Screening Earlier, At Age 45, Key Panel Urges
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force especially recommends earlier screening for Black people, who have higher rates. News is on misinformation about COVID, safe holiday gatherings, Chrissy Teigen’s pregnancy loss and more.
COVID Controversy Overshadows Dodgers’ World Series Win
Dodgers third-baseman Justin Turner tested positive for the virus partway through the final game, removed from the lineup and told to isolate. Later, however, he reappeared to celebrate on-field with his teammates. He hugged them, kissed his wife and sat for the team photo without wearing a mask.
Cognitive Costs Of COVID? Severe Cases May Age 10 Years
A British team analyzed results from 84,285 people who completed a study called the Great British Intelligence Test. Other scientists warned that their cognitive skills weren’t tested pre-COVID. News is on the toll taken on families, the ”bliss molecule” and now, this: seasonal depression, as well.
CMS Penalizes Kansas Nursing Home Over COVID Complaints
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services notified Andbe Home, a nursing home in rural Kansas, that it no longer qualified as a Medicare provider after an investigation of how the facility handled the coronavirus outbreak.
Lawmakers Aim To Modernize Nation’s Medical Supply Chain
A group of bipartisan lawmakers unveil a package of six bills to improve gaps in the medical supply chain revealed during the pandemic. In other COVID news from Capitol Hill, Americans weigh in on who is to blame for the failure to pass another round of stimulus.
Hospitalizations Prove Surge Is ‘Real,’ Testing Czar Says In Foil To Trump
While President Donald Trump tells voters that the rapid spike in confirmed COVID cases is due to more testing, Admiral Brett Giroir — who oversees the nation’s testing program — says that hospitalization increases confirm that the disease itself is surging.
One Week Out, Biden Campaign Keeps Hammering Trump On COVID Response
In the closing days of the campaign, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his supporters continue to criticize President Donald Trump’s pandemic actions and competency. Meanwhile, voters are feeling the strain of this strange and often ugly election season.
Mission Accomplished? White House Release Says Trump Ended Pandemic
While the White House science office lists “ending the pandemic” in a press release of President Donald Trump’s top accomplishments, the president spends time on the campaign trail trying to change the subject away from the coronavirus crisis that is currently spiking to historic levels.
Kavanaugh Draws Election Battle Lines While Many Are Focusing On Barrett
A concurrent opinion from Justice Brett Kavanaugh in the Wisconsin voting case has some Democrats worried that the Supreme Court might be positioning itself to hand President Donald Trump a victory reminiscent of 2000’s Bush v. Gore.
More Americans Wearing Masks, But Falling Short On Social Distancing: CDC
A CDC survey taken between April and June found more adults in the U.S. adopted mask-wearing during that time. But other recommended behaviors, like hand-washing, social distancing and avoiding crowds were less common, especially among young people.
Governors Order Fresh Restrictions, Mandates To Curb All-Time-High Cases
As coronavirus infections reach historic levels, many state leaders revert to efforts to “flatten the curve.” Hospitals are already experiencing a flood of new coronavirus patients.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: Drug-Pricing Policies Of Biden, Trump; Medical Innovation
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Different Takes: Health Care Workers Fear Next Wave; Lessons On Failed Testing In Institutions
Opinion writers express views about these pandemic topics and others.
Viewpoints: Pros, Cons Of Barrett’s Placement On Supreme Court
Opinion writers weigh in on how Monday’s vote securing conservative dominance on the high court could impact health care and other issues.
Despite New Rule, Most States Won’t Let Pharmacists Inoculate Toddlers
When the Trump administration issued the declaration in August, 30 states did not allow pharmacists to vaccinate children ages 3 and up. Even though the federal rule supersedes those state laws, most of those states did not let pharmacies know about the new rule, CNN reports.
News reports are from New Jersey, North Carolina, Texas, Kansas, Virginia, Colorado and California.
Previous studies have already tied artificially-sweetened drinks to an increased risk of strokes, heart attacks, premature death, dementia, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome in certain people. The newest study finds that diet drinks may be as bad for your heart as the sugary kind.
