Latest KFF Health News Stories
GOP Lawmakers Don Masks After Cain’s Death, Gohmert’s Diagnosis
On the House floor Thursday, there was effectively universal compliance after Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s mandate to wear a mask. In other news, former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain’s death from COVID reverberates across Washington, D.C.
Democrats Rebuff Trump’s Pitch For Interim Extension Of $600 Jobless Aid
With progress on a larger stimulus package at an impasse, the White House floated a short-term bill to extend the $600 unemployment benefit that expires today. House Democrats knocked down the idea.
Wearing A Mask? Good. Now Add A Face Shield, Too
Face shields can protect against droplets, according to Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator. Along those same lines, infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, who is testifying before Congress this morning, suggested the U.S. may eventually recommend eye goggles.
Recovered From COVID? Donate Blood For Plasma Treatment, Trump Urges
During a roundtable at the Red Cross headquarters, President Donald Trump and other public health officials called on coronavirus survivors to donate. “You’ve gotten through it, and I guess that means you have something very special there,” Trump said.
Study: Little Kids Carry A Large Load Of Coronavirus
A new study says children younger than age 5 may host up to 100 times as much of the coronavirus in the upper respiratory tract as adults. While it does not prove that infected children are contagious, the findings will undoubtedly figure in the contentious the debate on how to reopen schools.
Surge Of New COVID Cases Appears To Be Stabilizing, But Deaths Still Rising
Public health experts warn that the positive trend could slip back if Americans aren’t vigilant. And states like Arizona, Florida and Mississippi continue to break records for confirmed new cases.
Testing Backlog Better, Giroir Says; Data System Worse, Health Officials Say
The Trump administration’s testing czar, Adm. Brett Giroir, says most lab results come back in three days or fewer, but some people are still frustrated by long delays. In other news, analysts say the public data hub that replaced the one run by the CDC is rife with errors.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: The Relief Bill’s Boondoggle, Part II; Pros, Cons Of Keeping Kids At Home This Fall
Editorial writers focus on these pandemic issues and others.
Opinion writers weigh in on these pandemic topics and others.
Research Roundup: COPD; Appendicitis; Orthodontics; And Artificial Intelligence
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
The pandemic is reappearing in Vietnam and is surging again in several Asian countries. Also, a Japanese court recognizes “black rain” victims 75 years after the atomic bomb blast.
How States Are Faring: Ohio Hospitalizations Hit Record High
Reports on the coronavirus epidemic from Ohio, Texas, Arizona, Montana, Oregon and Oklahoma.
States facing major health problems, some not related to the coronavirus epidemic, seek federal help. Meanwhile, some state officials are realizing that maybe, just maybe, people are partying too hard and spreading COVID.
US Needs To Drastically Change Or Face Many More Deaths, Health Groups Say
Also in the news today: Covered California; CARES Act funds in Georgia, SOC Telemed; and a major hospital apologizes for performing cosmetic genital surgeries on intersex infants.
Number Of Kids With Lead Poisoning Higher Than Expected, Study Finds
Other scientific developments include a potential medieval antibiotic, how your blood sugar affects your workouts and the effects of mechanical ventilation on COVID patients.
How White Nurses Can Fight Racism In The Workplace
Other topics on the mental and physical effects of racism include this year’s heat wave, last year’s Walmart shooting in El Paso, Texas, and yoga.
Study: Gum Disease Linked To Dementia
“We looked at people’s dental health over a 20-year period and found that people with the most severe gum disease at the start of our study had about twice the risk for mild cognitive impairment or dementia by the end,” said study author Ryan Demmer. And more on cognitive testing.
Usefulness Of COVID-Symptom Apps Questioned
But venture capitalists pour more money into other medical technology.
Shared Homes: Younger Family Members Are Infecting Older Ones
Whether they’re going to work or bars, when young adults head home, family members are at risk. Public health news is on flying, homelessness, assistance funds, masks, isolation, and more.
