Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
People Who Had Covid Suffer Stronger Vaccine Effects, May Need Only 1 Dose
The New York Times: Have You Had Covid-19? Study Says You May Need Only One Vaccine Dose
In a study posted online on Monday, researchers found that people who had previously been infected with the virus reported fatigue, headache, chills, fever, and muscle and joint pain after the first shot compared more frequently than did those who had never been infected. Covid survivors also had far higher antibody levels after both the first and second doses of the vaccine. (Willyard, 2/1)
And those who have already had covid might be at risk of getting a new strain —
CNN: US Coronavirus: Coronavirus Variants Pose A High Risk Of Infecting People Again If They Become Dominant, Fauci Says
Even for those who have been infected with Covid-19, there is a "very high rate" of re-infection if the new variants become dominant, Dr. Anthony Fauci said Monday. Health experts have identified at least three coronavirus variants in the US that appeared to originate in the UK, South Africa and Brazil. While the average case rate in the US has declined lately, officials are concerned these variants could fuel another surge. (Holcombe, 2/2)
In other developments about the effects of covid —
The Washington Post: New Diabetes Cases Linked To Covid-19
Although covid-19 often attacks the lungs, it is increasingly associated with a range of problems including blood clots, neurological disorders, and kidney and heart damage. Researchers say new-onset diabetes may soon be added to those complications — both Type 1, in which people cannot make the insulin needed to regulate their blood sugar, and Type 2, in which they make too little insulin or become resistant to their insulin, causing their blood sugar levels to rise. But scientists do not know whether covid-19 might hasten already developing problems or actually cause them — or both. (Blakemore, 2/1)
The Wall Street Journal: Covid-19’s Effects May Linger In Your Body, Even After Asymptomatic Cases
Even people with asymptomatic Covid cases can have after-effects in their bodies, research indicates, raising questions about possible risks later in life. An estimated one-quarter to one-third of Covid infections are asymptomatic, according to recent studies. Multiple studies have shown asymptomatic patients can have irregular lung scans. A couple of small studies have found cardiac issues in student athletes, including those with asymptomatic infections. And a study looking at asymptomatic and mild cases of Covid in children found signs of possible small blood vessel damage. (Reddy, 2/1)
KHN: Long-Haul Covid Cases Cast New Light On Chronic Fatigue Sufferers
Four weeks after San Diego pediatric nurse Jennifer Minhas fell ill with covid-19 last March, her cough and fever had resolved, but new symptoms had emerged: chest pain, an elevated heart rate and crushing fatigue. Her primary care physician told her she was just anxious, and that none of her other covid patients had those issues. “That wasn’t what I needed to hear,” Minhas said. At times, she’s been too exhausted to hold up her head. “I was kind of a zombie for months, shuffling around unable to do much of anything.” (Cool, 2/2)
