Latest KFF Health News Stories
Rural Covid Infection Rate Plummets
The Daily Yonder says the 40% decline in last week’s data likely indicates rural counties have passed the peak of the omicron surge. Separately, a new study says that delta covid actually infected twice as many people per capita in rural areas than urban ones, with low vax rates to blame.
Covid Can Attack, Destroy Placenta During Pregnancy, Study Finds
A study in the journal Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine details the way that a covid infection can cause harm during pregnancy, in particular the way it can remove vital life support functions from a developing fetus.
Updated CDC Opioids Guidelines Aim To Strike Better Prescribing Balance
As part of evolving efforts to limit opioid abuse while appropriately alleviating patient pain, the CDC released 12 new recommendations that would revise federal guidelines around addictive pain medications. Eliminating controversial dosage thresholds is among the proposed changes.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Making Menopause More Manageable; The Reason Behind Increased Autism Diagnoses
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
Different Takes: What Have We Learned About Covid?; Is It Time To Stop Masking?
Opinion writers examine these covid topics.
Omicron Covid Spreading Quickly Across Tonga
Tonga had been almost entirely free of covid, but is now seeing community spread driven by omicron and the complexities of recovery after a volcanic eruption. Meanwhile, in the U.K. — despite relatively high infection rates — most remaining covid restrictions will be dropped.
Research Roundup: Covid; Diabetes; Neonate Thrombosis
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Living In The South In 2019 Meant A Shorter Life Expectancy
A CDC report says the majority of states with lowest life expectancies were in the South. Mississippi had the lowest of all: 74.4 years. In other news, Georgia advanced a bill banning mailed abortion pills; UCLA settled a physician sexual abuse lawsuit for $243.6 million; and more.
Cancer-Linked Weedkiller May Be Found In 1 In 3 Americans’ Blood
Young children are at highest risk from exposure to the toxic chemicals, a George Washington University study says. Separate research links preterm births with fertility treatments, and another study says eating more legumes and less red meat is linked to longer lifespans.
Biden To LGBTQ+ Kids: ‘I Have Your Back’
In the light of a controversial Florida bill limiting discussion of LGBTQ+ topics in schools, President Joe Biden addressed the LGBTQ+ community, and particularly children who may be affected, to stress his support for them. Transgender rights issues are reported by other news outlets.
New Combo Drug Could Save Many With Breast Cancer
Keytruda, a.k.a. pembolizumab, is the subject of a Press Association report that highlights how effective it is against certain aggressive breast cancers if given with chemotherapy. Everly Health, Roche in South Africa, an expensive cystic fibrosis drug and more are also in the news.
Crucial Democrats Voice Support For Califf’s FDA Nomination
Senate Finance Committee chair Ron Wyden says he endorses Robert Califf to lead the Food and Drug Administration. His endorsement is the latest in a line of Senate Democrats who say their concerns about his nomination have been allayed. A full Senate vote has not yet been scheduled.
Even Mild Covid Infections Could Affect Later Heart Health, Study Finds
One researcher is reported as saying the results of a new study were “stunning” in terms of the increased risk of heart illnesses a year after even a mild covid infection. Different research finds a prior infection is less protective against catching omicron than other variants.
Shots For Under 5s Will Be Ready By Feb. 21 — If They’re Approved, That Is
The CDC is reportedly poised to quickly roll out 10 million doses. The FDA has yet to authorize the lower-dose, 3-microgram Pfizer/BioNTech shot for children ages 6 months to 4.
Biden Aims To Jump-Start Efforts To Tackle Pricey Prescription Drugs
President Joe Biden will address the high cost of prescription drugs during an event Thursday, an issue on which there is some bipartisan support and could help the White House make some progress on its stalled domestic agenda.
Many States Dump Mask Mandates
Some states, like New York, will still require masks in schools. Others, like Massachusetts and Rhode Island, will make them optional for students. Some parents and doctors say it’s too risky, too soon.
CDC May Update Mask Guidelines As It Urges States To Move Cautiously
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky stressed that it is too soon for all Americans to take off their masks in indoor public places. But Politico reports that CDC staff are considering whether the agency should use case rates as a metric or whether it should use hospitalization data.
Appeals Court Allows Block On Federal Employee Vaccine Mandate To Stand
President Joe Biden’s requirement that all federal employees get vaccinated against covid remains on hold after the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 not to lift a lower court’s ruling. The case is likely heading to the Supreme Court.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
