Latest KFF Health News Stories
Men Spread Coronavirus More Easily Than Women Or Kids, Study Finds
The reason is based in biology: It’s because men have bigger lungs. Loud talkers and singers also spread the virus more readily, the study showed. Other news on covid’s spread is from Texas, Iowa, New Hampshire, counties that voted for Donald Trump and more.
Omicron’s Progress Hints At Mild Cases, Less Death
As omicron begins to spread quickly through the U.S., local and global officials and medical experts are finding some positive news: South African data hints it may cause less serious cases, and “mild” ones in children, but Dr. Anthony Fauci said it was too early to be certain.
Evidence Mounts That Omicron Is Easier To Spread Than Delta
As scientists race to learn more about the omicron covid variant, infections at a Hong Kong quarantine hotel raise concerns about its transmissibility.
Stricter International Covid Travel Rules Kick In Today
News outlets round up what you need to know before heading out on a trip. And Dr. Anthony Fauci says that the U.S. will reevaluate the travel ban on African countries.
As Omicron Creeps Into More States, Delta Cases Are Also Rising
As of this report, 17 states have confirmed omicron variant cases. At the same time, the delta variant’s grip on the U.S. remains tight as daily case counts are again above 100,000.
From 2019 To 2020, Medicare Telehealth Visits Shot Up Over 6,000%
The dramatic shift was possible because of flexibilities included in health care provisions put in place during the covid emergency. In other telehealth news, a report in Stat suggests that mental health care for complex matters is also skewing toward more virtual delivery.
Courts Decide In Favor Of 2 Vaccine Mandates In California
News outlets report on the decision of a superior court judge to deny requests from the fire department to delay the city’s vaccine mandate, and a separate court decision which lifted a temporary injunction placed on San Diego Unified School District’s student shot mandate.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Reads: How Poverty Hurts People’s Health
Settle in this weekend with features stories on welfare, tainted water, the U.S. pandemic response, police violence, schools, vaccines and the homelessness crisis.
Viewpoints: New Research To Predict Parkinson’s; Ideas For Decreasing Drug Addiction And Overdoses
Editorial writers examine these public health concerns.
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid and vaccine issues.
Covid Spreading At Record Speed In South Africa
Covid’s reproductive number is above 2 in parts of South Africa, meaning each infected person infects at least 2 others. The omicron variant is blamed. Meanwhile, France reports nine omicron cases, and Germany is locking down extra-hard on unvaccinated people.
Nevada To Make Unvaxxed State Workers Pay Extra For Insurance
The fee will be up to $55 per month, and the money is to offset the extra burden of testing all the unvaccinated workers. Meanwhile, in Maine it’s proving a struggle to roll out booster shots due to pharmacy staff shortages.
Infrastructure Woes Could Limit Access to Anti-Covid Pills
Physician assistants want a new title, Carlyle Group buys a Medicaid payments IT management company. And other health industry news.
Nearly Half The States Could Curtail Or Limit Abortions
Twenty-one states are poised to immediately ban or acutely curtail access to abortions if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. That decision could also affect abortion access in more liberal-leaning states.
Lab-Grown Pre-Embryos Detailed
The blastoids present a more ethical way to study human development, scientists say. In other science news, a study finds what we all suspected: the 6-foot distancing rule is an arbitrary limit.
CDC Data Says Autism Affects 1 In Every 44 US Kids
The numbers don’t necessarily represent a rise in autism, experts noted, and instead reflect greater awareness and availability of services to help. Meanwhile, Rep. Alma Adams, a Democrat, raised a warning flag for maternal health problems in the U.S.
Congress Averts Shutdown After Vaccine Mandate Standoff
Both chambers eventually approved an 11-week stopgap bill to fund the government. Not included in the package was any measure to stop pending Medicare cuts. Hospitals and doctors are expected to continue lobbying for it.
Fights Over Vaccine Requirements Ratchet Up In Parts Of US
While New York City attempts to get religious and other private schools to require vaccinations of employees, mandates are defied in Oklahoma, New Jersey and Louisiana.
MRNA Vaccines Found To Give Best Protection As Boosters
A new study in the U.K. found Pfizer and Moderna’s shots were best at lifting antibody levels when given 10-12 weeks after the second dose. Six vaccines show promise as boosters though. A separate study on the overall effectiveness of mRNA shots showed Moderna slightly ahead.
