17% Of US Adults Use Cannabis, Most To Manage Symptoms Like Stress, Pain
June 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
Also in health and wellness news: MDMA, grief after an overdose, sleep’s connection to happiness, a “realistic” way to protect kids from ill effects of social media, and more.
Research Roundup: RSV Vaccine Safety; Covid Deaths; Pediatric Studies
June 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, June 6, 2024
June 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
Covid variants and shots, bird flu, abortion access, gun violence, nursing home rules, cannabis, long covid symptoms, and more are in the news.
This Fall’s Covid Shot Should Target JN.1 Variant, FDA Panel Agrees
June 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
The recommendation would lead to the third remake of covid vaccines since 2022, CIDRAP notes, with new shots targeting ever-evolving variants. FDA officials say the timing for this type of decision “remains elusive.” Also, a potential treatment is about to begin clinical trials in South Carolina.
Scientists Link More Than 200 Symptoms To Long Covid
June 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine also says a positive covid test isn’t necessary to diagnose long covid. Separately, physicians are asking if covid is to blame for a surge in “unusual” cancers.
Mexico Man’s Death Marks First Human Case Of H5N2 Bird Flu Variant
June 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
The variant, which killed a 59-year-old man, is not known to have spread to humans, authorities say. They stressed that there’s no evidence of person-to-person transmission linked to this subtype, and note the man had several prior health conditions.
Case Of Rare Fungal STI Ringworm Reported In US For First Time
June 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
Physicians are saying they’re facing increasing trouble when it comes to treating fungal infections. In other developments, a possible salmonella outbreak in cucumbers has sickened over 150 people, hospitalizing 54.
Republicans Stymie Bill To Guarantee Birth Control Access Nationwide
June 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
The measure, brought forth in the Senate, was decried as a political stunt by Republican lawmakers even though the majority of American voters support access to contraception.
White House Enlists Doctors and Hospitals To Combat Gun Violence
By Samantha Young
June 6, 2024
KFF Health News Original
As Congress remains deadlocked on gun policy, the Biden administration is calling on hospital leaders and doctors to gather more data about gunshot injuries and deaths and step up their violence prevention work.
First Edition: June 6, 2024
June 6, 2024
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Wins at the Ballot Box for Abortion Rights Still Mean Court Battles for Access
By Bram Sable-Smith
June 6, 2024
KFF Health News Original
Michigan and Ohio serve as cautionary tales for states whose voters will decide abortion ballot initiatives this year: Even if the measures pass, it would take time to unwind conflicting laws.
Viewpoints: It’s Time To Update Laws On Food Allergies; Abortion Exceptions In Texas Are Too Complex
June 5, 2024
Morning Briefing
Editorial writers tackle food allergies, abortion laws, addiction, and more.
For Some At-Risk Groups, The CDC Now Advises Post-Sex Antibiotics
June 5, 2024
Morning Briefing
A dose of doxycycline within 72 hours of having sex is now the post-exposure prophylaxis measure recommended by the CDC for people at a higher risk of contracting bacterial STIs. Separately, research shows teens with strong family ties are less likely to have sex at young ages.
Different Virus, ‘Same Mistakes’: Birx Sounds Alarm About Bird Flu Response
June 5, 2024
Morning Briefing
Deborah Birx, the former federal coronavirus response coordinator, thinks the U.S. should be testing cows and people often for the H5N1 bird flu virus so that we don’t reach pandemic stage. Meanwhile, Michigan pumps the breaks on field trips to dairy farms. Mpox and covid are also in the news.
Appeals Court Revives Sutter Health $411 Million Antitrust Class Action
June 5, 2024
Morning Briefing
The California health provider is accused of anticompetitive behavior that increased insurance costs and now must face a new trial. Also in the news: possible reforms for the 340B drug discount program, insurers address the affordable housing crisis, and more.
Judge Rules CMS Miscalculated Medicare Star Rating for SCAN Health
June 5, 2024
Morning Briefing
SCAN Health Plan had sued CMS, saying regulators didn’t properly calculate the insurer’s Medicare Advantage rating. The decision could have industrywide implications, Modern Healthcare says.
Special Report: Pharmacies In Crisis
June 5, 2024
Morning Briefing
AP takes a deep dive into the shortage of pharmacies and how a tidal wave of closures has affected the health care of residents — especially Black people and Latinos — in underserved or rural regions.
Gene Therapy Gives 5 Children With Total Deafness The Ability To Hear
June 5, 2024
Morning Briefing
Newly published research covers the success of the first trial of a breakthrough gene therapy in which the treatment was applied to children in both ears. Meanwhile, a transplanted pig kidney is removed from a human patient, but not because of the kidney itself: A heart pump issue was the cause.
Too Many Still Believe MMR Vaccine Causes Autism; Progress Being Made In New Antibiotic Creation
June 5, 2024
Morning Briefing
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
