A wave of COVID infections caused by the BA.5 subvariant has peaked. Around the world, daily new cases, hospitalizations and deaths are on the decline. But the SARS-CoV-2 virus is almost certainly here to stay. Another wave is almost inevitable as new variants and sub-variants mutate, compete for dominance and find new routes of transmission. … Read more
WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government declared a public health emergency on Thursday to bolster the response to the monkeypox outbreak. which has infected more than 6,600 Americans. The announcement will free up money and other resources to fight the virus, which can cause fever, body aches, chills, fatigue and pimple-like bumps on many parts … Read more
If you’re not up to date on your Covid shots or boosters, Dr. Anthony Fauci has a stark warning for you: get those doses now, or prepare for a harsh Covid fall and winter. “If they’re not vaccinated or if they’re not boosted, they’re going to be in trouble,” Fauci, President Biden’s chief medical adviser, … Read more
A study conducted in the UK showed that healthcare workers who received multiple boosters of the COVID-19 vaccine after being initially infected with the original virus strain from Wuhan are more prone to chronic reinfection with the Omicron variant . This may help explain why people who have received multiple boosters of the COVID-19 vaccine … Read more
The past two years have taught epidemiologists a great deal about real-time surveillance of communicable diseases. One of the lessons learned is that wastewater can tell a lot about a population. So, in response to the covid-19 pandemic, the United States Centers for Disease Control launched the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) in September 2020. … Read more
New research suggests that even a simple exercise routine could help older Americans with mild memory issues. Doctors have long advised physical activity to help keep the brain healthy. But the government-funded study marks the longest test of whether exercise makes a difference once memory begins to slip – research carried out amid a pandemic … Read more
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The governor of California declared a state of emergency on Monday to speed up efforts to fight the monkeypox outbreak, becoming the second state in three days to take the plunge. Governor Gavin Newsom said the statement will help California coordinate a government-wide response, research more vaccines, and lead outreach and … Read more
The covid pandemic is not over, but the United States has improved its management. People are still infected, but the easy availability of vaccines as well as new treatments has kept serious illnesses from overwhelming American hospitals. Most of the country is simply past the covid pandemic. You might see people choosing to wear masks … Read more
LONDON (AP) — Steps by wealthy countries to buy large quantities of monkeypox vaccine, while refusing to share doses with Africa, could leave millions unprotected from a more dangerous version. of the disease and risk continuing to spread the virus to humans, public health officials warn. Critics fear a repeat of catastrophic inequality issues seen … Read more
It seems that the longer we wait for a COVID-19 vaccine to be approved for certain age groups, the less likely children in those age groups are to get vaccinated. The Food and Drug Administration cleared the vaccine for emergency use in children ages 5 to 11 in late October, but nine months later only … Read more
