Category: NPR

People in recovery from opioid or alcohol addiction are weathering a new storm of depression, anxiety and isolation these days, as 12-step programs move online and detox centers close their doors.

“Case fatality rates have been very confusing,” says Dr. Steven Lawrence, an infectious disease expert. Here’s why.

Under the shadow of new, strict social distancing rules, House lawmakers will take up the $2 trillion plan on Friday. The president is expected to sign the historic measure into law.

Doctors say the machine that helps some people with sleep apnea keep their airway open at night won’t be enough to help an ill COVID-19 patient breathe, and could spread the coronavirus to bystanders.

NPR’s Michel Martin, Hansi Lo Wang and Rebecca Hersher speak with New York City midwife Eugenia Montesinos about the effect the coronavirus is having on her work.

An NPR analysis of the nation’s 100,000 ICU beds finds some communities can accommodate far more critically ill patients than others, signaling potential disparities in care in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Usually in U.S. health emergencies — HIV, vaping and more — the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is key to shaping policy and explaining it. That’s changing to our detriment, leaders say.

To stop COVID-19, retired doctors are signing up to take clinical shifts. Specialists, including dentists, could move to front line care. And med students are fielding calls in overwhelmed clinics.

The shortage of masks and other protective gear has left medical staff pleading for help. Several pop-up volunteer groups are matching individual donors with local hospitals most in need.

In the last days, the VA has put out calls on social media for retired doctors and nurses to return to work.