Category: Public Health

Monkeypox may spread indefinitely at low levels, CDC report finds: 5 updates

Monkeypox eradication in the U.S. is unlikely in the near future, as experts anticipate low-level transmission will continue indefinitely, according to a CDC technical brief published Sept. 29. 

Expect rise in infections after hurricanes, flooding, infectious disease physician warns

There will likely be an increase across a number of infections in the wake of Hurricane Ian, infectious disease specialist Judy Stone, MD, wrote in an Oct. 4 piece published in Forbes. 

90% of Americans agree, country experiencing mental health crisis, survey says

Nine out of 10 adults believe there is a mental health crisis in the U.S. today, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation/CNN Mental Health In America Survey, as reported Oct. 5 by CNN.

Fall booster campaign could prevent 745,000 hospitalizations, report finds

Increasing COVID-19 booster administration this fall could save up to 160,000 lives and prevent more than 1 million hospitalizations, according to an Oct. 5 analysis from the Commonwealth Fund.

Don’t be surprised if a new variant emerges this winter: Fauci

A new COVID-19 variant could pop up in the coming months, as winter poses a risk for an uptick in respiratory illnesses, Anthony Fauci, MD, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said in an Oct. 4 interview with the USC …

$80,000 and 5 ER Visits: An Ectopic Pregnancy Takes a Toll Despite NY’s Liberal Abortion Law

If an embryo has implanted in a fallopian tube, ending the pregnancy is imperative to protect the patient’s life. Women’s health advocates have raised concerns that the needed treatment may be hampered by restrictive abortion laws in some states. Yet women seeking treatment in states with more liberal abortion laws may still find the process expensive and harrowing.

‘We’re playing with fire’: Lawmaker urges action on fight against superbugs

Lawmakers may miss a crucial window to pass legislation to address the proliferation of drug-resistant infections, also known as superbugs, Politico reported Oct. 2.

Only 49% of Americans plan to get flu shot amid threat of severe season, survey finds

While 69 percent of Americans agree flu vaccination is the best preventive measure against flu-related deaths, only 49 percent are planning on getting a shot this season, a new survey from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases found.

New omicron relatives make up nearly 20% of US cases: 4 updates

As BA.5 slowly descends, a collection of omicron relatives now make up 18.7 percent of U.S. COVID-19 cases, according to the CDC’s latest variant proportion estimates. 

Nursing Home Surprise: Advantage Plans May Shorten Stays to Less Time Than Medicare Covers

Private Medicare Advantage health plans are increasingly ending coverage for skilled nursing or rehab services before medical providers think patients are healthy enough to go home, doctors and patient advocates say.