Category: Public Health

Past omicron infection outperforms 3 vaccine shots in study

Testing positive for omicron BA.1 plus two to three mRNA vaccines is the strongest protection against omicron BA.2 compared to being vaccinated with no past COVID-19 infections, a study published Sept. 21 in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found. 

CDC starts tracking BF.7: 5 notes on the subvariant

The CDC recently started tracking a new omicron subvariant, BF.7, which is now the third most-prevalent strain in the U.S. 

US anticipates monkeypox will be eradicated: 6 updates 

Federal health officials are optimistic that the U.S. will be able to eliminate monkeypox as cases decline nationwide, The New York Times reported Sept. 22. 

Is Covid ‘Under Control’ in the US? Experts Say Yes

PolitiFact has been tracking this campaign promise since 2020. Experts are now saying it’s fair to describe the covid pandemic as “under control.”

US COVID-19 cases at lowest level since April: 8 CDC findings

The rate of new COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalizations all fell this week, with the nation’s daily case average reaching the lowest figure seen in nearly five months, according to the CDC’s COVID-19 data tracker weekly review published Sept. 23.

Health care’s 3 epic childhood obesity failures

I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of spouting the same old worsening childhood obesity statistics, applying the same dilute and sometimes broken strategy, not getting anywhere, judging myself as a doctor, then shifting the blame to my p…

‘Twindemic’ risk greater this year, experts worry

The U.S. avoided a long-feared “twindemic” of flu and COVID-19 for the past two years, largely because of widespread masking and other behaviors that kept flu seasons mild. But the risk that both illnesses will increase this winter appears greater. 

In Jackson, the Water Is Back, but the Crisis Remains

Unsafe water and all that comes with it — constant vigilance, extra expenses, and hassle — complicate every aspect of daily life for residents of Jackson, Mississippi. Health advocates say stress exacerbates underlying health problems. That is why a free clinic in one of Jackson’s poorest neighborhoods has been organizing water giveaways for the past year and a half.

Dr. David Sousa on the state of long COVID-19 after 2 years of treating patients

David Sousa, MD, has been seeing patients suffering from long COVID-19 at Morristown, N.J.-based Atlantic Health’s COVID Recovery Center for nearly two years. 

California to create 1st US office to combat gun violence

The California Department of Justice is launching an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, the first state in the U.S. to do so.