Opinion: How should we deal with COVID now?
8 months, 4 weeks ago

Opinion: How should we deal with COVID now?

LA Times  

The government made funding available for people infected with COVID to afford the drug Paxlovid for treatment, but not many people know how to access it. Another payment problem arises around antiviral medications such as Paxlovid — imperfect but useful tools to reduce death among those infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. After the COVID-19 public health emergency ended, the Department of Health and Human Services reached an agreement with Pfizer to increase access through the Paxcess program, which ensures that the drug is free for those on Medicaid and Medicare and the underinsured. The Department of Health and Human Services should embark on an expanded pharmacist and healthcare provider information initiative, working with all major pharmacy chains, to add electronic prompts for Paxcess to prescription fulfillment systems.

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History of this topic

‘Most people are confused’: What to know about the latest Covid shot
3 months, 3 weeks ago

‘Most people are confused’: What to know about the latest Covid shot

Politico  

Even the Democratic National Convention turned into a superspreader event. And despite the virus’ prevalence — and the persistent threat of long Covid — public health officials are contending with a myriad of obstacles as they try to boost the population’s defenses, including dwindling enthusiasm for the shots, lackluster testing and the end of a program meant to help the …

Noah Lyles' collapse underscores our collective COVID denial
4 months, 1 week ago

Noah Lyles' collapse underscores our collective COVID denial

Salon  

The 2024 Olympic Games are serving up some less-than-subtle metaphors for how poorly we handle public health. Just after winning a bronze medal in the much-anticipated men's 200-meter race, U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles collapsed on the track in exhaustion — not just because he’d completed a brutal run in just 19.7 seconds, finishing third, but also because he was sick …

COVID-19 vaccines: Much ado about known unknowns
7 months, 2 weeks ago

COVID-19 vaccines: Much ado about known unknowns

The Hindu  

There are things we know that we don’t know. This risk was identified and flagged back in 2021; packaging was modified to insert information associated with the side effects; even the WHO wrote about it first in May 2021 and then in 2023.Read Bindu Shajan Perapaddan’s report on the rare vaccine side-effect is “no secret” and they are “well aware …

‘If it’s COVID, Paxlovid’? For many, it should be easier to get. Here’s what to know about antivirals
10 months, 3 weeks ago

‘If it’s COVID, Paxlovid’? For many, it should be easier to get. Here’s what to know about antivirals

LA Times  

Doses of the COVID antiviral drug Paxlovid are displayed in New York on Aug. 1, 2022. “Clinicians having this weird idea about rebounds, it’s just dumb.” Data indicate that most people don’t get COVID rebound, Chin-Hong said. Even if COVID rebound happens, and symptoms do occur, “they tend to be mild and do not require repeating the treatment,” according to …

How to stay healthy during cold, flu and COVID-19 season
11 months ago

How to stay healthy during cold, flu and COVID-19 season

Associated Press  

Winter is here, inflicting its usual array of symptoms — coughs, nasal congestion, fatigue and fever — and, this year, a new COVID-19 variant is dominating the scoreboard. It’s important to take care of yourself if you’re a parent or caregiver of young children, said Sonney who is immediate past president of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. “Despite …

COVID-19 intensifies across California, with the worst probably still to come
11 months, 2 weeks ago

COVID-19 intensifies across California, with the worst probably still to come

LA Times  

The winter COVID-and-flu season is ramping up in California and nationwide, with doctors and other experts saying the worst of the respiratory illness season is still to come. “And we’re probably not quite to the zenith of it yet,” said Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, regional chief of infectious diseases at Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “Looking at some of the data that …

Covid-19 not a concern for most US adults, who are split on the latest vaccine and other precautions, KFF survey finds
1 year, 1 month ago

Covid-19 not a concern for most US adults, who are split on the latest vaccine and other precautions, KFF survey finds

CNN  

CNN — Most adults in the United States are not worried about getting sick with Covid-19 or spreading it over the holidays, a new survey from KFF found. Concern about rising cases and hospitalizations is slightly higher, with nearly half of adults saying they are “very” or “somewhat” worried that Covid-19 hospitalizations will increase this winter – about the same …

US approves updated COVID vaccines to rev up protection this fall
1 year, 3 months ago

US approves updated COVID vaccines to rev up protection this fall

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The U.S. approved updated COVID-19 vaccines Monday, hoping to rev up protection against the latest coronavirus strains and blunt any surge this fall and winter. It’s part of a shift to treat fall updates of the COVID-19 vaccine much like getting a yearly flu shot. “Vaccination remains critical to public health and continued protection against serious consequences of …

Gov. DeSantis and Florida surgeon general warn against new COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine
1 year, 3 months ago

Gov. DeSantis and Florida surgeon general warn against new COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine

Associated Press  

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday criticized recent efforts across the U.S. to tamp down a recent jump in COVID-19 cases through temporary restrictions or masking, and his state surgeon general warned against getting the latest COVID-19 vaccine, which is expected to be available this month. The criticism from DeSantis at news conference in Jacksonville, Florida, arrived …

Without other pandemic precautions, hospital mask rules didn’t stop COVID spread, study finds
1 year, 8 months ago

Without other pandemic precautions, hospital mask rules didn’t stop COVID spread, study finds

LA Times  

In a world moving on from the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals and medical offices have been the last bastions of mandatory masking. But new research finds that in communities where pandemic precautions have been largely abandoned, mask mandates in healthcare settings do little to prevent coronavirus infections among patients. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to recommend indoor …

COVID-19 pill Paxlovid moves closer to full FDA approval
1 year, 9 months ago

COVID-19 pill Paxlovid moves closer to full FDA approval

Firstpost  

Washington: Pfizer’s COVID-19 pill Paxlovid won another vote of confidence from U.S. health advisers Thursday, clearing the way for its full regulatory approval by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA said using Paxlovid in high-risk patients could prevent 1,500 COVID-19 deaths and 13,000 hospitalizations per week. The agency asked its panel of independent medical experts to address several lingering …

COVID-19 pill Paxlovid moves closer to full FDA approval
1 year, 9 months ago

COVID-19 pill Paxlovid moves closer to full FDA approval

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Pfizer’s COVID-19 pill Paxlovid won another vote of confidence from U.S. health advisers Thursday, clearing the way for its full regulatory approval by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA said using Paxlovid in high-risk patients could prevent 1,500 COVID-19 deaths and 13,000 hospitalizations per week. The agency asked its panel of independent medical experts to address several …

COVID-19 pill Paxlovid moves closer to full FDA approval
1 year, 9 months ago

COVID-19 pill Paxlovid moves closer to full FDA approval

LA Times  

Pfizer’s COVID-19 pill Paxlovid won another vote of confidence from U.S. health advisors Thursday, clearing the way for its full regulatory approval by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA said using Paxlovid in high-risk patients could prevent 1,500 COVID-19 deaths and 13,000 hospitalizations per week. Pfizer originally studied Paxlovid in the highest-risk COVID-19 patients: unvaccinated adults with other health …

World Health Organisation issues fresh Covid guidelines: 6 things to know
1 year, 11 months ago

World Health Organisation issues fresh Covid guidelines: 6 things to know

Hindustan Times  

The World Health Organisation issued new guidelines for those who contract the Covid virus amid spread of new variants in several countries. The health agency said that it has updated its guidelines on “mask wearing in community settings, Covid-19 treatments, and clinical management.” WHO also urged everyone to continue wearing masks and take boosters doses of Covid vaccines in order …

Guidelines issued to help patients recover
2 years ago

Guidelines issued to help patients recover

China Daily  

Documents detail rules for quarantine, roles of neighborhoods and hospitals Health authorities on Thursday issued two guidelines in tandem to help COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms recover at home and to properly monitor their health with test kits. To reduce cross-infections, the rules recommended separate rooms for homebound patients, who are encouraged to take recommended drugs based on their symptoms, …

Guidelines issued to help patients recover
2 years ago

Guidelines issued to help patients recover

China Daily  

Documents detail rules for quarantine, roles of neighborhoods and hospitals Health authorities on Thursday issued two guidelines in tandem to help COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms recover at home and to properly monitor their health with test kits. To reduce cross-infections, the rules recommended separate rooms for homebound patients, who are encouraged to take recommended drugs based on their symptoms, …

More Efforts Required To Save Lives as COVID-19 Threat Continues: Study
2 years, 1 month ago

More Efforts Required To Save Lives as COVID-19 Threat Continues: Study

News 18  

The COVID-19 pandemic has put unprecedented strain on the worldwide healthcare system. Although some countries have made progress, particular efforts and resources are still needed to save lives as SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate among us, according to new research, as per a PTI report. One of the six primary areas for action, selected by a wide panel of interdisciplinary experts …

COVID-19 updates: Mandatory isolation comes to an end as Australia enters new phase of pandemic — as it happened
2 years, 2 months ago

COVID-19 updates: Mandatory isolation comes to an end as Australia enters new phase of pandemic — as it happened

ABC  

*Sigh* — It looks like I'll be wearing an N95 for the foreseeable future. I haven't had covid yet and don't appreciate that people will be forced to work when sick as they won't receive paid leave- for their sake and for mine! Matthew Pickett — Absolutely crazy - look at what is happening in Europe and the USA now …

No Covid restrictions needed yet, Health Min. says as vaccinations open to everyone 12+
2 years, 2 months ago

No Covid restrictions needed yet, Health Min. says as vaccinations open to everyone 12+

NL Times  

Companies and organizations don’t have to take measures against the coronavirus yet but are free to do so if they wish. People between the ages of 40 and 60 can make an appointment next week, and “in principle the week after,” everyone from 12 to 40 can do so, Kuipers said. But according to Kuipers, it is ‘not yet necessary …

COVID-19 mandatory isolation is lifting. How can I best protect myself against infection?
2 years, 2 months ago

COVID-19 mandatory isolation is lifting. How can I best protect myself against infection?

ABC  

A fellow commuter sneezing into their sleeve. "But across multiple different systematic reviews and observational studies, it's a common theme: if you wear an N95 or similar, you'll have a much lower risk of infection than if you wear nothing at all," Professor van de Mortel says. US data from more than 500 people found always wearing a properly-worn respirator …

Coronavirus Today: Who’s dying of COVID-19 now?
2 years, 3 months ago

Coronavirus Today: Who’s dying of COVID-19 now?

LA Times  

I’m Karen Kaplan, and it’s Tuesday, Sept. 20. At a time when vaccines, boosters, medications and antibody treatments are plentiful, when hospitals have the bandwidth to care for patients who are seriously ill, and when, as White House COVID-⁠19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha said, “most COVID-19 deaths are preventable,” you’ve got to wonder: Who is dying of COVID-19 now? …

Explained | Is there any end of the COVID-19 pandemic in sight?
2 years, 3 months ago

Explained | Is there any end of the COVID-19 pandemic in sight?

The Hindu  

The story so far: “We are not there yet, but the end is in sight.” At a press conference on September 14, World Health Organization director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “Last week, the number of weekly reported deaths from COVID-19 was the lowest since March 2020. We have never been in a better position to end the pandemic.” The …

Is COVID-19 winding down? Scientists say no
2 years, 3 months ago

Is COVID-19 winding down? Scientists say no

LA Times  

Vials of Pfizer’s bivalent COVID-19 vaccine are seen on a production line at a manufacturing facility in Kalamazoo, Mich. Is the coronavirus on its way out? Still, living with COVID-19 “should not necessarily be a scary or bad concept,” since people are getting better at fighting it, Jha said during a recent question-and-answer session with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. Topol …

Tweaked COVID boosters close but how much will they help?
2 years, 3 months ago

Tweaked COVID boosters close but how much will they help?

Associated Press  

COVID-19 vaccines tweaked to better match today’s omicron threat are expected to roll out in a few weeks but still up in the air is how much benefit the booster shots will offer, who should get one -- and how soon. Dr. Peter Marks, the FDA’s vaccine chief, said Thursday that once authorized, the tweaked boosters could help right away …

CDC drops quarantine, distancing recommendations for COVID
2 years, 4 months ago

CDC drops quarantine, distancing recommendations for COVID

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The nation’s top public health agency relaxed its COVID-19 guidelines Thursday, dropping the recommendation that Americans quarantine themselves if they come into close contact with an infected person. The CDC also dropped a “test-to-stay” recommendation, which said students exposed to COVID-19 could regularly test — instead of quarantining at home — to keep attending school. “After two …

Here’s the CDC’s new advice for protecting yourself against COVID-19
2 years, 4 months ago

Here’s the CDC’s new advice for protecting yourself against COVID-19

LA Times  

Niko Barner receives a dose of COVID-19 vaccine from nurse Christopher King at a clinic in Tustin. “Today, the CDC is streamlining its COVID-19 guidance to help people better understand their risk, how to protect themselves and others, what actions to take if exposed to COVID-19, and what actions to take if they are sick or test positive for the …

Youngkin eases day care, school masking, quarantine guidance
2 years, 5 months ago

Youngkin eases day care, school masking, quarantine guidance

Associated Press  

RICHMOND, Va. — Quarantining after exposure to COVID-19 is no longer recommended for unvaccinated, asymptomatic children in child care, K-12 schools and camp settings, Gov. The guidance announced Thursday evening by the Republican governor’s office also said masking is no longer routinely recommended in those settings, except in limited circumstances. Youngkin said the guidance, which is a departure from federal …

Can We Stop Another Covid Wave? The Answer Lies in Masking, Vax, Disease Modelling
2 years, 6 months ago

Can We Stop Another Covid Wave? The Answer Lies in Masking, Vax, Disease Modelling

News 18  

Covid-19 cases are showing a steady increase since the start of June. Masking, Social Distancing and Ventilation Masking even with an inexpensive cloth mask is proven to be quite effective for prevention of Covid-19. For places where due to prior building restrictions or other reasons increasing outdoor ventilation is not possible, the Wold Health Organization recommends portable standalone air filtration …

Opinion: As the US inches toward Covid vaccines for its youngest, a pediatrician weighs in
2 years, 6 months ago

Opinion: As the US inches toward Covid vaccines for its youngest, a pediatrician weighs in

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Dr. Julie Morita, a pediatrician, is executive vice president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and member of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee to the Director. Since vaccines were authorized for children ages 5-11 seven months ago, less than 30% have completed their primary two-dose series, according to data from the US Centers …

Biden administration moves to make COVID-19 antiviral drug Paxlovid more available
2 years, 6 months ago

Biden administration moves to make COVID-19 antiviral drug Paxlovid more available

LA Times  

About 25,000 to 30,000 courses of the COVID-19 antiviral drug Paxlovid are being prescribed each day. The White House announced more steps Thursday to make the antiviral treatment Paxlovid more accessible across the U.S. as it projects that COVID-19 infections will continue to spread over the summer travel season. It’s the first time in the course of the pandemic that …

Rare cases of COVID returning pose questions for Pfizer pill
2 years, 7 months ago

Rare cases of COVID returning pose questions for Pfizer pill

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — As more doctors prescribe Pfizer’s powerful COVID-19 pill, new questions are emerging about its performance, including why a small number of patients appear to relapse after taking the drug. “The ability to clear the virus after it’s suppressed may be different from omicron to delta, especially for vaccinated people,” said Charness, who works for Boston’s VA health system. …

COVID is Here to Stay In a Milder Endemic Form, So Will Masking and Vaccination
2 years, 7 months ago

COVID is Here to Stay In a Milder Endemic Form, So Will Masking and Vaccination

News 18  

On my long flight to the US a couple of weeks ago, I had plenty of time to think about the COVID pandemic and ponder how things were last year this time, how it is now and how would it be a year from now. All these measures helped us considerably in facing the third wave, which came on the …

Administration expands availability of COVID antiviral pill
2 years, 7 months ago

Administration expands availability of COVID antiviral pill

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden’s administration is taking steps to expand availability of the life-saving COVID-19 antiviral treatment Paxlovid, seeking to reassure doctors that there is ample supply for people at high risk of severe illness or death from the virus. “Paxlovid will be widely available everywhere in America,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator. The …

It Makes Total Sense if You Still Don’t Want to Get COVID
2 years, 8 months ago

It Makes Total Sense if You Still Don’t Want to Get COVID

Slate  

Some of the most powerful and highly visible people in the country are gathering and celebrating—and getting sick—as though the coronavirus is no longer a threat. Prominent commentators like Leana Wen have framed the dinner as an example of success during a pandemic: The event went on as normal, people had fun, and as expected, people tested positive, no one …

2 years into pandemic, world takes cautious steps forward
2 years, 9 months ago

2 years into pandemic, world takes cautious steps forward

Associated Press  

PORTLAND, Ore. — With COVID-19 case numbers plummeting, Emily Safrin did something she hadn’t done since the pandemic began two years ago: She put her fears aside and went to a concert. “Everyone was supposed to be vaccinated or have a negative test, and I said, ‘What the heck, I’m just gonna live my life,’” Safrin said of her concert …

What Not To Say To Immunocompromised People Right Now
2 years, 9 months ago

What Not To Say To Immunocompromised People Right Now

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING As the omicron wave continues to recede and COVID restrictions ease, many people are celebrating. “I’m seeing patients who are feeling what I can only describe as despair.” Experts who work with immunocompromised people say that if you are at a lower risk for severe COVID, it’s on you to consider how your words and actions affect …

More COVID-19 rules fall as CDC hints at better times ahead
2 years, 10 months ago

More COVID-19 rules fall as CDC hints at better times ahead

LA Times  

Customers eat at the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia on Feb. 16, 2022. The nation’s leading health officials said Wednesday that the U.S. is moving closer to the point that COVID-19 is no longer a “constant crisis” as more cities, businesses and sports venues began lifting pandemic restrictions around the country. Philadelphia officials said Wednesday the city’s vaccine mandate for …

From Fear and Disbelief, We Are Now Ready for Peaceful Coexistence with COVID
2 years, 10 months ago

From Fear and Disbelief, We Are Now Ready for Peaceful Coexistence with COVID

News 18  

It has been about two years now since the ubiquitous, tiny, invisible enemy “the coronavirus” has wreaked havoc on our physical and mental well-being, healthcare systems, education of our youngsters, economy and the social fabric of the society. Though we knew more about the virus, vaccination was available and certain treatment protocols were in place during the second wave, yet …

Covid has completely changed my approach to parenting a poorly child
2 years, 11 months ago

Covid has completely changed my approach to parenting a poorly child

The Independent  

And so plan B is no more. And let’s be honest, nobody would wish preventative measures against Covid to be in place any longer than necessary. In the halcyon days before coronavirus, if a child complained of a pain, or came down to breakfast with a hacking cough, or had vommed in the night, you’d do one of two things. …

Covid-19: What will it take to vaccinate the world?
2 years, 11 months ago

Covid-19: What will it take to vaccinate the world?

Hindustan Times  

This is one of a series of interviews by Bloomberg Opinion columnists on how to solve the world’s most pressing policy challenges. It will not provide very durable protection Clara Ferreira Marques: You’re a veteran advocate for global health, vaccines and tropical-disease control, and served as a U.S. science envoy during the Obama administration. The Texas Children’s Hospital Center for …

Have Covid-19 And In Home Isolation? Govt Advises On Medicines To Be Taken
2 years, 11 months ago

Have Covid-19 And In Home Isolation? Govt Advises On Medicines To Be Taken

ABP News  

New Delhi: The government expressed concern over "misuse and overuse" of Covid-19 drugs as cases continue to spike in India driven by the highly transmissible Omicron variant. Addressing a press conference, NITI Aayog Member Dr VK Paul said Covid-19 patients in home isolation should take paracetamol for fever and for cough, Ayush syrup could be used. Dr VK Paul said …

Abcarian: It's looking like we all might get COVID someday
2 years, 11 months ago

Abcarian: It's looking like we all might get COVID someday

LA Times  

Over the last few weeks, you’ve probably had the same conversation I’ve been having: “We’re all going to get it, aren’t we?” “Yep.” Call it fatalism. “I don’t think it’s a foregone conclusion that everybody will get COVID-19,” UCLA infectious disease expert Otto Yang told the “Today” show last month. “Endemic is now often used to describe the point where …

Explained: Why are so many vaccinated people getting COVID-19 lately?
2 years, 11 months ago

Explained: Why are so many vaccinated people getting COVID-19 lately?

Firstpost  

People might mistakenly think the COVID-19 vaccines will completely block infection, but the shots are mainly designed to prevent severe illness, says Louis Mansky, a virus researcher at the University of Minnesota. Omicron is more likely to infect people, even if it doesn’t make them very sick, and its surge coincided with the holiday travel season in many places. While …

Reduced COVID-19 isolation for NSW healthcare staff a 'catch-up' measure to stop system 'collapsing'
2 years, 11 months ago

Reduced COVID-19 isolation for NSW healthcare staff a 'catch-up' measure to stop system 'collapsing'

ABC  

Tired and overworked healthcare workers in New South Wales were left with no choice but to support reducing the isolation rules for staff with no symptoms who had been deemed close contacts of COVID-19 cases. Key points: Expert says reducing isolation for asymptomatic healthcare staff made complete sense President of the doctors union says patients will not be put in …

US officials recommend shorter COVID isolation, quarantine
2 years, 11 months ago

US officials recommend shorter COVID isolation, quarantine

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — U.S. health officials on Monday cut isolation restrictions for asymptomatic Americans who catch the coronavirus from 10 to five days, and similarly shortened the time that close contacts need to quarantine. The CDC’s isolation and quarantine guidance has confused the public, and the new recommendations are “happening at a time when more people are testing positive for …

CDC move to shorten COVID isolation causes confusion and doubt
2 years, 11 months ago

CDC move to shorten COVID isolation causes confusion and doubt

LA Times  

People wait in a long line to get tested for COVID-19 in New York City’s Times Square. U.S. health officials’ decision to shorten the recommended coronavirus isolation and quarantine period from 10 days to five is drawing criticism from some medical experts and could create confusion among many Americans. Airline officials earlier this month sent a letter to the CDC …

Arguments over COVID vaccines could drive rise in family breakdowns, counsellors warn
3 years ago

Arguments over COVID vaccines could drive rise in family breakdowns, counsellors warn

ABC  

Relationship counsellors say the increasing need for a COVID-19 vaccination to work, travel and dine out may begin to tear families apart if they cannot settle on a mutual decision. Key points: Relationship counsellors are expecting a surge in families needing support to navigate COVID-19 vaccine decisions They say the decision on whether to vaccinate young children can be challenging …

Cases surge in new COVID hot spots of Michigan, Minnesota
3 years, 1 month ago

Cases surge in new COVID hot spots of Michigan, Minnesota

Associated Press  

Hospitals in Michigan and Minnesota on Tuesday reported a wave of COVID-19 patients not seen in months as beds were filled with unvaccinated people and health care leaders warned that staff were being worn down by yet another surge. It “should be alarming to all of us,” Bob Riney, chief operating officer at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, said …

Effectiveness of Covid vaccines declining somewhat
3 years, 1 month ago

Effectiveness of Covid vaccines declining somewhat

NL Times  

The effectiveness of the Covid-19 vaccines in protecting vaccinated people against severe illness and transmission is declining somewhat, RIVM director Jaap van Dissel said to parliament on Wednesday, NOS reports. The vaccines' effectiveness in protecting against transmission dropped from 75 percent in June to 50 percent now, Van Dissel said. More people are being hospitalized in the big cities, Van …

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