Long-Haul COVID in Kids Typically Ends Within 3 Months: Study

• Steven Reinberg
• September 17, 2021
• Full Page

In kids and teens, symptoms of long COVID rarely last more than 12 weeks, a new international study reports.

The researchers also found that exposure to the highly contagious Delta variant did not result in more serious disease in children compared to earlier variants, a...

FDA Advisory Panel to Meet on COVID Booster Shots

• Cara Murez
• September 17, 2021
• Full Page

U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisors will meet Friday to consider whether it is safe and effective for Americans to receive a third "booster" dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

The FDA posted the materials it intends to use in the review on Wednesday. ...

Is Flu Ready for a Comeback? Get Your Shot

• Cara Murez
• September 17, 2021
• Full Page

Health officials are bracing for a viral double whammy this fall and winter.

"This year, we expect influenza and COVID-19 to circulate at the same time," said Dr. Jonathan Grein, director of hospital epidemiology at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.

That's why Grein an...

Biden Administration Buys More Monoclonal Antibody Treatments to Ward Off Shortage

• Cara Murez
• September 16, 2021
• Full Page

As severe cases of COVID-19 rise and demand surges for monoclonal antibody treatments, the U.S. government is ordering more from two key suppliers.

Monoclonal antibodies, which are lab-engineered immune system proteins, can help trigger a healthy immune response against ...

How Effective Is Your Homemade Mask?

• Steven Reinberg
• September 16, 2021
• Full Page

If you're making your own face mask to protect against COVID-19, three layers of cotton towel fabric are best, researchers from India report.

That recommendation comes after testing how best to block cough droplets moving at different rates, from mild to severe.

"...

Your Diet Could Cut Your Odds for Severe COVID-19

• Amy Norton HealthDay Reporter
• September 14, 2021
• Full Page

People who eat plenty of fruits and vegetables may have a somewhat lower risk of COVID-19 than those with unhealthy diets, a new study suggests.

Of more than 590,000 adults surveyed, researchers found that the quarter with the most plant-rich diets had a 9% lower risk of...

Israeli Data on COVID Boosters to Be Published This Week in Major Journal

• Cara Murez
• September 14, 2021
• Full Page

TUESDAY, Sept. 14, 2021 (HealthDay News) – New data out of Israel, to be published this week, could bolster the notion that a third booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine significantly lowers a recipient's odds for severe illness.

The data is scheduled to be published in...

Britain OK's COVID Vaccine for Kids 12 and Older; Hopes to Avoid Lockdowns

• Cara Murez
• September 14, 2021
• Full Page

While in the United States preteens and teens aged 12 to 15 have been eligible for COVID-19 vaccines since the spring, the vaccines are only now becoming available for that age group in the United Kingdom.

According to the Associated Press,on MondayBritain gave...

Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death Rises in People With HIV

• Robert Preidt
• September 8, 2021
• Full Page

People with HIV have an increased risk of sudden cardiac death, a new study warns, especially if the virus isn't well-controlled.

Sudden cardiac death occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating, usually due to an abrupt electrical malfunction.

"People living ...

Monoclonal Antibody Treatments for COVID-19: An Expert Explains

• Robert Preidt
• August 31, 2021
• Full Page

Monoclonal antibody infusions can help prevent severe COVID-19, but the best protection is to get vaccinated, experts say.

Antibodies are made by the immune system to fight infections.

"The problem is that our immune system takes two to three weeks to make good ant...

High Viral Load in Lungs Drives Fatal COVID-19: Study

• Robert Preidt
• August 31, 2021
• Full Page

A high amount of coronavirus in the lungs is a major contributor to death in COVID-19 patients, new research shows.

The findings challenge previous theories that simultaneous infections such as pneumonia or an overreaction of the body's immune system are significant fact...

Your Young Child Is Sick: Is it COVID or RSV?

• August 29, 2021
• Full Page

A common bug called respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulating among American kids during what's normally its off-season may cause concern if parents don't know how to tell it apart from COVID-19, experts say.

Getting RSV during the summer is unusual, but the U.S. Cen...

Could a Long-Used Cholesterol Drug Fight Severe COVID-19?

• Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter
• August 27, 2021
• Full Page

A drug that lowers cholesterol might help save hospitalized patients with COVID-19, a new, small Israeli study suggests.

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem noted that COVID causes a big buildup of cholesterol, which results in inflammation in cells.

In l...

When Is a Person With COVID-19 Most Infectious?

• Robert Preidt
• August 27, 2021
• Full Page

New research delivers an answer to a burning question: When are COVID-19 patients most infectious?

The answer? Two days before and three days after they develop symptoms.

The findings highlight the importance of rapid testing and quarantine if someone is feeling si...

Large-Scale Pandemics Aren't as Rare as You Think: Study

• Robert Preidt
• August 25, 2021
• Full Page

Major pandemics aren't all that rare and they're likely to occur more often in the future, a new study claims.

"The most important takeaway is that large pandemics like COVID-19 and the Spanish flu are relatively likely," study co-author William Pan said in a news releas...

Study Gives Hope for 'Dream' Vaccine Against All COVID Variants

• Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
• August 23, 2021
• Full Page

A multi-purpose vaccine that would protect humans against any future COVID-19 variants could one day be possible, a new study suggests.

The key to it all lies in a coronavirus scare that happened nearly two decades ago.

People previously infected with SARS -- the o...

Longer, Worse COVID Leaves Stronger Antibodies: Study

• Robert Preidt
• August 23, 2021
• Full Page

Survivors of severe or long COVID-19 could have greater antibody protection against future infection than those whose illness was shorter or milder, new research suggests.

For the study, a Rutgers University team followed 548 health care workers and 283 other workers fro...

No Lasting Lung Damage After Full Recovery From COVID-19

• Robert Preidt
• August 20, 2021
• Full Page

If you suffered a bout of COVID-19 and your lungs took a beating, new research has reassuring news: You will likely be spared long-term respiratory damage.

Scientists looked at COVID-19 survivors who had asymptomatic, moderate or severe COVID-19 infections and also under...

Even Delta Variant Can't Evade Vaccine-Linked Antibodies: Study

• Robert Preidt
• August 19, 2021
• Full Page

Antibodies generated by COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the Delta variant and other coronavirus variants of concern, new research shows.

The findings may help explain why m...

4 Out of 10 Parents Have No Plans to Get Child Vaccinated for School: Poll

• Cara Murez
• August 19, 2021
• Full Page

Almost 90% of U.S. parents plan to send their kids back to the classroom this fall, but fewer than 60% plan to get a COVID-19 vaccine for those who are old enough, a new poll reveals.

Anxiety is also high among many parents, who wonder just how safe in-person learning wi...

Texas Governor Has Breakthrough COVID Infection

• Robert Preidt and Robin Foster
• August 18, 2021
• Full Page

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has tested positive for COVID-19 but has not experienced any symptoms, his office announced Tuesday.

Abbott, who is fully vaccinated, is being treated with Regeneron's monoclonal antibodies in an effort to shorten the duration of the infection,...

Physics Shows Why 20 Seconds Is Right for Hand-Washing

• August 17, 2021
• Full Page

Twenty seconds.

That's how long you need to wash your hands to remove germs, a new physics study confirms.

Typical hand-washing guidelines -- including those from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- advise scrubbing your hands for a minimum of 2...

RSV Respiratory Illnesses Rising for Babies, Experts Warn

• Amy Norton HealthDay Reporter
• August 17, 2021
• Full Page

While the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the United States has been dominating the news, an old viral enemy has been making a quieter comeback.

In late spring, U.S. pediatric hospitals began reporting an unexpected rise in serious infections caused by respiratory syncyt...

COVID Vaccines Offer Good Protection for People Living With HIV

• Robert Preidt
• August 16, 2021
• Full Page

COVID-19 vaccination triggers a strong immune response in people with HIV, meaning they're likely protected against the coronavirus, a new, small study shows.

"Previous research has suggested a suboptimal response to COVID-19 vaccines in people living with HIV; however, ...

Delta & Breakthrough Infections in the Vaccinated: Should You Worry?

• Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
• August 13, 2021
• Full Page

Masks are making an unwanted comeback in many parts of the United States, after new data showing that fully vaccinated people with "breakthrough" coronavirus infections carry enough virus in their bodies to pose a potential risk to the unvaccinated.

But these breakthroug...

Moderna Vaccine May Shield More Against Breakthrough Infections Than Pfizer: Study

• Robert Preidt and Robin Foster
• August 12, 2021
• Full Page

People fully vaccinated with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine appear to have a lower risk of a "breakthrough" infection caused by the Delta variant than those who received the Pfizer vaccine, a new, preliminary report suggests.

The researchers emphasized t...

Pfizer Shot May Help Fight COVID Variants in People Previously Infected

• Ernie Mundell HealthDay Reporter
• August 11, 2021
• Full Page

A small, early study suggests that people who've already encountered SARS-CoV-2 may gain a big boost against COVID-19 if they get just one dose of the Pfizer vaccine -- and that protection may extend to new viral variants.

The study "supports the notion that vaccine effe...

The Delta Variant & the Vaccinated: One Expert's Take on the Data

• Robert Preidt
• August 9, 2021
• Full Page

News that the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 can be picked up and spread by vaccinated folks has sparked confusion and concern, and an infectious disease expert wants to clarify.

These worries follow a recent U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention r...

COVID Antibodies Stable 7 Months After Infection: Study

• Robert Preidt
• August 9, 2021
• Full Page

Antibody levels remain stable or even rise seven months after infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, European researchers report.

The study from Spain also found that preexisting antibodies against coronaviruses that cause the common cold may also protect against COVID-19....

Keeping Classrooms Safe for Kids With Asthma, Allergies

• August 7, 2021
• Full Page

Parents of kids with asthma and allergies should prepare a plan to keep them safe as schools reopen, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) says.

Along with guarding against COVID-19, it's important to protect against cold, flu and other viruses t...

At-Home Saliva Test Can Spot COVID Variants

• August 6, 2021
• Full Page

Spit and scan. That's all you have to do, and in less than an hour, you can not only find out if you have COVID-19 but what variant you have, all without leaving your home.

This is the hope and promise of a new saliva-based COVID-19 test that is currently under developme...

One Dose of Pfizer Vaccine May Be Enough for Folks Who've Had COVID

• August 6, 2021
• Full Page

I think I've had COVID-19 already, so do I really need two doses of vaccine?

It's a question millions of people around the world are asking, and now a small, new study finds that people who know they were infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the past may need only one shot of the...

Two-Thirds of Mild COVID Cases Leave Long-Term Symptoms

• Robert Preidt
• August 5, 2021
• Full Page

A little more than two out of every three people who have mild or moderate cases of COVID-19 will go on to develop long-term symptoms.

That's the troubling takeaway from a University of Arizona Health Sciences' study launched in May 2020.

"This is a real wake-up ca...

Two PrEP Meds Work Equally Well; One Is Much Cheaper

• Ernie Mundell and Robert Preidt HealthDay Reporters
• August 5, 2021
• Full Page

The two HIV prevention drugs available in the United States are equally safe and effective, and the biggest difference between them is price, a new study contends.

However, a sizable minority of patients have switched from the older and cheaper "preexposure prophylaxis" ...

You Probably Won't Get COVID From Handling Cash: Study

• Robert Preidt
• August 5, 2021
• Full Page

Go ahead, put your credit card away: Handling cash and coins isn't likely to give you COVID-19.

European researchers treated various coins and paper money with different concentrations of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID. A stainless steel surface was used as a co...

Wuhan Tests All Residents as Delta Variant Rages Where Pandemic Began

• Robert Preidt
• August 4, 2021
• Full Page

All 11 million residents of the city of Wuhan will be tested for COVID-19 after three locally transmitted cases were reported in the city on Monday, Chinese officials said Tuesday.

The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 was first detected in Wuhan in 2019.

"To ensure...

Is It COVID? Early Signs May Differ by Age, Gender

• Robert Preidt
• August 4, 2021
• Full Page

Exactly what symptoms of early COVID-19 infection you suffer may depend on both your age and gender, a new study finds.

"As part of our study, we have been able to identify that the profile of symptoms due to COVID-19 differs from one group to another. This suggests that...

Parents' Pot Smoking Means More Colds, Flu for Kids

• Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter
• August 2, 2021
• Full Page

Kids who are around people who use marijuana may be at risk for more colds and respiratory infections due to secondhand smoke, according to a new study.

In a survey of 1,500 parents and caregivers, those who regularly smoked or vaped marijuana reported more respiratory v...

Troubling Rise Seen in Both COVID, RSV Cases Among Children

• Robin Foster and Robert Preidt
• August 2, 2021
• Full Page

A rise in cases of a common childhood disease called respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is unfolding just as coronavirus infections are increasing among children.

RSV is a highly contagious, flu-like illness that causes symptoms such as runny nose, coughing, sneezing and ...

Vitamin D May Lower Black Women's Odds for COVID-19

• Robert Preidt
• July 28, 2021
• Full Page

Unlocking a clue to why Black women might be more susceptible to COVID-19, a new study shows that low levels of vitamin D may increase their risk of infection.

That doesn't mean that people should rely on vitamin D supplements to protect themselves against COVID-19, howe...

Pfizer Vaccine Offers 88% Protection Against Delta Variant, But 2 Doses Needed

• Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
• July 22, 2021
• Full Page

Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine provides surprisingly robust protection against the highly infectious Delta variant of COVID-19 -- but only if you've gotten both doses.

Fresh data out of England shows that two doses of the messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine is 88% effective in pr...