Are masks coming back? The Delta variant has some different officials rethinking precautions.

By BY RONI CARYN RABIN, APOORVA MANDAVILLI, SHAWN HUBLER, JILL COWAN AND ANA FACIO-KRAJCER from NYT Health https://ift.tt/3ApFgbw

Are masks coming back? The Delta variant has some different officials rethinking precautions.

By BY RONI CARYN RABIN, APOORVA MANDAVILLI, SHAWN HUBLER, JILL COWAN AND ANA FACIO-KRAJCER from NYT Health https://ift.tt/3Ac8lqL

‘It’s Tough to Get Out’: How Caribbean Medical Schools Fail Their Students

By BY EMMA GOLDBERG from NYT Health The institutions are expensive, often operated for profit and eager to accept applicants. But graduates have trouble landing residencies and jobs. https://ift.tt/2TgoavS

Three Studies, One Result: Vaccines Point the Way Out of the Pandemic

By BY APOORVA MANDAVILLI, CARL ZIMMER AND REBECCA ROBBINS from NYT Health New scientific research underscores the effectiveness of vaccines and their versatility in the fight against the coronavirus. https://ift.tt/3gZl8Fp

Worried by the Delta variant, W.H.O. officials urged vaccinated people to keep wearing masks.

By BY RONI CARYN RABIN from NYT Health https://ift.tt/3x79Ep4

Mixing Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines provides strong protection, according to a preliminary study.

By BY CARL ZIMMER from NYT Health Administering a first dose of one vaccine and a second dose of the other, in either order, is likely to provide potent protection, the researchers said. https://ift.tt/3dmaB54

Juul to Pay $40 Million to Settle N.C. Vaping Case

By BY SHEILA KAPLAN from NYT Health The settlement is the first in a stream of lawsuits against the company, which has been accused of deceptive marketing practices that contributed to a wave of nicotine addiction in teenagers. https://ift.tt/3hifflL

Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines Are Likely to Produce Long-Lasting Immunity, Study Suggests

By BY APOORVA MANDAVILLI from NYT Health Close examinations of more than a dozen vaccinated people found that immune cells were still organizing to fight the coronavirus months after inoculation. https://ift.tt/3qtxCbi

Helping Drug Users Survive, Not Abstain: ‘Harm Reduction’ Gains Federal Support

By BY ABBY GOODNOUGH from NYT Health Overdoses have surged during the pandemic. Now, for the first time, Congress has appropriated funds specifically for programs that distribute clean syringes and other supplies meant to protect users. https://ift.tt/2U6Eboa

As Parents Forbid Covid Shots, Defiant Teenagers Seek Ways to Get Them

By BY JAN HOFFMAN from NYT Health Most medical consent laws require parental permission for minors to get a vaccine. Now some places are easing restrictions for Covid shots while others are proposing new ones. https://ift.tt/3wZ2jrs

Is the Forced Contraception Alleged by Britney Spears Legal?

By BY JAN HOFFMAN from NYT Health The United States has a dark history of court-sanctioned sterilization, but more recent rulings and legislation suggest it would violate a basic right. https://ift.tt/2U0WjQu

Is the Forced Contraception Alleged by Britney Spears Legal?

By BY JAN HOFFMAN from NYT Health The United States has a dark history of court-sanctioned sterilization, but more recent rulings and legislation suggest it would violate a basic right. https://ift.tt/3zSSLjA

New Therapy for Aggressive Prostate Cancer Improves Survival

By BY RONI CARYN RABIN from NYT Health The experimental treatment relies on radioactive molecules that seek out tumor cells, a strategy that may be useful against other cancers. https://ift.tt/3qqBcTv

Heart Problems After Vaccination Are Very Rare, Federal Researchers Say

By BY APOORVA MANDAVILLI from NYT Health More than 1,200 cases have been reported, mostly mild and more often in young men and boys. The benefits of vaccination still far outweigh the risks, experts said. https://ift.tt/3wRoq2R

Musical Chairs? Swapping Seats Could Reduce Orchestra Aerosols.

By BY EMILY ANTHES from NYT Health Moving super-spreading instruments, like the trumpet, closer to air vents could limit the aerosol buildup on stage, according to a new study. https://ift.tt/2SleVtN

C.D.C. advisers are expected to discuss rare heart problems in vaccinated younger people.

By BY APOORVA MANDAVILLI from NYT Health The majority of cases have been mild, with symptoms like fatigue, chest pain and disturbances in heart rhythm that quickly clear up. https://ift.tt/35MUZDm

There’s a ‘Severe Blood Shortage’ in the U.S., Red Cross Says

By BY JESUS JIMÉNEZ from NYT Health The American Red Cross said rising trauma cases, transplants and surgeries had led hospitals to ask for more blood than expected. https://ift.tt/3xFNo5e

C.D.C. advisers are expected to discuss rare heart problems in vaccinated younger people.

By BY APOORVA MANDAVILLI from NYT Health The majority of cases have been mild, with symptoms like fatigue, chest pain and disturbances in heart rhythm that quickly clear up. https://ift.tt/3xNyYA2

The Delta Variant: What Scientists Know

By BY EMILY ANTHES from NYT Health The variant is gaining traction worldwide. But vaccines are driving down coronavirus case numbers in the U.S., and it’s unclear whether Delta will reverse that trend. https://ift.tt/2SkhtIF

Many Alzheimer’s Experts Say Use of Aduhelm Should Be Sharply Limited

By BY PAM BELLUCK from NYT Health Even those who supported the F.D.A.’s approval of the controversial new drug said authorizing it for anyone with Alzheimer’s disease was much too broad. https://ift.tt/2TSOAUm

Younger adults are less likely to get vaccinated than their elders, new C.D.C. studies say.

By BY EMILY ANTHES from NYT Health Many adults under 40 surveyed by researchers expressed distrust of the vaccines, fear of side effects or skepticism about the need for the shots. https://ift.tt/3vG6cjy

Without access to health care, undocumented immigrants turn to expensive, unproven cures.

By BY AMY MAXMEN from NYT Health https://ift.tt/3gJgnzK

Why make a virus more transmissible? To learn how to fight it.

By BY CARL ZIMMER AND JAMES GORMAN from NYT Health https://ift.tt/3gFNzrO

Some people should get antibody tests after vaccination. You’re probably not one of them.

By BY APOORVA MANDAVILLI from NYT Health https://ift.tt/3j2UfSa

Wondering if the Vaccine Worked? Get the Right Test, at the Right Time

By BY APOORVA MANDAVILLI from NYT Health Scientists generally recommend against antibody testing after vaccination. But for some people, it makes sense. https://ift.tt/3wLPwZf

Brazil reported one of the highest Covid death tolls in the world.

By BY REED ABELSON from NYT Health The country reached 500,000 official deaths, behind only the United States and the presumed death count for India. https://ift.tt/3cTyOPI

Wondering if the Vaccine Worked? Get the Right Test, at the Right Time

By BY APOORVA MANDAVILLI from NYT Health Scientists generally recommend against antibody testing after vaccination. But for some people, it makes sense. https://ift.tt/2UkEpZ3

Without access to health care, undocumented immigrants are turning to expensive, unproven cures.

By BY AMY MAXMEN from NYT Health https://ift.tt/35B7mlX

Parents and caregivers reported mental health issues more often than others during the pandemic, a C.D.C. study says.

By BY DANIEL E. SLOTNIK from NYT Health The report follows innumerable anecdotes and several studies suggesting spikes in mental health problems among parents and caregivers during the pandemic. https://ift.tt/2SGPp2o

A Pill to Treat Covid-19? The U.S. Is Betting on It.

By BY CARL ZIMMER from NYT Health A new $3.2 billion program will support the development of antiviral pills, which could start arriving by the end of this year. https://ift.tt/3gDUgJz

CureVac’s mRNA vaccine reaches an efficacy level of just 47 percent in a clinical trial.

By BY CARL ZIMMER from NYT Health The results were a blow to hopes that the vaccine could help meet the world’s urgent need. “This is pretty devastating” for the company, one expert said. https://ift.tt/2S4aRhB

CureVac’s Covid-19 Vaccine Disappoints in Clinical Trial

By BY CARL ZIMMER from NYT Health A preliminary analysis showed that CureVac’s mRNA vaccine had an efficacy of just 47 percent. “This is pretty devastating for them,” one expert said. https://ift.tt/2TBzX7Y

CureVac’s mRNA vaccine reaches an efficacy of just 47 percent in a clinical trial.

By BY CARL ZIMMER from NYT Health The results were a blow to hopes that the vaccine could help meet the world’s urgent need. “This is pretty devastating” for the company, one expert said. https://ift.tt/2S3JZhJ

Scientists Report Earliest Known Coronavirus Infections in Five U.S. States

By BY APOORVA MANDAVILLI from NYT Health Blood drawn from nine people in the earliest days of the pandemic tested positive for the infection. But some experts questioned the results. https://ift.tt/3gtchvw

The virus appeared in five U.S. states sooner than thought, scientists reported.

By BY APOORVA MANDAVILLI from NYT Health https://ift.tt/3iIJuV2

Scientists Report Earliest Known Coronavirus Infections in Five U.S. States

By BY APOORVA MANDAVILLI from NYT Health Blood drawn from nine people in the earliest days of the pandemic tested positive for the infection. But some experts questioned the results. https://ift.tt/2TwdQ2L

Many Post-Covid Patients Are Experiencing New Medical Problems, Study Finds

By BY PAM BELLUCK from NYT Health An analysis of health insurance records of almost 2 million coronavirus patients found new issues in nearly a quarter — including those whose Covid infection was mild or asymptomatic. https://ift.tt/3xmEzgz

Distorted, Bizarre Food Smells Haunt Covid Survivors

By BY DEBORAH SCHOCH from NYT Health Long after some people have recovered from the virus, they find certain foods off-putting. https://ift.tt/3xqt5bR

Many Post-Covid Patients Are Experiencing New Medical Problems, Study Finds

By BY PAM BELLUCK from NYT Health An analysis of health insurance records of almost 2 million coronavirus patients found new issues in nearly a quarter — including those whose Covid infection was mild or asymptomatic. https://ift.tt/3gpBUgz

‘Flying Treats’: Can Dogs and Cats Snack Safely on Cicadas?

By BY JAN HOFFMAN from NYT Health Jittery pet owners are asking vets, animal poison control centers and Twitter. Read on for answers. https://ift.tt/2SxdnwZ

How the Virus Unraveled Hispanic American Families

By BY RONI CARYN RABIN AND LAUREN LEATHERBY from NYT Health Deaths in Santa Clara County, Calif., highlight a terrible disparity of the pandemic: Covid-19 killed many Hispanic Americans at younger ages. https://ift.tt/35mcH06

Novavax Offers U.S. a Fourth Strong Covid-19 Vaccine

By BY CARL ZIMMER from NYT Health The company’s large U.S. trial found an efficacy rate of about 90 percent. But at this point, the nation is awash in other shots. https://ift.tt/2U8zjPD

Judge dismisses Houston hospital workers’ lawsuit over vaccination mandate.

By BY SHEILA KAPLAN from NYT Health The decision appeared to be among the first to rule in favor of employer-mandated vaccinations for workers. https://ift.tt/3wrhWI4

F.D.A. Still Lacks a Permanent Chief, Despite Pressing, Weighty Problems

By BY SHEILA KAPLAN from NYT Health With the pandemic easing, the federal agency’s long-term agenda for drug approvals or new issues is languishing without a permanent commissioner. https://ift.tt/3pMFTqr

The C.D.C. is investigating nearly 800 cases of rare heart problems following immunization.

By BY APOORVA MANDAVILLI from NYT Health More than half of the cases were reported in people ages 12 to 24. Not all are likely to be verified or related to vaccines, and experts believe the benefits of immunization far outweigh the risk of these complications. https://ift.tt/35bu9V7

How to Reopen Offices Safely

By BY EMILY ANTHES from NYT Health Flush the taps, focus on indoor air quality and consider getting creative about staff schedules. https://ift.tt/35ab7hP

Three F.D.A. Advisers Resign Over Agency’s Approval of Alzheimer’s Drug

By BY PAM BELLUCK AND REBECCA ROBBINS from NYT Health The drug, Aduhelm, a monthly infusion priced at $56,000 per year, was approved this week despite weak evidence that it helps patients. https://ift.tt/3veBqOD

The C.D.C. urges parents to get childhood vaccinations up to date following a steep decline last year.

By BY RONI CARYN RABIN from NYT Health The number of vaccine doses administered to children dropped by as much 63 percent as stay-at-home orders were issued in spring of 2020. https://ift.tt/356vLPW

The C.D.C. urges parents to get childhood vaccinations up to date following a steep decline last year.

By BY RONI CARYN RABIN from NYT Health The number of vaccine doses administered to children dropped by as much 63 percent as stay-at-home orders were issued in spring of 2020. https://ift.tt/3557fie

Widespread vaccination of adults helps protect unvaccinated children, according to a new Israeli study.

By BY EMILY ANTHES from NYT Health The study, based on anonymized Israeli medical records, showed that vaccination’s benefits extend to people who have not received a shot. https://ift.tt/2RIakl7