All articles tagged with #covid
LeAnn Rimes revealed a severe laryngitis diagnosis linked to a COVID infection, prompting the cancellation of upcoming shows and moving two dates—Waukegan, IL and Wilmington, OH—to November 6–7; tickets for the original dates will be honored and refunds available, following earlier Spokane and Seattle cancellations.
Key updates across infectious disease news: some antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome for 4–8 years; the South Carolina measles outbreak neared 1,000 cases as the US total approaches 1,500; avian flu has hit farms in Pennsylvania with over 350,000 birds killed in Indiana and wildlife losses in California, while Europe reports its first H9N2 case; the Covid variant BA.3.2 is in 23 countries, differing from the JN.1 vaccine lineage, though wastewater and ER visits are down and vaccines do not raise sudden-death risk; severe infections may accelerate dementia; five children have been sickened by E. coli from raw milk; bacteriophage therapy shows promise for cystic fibrosis; glyphosate and drought may raise antibiotic resistance genes in soil; fewer than 25% of LMICs meet measles vaccination targets; the CDC needs a new director and Hepatitis C remains curable but treatment uptake is low; the post also includes fundraising notes for Daily Kos and an invitation to join the Infectious Information group.
Doctors warn that catching COVID again isn’t harmless: reinfections are linked to a higher risk of long COVID and chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney disease, with CDC data showing substantial hospitalizations and deaths in the latest year. The best defense is staying up to date with annual vaccines, which reduce the risk of severe disease and long COVID, though there is currently no cure for long COVID. Management focuses on symptoms and quality-of-life improvements through rehab, sleep and mental health support; if you suspect long COVID, consult your healthcare provider.
Nature Communications suggests infection- and vaccine-derived immunity to SARS-CoV-2 may act as a barrier against related sarbecoviruses, potentially lowering the risk of a future coronavirus pandemic; vaccines could slow the spread of a hypothetical SARS-CoV-X if deployed promptly after its first case, with delays reducing effectiveness.
A newly identified Covid variant, BA.3.2, is spreading in the United States with evidence from travelers and wastewater tests across at least 25 states. Descended from Omicron and carrying many spike-protein mutations, it may evade protection from current vaccines. While not yet dominant or associated with more severe disease, scientists warn that vaccines might need updating and continued surveillance is essential.
A new Covid variant, BA.3.2, has been detected across the United States, with cases identified in travelers and widespread wastewater signals in at least 25 states. Early data suggest it may partially evade antibodies from current vaccines, though it has not been shown to cause more severe disease; health authorities say vaccine updates may be needed and ongoing surveillance is essential as thousands of Covid deaths continue this year.
A Daily Kos Infectious Information update says the measles elimination status review has been moved to November amid outbreaks from unvaccinated travelers, with exposure alerts in Colorado and Sacramento and a Utah surge; Covid and long Covid persist; a dengue vaccine shows strong Phase 3 results; avian flu and a moderately severe influenza season continue; the FDA plans a real-time adverse-event dashboard (AEMS) to replace VAERS/FAERS/AERS, though credibility checks remain unclear. Other notes include rising aspergillosis and human metapneumovirus, concerns over RNA vaccine funding, misinformation impacts, Tylenol use in pregnancy decline, and a WHO warning about health consequences of the Iran war.
Amid an early and severe flu season in the US, at-home flu tests are widely available at pharmacies and online, costing around $20-$30, and can provide results within 15-20 minutes. While highly specific, these rapid tests have a sensitivity of 50-70%, meaning false negatives are possible, especially later in the season. Experts recommend testing early and consulting healthcare providers if symptoms are severe or high-risk, with vaccination still advised to reduce severe illness.
A doctor highlights that a persistent, dry cough lasting more than an hour or occurring three or more times in a day is a key symptom distinguishing Covid from the flu or cold, which typically have milder or different cough patterns.
Spain is considering reintroducing mandatory face masks in indoor spaces like hospitals and cinemas due to a surge in Covid and flu cases, with decisions expected on December 3. The early arrival of the flu season, driven by the H3N2 virus, has prompted health authorities to recommend increased mask usage, especially in healthcare settings, to protect vulnerable populations.
A new study confirms that viral infections like Covid-19 and flu significantly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, with risks tripling or quadrupling shortly after infection. The research emphasizes the importance of vaccination and managing other risk factors to reduce cardiovascular complications associated with viral illnesses.
Britain is experiencing a surge in respiratory illnesses like colds, flu, and Covid due to seasonal factors, increased indoor activity, and waning immunity, with Rhinovirus being most common. While symptoms overlap, most illnesses are mild, and vaccination along with good hygiene can help protect vulnerable populations. The pattern of virus circulation is returning to normal after pandemic disruptions.
A new highly transmissible COVID-19 variant called Stratus is on the rise in the U.S., accounting for about 85% of cases, with symptoms similar to earlier strains. Prevention and treatment remain consistent with previous COVID protocols, and existing vaccines are still considered effective. Recent changes in vaccination guidelines now recommend individual decision-making rather than universal vaccination, leading to some confusion.
A new Covid strain called 'Stratus', with variants XFG and XFG.3, is spreading in England, causing symptoms similar to previous strains, notably a hoarse voice, but without increased severity. Vaccines remain effective, and government guidance on testing and restrictions remains unchanged.
Covid cases are rising in the UK due to new variants Nimbus and Stratus, which do not seem more dangerous but may cause distinctive symptoms like a sore throat. Experts recommend vaccination, especially for vulnerable groups, and continued precautions to prevent spread as reinfections remain possible. Testing is less accessible for free, but available at pharmacies and clinics.