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Covid 19

All articles tagged with #covid 19

health6 days ago•14 min saved

FDA Approves Xocova: A New Post-Exposure Pill to Prevent COVID-19

The FDA has approved Xocova, a new oral medication designed to prevent COVID-19 infection after direct exposure. Available for individuals aged 12 and older, the drug significantly reduces the risk of contracting the virus if taken within three days of contact with an infected person. While it offers a new layer of protection, experts emphasize that it is not a substitute for vaccination and is intended for specific high-risk exposure scenarios rather than general preventive use.

via HuffPost|

#covid-19 #fda #health

health6 days ago•20 min saved

Colorado Flu Cases Surge as COVID Wastewater Signals Rise

Colorado’s state epidemiologist reports a steep rise in flu indicators, including hospitalizations and emergency visits, while wastewater data shows increasing COVID-19 circulation. Officials urge immediate vaccination for flu, COVID, and RSV to prepare for the winter peak, noting that current flu strains match vaccine formulations.

via Colorado Public Radio|

#colorado #covid-19 #health

health11 days ago

Ontario and B.C. launch early respiratory vaccine campaigns amid rising H1N1 cases

Cold and flu season has arrived early in parts of Canada, with cases rising in Ontario and British Columbia. Health authorities are rolling out free flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines to mitigate the impact of the H1N1 strain. While hospitalizations remain low, officials urge residents to book appointments now to protect vulnerable populations before the winter peak.

via CTV News|

#covid-19 #flu-vaccine #health

health12 days ago•16 min saved

Pennsylvania officials urge vaccination as measles deaths and COVID hospitalizations surge

Pennsylvania health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV amid a historic measles outbreak. Secretary Debra Bogen cited 13,000 adult and 1,200 child COVID hospitalizations last season, while measles cases surpassed 1,000 with five deaths. Officials emphasize that vaccines are free or low-cost and require no prescriptions, urging action before holiday gatherings.

via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|

#covid-19 #health #measles-outbreak

health13 days ago

Washington State Sees Early Surge in Respiratory Illnesses and COVID Cases

Emergency room visits for respiratory illnesses in Washington state have risen significantly in early October, with acute respiratory cases accounting for 11% of ER visits in the week ending September 26, up from 8.2% three weeks prior. Influenza activity is notably high, with King County recording 233 ER visits for flu in the week ending September 19, compared to 31 in the same period last year. COVID-19 is also resurging, with wastewater levels in the Seattle area reported as high or very high as of September 23, and hospital usage rising from late-summer lows. This early uptick is unusual, as flu typically peaks between December and February.

via axios.com|

#covid-19 #health #influenza

health17 days ago•9 min saved

Australia ends pandemic-era free COVID vaccine program, shifting to risk-based NIP coverage

Starting October 1, 2026, Australia transitions its COVID-19 vaccine from a standalone pandemic program to the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Free coverage is now restricted to high-risk groups, including adults over 65, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 50, and those with severe immunocompromise. Healthy adults aged 18–64 may still receive the vaccine but must pay privately, with costs estimated between A$130 and A$150. This change reflects the virus’s endemic status and a strategic shift to prioritize resources for populations at highest risk of severe illness.

via The Conversation|

#australia #covid-19 #health

health19 days ago

California Sees Late-Summer COVID Surge Amid Rising Respiratory Illnesses

California is experiencing a significant late-summer surge in COVID-19 cases, described by UC Davis Health experts as the highest activity level since last summer. This rise coincides with increasing rates of strep throat and common colds as schools reopen. While flu and RSV activity remain low nationally, they are expected to rise soon. Health officials emphasize that current COVID cases are generally less severe than in earlier pandemic waves, but recommend testing and antiviral treatment for high-risk individuals. Vaccines for COVID, flu, and RSV are now available for eligible populations.

via KCRA|

#california #covid-19 #health

health21 days ago•3 min saved

2026-2027 COVID Vaccines Approved for XFG Variant as Public Debate Intensifies

Updated COVID-19 vaccines targeting the XFG variant are now available in the US, with the FDA approving four formulations in late August. While medical groups broadly recommend vaccination to prevent severe illness, public uptake remains mixed due to lingering skepticism. A new JAMA review confirms that updated shots significantly reduce hospitalizations and deaths, particularly for older adults, though no specific data exists yet for the 2026-2027 formula.

via dailykos.com|

#covid-19 #fda #health

health22 days ago•1 min saved

Minnesota Health Officials Urge Fall Vaccination Despite CDC Silence

As respiratory virus season approaches, Minnesota health officials and major medical groups are urging residents to get updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines, despite the absence of new federal recommendations from the CDC. The FDA approved four updated COVID-19 vaccines in late August targeting the XFG variant, but the CDC has not issued specific guidance on who should receive them, instead advising individuals to consult their healthcare providers. In contrast, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend vaccination for most adults and young children. Minnesota Department of Health officials emphasize that vaccines remain the most effective tool for preventing severe illness, particularly for vulnerable groups. While national COVID-19 activity is currently low, it is beginning to rise, and experts expect increased circulation of COVID-19, flu, and RSV after the holidays. Residents are advised to get vaccinated in October to maximize protection before the winter peak.

via MPR News|

#cdc #covid-19 #fda

health23 days ago•0 min saved

US COVID-19 cases surge in late summer, with wastewater data showing sharp national rise

COVID-19 activity is rising across the United States as the fall respiratory season begins. While the CDC reports low national wastewater activity, other data shows a sharp 55% increase in viral levels since August, with the highest concentrations in the West and South. Experts note that hospitalizations remain low compared to previous waves, but recommend vaccination for high-risk groups and testing for those with symptoms.

via USA Today|

#covid-19 #health #public-health

health24 days ago•3 min saved

CDC delays free COVID shots for low-income children as respiratory season begins

The CDC has delayed the distribution of updated COVID-19 vaccines through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, blocking access for approximately 52% of US children. While private-sector orders are available, federal funding for low-income and uninsured children remains stalled, creating a two-tiered system. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has not provided a timeline, citing a need to ensure vaccine 'appropriateness,' despite rising infections and expert warnings about vulnerable infants.

via Ars Technica|

#cdc #covid-19 #health

health25 days ago•1 min saved

Chicago clinics warn common respiratory viruses are rising as measles climbs nationally and Tennessee reports cases

Local doctors in the Chicago area report an uptick in common respiratory viruses as schools reopen and urge flu and COVID-19 vaccination ahead of fall. At the same time, outlets report a nationwide rise in measles — more than 3,400 cases this year, with nine confirmed in Tennessee — prompting renewed calls to check MMR status.

via ABC7 Chicago|

#covid-19 #flu #health

health26 days ago•4 min saved

Fall COVID Vaccines Target XFG Variant Amid Federal Guidance Gaps

Updated COVID vaccines targeting the XFG variant are available for adults 65 and older and those with underlying conditions, though CDC guidance remains limited. Medical groups recommend annual shots for broader populations to prevent severe illness during the winter surge.

via The Washington Post|

#cdc #covid-19 #health

health27 days ago•43 min saved

Medical Experts Outline Expectations for the 2026-2027 Respiratory Virus Season

Medical professionals anticipate a standard fall and winter respiratory virus season characterized by the circulation of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. Influenza is expected to peak in December and January, with type A strains appearing early in the season and type B strains following later. While the southern hemisphere experienced a relatively mild season, offering some cautious optimism, the northern hemisphere faces typical risks associated with indoor gatherings and limited ventilation. Experts emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective defense against severe illness, particularly for infants and older adults. Antiviral treatments are available for those who test positive, but preventive measures such as masking, hand hygiene, and avoiding crowded indoor spaces are recommended to mitigate transmission. The season is generally expected to span from fall through spring, with no indication of an unusually severe outbreak based on current data.

via BuzzFeed|

#covid-19 #health #influenza

health28 days ago•2 min saved

Canadian Study Links Repeat COVID Infections to Fourfold Rise in Back Pain Diagnoses

A study by the Public Health Agency of Canada and Statistics Canada reveals that adults infected with COVID-19 twice have nearly four times the odds of receiving a new back problem diagnosis. Analyzing data from 8,809 adults between April 2022 and June 2023, researchers found that repeat infections also correlated with a 76% higher likelihood of any new medical diagnosis. While single infections increased odds by 63%, those with symptoms lasting three months or longer faced more than triple the risk. The findings suggest that frequent medical visits for lingering symptoms may lead to the discovery of unrelated conditions, or that persistent symptoms might actually stem from undiagnosed issues. New diagnoses were concentrated among older adults, smokers, and those with obesity or existing disabilities. The study emphasizes that these are relative odds, not absolute risks, and notes that unvaccinated individuals faced higher risks for cardiovascular conditions. With COVID cases rising in 35 US states, experts urge high-risk groups to update vaccinations and consult doctors for persistent symptoms like fatigue or breathlessness.

via New York Post|

#back-pain #covid-19 #health