Gangrene. Throat cancer. A newborn on a feeding tube. Gruesome warning images like those on cigarette packs do indeed scare smokers, but they should be combined with other anti-smoking measures, a new study finds. These kinds of graphic warning labels were approved by U.S. lawmakers in 2009, but implementation has been stalled until legal challenges… read on > read on >
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. Researchers analyzed blood samples collected from 578 health care workers at a Barcelona hospital four times… read on > read on >
When your sinuses are clogged, you will try anything to ease the congestion: neti pots, bulb syringes, squeeze bottles and even battery-operated pulsed water devices. But improper use of these nasal irrigation devices can put you at risk for infection, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration expert warns. The products, which treat congested sinuses, colds… read on > read on >
Telemedicine may fall short when it comes to people with voice and speech disorders, researchers report. There was a significant rise in telemedicine use — health visits using computer, tablet or smartphone video conferencing — during the COVID-19 pandemic. And even though the pandemic “appears to be waning, telepractice popularity is here to stay,” said… read on > read on >
Admit it, you’ve probably put off doctor visits whenever possible during the pandemic, and getting back on track with your health care is a daunting prospect. Never fear, says an expert who offers some advice on resuming in-person health care visits. The first step is to push aside any shame about falling behind on regular… read on > read on >
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 that pose a risk to children with asthma. That includes wearing masks,… read on > read on >
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 development. “Several at-home tests… read on > read on >
The Delta variant is proving just as infectious for children as for everyone else, with pediatric cases surging in some parts of the United States, pediatricians and children’s hospitals say. However, it’s not clear yet whether the variant is any harsher on kids compared to earlier COVID-19 strains, leading to more hospitalizations and brushes with… read on > read on >
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 Pfizer vaccine to… read on > read on >
All 2.2 million health care workers and long-term care workers in California will now have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Sept. 30, the California Department of Public Health said Thursday. Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom said health care workers would have the choice of either getting vaccinated or undergoing weekly testing, but the… read on > read on >
