New antiviral pills for COVID-19 recently authorized for emergency use in high-risk people by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration should give doctors an easier means of keeping people out of the hospital. But the initial hype is giving way to reality, as doctors and public health officials grapple with the challenges of getting the… read on > read on >
Early research suggests that some rapid COVID-19 tests may be less able to detect the Omicron variant, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday. To come to that conclusion, the agency used samples from patients confirmed to be infected with the Omicron variant to see how well the rapid antigen tests work. In a… read on > read on >
Kid-friendly flavored e-cigarettes are still widely available online and in stores, despite a federal judge’s ruling that should have pulled the products off store shelves by early September, a new report shows. The judge’s ruling follows on U.S. Food and Drug Administration action that is nearly two years old. Citing risks to vulnerable children, the… read on > read on >
Ketamine, once most famous as a “club” drug, can rapidly improve hard-to-treat depression and curb suicidal thoughts, a new review confirms. In recent years, ketamine has emerged as something of a wonder drug for some people who do not get better with standard antidepressants. For those patients, who may have tried multiple conventional medications, ketamine… read on > read on >
People undergoing immune-boosting therapy for advanced melanoma may respond better if they eat a high-fiber diet, a new study hints. Researchers said much more study is needed, but their initial findings — in both melanoma patients and lab mice — suggest that fiber-rich foods may help via their effects on gut bacteria. In contrast, there… read on > read on >
Give yourself and your loved ones the gifts of health and safety this holiday season, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests. The agency outlines 12 ways to do that, beginning with a reminder that washing your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds helps prevent the spread… read on > read on >
Meat eaters are far more apt to choose plant-based foods at restaurants if menus are at least 75% vegetarian, according to a new study. Along with the health benefits, British researchers said getting more people to eat plant-based foods could help fight climate change. “The findings provide practical instruction on what percentage of their food… read on > read on >
Many Americans now have two oral antiviral pills that can be taken at home to treat a fresh case of COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved the emergency use of Merck’s molnupiravir pill for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID in people who’ve just tested positive. The approval comes on… read on > read on >
Gum disease isn’t just a threat to your teeth. It also increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease, mental woes and more, British researchers report. “The study reinforces the importance of prevention, early identification and treatment of periodontal disease, and the need for members of the public to attend regular oral health checks with a… read on > read on >
People who struggle with severe asthma now have a new treatment to get some relief. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved an injectable drug called Tezspire (tezepelumab-ekko), which would be administered every four weeks by a health care professional. The medication is considered an add-on treatment meant to improve severe asthma in a… read on > read on >
