Giving blood thinners to COVID-19 patients soon after they’re hospitalized could reduce their risk of dying. That’s the conclusion of a new study that analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on nearly 4,300 patients, average age 68, who were hospitalized with COVID between March 1 and July 31. Of those, more than… read on > read on >
Here’s some good news for people who’ve had solid organ transplants and have weakened immune systems: mRNA coronavirus vaccines are safe for these vulnerable folks, new research shows. The study included 187 transplant recipients who received an initial dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer mRNA vaccines between Dec. 16, 2020 and Jan. 16, 2021.… read on > read on >
One side effect of COVID-19 vaccination is creating undue fear among women, causing them to worry that they might have breast cancer. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines can cause lymph nodes to swell, particularly those in the armpit on the side where the shot was received, experts say. Some women are feeling these armpit… read on > read on >
Children whose mothers used antibiotics in pregnancy may have a slightly heightened risk of asthma, a new study suggests. Experts were quick to point out the finding does not prove cause and effect, and the reasons for the antibiotic use — rather than the drug — might explain the link, said lead researcher Cecilie Skaarup… read on > read on >
THURSDAY, Feb. 11, 2021 (American Heart Association News) — When COVID-19 was first seen in the United States, now more than a year ago, doctors considered it a respiratory ailment. But that didn’t last long. Researchers have linked the disease caused by the coronavirus directly to multiple heart-related issues. And it has contributed indirectly to… read on > read on >
It would be nice if it were true, but a bout of the common cold won’t protect you against the new coronavirus infection, researchers report. Colds are caused by seasonal coronaviruses (CoVs) and previous studies have suggested that exposure to cold coronaviruses may safeguard against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes COVID-19. To find out if… read on > read on >
Certain genetic factors in people with Down syndrome may increase their COVID-19 risks. Previous studies have found that people with Down syndrome are 10 times more likely to die from COVID-19, and experts have said they should be among those given priority for vaccination. In this new study, Spanish researchers examined genetic differences in people… read on > read on >
Getting a colonoscopy as soon as possible after an abnormal stool test could reduce your risk of colon cancer and death from the disease, researchers say. In a new study, investigators analyzed data from more than 200,000 U.S. veterans, aged 50 to 75, who had an abnormal fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or fecal occult blood… read on > read on >
Taking prescription opioid painkillers or a common class of antibiotics during pregnancy doesn’t increase the risk of major birth defects, according to two new studies. Both are often prescribed to pregnant women. Some studies have linked them with certain birth defects, but findings have been inconsistent. These new studies — published Feb. 10 in the… read on > read on >
A new weight-loss drug is almost twice as effective as current medications, clinical trial results show, and experts say it could revolutionize the treatment of obesity. Overweight and obese people lost an average 15% of their body weight using a weekly injectable 2.4 milligram dose of semaglutide (Ozempic), a new report reveals. What’s more, one-third… read on > read on >
