Parents of kids with food allergies probably won’t be surprised to hear that Halloween is an especially risky time for their youngsters. A new study found that serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) triggered by peanuts jumped 85% when kids were trick or treating. Serious reactions triggered by an unknown tree nut or peanut exposure rose by…  read on >

The widely prescribed antibiotic azithromycin is being investigated as a COVID-19 treatment, but a new study warns it could increase the risk of heart problems. Researchers analyzed data from millions of patients (average age: 36) in the United States and found that azithromycin by itself isn’t associated with an increase in heart problems. But the…  read on >

The coronavirus pandemic could cause short-term decreases in life expectancy in many parts of the world, according to a new study. Using a computer model, the researchers concluded that infection rates of only 2% could cause a drop in life expectancy in countries where average life expectancy is high (about 80 years). At higher infection…  read on >

Nearly 6 in 10 U.S. parents say their children don’t get enough sleep on school nights, an American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) survey finds. It included more than 1,000 parents across the country with children between ages 5 and 18. Parents reported that early school start times (40%), homework (39%), sports (34%) and social…  read on >

Dealing with acne can be especially difficult for people of color, a skin expert says. Acne affects up to 50 million people in the United States each year. For people of color, acne is often accompanied by dark spots or patches called hyperpigmentation. “Acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., and it…  read on >

FRIDAY, Sept. 18, 2020 (Healthday News) — New details surfaced on Thursday on an unexplained neurological condition that struck a volunteer who was participating in AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine trial. In an internal safety report obtained by CNN, company officials describe how a healthy 37-year-old woman “experienced confirmed transverse myelitis” after receiving her second dose of…  read on >

Yet another rapid COVID-19 test has proven its mettle in spotting infection with the new coronavirus, this time in a British study. The lab-in-a-cartridge testing device — which can be performed at bedside, doesn’t require a laboratory, and can be performed in cartridges smaller than a mobile phone — was tested on 386 National Health…  read on >

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown a spotlight on disparities in the U.S. health care system. But the issues are longstanding, and — as one large study illustrates — extend into a common elective surgery. Researchers found that when hip replacement surgery is done at a “safety net” hospital designed to serve the poor and uninsured,…  read on >

People with addiction disorders are at greater risk for COVID-19 and more likely to become seriously ill if infected, a new study finds. The researchers analyzed non-identifiable electronic health records of more than 73 million patients in the United States. People with addiction disorders accounted for just over 10% of those in the study, and…  read on >

There are “substantial” rates of coronavirus infection in dogs and cats whose owners have COVID-19, new research shows. The researchers also found that, in several cases, infected pets had COVID-like respiratory symptoms at the time their owners were infected. SARS-CoV-2 has been reported to infect a number of animals, but the risks, susceptibility and symptoms…  read on >