As the pandemic unfolded, nations adopted diverse methods to contain COVID-19. Some sought to eliminate the virus, targeting zero community transmission. Others tried to slow transmission through a mix of intermittent lockdowns, workplace, business and school closings, social distancing, the wearing of face masks, and the cancellation of public gatherings and public transport. Efforts to…  read on >  read on >

Are you vaccinated and wonder what your chances are of a breakthrough COVID-19 infection? A new study answers that question: Breakthrough COVID infections in fully vaccinated people are least likely to occur in those who’ve received an mRNA vaccine and who were infected with the coronavirus before vaccination. The study included more than 8 million…  read on >  read on >

Having trouble getting your shut-eye during the COVID-19 pandemic? You may be at increased risk for anxiety, depression and other mental health struggles. That’s the key takeaway from an analysis of data collected from nearly 5,000 people who wore a digital sleep device before and during the pandemic. The authors also examined responses to a…  read on >  read on >

It’s known that certain chronic health conditions up the odds of death from COVID-19. Now, new research identifies another risk factor. Shorter telomeres are associated with an increased likelihood of death from COVID-19, particularly in older women, researchers say. Telomeres are protective caps on the end of chromosomes (DNA) that shorten with age. Previous research…  read on >  read on >

Scientists have long known that as the Earth warms due to climate change, plants produce more pollen, making allergy season longer and more pronounced. Now, a new survey finds that hay fever sufferers are increasingly taking notice. In a poll of more than 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by the Harris Poll in partnership with HealthDay,…  read on >  read on >