Prescriptions for U.S. children fell by about one-quarter during the COVID-19 pandemic, with prescriptions for antibiotics alone plunging by more than 50%, a new study finds. The findings are a “national picture of prescription drug dispensing to children before and during the pandemic. It will be important to monitor whether the reductions we demonstrate are… read on > read on >
All U.S. students, teachers and staff should wear masks when in school, regardless of their vaccination status, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) said Monday. That guidance runs counter to recommendations released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this month: Those guidelines said teachers and students who are vaccinated can enter… read on > read on >
For decades, doctors have warned folks suffering from heart rhythm problems to avoid coffee, out of concern that a caffeine jolt might prompt a herky-jerky heartbeat. But a large new study has found that most people can enjoy their morning joe or afternoon diet cola free from worry — caffeine doesn’t seem to increase most… read on > read on >
COVID-19 vaccination rates in Canada have now beaten those in the United States. As of Saturday, more than 49% of eligible people in Canada were fully vaccinated, and 70% had received at least one dose of vaccine, according to figures from the Our World in Data project, The New York Times reported. The rates in… read on > read on >
A Chinese researcher has died after catching a rare infectious disease called the Monkey B virus, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention officials say. In March, the 53-year-old veterinarian dissected two dead monkeys as part of his work in a Beijing research institute specializing in nonhuman primate breeding. He developed nausea, vomiting and fever… read on > read on >
When you’re hospitalized, you’ll want qualified medical professionals treating you, but does it matter if your doctor is a man or a woman? It might. A new study in Canada found that patients cared for by female physicians had lower in-hospital death rates than those who had male doctors. “Our study overall shows that female… read on > read on >
A case of monkeypox has been confirmed in an American who had recently traveled to Nigeria, U.S. health officials reported. Officials believe the threat of the virus spreading to others is low. Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that’s in the same family of viruses as smallpox, but causes a milder infection,… read on > read on >
Even a mild or asymptomatic case of COVID-19 triggers a strong antibody response in children and teens, new research shows. “These findings are encouraging, especially because we cannot yet vaccinate children under the age of 12 against the virus,” said study co-lead author Jillian Hurst, an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Duke… read on > read on >
Teens and young adults with cancer who live in rural areas or far from the hospital where they were diagnosed are more likely to have advanced cancer and more likely to die, new research shows. “A number of studies have indicated that place of residence can influence cancer survival; however, few studies have specifically focused… read on > read on >
With many summer camps open again this year, parents of kids with asthma and allergies need to make sure the one they choose is safe for their youngsters. While federal health officials have issued guidelines to protect campers and staff from COVID-19, “camps still need to make sure measures are in place in case a… read on > read on >
