People who’ve already had COVID-19 have a higher risk of reinfection with the Omicron coronavirus variant than with earlier variants, new research shows. The South African scientists who reported the findings believe that vaccination will have the power to stop severe illness, however. Speaking at a World Health Organization briefing, study team member Anne von…  read on >  read on >

If you’re getting together with others outdoors, a windy day might be best, researchers say. The investigators found that when people socialize outside, the risk of coronavirus infection is as much as 45% greater when there’s hardly any breeze than when there are stronger winds. “The issue is really about an increased danger of infection…  read on >  read on >

The first confirmed U.S. case of the Omicron variant has been reported in California, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday. The patient was a traveler, apparently from the San Francisco area, who returned from South Africa on Nov. 22, the CDC said in a statement. The person, who was fully vaccinated,…  read on >  read on >

As the world struggles with ways to stem the spread of the new Omicron variant, the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention announced Tuesday that international travelers to the United States will soon have to provide a negative result from a coronavirus test taken within 24 hours of departure. That’s a much tighter turnaround:…  read on >  read on >

Extreme heat brings a jump in emergency room visits by adults of all ages, a new study shows. While it’s well known that extreme heat puts adults aged 65 and older at increased risk of hospitalization and death, it’s been less clear how it affects young and middle-aged adults. To find out, the researchers analyzed…  read on >  read on >

Don’t drive drunk. That’s simple and obvious advice. And it appears ridesharing services are making it easier for people to take it. In a new study that looked at Chicago data, more rideshare trips meant fewer alcohol-involved crashes. “This study was designed to look specifically at drunk driver crashing,” said study author Christopher Morrison. “When…  read on >  read on >

For the first time in more than18 months, fully vaccinated travelers from dozens of other countries can enter the United States on Monday. Visitors will need to show proof of vaccination and a negative coronavirus test taken within three calendar days of travel. Unvaccinated Americans and children under the age of 18 are exempt from…  read on >  read on >