Public health

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Rising HMPV Cases Scares Stock Market And Social Media; Internet Reacts With Work From Home Memes

Emerging cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in India have caused public concern despite reassurances from health officials.
The stock market's negative response indicates widespread anxiety regarding HMPV, even as health officials urge calm.

First bird flu death reported in the U.S., according to the CDC

First U.S. death from bird flu confirmed, emphasizing the severity of H5N1 despite primarily mild cases among others exposed.

Bay Area Health Care Workers Protest Alleged Targeting of Medical Facilities in Gaza | KQED

Hospitals in Gaza face extreme shortages of medical supplies, food, and essential resources amidst ongoing violence and international neglect.

What We Know About HMPV, the Virus Spreading in China

The recent surge in HMPV cases in China is alarming but far less concerning than the Covid-19 pandemic risk.

HMPV Cases Are Rising Across Asia, but Experts Say Not to Panic

Experts see the surge in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in Asia as a concern, but not a global health threat.
HMPV symptoms are usually mild but can be severe for high-risk populations.

First bird flu death in U.S. reported in Louisiana

For the first time, bird flu has claimed a human life in the U.S. Louisiana's health department says the patient was over the age of 65 and reportedly had underlying health problems.

What is human metapneumovirus, are cases surging in China, and should we be worried?

HMPV causes cold or flu-like symptoms but can lead to serious complications in high-risk groups.

First U.S. bird flu death reported in Louisiana after severe case of H5N1

First U.S. death from H5N1 bird flu reported in Louisiana.
Patient over 65 with underlying conditions; low public health risk remains.
CDC identified genetic mutations in the virus related to the infection.

COVID Rates Are Rising in What Experts Are Calling a "Silent Surge" Across the Country

COVID-19 rates in the U.S. are surging, particularly during holiday gatherings, indicating the pandemic's ongoing threat despite low booster vaccination rates.

Louisiana Person Is the First U.S. Bird Flu Death, Health Officials Say

The first human death from bird flu in the U.S. has been reported, emphasizing the potential risks of the virus from backyard birds.

First Bird Flu Death in U.S. Reported in Louisiana

First U.S. fatality from bird flu H5N1 reported in a Louisiana patient with underlying health issues.

Sugary drinks linked to millions of new diabetes and heart disease cases study

Sugary drinks contribute to over 2 million diabetes cases and 1 million heart disease cases globally each year, with significant impact in low-income regions.

Financial suffocation': Argentina's medics fear impact of Milei's chainsaw cuts

The Garrahan hospital faces financial challenges threatening its quality of care despite not having a reduced budget.

The High Stakes of ACA Subsidies: What's at Risk for Hospitals and Patients - MedCity News

The expiration of ACA's enhanced tax credits may significantly reduce healthcare affordability for many Americans and strain hospitals economically.

Sick Season Is in Full Force. Here's What's Going Around

Flu is widespread across 40 states in the U.S., with multiple viruses, including COVID-19 and RSV, contributing to respiratory illnesses.

Big Agriculture Is Leading Us Into the Bird Flu Abyss

The H5N1 bird flu outbreak poses significant risks and could lead to a pandemic similar to COVID-19 if not effectively managed.

A respiratory virus is spreading in China. Here's why it's not the new COVID-19.

HMPV is spreading in China, but it is not a new threat like COVID-19 due to prior understanding and immunity.

Elderly patients spend five days in emergency department

Emergency departments in Northern Ireland are overwhelmed, with elderly patients facing long waits for admission due to insufficient community care resources.

US reports first death linked to bird flu in Louisiana

The United States has recorded its first bird flu death, with our current health risk remaining low, particularly for the general public.

Dignity in Action: From Institutional Failure to Decentralized Empowerment - Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly

Dignity Alliance Massachusetts seeks to reshape long-term care into a model focused on dignity, inclusivity, and collaboration for elderly and disabled individuals.

Overblown fears of HMPV cases in China reflect pandemic scars

Concerns over human metapneumovirus are overstated; it's part of the normal respiratory virus cycle and should not cause panic.

A lack of wastewater testing is blinding the Central Valley to its bird flu problem

Improved wastewater surveillance is needed in California's Central Valley to track the spread of the H5N1 bird flu virus effectively.

Opinion: RFK Jr. flunks test to protect nation's health

The Senate hearings for Trump’s Cabinet nominees will scrutinize their qualifications, especially the character of the Health and Human Services secretary.

What to know about the HMPV outbreak in China DW 01/06/2025

HMPV outbreak in China is notable but reflects seasonal respiratory illness trends rather than an emerging health crisis.

HMPV outbreak: What to know about the virus spread in China DW 01/06/2025

HMPV outbreak in China shows seasonal trends, primarily affecting young individuals, with no indication of a significant health emergency.

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OHSU nurses fill syringes with the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.
Two nurses argue that the Senate must not confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to run Health and Human Services.

The Epicenter of the COVID Outbreak Five Years Later

We go to the city were there the COVID-19 global pandemic started five years ago, Wuhan, China.
We find that security is still tight and trauma is still pervasive.

New California law prohibits using AI as basis to deny health insurance claims

California enacted Senate Bill 1120 to require human oversight in health insurance claim decisions, rejecting AI-only processes for coverage denials.

Spending time with loved ones helps you live longer, say scientists

Social connections significantly boost immune health and reduce serious diseases like stroke and type 2 diabetes.
from www.theguardian.com
3 days ago

Covid surges across US after holidays amid low booster uptake

Covid is surging again in the US, with low vaccination rates prompting urgent calls for public health action.
from www.ocregister.com
3 days ago

Here's what to know about bird flu as farms fight outbreaks in California

Bird flu poses a low risk to humans but has led to a state of emergency in California due to increasing cases in poultry.

Why Congress Should Act Now To Prevent Another Pandemic

Public health funding is crucial for national security and future pandemic preparedness.

5 things we know and still don't know about COVID, 5 years after it appeared

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed deep inequities in global health and initiated a continuous need for scientific vigilance regarding evolving viruses.

Flu emergency room visits now "very high" nationwide, CDC says

Nationwide influenza emergency room visits are at "very high" levels, surpassing previous years' cases and reflecting a significant uptick in flu trends.

Biden Officials Prepare for Potential Bird Flu Outbreak With Added Money

Biden administration invests $306 million to enhance pandemic preparedness against avian influenza before new administration.
Focus on human health risks associated with H5N1 as potential future pandemic threat.

Here's what to know about bird flu as farms fight outbreaks in California

The bird flu is spreading among California farms but poses a low risk to the general public at this time.

Boston researcher and physician says we're at 'DEFCON 3' for bird flu. Here's what that means.

Public health experts warn of an increased threat from bird flu amid recent severe cases in North America, suggesting vigilance during the flu season.

Britain braced for 'quad-demic' as snow and ice is set to hit this weekend

A warning for snow and ice accompanies a surge in winter illnesses, urging vigilance against flu, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus.

flu deaths

A flu virus.

Urgent referrals of children in mental health crisis in England rise 13% in year

Emergency mental healthcare referrals for children in England have risen by 10% in a year, indicating a growing crisis in mental health support.

Scientists Are Racing to Develop a New Bird Flu Vaccine

H5N1 poses a significant threat, and vaccine development is crucial for pandemic preparedness.

Are we ready for another pandemic?

The pandemic preparedness agreement negotiations stalled, worrying experts about future outbreak responses.
Another pandemic is inevitable, but predicting its nature, location, and timing remains elusive.

Health AI: How Apple can boost public health

Proactive lifestyle changes can mitigate chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular issues, according to WHO.

Hospital visits severely restricted amid flu spike

Visitor restrictions at Broomfield Hospital due to surge in flu cases to protect patients.

How do I find clinical trials that I might qualify for?

You can search for clinical trials services through various resources such as hospitals, research institutions, or online databases dedicated to listing ongoing studies.

Drug overdose deaths plummet in San Francisco. What's changed?

Drug overdose deaths in San Francisco dropped sharply in 2024, showing a 23% decrease compared to 2023.
from SFGATE
6 days ago

Stanford researchers' flu vaccine breakthrough could help US fight bird flu

Stanford researchers have created a stronger flu vaccine that aims to protect against multiple strains, potentially including bird flu, using a novel molecular approach.
from www.theguardian.com
1 week ago

WHO implores China to finally share Covid origins data, five years on

WHO urges China for transparency on Covid-19 origins, highlighting the importance of data sharing for future pandemic preparedness.

Sickness on the rise: New York sees holiday surge in flu and RSV cases | amNewYork

New Yorkers are facing a significant rise in flu and RSV cases this holiday season, raising health concerns among officials.

WHO still waiting on COVID origins data from China DW 12/31/2024

The WHO urges China to provide data to understand the origins of COVID-19, highlighting the need for transparency to prevent future pandemics.

Exclusive | Ex-Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration accused of stripping NYC citizens of 'basic liberties' during COVID pandemic: suit

Former Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration is accused of violating citizens' liberties through inequitable vaccine mandate exemptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moral imperative': WHO presses China to share COVID origins data

The WHO urges China to improve transparency on COVID-19 origins for better future pandemic preparedness.

I'm an Emergency Physician Keeping an Eye on Bird Flu. It's Getting Dicey.

The severity of H5N1 avian flu cases has increased, raising concerns about a potential pandemic.

Flu and RSV are sustaining California's sniffly season, COVID yet to surge this winter

Influenza is currently more active than COVID-19 in California's respiratory virus season.
COVID positivity rates remain low compared to the rising flu infection rates.
Wastewater surveillance indicates a recent increase in COVID activity in California.

Norovirus Spikes in Bay Area Wastewater Amid Nationwide Rise in Outbreaks | KQED

Norovirus cases in the Bay Area are rising, correlated with increased levels found in wastewater.

Being kind is good for your health, research shows

Volunteering doesn't just benefit the people you are helping.
It also improves your own health.
Research shows people who do things for others have better brain and heart health.

Number of users in the digital fitness & well-being apps segment of the digital health market United States 2019-2029 | Statista

The number of users in the 'Health & wellness coaching' segment of the digital health market in the United States was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total 16.3 million users (+12.31 percent).

Israel has to 'stop attacks on hospitals' in Gaza, says WHO chief

Medical facilities in Gaza are under attack, threatening access to healthcare amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Single cigarette takes 20 minutes off life expectancy, study finds

Smoking shortens life expectancy more than previously thought, with each cigarette reducing lifespan by roughly 20 minutes.

Every cigarette you smoke takes 19.5 minutes off your life, new study reveals- what happens when you quit

Each cigarette reduces life expectancy by an average of 19.5 minutes for smokers, with men losing 17 minutes and women 22 minutes.

Why experts call this COVID-19 wave a 'silent' threat

The U.S. is facing a 'silent' COVID-19 surge with increasing viral activity and many unaware of the rising risk.

Share Covid data, World Health Organization tells China

The WHO emphasizes the need for transparency and data sharing from China regarding the origins of the Covid pandemic.

Primary Care Can Play Key Role in Suicide Prevention

Integrating suicide prevention in primary care can reduce attempts by 25%.

2024: The Year in Health | The Walrus

Government prioritization of language laws over healthcare staffing highlights systemic issues in public health.
Addressing aging populations and wellness in 2024 requires urgent attention from policymakers.

How Worried Should We Be About the Latest Bird Flu Mutation?

Recent H5N1 mutations in a Louisiana patient are concerning, but they do not indicate an immediate rise in pandemic risk according to experts.

9 countries eliminated dire disease in 2024

In 2024, the World Health Organization certified the elimination of a disease in nine countries.
We focus on how Pakistan got rid of trachoma, which can cause blindness.

Bird flu Q&A: What to know to help protect yourself and your pets

Avian influenza has a grip on dairy herds in California, several people have fallen seriously ill in North America and researchers have found that a single mutation could give the virus a better foothold in a person's upper airways.
from Cbsnews
1 week ago

Dr. Leana Wen says for bird flu, "we should have learned our lesson from COVID" in testing

The absence of bird flu testing doesn't indicate the virus's absence in humans; proactive testing is essential to manage future outbreaks.

America Still Needs Jimmy Carter's Health Care AgendaEven If It Flopped

Jimmy Carter's presidency deserves reevaluation, especially regarding his attempts to reform health care, which foreshadowed later policy advancements like the Affordable Care Act.

Philippines has seen a drastic rise in HIV/AIDS cases and deaths over the past decade

HIV/AIDS cases and deaths have gone up dramatically in the Philippines in the last decade, even though there are drugs to both prevent transmission and to treat the disease.
from www.aljazeera.com
1 week ago

This horror must end': WHO condemns Israeli assault on key Gaza hospital

The storming of Kamal Adwan Hospital has effectively disabled the last major medical facility in northern Gaza, escalating the humanitarian crisis.
from www.dw.com
1 week ago

COVID: BioNTech to pay $1.2 billion over vaccine royalties DW 12/28/2024

BioNTech will pay $791.5 million to NIH and $467 million to the University of Pennsylvania regarding COVID-19 vaccine royalty settlements.

Middle East updates: Raid puts Gaza hospital out of service DW 12/28/2024

The WHO reported that Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza is out of service following an Israeli raid, impacting patients and health workers severely.
from www.mercurynews.com
1 week ago

H5N1 virus in Louisiana bird flu patient shows mutations that could increase transmissibility to humans, CDC analysis finds

H5N1 virus mutations in a Louisiana patient could enhance human transmissibility, but no human transmission has been confirmed.
Risk to the general public remains low despite the observed genetic mutations in the H5N1 virus.

Israeli Military Forces Patients and Staff to Leave Hospital in Northern Gaza

The Israeli military evacuated staff and patients from Kamal Adwan hospital, citing its use by Hamas, raising concerns for the safety of those left behind.

The government's COVID con gave us a million American caskets

Federal agencies suppressed evidence suggesting COVID's lab origins, prioritizing political narratives over scientific facts.

Most Americans Blame Insurance Profits and Denials Alongside Killer in UHC CEO Death, Poll Finds

Many Americans attribute responsibility for the killing of UHC's CEO to both the shooter and the health insurance industry's practices.

I Got Cancer at 35. The Health Insurance System Delayed My Treatment for Months.

The U.S. health care system's inefficiencies led to a devastating delay in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

There's Still Time to Get Ahead of the Next Global Pandemic

Public health systems are under immense strain and must adapt through innovative practices and reliability principles to effectively manage future outbreaks.

Bird Flu Samples From Very Ill Patient Had Concerning' Mutations

H5N1 mutations in Louisiana patient may aid virus in human infection, but mutations absent in original poultry samples offer some reassurance.

Virus in Louisiana bird flu patient shows mutations that could increase transmissibility: CDC

The H5N1 bird flu virus likely mutated within a Louisiana patient, potentially increasing transmissibility to humans, but the overall public risk remains low.

Trump threat to immigrant health care tempered by economic hopes

Trump's promise of mass deportations is increasing mistrust in the health care system among California's immigrants, impacting access and enrollment.

Native American patients are sent to collections for debts the government owes

Native Americans face systemic billing issues despite federal law ensuring free healthcare through the Indian Health Service, impacting their financial stability and credit.

Most medical debt can no longer hurt your credit score under new California law

Starting January 1, 2025, California law will stop reporting medical debt to credit agencies, helping those with unpaid medical bills maintain their credit scores.

Medicare $2,000 prescription drug cap starts Jan. 1

The yearly cap will be $2,000 in 2025.

Whooping cough cases in the US are the highest they've been in a decade

Whooping cough cases in the U.S. have surged dramatically, with over 32,000 cases reported, indicating a return to pre-pandemic trends.

First human case of bird flu in Los Angeles County detected

Human cases of bird flu are rising in California, but public risk remains low, and authorities are monitoring exposed individuals closely.

Trump transition team may seek 'day one' withdrawal from WHO

Trump's team plans to withdraw from the WHO early in his second term, signaling a shift in U.S. global health policy.

Trump's picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but team of opponents'

Internal conflict among Trump's health appointees may disrupt public health policies, particularly regarding vaccines and COVID-19 response.

Louisiana's Health Department Changes Direction on Flu Shots

Louisiana's health agency's shift away from flu vaccination recommendations correlates with a significant rise in flu cases in the state during the 2024-25 season.

What to know about infectious diseases during this holiday season

Be vigilant about respiratory and stomach viruses this holiday season.
COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and norovirus are prevalent in the U.S. right now.
Watch for trends in flu cases as indicators for potential illness severity.

Canada records almost 50,000 deaths from fentanyl since 2016

Fentanyl significantly increases opioid overdose deaths in Canada, holding responsibility for 79% of such fatalities in 2024.

Rolling the Dice on Bird Flu

The H5N1 avian flu outbreak poses serious public health risks, leading to state emergencies and widespread concern as it spreads across species.

'Covid for Cows' Spreading Fast through CA Dairies

The avian flu outbreak in California's dairy industry is severe, prompting a state of emergency as it rapidly spreads among herds.

Mpox Is Spreading in Congo's Capital, Threatening Global Efforts to Contain the Virus

Mpox is spreading rapidly in Kinshasa and surrounding areas, posing significant public health risks in overcrowded communities.

Why People Get More Colds in Winter

Cold weather facilitates the spread of respiratory viruses but doesn't directly cause colds.
Indoor gatherings during cold months increase virus transmission risks.

Flu surges in Louisiana as health department barred from promoting flu shots

The Louisiana health department maintains policies for childhood immunizations despite changes in COVID and influenza vaccination procedures this season.
from Fast Company
2 weeks ago

How to handle these unpopular tactics used by health insurers

Despite increased insurance coverage, many Americans face significant obstacles to accessing affordable and high-quality healthcare.

Flu surges in US as vaccinations lag, and here's where COVID, RSV infections are climbing

The US flu season has started with a significant surge in cases and illness across the country.
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