COVID-19

Mary Van Beusekom | News Writer | CIDRAP News

The more transmissible XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant continues to gain ground in all US regions.

Study on masks vs N95 respirators for health workers spurs concerns

Study suggests medical masks may offer similar protecion as N95 respirators, but experts say hold on.

COMMENTARY: Navigating COVID language traps

Peter M. Sandman, PhD

Public health professionals use some terms imprecisely, others incorrectly, and still others technically accurate but almost sure to be misunderstood by the public.

News briefs

Two-dose COVID vaccine efficacy durable against severe Omicron but drops in elderly

Studies: COVID vaccine boosters lower risk of death in adults, ED visits in kids

Report highlights the occurrence of beta-lactamase resistance genes in US hospitals

COVID vaccine-boosted nursing home residents at 23% to 33% lower risk of infection

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Rate of Americans reporting long-COVID symptoms declining

Data show the share of Americans reporting long COVID has dropped over the past 6 months, while another study suggests vaccination may contribute to lower levels of long COVID.

FDA panel recommends move toward streamlined COVID vaccine approach

FDA advisers recommend offering just the newer bivalent versions of the vaccine for both primary and booster series.

Rates of antipsychotic drug prescribing for dementia climbed during the pandemic

The study shows people with dementia faced continued challenges in care even after the acute phase of the pandemic.

New York to expand its wastewater surveillance network

The state will launch a pilot program to test wastewater for flu, hepatitis A, norovirus, and antimicrobial-resistance genes.

Global COVID deaths rise as WHO emergency committee weighs COVID status

Global cases have declined 25% in the previous 4 weeks, but deaths rose 13%.

Study: Home COVID tests lead to vast undercount of cases, positivity rates

The positivity rate of home tests was comparable to official results through June 2022 but then started to drop off.

Delays, snags hampered HHS pandemic relief efforts to vulnerable groups

Problems included delays in state acceptance of the funds, hiring challenges, difficulty executing contracts, local organizations' limited capacity, and supply challenges.

The COVID vaccine success story as a springboard for future research

Operation Warp Speed deployed five phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials involving 136,000 participants, a new report reveals.

MRI study reveals fetal, placental anomalies in pregnant COVID patients

The researchers say placentas of pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 should be examined after testing positive.

FDA panel eyes shift to annual COVID shots

Vaccine advisers will vote on whether to simplify vaccine composition and will discuss an annual recommendation and a system for vaccine strain selection.