Gene Found in Amish Helps Protect Their Hearts
A new study suggests Amish have a rare gene variant that may help lower “bad” cholesterol and protect against heart disease. Source link
In COVID Battle, Omicron May Outrun Delta, Experts Say
Dec. 3, 2021 — The genetic changes found in the new Omicron variant show that it could be passed more easily from person to person than Delta, according to the latest threat assessment from the United Kingdom’s Health Security Agency, which has done some of the best and fastest analyses of coronavirus variants in the […]
Test Reveals Who Can Skip Chemo After Surgery
By Robert Preidt and Ernie Mundell HealthDay Reporters FRIDAY, Dec. 3, 2021 (HealthDay News) — A genetic test can identify older breast cancer patients who can forgo chemotherapy after surgery, even if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, a large international clinical trial shows. “For decades, women with breast cancer that had spread […]
First Malaria Vaccine a Major Milestone Despite Hurdles Ahead
Dec. 2, 2021 — The parasite that causes malaria can kill a person within 24 hours of symptoms appearing. Patients’ symptoms are flu-like, including a fever, headache, and chills. It all starts with a microscopic poke. When a malaria-infected mosquito plunges her needle-like mouth through human skin, she releases immature forms of the parasites, called […]
Rapid COVID-19 Tests Will Soon Be Covered by Insurance
Dec. 2, 2021 — Private insurers will soon be required to reimburse people enrolled in their plans for the cost of at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests, and mask mandates will be extended for air, rail and bus travelers through at least mid-March. The measures are part of a suite of new actions President Joe Biden is […]
Progress Seen, but Inequities Persist
By Robert PreidtHealthDay Reporter WEDNESDAY, Dec. 1, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Some progress has been made in the U.S. fight against HIV, with new infections falling among white gay and bisexual men over the past decade. But their Black and Hispanic counterparts did not see that advance, health officials say. The continuing inequities show up […]
Omicron ‘Very Different From Other Variants’
Nov. 30, 2021 — The newly detected Omicron COVID-19 variant may be highly infectious and less responsive to available vaccines than other mutations, but it is too early to know how it compares to the Delta variant, top infectious disease official Anthony Fauci, MD, said Tuesday. Fauci, speaking at a White House COVID-19 briefing, said […]
Long-Haul COVID Can Include Chronic Fatigue
To better understand what could be driving their symptoms, the researchers conducted tests to assess their breathing patterns during exercise and typical daily routines. Participants were also asked to indicate patterns of fatigue over the prior half-year, as well as any joint stiffness, muscle aches, sleep and concentration problems, and exertion-related issues. In […]
Federal Judge Blocks Health Care Worker Vaccine Mandate
Nov. 30, 2021 — A federal judge ruled Monday that the Biden administration cannot enforce a rule requiring virtually all health care workers in 10 states to become vaccinated against COVID-19. U.S. District Judge Matthew Schelp of Missouri issued a preliminary injunction that will remain in place while the vaccine mandate works its way through […]
What We Know – and Don’t — About the Omicron COVID Variant
Nov. 29, 2021 — Health experts across the globe are raising concerns about the newly discovered COVID-19 variant, Omicron, which was first identified in South Africa. The country’s minister of health announced last week that the variant had already spread in different areas of the country. The next day, the World Health Organization designated Omicron […]