New Test Can Detect Both Covid-19 and the Flu
The FDA has granted emergency use authorization to Lucira Health’s combined Covid-19 and flu at-home testing kit. Dr. Emily Volk explains the EUA status and how to properly use this new test.
Is Covid-19 the New Flu?
An expert discusses why we can’t become too lax with our treatment of this virus.
A Drop in Vaccination Rates Puts Us All at Risk
The World Health Organization reports that the pandemic fueled the largest drop in childhood vaccination rates in the last thirty years.
Medical Notes: July 17, 2022
Anti-inflammatory drugs may increase chances of developing chronic pain. BMC Infectious Diseases study finds immunity diminishes to 22% four months after Covid-19 vaccine. Aspirin may be able to disrupt spread of colorectal cancer. And finally, an edible QR code may be the solution to counterfeit alcohol.
How Has Covid-19 Shaped the Public Response to Monkeypox?
Public health agencies have issued safety recommendations, but with growing mistrust in these institutions, will anyone heed the advice? An expert discusses how the pandemic helped foster this rocky relationship.
Medical Notes: June 26, 2022
Increasing green space in U.S. cities can significantly decrease mortality. Can a diabetes drug be used to treat cardiovascular disease? And finally, firefighters are more likely to get cancer than the general population but one bracelet may be able to change that.
Medical Notes: June 12, 2022
Scientists are sending bacteria to the front lines. A new drug cocktail reduces the risk of having an asthma attack. Then, what should you know about hepatitis in children? And finally, driverless cars may not yet be the safest option.
Needle Phobia
Some people who have not yet gotten the Covid vaccine are simply afraid of the needle. Bad childhood experience can keep people from receiving necessary medical treatments. A needle-phobic and a physician explain how parents should discuss injections with their children from a young age.
Building the Covid Vaccine
The vaccine for Covid-19 was developed with record speed while still following required safety protocols. A noted investigative reporter discusses the development process he uncovered for his exhaustive book and explains why the hundreds of interviews he did have reassured him that the vaccine is safe.
Medical Notes: December 12, 2021
An antidepressant called Fluvoxamine significantly reduces the chance someone getting Covid would need hospitalization. Match.com dating survey finds singles today are seeking emotional maturity rather than looks. STING drug shown to be an effective glioblastoma treatment in some dogs. And finally, OSU Wexner survey finds Americans are planning to remain …
Kids’ Covid Vaccines: Fact and Fiction
Covid-19 vaccines are now approved for children as young as 5, but while people are afraid of getting the vaccine themselves, they’re even more nervous about getting it for their children. Misinformation is accelerating against use of the vaccine in kids. Experts discuss and correct the most prevalent myths.
Improving Vaccine Communication
The White House and many health officials have taken an aggressive approach to communicating the need for Covid-19 vaccines. Most people are prompted to get vaccinated by mandates and words that generate fear, but it’s clear that they backfire with a sizable minority of others. A communications expert discusses how certain words motivate some groups and …