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Key TakeawaysTwo new versions of the Omicron variant, called BA.4 and BA.5, are taking hold in the U.S.Early studies and some real-world data suggest these variants are more transmissible than earlier Omicron variants and more likely to cause breakthrough infections.Key mutations in these variants can allow them to better infect cells and cause disease.Two new Omicron subvariants—BA.4 and BA.5—now account for 13% of new COVID-19 cases in the United States, a sizable leap from early May when the variants only accounted for 1%, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)....

Key TakeawaysThe XBB variant of COVID-19, which comes from the BA.2 sublineage of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is slowly gaining traction worldwide and increasing COVID-19 cases in some countries.In the United States, New York could be an emerging hotspot for the spread of XBB.More data is needed to understand XBB, but early evidence suggests the risk of reinfection might be higher and it may not respond to some COVID treatments. Key Takeaways The XBB variant of COVID-19, which comes from the BA....

Key TakeawaysPeople 12 years and older can now get a reformulated COVID-19 booster designed to protect against the most prevalent Omicron variants.Clinical data on the updated boosters is limited, but scientists say the side effects will likely be similar to those from the earlier vaccines.The most common side effects for adults boosted with an earlier version of the bivalent booster were arm pain, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches. Key Takeaways People 12 years and older can now get a reformulated COVID-19 booster designed to protect against the most prevalent Omicron variants....

Key TakeawaysA full FDA approval takes longer than an EUA because more data needs to be processed and reviewed.Healthcare providers would be able to use approved COVID-19 vaccines for off-label use.Booster shots are not yet included in Pfizer or Moderna’s full approval application. Key Takeaways A full FDA approval takes longer than an EUA because more data needs to be processed and reviewed.Healthcare providers would be able to use approved COVID-19 vaccines for off-label use....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIs Using Misoprostol Alone Safe and Effective for a Medication Abortion?How Will Banning Mifepristone Affect Abortion Access?What Happens If the Abortion Pill Is Really Banned? Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Is Using Misoprostol Alone Safe and Effective for a Medication Abortion? How Will Banning Mifepristone Affect Abortion Access? What Happens If the Abortion Pill Is Really Banned? Key TakeawaysA federal court in Texas issued a preliminary ruling calling for the FDA to suspend or restrict its approval of a key abortion drug, mifepristone....

Autistic adultsoften need lifelong assistance, even for those with low support needs. For people with intense challenges, there is usually a residentialgroup home or other settingfor which they are eligible to receive funding benefits. The reality is that most autistic young adults (87%) wind up living with their parents after high school.This begs the question: “What will happen to my adult autistic child when I die?” And with the prevalence of autistic adults on the rise, many of them capable of independent living with support, the question affects more families....

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body, and women withPCOSmay not be getting enough of it. According to a study in theJournal ofGynecology and Endocrinology, women with a magnesium deficiency are 19 times more likely to have PCOS. John Lawson, Belhaven / Getty Images Magnesium plays a role as a co-factor in some major processes in the body. It’s involved in insulin and glucose signaling and magnesium is needed to regulate heart contractions, just to name a few important functions....

Xolair (omalizumab) is an injectable prescription medication that is primarily used to treat moderate to severeasthma, a long-term lung condition that makes it difficult to breathe. While this medication is generally well tolerated, there areside effectsthat you should be aware of. Terry Vine / Getty Images This article explains the common and rare side effects associated with Xolair. It also covers the safety of long-term use, as well as what to discuss with your healthcare provider before trying this medication....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesImpactReplacement OptionsFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Causes Impact Replacement Options Frequently Asked Questions It’s not uncommon to have missing teeth. In fact, a survey in 2015 found only 48% of American adults ages 20–64 have a full permanent (or secondary) set. Nearly 1 in 5 seniors over 65 are missing all of their teeth (called edentulism).Genetic conditions,gum disease, injury,cavities, and tooth decay are among the many causes of tooth loss....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsStress and SexualityPsychological ED CausesMental and Sexual HealthSeeking TreatmentFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Stress and Sexuality Psychological ED Causes Mental and Sexual Health Seeking Treatment Frequently Asked Questions Erectile dysfunction(ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection long enough for satisfactory sexual activity. Worldwide, ED affects up to 52% of men.However, all men usually experience ED at some point in their lifetime....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Contact Dermatitis?Common AllergensSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentSafe AlternativesWhen to Seek CareFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents What Is Contact Dermatitis? Common Allergens Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Safe Alternatives When to Seek Care Frequently Asked Questions Several substances can cause allergic reactions on the skin, and dish soap is one of them. Certain ingredients in dish soap are known irritants and allergens that can lead to redness or rashes on the hands....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe Histamine LinkSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentWhat to AvoidWhen To Seek Medical CareFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents The Histamine Link Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment What to Avoid When To Seek Medical Care Frequently Asked Questions Spinachis not atop food allergen, but some people are allergic to it. You may notice specific symptoms after you eat spinach if you are allergic, like gastrointestinal, nasal, respiratory, or skin problems....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsConceptionSymptomsRisks and Complications Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Conception Symptoms Risks and Complications Pregnancy is often an exciting and gratifying experience, but when you are expecting twins, there is more to consider. Read on to learn what to expect and possible complications you may experience if you’re pregnant with twins. Jill Lehmann Photography / Getty Images Conception happens when the sperm fertilizes an egg within days of ovulation....