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Key TakeawaysThere is no association between the AstraZeneca vaccine and developing blood clots. Blood clotting is a rare event reported in less than 1% of people who are currently vaccinated in Europe.You are nine times more likely to develop blood clots from a COVID-19 infection.The AstraZeneca vaccine released data on their Phase 3 clinical trial, finding it was 79% effective in preventing symptomatic infection and 100% effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalization....

This week, an FDA panel discussed future pandemic safety measures and the potential for a new vaccine seriesExperts stressed that the current vaccines continue to protect against severe disease and death, but that a new series could be important in targeting specific variants or reducing virus transmission.More data COVID-19 variants, the virus’s seasonality, and global trends are needed to guide decisions.A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel met on Wednesday to discuss the future of COVID-19 vaccinations, including the potential need for a variant-specific vaccine....

Key TakeawaysThe “stealth” Omicron subvariant, BA.2, is still rare in the United States, but experts warn that cases may spike again if the variant becomes more prominent.Early studies suggested that BA.2 may be more transmissible, especially among unvaccinated people.Experts say the subvariant highlights the importance of an Omicron-specific vaccine. Key Takeaways The “stealth” Omicron subvariant, BA.2, is still rare in the United States, but experts warn that cases may spike again if the variant becomes more prominent....

Key TakeawaysThe White House announced an initiative to provide 400 million free N95 masks for the general public through pharmacies and community health centers.The free masks will be limited to three per person.While some experts applaud the effort, others say it raises inequity concerns, and question whether spending money on masking is the best allocation of resources at the current stage of the pandemic. Key Takeaways The White House announced an initiative to provide 400 million free N95 masks for the general public through pharmacies and community health centers....

Key TakeawaysNew variants of the coronavirus are appearing across the world, making reinfection possible—though rare.The U.K. variant appears to be more infectious, while the South African and Brazilian variants have mutations on the virus’s spike protein.Experts say that it’s too early to tell if reinfection rates will spike, but say that it’s crucial to continue to take COVID-19 prevention measures even as vaccines rollout. Key Takeaways New variants of the coronavirus are appearing across the world, making reinfection possible—though rare....

Meghan Fitzgerald, RN, MPH, DrPH, is an adjunct associate professor with the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and a private equity investor. She has decades of experience working in the healthcare field, ranging from frontline patient care to advising prominent healthcare firms. Here, she shares her view on what it will take to improve the rank of the United States when it comes to offering accessible, quality health care....

Key TakeawaysHealth experts are expecting another COVID surge this fall and winter due to waning immunity from vaccines and more people spending time indoors.If a surge occurs, health experts say COVID cases may not be as severe because of vaccines, booster shots, antiviral treatments, and immunity from previous infections.People should get the latest bivalent booster and practice other health protocols when necessary to prevent a potential surge.It’s that time of year again when many of us will be swapping out our swimsuits for sweaters....

Key TakeawaysNearly three-quarters of private insurers who had waived the cost of COVID-19 hospitalization earlier in the pandemic have since rescinded that policy.Some companies are now considering whether they can hike insurance costs to encourage people to become vaccinated.Experts say singling out unvaccinated people could be tricky legally and ethically. Key Takeaways Nearly three-quarters of private insurers who had waived the cost of COVID-19 hospitalization earlier in the pandemic have since rescinded that policy....

Key TakeawaysThe COVID-19 pandemic will likely leave a mental health crisis in its wake, experts say.Meanwhile experts say we’re also in the throes of a “psychedelic renaissance,” where compounds like psilocybin may be able to help.But when it comes to using psychedelics to treat mental health issues, safety is crucial. Key Takeaways The COVID-19 pandemic will likely leave a mental health crisis in its wake, experts say.Meanwhile experts say we’re also in the throes of a “psychedelic renaissance,” where compounds like psilocybin may be able to help....

This story ispart of a serieswhere we look at the ways COVID-19 has changed our lives and how it will continue to affect public health in 2022.Key TakeawaysMask recommendations have shifted a lot throughout the pandemic in response to changing circumstances and emerging data.People have worn masks to prevent the spread of respiratory infections even before the pandemic.It is difficult to predict when we can stop wearing face masks because the pandemic is far from over....

Key TakewaysIntranasal vaccines are administered in the nose instead of in the arm.No intranasal COVID-19 vaccines are currently approved for human use, but trials are underway.In theory, intranasal COVID-19 vaccines could offer protection against the virus at the site of infection, making it less likely that people will contract and spread the disease. Key Takeways Intranasal vaccines are administered in the nose instead of in the arm.No intranasal COVID-19 vaccines are currently approved for human use, but trials are underway....

Pre-menopausal people often entermenopauseright after having ahysterectomyto remove their ovaries. The ovaries produce estrogen, a hormone that depletes during menopause, so removing them pre-maturely may trigger menopause. The ovaries are not always removed during a hysterectomy, though. If they are not removed, they will produce estrogen until menopause naturally begins. The decision to remove the ovaries hinges on the purpose of the surgery and your overall health. This article covers what to expect if you are having your ovaries removed via hysterectomy, how to prepare for menopause whenever it comes, and the symptoms you may experience after your procedure....

Key TakeawaysCOVID-19 vaccines remain effective against severe disease, hospitalization, and death.For people with weakened immune systems, getting a booster dose after three primary doses is recommended.There’s not enough evidence to suggest non-immunocompromised individuals need a second booster shot at this time. Key Takeaways COVID-19 vaccines remain effective against severe disease, hospitalization, and death.For people with weakened immune systems, getting a booster dose after three primary doses is recommended.There’s not enough evidence to suggest non-immunocompromised individuals need a second booster shot at this time....