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Key TakeawaysFor the first time in more than a decade, the National Institutes of Health updated its recommendations for asthma diagnosis and treatment.Among important changes: Some patients may not need to use an inhaler daily.Other notable inclusions are guidance on fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) testing and immunotherapy. Key Takeaways For the first time in more than a decade, the National Institutes of Health updated its recommendations for asthma diagnosis and treatment....

Key TakeawaysCurrent ovarian cancer screening measures cannot detect the disease in its early stages.A new test that measures specific changes to the ovarian cancer marker CA-125 is 4.5 times more sensitive than CA-125 and gives results in 30 minutes.Ovarian cancer has nondescript symptoms in its beginning stages, and so it is vital for women to be aware of the early warning signs. Key Takeaways Current ovarian cancer screening measures cannot detect the disease in its early stages....

Key TakeawaysSepsis is a potentially fatal complication of infection.Sepsis can be difficult to identify early on. However, the sooner a patient is diagnosed, the better the prognosis.A new test may help identify patients at the highest risk of sepsis, allowing them to begin treatment sooner.A new test may be able to help emergency rooms identify patients with sepsis before the life-threatening condition becomes too hard to treat. Its developers say earlier diagnosis is essential for better outcomes, since sepsis is responsible for one in three hospital deaths....

Key TakeawaysThe FDA recently approved a new type of treatment for late-stage ovarian cancer. The medication belongs to a class of drugs called antibody-drug conjugates.Unlike other cancer drugs, which often affect all cells in a patient’s body, antibody-drug conjugates deliver a high dose of chemotherapy specifically to cancerous cells.Experts say this class of drug is exciting as it might be more effective than conventional chemotherapy treatment for certain cancers. Key Takeaways The FDA recently approved a new type of treatment for late-stage ovarian cancer....

Key TakeawaysThe new CDC director, Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, is calling for a review of all the agency’s COVID-19 guidance.As she assumes her new role, Walensky plans to make the CDC more accessible and transparent.Securing more funding for public health programs is one of her major goals. Key Takeaways The new CDC director, Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, is calling for a review of all the agency’s COVID-19 guidance.As she assumes her new role, Walensky plans to make the CDC more accessible and transparent....

Key TakeawaysThe CDC proposed new guidelines for prescribing opioids for pain treatment, which will eliminate dosage caps and use 50 MME doses as a benchmark for added scrutiny and monitoring.If approved, the change will allow some patients to receive higher doses for treatment.But experts in pain medicine worry that removing limits could lead to over-prescribing opioids, hurting patients and aggravating the already raging overdose epidemic. Key Takeaways The CDC proposed new guidelines for prescribing opioids for pain treatment, which will eliminate dosage caps and use 50 MME doses as a benchmark for added scrutiny and monitoring....

Key TakeawaysYour genetics can increase your risk of developing certain health conditions.In a new partnership,Invitae CorporationandeMERGEhope to make these tests more useful and accessible to all.Proactive DNA screening can help people make informed health decisions based upon their genetic predisposition to certain illnesses. Key Takeaways Your genetics can increase your risk of developing certain health conditions.In a new partnership,Invitae CorporationandeMERGEhope to make these tests more useful and accessible to all.Proactive DNA screening can help people make informed health decisions based upon their genetic predisposition to certain illnesses....

Key Takeaways A clinical trial of a new medication to treat people hospitalized with COVID-19 was so successful that researchers stopped it early. Researchers shut down a phase 3 trial for the drug, called sabizabulin, last week after they determined that it has the potential to halve the risk of death for people with moderate and severe forms of COVID-19. They analyzed 210 people hospitalized with COVID-19 who were at high risk for developingacute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS), a serious complication of the virus....

Key TakeawaysThe FDA has approved updated COVID shots for 2024/2025.Right now, only Pfizer’s and Moderna’s vaccines have received authorization.You should get the new COVID vaccines as soon as possible. You’ll also want to think about scheduling your annual flu shot, as well as an RSV shot if you’re eligible. Key Takeaways The FDA has approved updated COVID shots for 2024/2025.Right now, only Pfizer’s and Moderna’s vaccines have received authorization.You should get the new COVID vaccines as soon as possible....

Key TakeawaysExperts emphasize COVID-19 testing is still important to curb the spread of the virus.While antigen tests (rapid tests) are not as accurate as molecular (lab-based) tests, experts concede their ease of use and cheaper cost make them an important testing option.The government, hospital systems, and companies are all working on initiatives to make testing easy, accessible, and useful. Key Takeaways Experts emphasize COVID-19 testing is still important to curb the spread of the virus....

UPDATEOn June 13,the FDA changed its decisionbased on increasing COVID cases nationwide. The agency says vaccine manufacturers should target the KP.2 subvariant in their updated shots if possible. UPDATE On June 13,the FDA changed its decisionbased on increasing COVID cases nationwide. The agency says vaccine manufacturers should target the KP.2 subvariant in their updated shots if possible. Key TakeawaysThe FDA has advised manufacturers to update COVID-19 vaccines to target the JN....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Makes the New Vaccines Different?Who Is Eligible for the New Booster?When Should You Get It?Where Can You Get Vaccinated and How Much Will It Cost?Will the Vaccines Protect Against New Variants?How Safe and Effective Are the Vaccines?Does Everyone Really Need a Booster Shot? Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents What Makes the New Vaccines Different? Who Is Eligible for the New Booster?...

Key TakeawaysThe new COVID-19 variant XEC is spreading quickly in Europe and may soon become the dominant variant worldwide.XEC is a recombinant variant made up of two JN.1-related strains.A CDC spokesperson said the current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to provide some protection against XEC and other circulating variants. Key Takeaways The new COVID-19 variant XEC is spreading quickly in Europe and may soon become the dominant variant worldwide.XEC is a recombinant variant made up of two JN....