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☆ It’s time to get flu and Covid-19 shots
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-02 | by ( Deidre Mcphillips | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Vaccines for Covid-19, flu and RSV are available now. Covid-19 vaccinesThe CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older receive a Covid-19 vaccine this season to stay up to date. Flu vaccinesThe CDC also recommends a seasonal flu vaccine for everyone ages 6 months and older. Unlike the flu and Covid-19 vaccines, the RSV vaccine is one-time dose. The CDC says it’s also acceptable to get Covid-19, flu and RSV shots at one time, for those who are eligible.

Persons: Janet Hamilton, “ We’re, ” Hamilton, “, There’s, it’s, Dr, Sanjay Gupta Organizations: CNN, Respiratory, of State, Territorial, US Centers for Disease Control, CDC, Moderna, Pfizer, —, CNN Health Locations: United States

Chin-Hong said the variant is a so-called recombinant of two other strains — KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 — meaning that genetic information was exchanged between them to form a third strain, XEC, Chin-Hong said. Is the XEC variant more contagious? Chan School of Public Health, said there’s no evidence yet that the XEC variant is much more transmissible than what’s currently circulating. The variant is closely related to KP.2, the strain targeted by the updated vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. Bright, however, cautioned that clinical data is ultimately needed to determine how well the updated vaccines work against the XEC variant.

Persons: “, ”, Peter Chin, ” XEC, we’re, Rick Bright, Hong, Bill Hanage, ” Hanage, It’s, XEC, Hanage, “ It’s, Marc Johnson, Johnson, There’s, ” Chin, ” Johnson, ” Bright Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, Prevention, University of California, Biomedical, Research, Development Authority, Department of Health, Human Services, CDC, Harvard, of Public Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Pfizer, Moderna Locations: United States, San Francisco, Europe, Chin, U.S, Chan, Germany, Netherlands, France

☆ Free Covid-19 tests are available again. Here’s how to get them
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-26 | by ( Deidre Mcphillips | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —People in the United States can now order more free Covid-19 tests from the federal government as the country heads into respiratory virus season with high levels of the coronavirus already circulating. “Reopening this popular program is the latest step by the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure that over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are available to all who want them this fall and winter,” HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell said in a statement. More information about ordering these tests is available at ACL.gov/AccessibleTests. The CDC also recommends that everyone age 6 months or older receive an updated Covid-19 vaccine this season to stay up to date. The updated Covid-19 vaccines are available now at pharmacies across the US and can be received at the same time as the annual flu vaccine.

Persons: Harris, Dawn O’Connell, “, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, Mandy Cohen, CNN’s Brenda Goodman Organizations: CNN, People, US Postal Service, US Department of Health, Human Services, Biden, Harris Administration, Preparedness, Administration, Strategic Preparedness, US Centers for Disease Control, US Food and Drug Administration, CNN Health, CDC, Moderna, Pfizer Locations: United States, COVIDTests.gov, COVID, Covid

☆ What to know about the available Covid-19, flu and RSV vaccines
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-16 | by ( Deidre Mcphillips | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

But the Covid-19 vaccines provided 54% protection against symptomatic infection last season, CDC data shows, despite new variants that cropped up. The updated Covid-19 vaccines are available now, but ideal timing for getting the shot may differ based on individual circumstances. Unlike the flu and Covid-19 vaccines, the RSV vaccine is one-time dose. The CDC says it’s also acceptable to get Covid-19, flu and RSV shots at one time, for those who are eligible. Covid-19, flu and RSV vaccines are widely available at pharmacies across the US.

Persons: CNN —, There’s, Mandy Cohen, ”, ” Dr, Sandra Fryhofer, Fryhofer, Katelyn Jetelina, it’s, Dr, Sanjay Gupta Organizations: CNN, US Centers for Disease Control, CDC, Moderna, Pfizer, American Medical, —, CNN Health Locations: United States

☆ U.S. will again offer free at-home Covid tests starting in late September
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-23 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The Biden administration on Friday said it will resume offering free at-home Covid-19 tests to American households in late September as the virus has gained a stronger foothold in the U.S. this summer. Americans will soon be able to use COVIDtests.gov to request four free tests, administration officials told reporters during a briefing. The tests will be able to detect the Covid variants that are currently circulating, most of which are descendants of the highly contagious omicron variant JN.1. The government's program has provided more than 1.8 billion free over-the-counter Covid tests to Americans since it started in 2021, according to O'Connell. But the government decided to reopen the program in late September because it's when more Americans begin to travel and gather indoors with loved ones.

Persons: Biden, Dawn O'Connell, Harris, O'Connell Organizations: Health, Human Services Department, Biden, Centers for Disease Control Locations: U.S

The shots will be important, however, as the U.S. heads into the fall and winter, when cases usually rise again. Vaccine experts select the Covid strain in the spring for a vaccination campaign in the fall. Last fall, when CDC data showed a rise in hospitalizations, some doctors criticized the FDA for waiting too long to roll out the updated Covid vaccines. Has the FDA considered changing the fall vaccine rollout schedule, now early September? Link-Gelles highlighted the challenges in determining the optimal timing for administering the Covid vaccines.

Persons: Will, ”, John Moore, Akiko Iwasaki, Covid —, CDC epidemiologist Ruth Link, that’s, Isaac Bogoch, “, Ofer Levy, Levy, ” Levy, it’s, ” Weill Cornell's Moore, “ I’m, what’s, ” Moore Organizations: Weill Cornell Medical College, “, Centers for Disease Control, Food and Drug Administration, Yale University, FDA, CDC, NBC, University of Toronto, Precision, Boston Children’s Hospital Locations: U.S, hospitalizations

The U.S. is in what may end up being its biggest summer wave of Covid, with no end yet in sight. This year’s summer wave also began earlier than last year’s, Jha said. “Besides that, there’s not much that we can sort of put our finger on to say this is what’s driving this summer surge," Pekosz said. Jha said that what happens this winter is impossible to predict but that there could be a silver lining to a large summer wave. “A big summer wave tends to lead to a little bit of a smaller winter wave and vice versa, just because there’s a little bit more immunity in the population,” he said.

Persons: ”, Ashish Jha, “ It’s, ” It's, There's, Maria Van Kerkhove, Van Kerkhove, Rosem Morton, Jha, Andrew Pekosz, “, there’s, Pekosz, Michael Phillips, epidemiologist, ” Phillips Organizations: Brown University School of Public Health, White, Covid, World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, The Washington, Getty, Food and Drug Administration, CDC, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, didn't, NYU Langone Health Locations: U.S, Europe, Washington, Western U.S, Texas, California, Florida, North Carolina, Covid, New York City

☆ A summer wave of Covid-19 has arrived in the US
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-28 | by ( Deidre Mcphillips | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Covid-19 levels have been rising in the United States for weeks as new variants drive what’s become an annual summer surge. That’s enough time to offer protection during the winter respiratory virus season but probably after this summer’s wave has ebbed. On Thursday, the CDC recommended that everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated Covid-19 vaccine for the 2024-25 season. Unlike flu and RSV, Covid-19 is constantly circulating; it doesn’t offer a reprieve. The changes are meant to “simplify RSV vaccine decision-making for clinicians and the public,” the agency said.

Persons: CNN —, ”, Robert Hopkins, ” Hopkins, Marlene Wolfe, “, Dr, Jerry Weir, Marcus Plescia, Plescia, Sanjay Gupta, ” CNN’s Jen Christensen Organizations: CNN, US Centers for Disease Control, CDC, National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, Stanford University, Emory University, Emory, WastewaterSCAN, FDA, Viral Products, Vaccines Research, FDA’s, Biologics, Association of State, Territorial Health, CNN Health Locations: United States, —, Covid

☆ F.D.A. Advisers Recommend a New Covid Vaccine Formula for the Fall
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-05 | by ( Noah Weiland | Christina Jewett | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The unanimous vote by the 16 advisers recommends a formula aimed at combating the variant JN.1, which dominated infections in the United States in February, or a version of it. In recent weeks, JN.1 has been overtaken by descendants known as KP.2 and KP.3. is expected to formally recommend a variant target for vaccine makers for the next round of shots in the late summer or early fall. Any decision involves some educated guesswork, given that any new vaccine formula won’t be available until months after a variant becomes dominant. “It’s becoming clear that the ideal timing for a vaccine composition decision remains elusive,” said Jerry Weir, an official with the F.D.A.’s vaccine division.

Persons: ”, Jerry Weir Organizations: Food and Drug Administration Locations: United States

☆ FLiRT variants may lead to a Covid surge this summer: 7 ways to boost your immune system
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-24 | by ( Renée Onque | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Health professionals warn there may be a spike in Covid-19 cases this summer. Cases of the FLiRT variants, "whose label derives from the names of the mutations in the variants' genetic code," according to CNBC, are rising in the U.S. and Europe. In addition to masking in public spaces and staying up-to-date with your vaccinations, which experts often recommend during spikes in Covid cases, it may be helpful to bolster your immune system. Dr. William B. Miller Jr., an infectious disease expert and evolutionary biologist, thinks everyone should be boosting their immune system all year round, including the summer. "The only effective way to really boost your immune system is to adopt a steady rhythm," Miller told CNBC Make It last January.

Persons: William B, Miller Jr, Miller Organizations: CNBC Locations: U.S, Europe

☆ What you need to know about the new ‘FliRT’ coronavirus variant, according to a doctor
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-23 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —There is a new coronavirus variant in town. Home tests will likely still detect KP.2, the new coronavirus variant. Grace Cary/Moment RF/Getty ImagesCNN: What should people know about this new variant, KP.2? Wen: Most people who contract the coronavirus will never know what variant is causing their symptoms. CNN: Who should take antiviral treatments if they contract Covid-19?

Persons: Leana Wen, Wen, Grace Cary, Covid Organizations: CNN, US Centers for Disease Control, KP, George Washington University, Getty, Alpha, Beta, CDC Locations: KP, United States, Delta, Covid

☆ New Covid FLiRT variants spark concerns of a summer spike
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-22 | by ( Karen Gilchrist | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

LONDON — New strains of Covid-19 are spreading globally, raising concerns among health professionals about a possible summer spike in cases, four-and-a-half years since the onset of the pandemic. The FLiRT variants — whose label derives from the names of the mutations in the variants' genetic code — have been rising in the U.S. and Europe as the coronavirus continues to mutate from earlier strains. Cases of KP.1.1, another FLiRT variant, have also risen to account for 7.1% of current infections, the agency said. In Europe, too, cases have been rising, with the new variant now detected in 14 countries. The World Health Organization in its latest update earlier this month said that cases remain limited in all reporting countries.

Persons: John Organizations: omicron, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization Locations: U.S, Europe

☆ FLiRT variants threaten a summer Covid wave, but experts say the risk remains uncertain
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-17 | by ( Deidre Mcphillips | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

FLiRT variants are offshoots of the JN.1 variant — all part of the broader Omicron family — that caused this winter’s wave. The mutations of the FLiRT variants make increased transmissibility — and a possible summer wave — a real threat. “We learned from the laboratories that FLiRT variants appeared, so far, to be as transmissible as the other Omicron subvariants, which means they’re really quite contagious. As of May 1, the requirement for all hospitals to report Covid-19 data to the federal government has expired. While the FLiRT variants pose some risk this summer, experts remain focused on what might happen in the fall.

Persons: CNN —, ”, Andy Pekosz, “ We’ve, William Schaffner, ” Schaffner, it’s, ” Pekosz, “, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, we’ve Organizations: CNN, US Centers for Disease Control, Data, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Vanderbilt University, Schaffner’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center, CDC, JAMA, CNN Health, JN, US Food Locations: United States, Covid

☆ CDC advisers recommend spring Covid boosters for older adults
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Erika Edwards | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The panel's vote to recommend spring boosters for older adults is not final until CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen signs off on it. The additional dose should be given at least four months after a previous dose for healthy older adults, or at least three months after a Covid infection. Covid hospitalizations peaked at the beginning of January, with 35,000 hospitalizations a week. By Feb. 7, Covid hospitalizations had fallen to around 20,000 a week. The vast majority have been among older adults, 65 and older.

Persons: Covid —, there's, Megan Wallace, Mandy Cohen, Marvia Jones, Covid, Covid hospitalizations Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, Prevention, CDC, Kansas City Health Department Locations: agency's, Kansas, Missouri, United States

Omicron subvariant JN.1 is causing nearly all new coronavirus cases in the U.S., according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The strain, which was responsible for just over 3% of infections in mid-November, has virtually taken over the COVID-19 variant scene in the U.S. in recent months. It was responsible for more than 96% of new infections over the past two weeks, according to the estimates . JN.1, which is closely related to BA.2.86, or “pirola,” is also the top variant globally. But the levels, which reflect both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections, are trending downward.

Organizations: subvariant, Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, WHO, CDC Locations: U.S

The latest COVID-19 wave in the U.S. appears to have peaked and started retreating, but concerns over a new variant are always lurking. Data indicates the latest increase in COVID-19 activity was significantly lower – and significantly less dangerous – than the COVID-19 surges the U.S. saw early in the pandemic. There are also concerns beyond just surviving a coronavirus infection, such as long COVID and the risks posed by reinfection . Meanwhile, as is always the case with COVID-19, there’s the possibility a new variant could change everything. Yet despite those changes, existing immunity from vaccines and previous infections still provides good protection,” the CDC said.

Persons: That’s, ” Maria Van Kerkhove, we're, ”, reinfection, ” Van Kerkhove, ” JN Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, CDC, Washington Post Locations: U.S, –, COVID, South Africa

☆ When Covid-19 finally got me, here’s what I did next
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-12 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Story highlights Getting a Covid-19 vaccination reduces risk of hospitalization or death All should have a plan in the event of infection, our medical expert advises There are treatments available for patients not eligible for PaxlovidCNN —Covid-19 finally got me. There are more key points I want to emphasize: The Covid-19 vaccine is not going to protect you 100% from contracting the virus. That’s because the viral load may not be high enough initially to trigger a positive test. You should also consider getting tested for the flu, as antiviral treatments are available for influenza, too. Wen: Individuals who test positive should stay home for at least five days and isolate from others, according to CDC guidance.

Persons: Paxlovid CNN —, I’ve, “ Hamilton, Leana Wen, Wen, it’s, It’s, Joe Raedle, Covid Organizations: Paxlovid CNN, CNN Health, World Health, WHO, George Washington University, CNN, Covid, US Centers for Disease Control, Paxlovid Locations: naps, Covid

New COVID-19 hospitalizations may have passed their winter peak in the U.S.Coronavirus hospital admissions last week decreased for the first time in more than two months, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Though the number remains elevated, weekly hospitalizations fell by nearly 10% week over week. “Despite test positivity (percentage of tests conducted that were positive), emergency department visits, and hospitalizations remaining elevated nationally, COVID-19 rates have stabilized, or in some instances decreased,” the CDC said in a post on Friday. The vast majority of COVID-19 cases are stemming from a new COVID-19 variant, JN.1. CDC estimates published on Friday indicate the strain is likely responsible for about 86% of new coronavirus cases over the past two weeks.

Persons: It’s, “ Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, CDC, World Health Organization Locations: U.S, South, Midwest

COVID-19 is leading hospital admissions among the respiratory viruses, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last week, 25 U.S. states had high or very high levels for respiratory illnesses with fever, cough and other symptoms. Since the beginning of October, there have been at least 16 million illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations, and 11,000 deaths from flu so far this season. With vaccination rates low, what can you do to protect yourself from respiratory viruses, including influenza, COVID-19 and RSV? That’s important to see if you need one of the medicines that can help prevent severe illness: Paxlovid for COVID-19 and Tamiflu for flu.

Persons: you’ve, Jennifer Sonney, Sonney, ” Sonney Organizations: U.S . Centers for Disease Control, CDC, HOME, University of Washington School of Nursing, National Association of Pediatric, Associated Press Health, Science Department, Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science, Educational Media Group, AP Locations: U.S, United States, Seattle, COVID

The U.S. is in the midst of a winter wave of COVID-19. COVID-19 is not the problem it once was in the U.S. Americans have access to tests, treatments and vaccines. Here are three things to know about the current COVID-19 surge in the U.S.COVID-19 Levels in the U.S. Are ElevatedWastewater viral activity for COVID-19 is “very high” nationally, surpassing last winter’s levels, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “All regions show high and increasing levels, with the highest regional levels in the South and Midwest,” the CDC reported last week. “COVID-19 surveillance data, hospital admission forecasts and growth estimates indicate that COVID-19 activity has increased and is likely to continue increasing into January,” the agency said.

Persons: it’s, ”, “, They’re, Luo Organizations: U.S, Centers for Disease Control, CDC, Department, omicron, JN Locations: U.S, South, Midwest, COVID

☆ A decade after Mandela's death, his pro-Palestinian legacy lives on
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Former South African president Nelson Mandela (R) and Palestinian President Yasser Arafat (L) address the media after holding talks on the crisis in the Middle East May 3, 2001. It was a gesture as controversial then as South Africa's support for the Palestinian cause is today, but Mandela brushed off criticism. Last month, the ruling ANC backed a motion in South Africa's parliament to suspend diplomatic ties with Israel until it agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel has disputed the comparison with apartheid as a lie motivated by antisemitism, but many South Africans follow Mandela's lead. Some in South Africa's Jewish community criticise the ANC's stance, pointing out that Mandela himself eventually tried to build bridges with Israel.

Persons: Nelson Mandela, Yasser Arafat, Mandela, Arafat, S.Africa, Carien du Plessis, Mandla Mandela, Obed Bapela, Lebogang Mashile, David Saks, Ehud Barak, Ezer Weisman, Saks, Shafiek, Tim Cocks, Alex Richardson Organizations: South, Arafat ANC, ANC, Palestine Liberation Organisation, Hamas, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Israel, Gaza, Shafiek, JOHANNESBURG, Palestine, Johannesburg, South Africa's, South Africa, South

☆ New COVID Variant Takes Hold in the United States
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( Nov. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Robin Foster HealthDay Reporter(HealthDay)TUESDAY, Nov. 28, 2023 (Healthday News) -- The prevalence of a highly mutated COVID variant has tripled in the past two weeks, new government data shows. Now, nearly 1 in 10 new COVID cases are fueled by the BA.2.86 variant, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Monday. Scientists first warned of the highly mutated variant back in August, but it has since spread in several regions of the United States. The CDC also noted that BA.2.86 variant poses a "low" public health risk. But the CDC data released Monday did show that emergency department visits linked to COVID-19 have begun to climb nationwide.

Persons: Robin Foster HealthDay, Jasmine Reed Organizations: U.S . Centers for Disease Control, EG, WHO, CDC, CBS News, JN Locations: New York, New Jersey, United States, U.S

☆ Donald Trump looks 'ready for battle' in his mugshot but 'a little bit of fear' is leaking through, a body language expert says
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( Rebecca Cohen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Former President Donald Trump is "ready for battle" in his Georgia mugshot, according to a body language expert. But the expert said his pose "indirectly leaks a little bit of fear" over DA Fani Willis' case. This may indicate, Driver noted, that Trump "knew it was coming" and that he might be saying [Willis] has "got a case," but that he is "going to go down fighting." "This perception may be due to the association between head size and brain size, which is often linked to intelligence," Driver noted. Driver noted of the mugshot, "This is, basically, 'You've got a case, but I'm not backing down,' versus 'You've got nothing on me, this is a joke.'"

Persons: Donald Trump, Fani Willis, Donald Trump's, he's, Trump, Janine Driver, Driver, Willis, Trump's, You've, I'm, Joe Navarro Organizations: Service, Language, JN Forensics Locations: Georgia, Wall, Silicon, mugshot, Fulton County , Georgia, Fulton Couty

☆ Американская золотая монета продана за рекордные 18,9 млн долларов
▼ + stars: | 2021-06-09 | by ( Mld Media Srl | ) noi.md time to read: +2 min

В итоге за редчайшую золотую монету и пять почтовых марок он выручил более 32 миллионов долларов США. Золотая монета "Двойной орел" 1933 года, номиналом в $20, считается самой дорогой в мире. Другим лотом аукциона стал комплект из четырех почтовых марок, известных как "Перевернутая Дженни". В 2014 году Вайцман купил ее за 9,5 миллиона долларов и выставил на всеобщее обозрение в Национальном почтовом музее Вашингтона. Сегодня цена на этот раритет немного упала, но, тем не менее, нынешнему обладателю пришлось выложить 8,3 миллиона долларов.

Persons: Sotheby's, Стюарт Вайцман, Перевернутая Дженни, Вайцман Organizations: Curtiss JN, Британская розовая Гвиана, ТАСС, Национальный почтовый музей Locations: США, Штаты, Гайана, Вашингтон

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