health
ABC NewsWhat to know about the polio vaccine and why most people aren't at risk of infection
Since a case of polio was reported in Rockland County -- just north of New York City -- last month, officials have suspected that "hundreds" of cases may be circulating around the state silently. "The average person has really very little risk of acquiring polio if they've been vaccinated," Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes, chief of the division of infectious diseases at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, told ABC News. There are two vaccines used to protect against polio infection: the inactivated poliovirus vaccine and the oral poliovirus vaccine.
Yahoo Life5 facts about napping — including the 'sweet spot' nap length
Napping has its benefits, but sleep experts say naps aren't a good fit for everyone. Here's why.
USA TODAYWant to be sure you don’t have COVID? FDA now says you'll need to pass 3 home tests
The FDA now recommends taking 3 home tests over 5 days to be more confident you don't have COVID-19, especially if you fear you've been exposed.
Associated PressWHO plans to rename monkeypox over stigmatization concerns
The World Health Organization says it's holding an open forum to rename the disease monkeypox, after some critics raised concerns the name could be derogatory or have racist connotations. In a statement Friday, the U.N. health agency said it has also renamed two families, or clades, of the virus, using Roman numerals instead of geographic areas, to avoid stigmatization. Numerous other diseases, including Japanese encephalitis, Marburg virus, Spanish influenza and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome have been named after the geographic areas where they first arose or were identified.
ReutersEmergent receives FDA warning letter over quality control issues
The FDA pointed to deficiencies in cleaning and maintenance of equipment to prevent contamination of drug product and also recommended the company review its quality control process, Emergent said. Earlier in August, Emergent had said the FDA had last inspected its facility at Camden in February and was waiting for the agency's feedback.
Business InsiderRainwater is no longer safe to drink anywhere on Earth, due to 'forever chemicals' linked to cancer, study suggests
PFAS are nicknamed "forever chemicals" because they last so long without breaking down. That's made them pervasive in rainwater and soils.
USA TODAYInflation and COVID, a baby formula shortage and food insecurity: Why aren’t more eligible Americans using WIC?
How do you get more people to turn to WIC? Experts say it’s a mix of applying innovation, reducing stigma and easing the shopping process.
NBC News14 injured when car crashes into pub outside Washington, D.C.
Four people sustained critical injuries when a vehicle careened into a pub outside Washington, D.C. on Friday evening, officials said.
ReutersCarnival drops mandatory COVID-19 testing for vaccinated passengers
The decision affects Carnival Cruise, Princess Cruises and Cunard and follows a similar move by rival Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd earlier this week. Unvaccinated guests - who still have to present a negative COVID-19 result - no longer need to apply for an exemption except for Carnival Cruise's sailings in Australia or on its voyages 16 nights and longer.
NBC NewsPolio virus symptoms and how to check if you're vaccinated
New York health officials are warning about the potential local spread of polio. Here's what to know about polio vaccines and symptoms.
CBS NewsDid I get the polio vaccine? How to know if you're protected against the virus
A case of polio was identified in Rockland County, New York, and now the virus has been detected in New York City's wastewater.
ABC NewsAnne Heche dies following car crash, family says
Anne Heche has died at the age of 53 after suffering serious injuries in a fiery car accident in Los Angeles, according to her family. Heche was declared brain dead Thursday night but has been kept on life support for organ donation, and her heart is still beating, her representative said Friday. "Rest In Peace Mom, I love you," he said.
ABC NewsFlorida to ban gender-affirming care under Medicaid for transgender recipients
Florida will soon bar transgender residents from using Medicaid to pay for gender-affirming care, according to the state's Agency for Health Care Administration. Several accredited medical institutions, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, alongside the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services say gender-affirming care can improve the mental health and overall well-being of gender-diverse people. "Gender-affirming care is patient-centered and treats individuals holistically, aligning their outward, physical traits with their gender identity," the guidance continues.
USA TODAYPolio virus found in NYC wastewater, showing spread of disease in New York
The polio virus was discovered in wastewater samples in New York City, showing the disease has spread from in several areas across the state.
Associated PressEXPLAINER: What to know about polio spreading in New York
The polio virus has been found in New York City sewage, but officials are stressing that the highest risk is for people who haven’t been vaccinated. Polio was once one of the nation’s most feared diseases, with annual outbreaks causing thousands of cases of paralysis. Recently, an unvaccinated young adult north of New York City contracted polio.
USA TODAYThis week in COVID: CDC loosens quarantine guidelines, FDA recommends 3 home tests, new data on long COVID
The CDC updated quarantine recommendations as nearly 40% of the country report high COVID community levels. Here's what else happened this week.
CBS NewsSenators who suffered strokes urge public to prioritize wellness
Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Ray Luján reflect on their experiences recovering from strokes.
ABC NewsPolio discovered in New York City wastewater samples
Health officials announced Friday that polio has been detected in wastewater samples in New York City. It comes just a few weeks after a case of polio was detected in Rockland County, located north of the city. The New York State Department of Health and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said the polio virus is likely circulating locally.
Good Morning AmericaCDC updates COVID-19 guidelines: What it means for kids and school
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday released new guidelines that impact what people can and cannot do after being exposed to COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccinations for kids as young as 6 months old have been available since June and continue to be recommended by the CDC. Here are five things for parents to know about the new guidelines and how they impact their kids.
Associated PressPolio detected in NYC's sewage, suggesting virus circulating
The virus that causes polio has been found in New York City’s wastewater in another sign that the disease, which hadn’t been seen in the U.S. in a decade, is quietly spreading among unvaccinated people, health officials said Friday. The presence of the poliovirus in the city's wastewater suggests likely local circulation of the virus, health authorities from the city, New York state and the federal government said. “The risk to New Yorkers is real but the defense is so simple — get vaccinated against polio,” New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said.
ReutersBiotech stocks pin bounce back hopes on M&A boost
Plunging valuations have made biotech companies tempting acquisition targets for cash-rich Big Pharma and a flurry of deals is just what the battered sector needs to turn a corner. Pfizer's $5.4 billion acquisition of Global Blood Therapeutics, which was announced on Monday, is the fourth deal in the sector since the pharma giant bought Biohaven for $11.6 billion in May, adding to optimism that large drugmakers are back in the market to pick up cheaper firms. Industry experts predict biotech firms that are closer to getting their product to market or already have a drug approved are likely to become M&A targets for large drugmakers, some of whom are staring at patent expirations of their cash cow drugs.
Yahoo LifeCan you get monkeypox from hugging a friend? Getting a massage? Experts weigh in on risks for transmission.
For many, ideas around how the virus spreads, and which activities pose risk, are confusing and misunderstood.
CBS NewsPig skin protein gives sight back to 14 blind people
The bioengineered corneas could provide a new and less invasive solution for the millions around the world in need of cornea transplants.
Good Morning America'Dancing with the Stars' pro Sharna Burgess opens up about childbirth, her postpartum recovery
"Dancing with the Stars" pro Sharna Burgess says she's "recovered" following the birth of her son, Zane Walker Green. "I am in love with the experience," Burgess said. Burgess and her partner, "Beverly Hills, 90210" star Brian Austin Green, welcomed Zane in June.
The ConversationWhat causes hives and how dangerous can they be? A nurse practitioner explains
The appearance of hives can vary with skin color. BSIP/UIG Via Getty ImagesEvery year, about 20% of Americans will get hives – those itchy, red bumps or welts that can appear after a day in the garden, taking medication, being bitten by a bug or for no apparent reason at all. Patricia A. MacCulloch is a nurse practitioner and professor of nursing who teaches about hives, among many other things. She offers some insight into this annoying condition that can sometimes be a sign of a life-threateni
“The media has anointed men who have sex with men as the biggest threat to our survival from monkeypox.”
“Rich countries have ignored endemic monkeypox in West and Central Africa for far too long, despite having effective vaccines.”
“The biggest worry for Americans is not the disease: It’s that our response to it shows how little we have learned from COVID-19.”
“Monkeypox should be a relatively easier virus to control, but only if the United States takes the needed steps now.”
“Global health officials must advocate for and enact a unified, coherent approach to fighting the monkeypox pandemic.”