News That Matters

Tag: COVID-19

COVID-19 vaccines: 76% of reported side effects may be due to ‘nocebo’ effect.
6Jan By longhaulersnewNo Comments
Health

COVID-19 vaccines: 76% of reported side effects may be due to ‘nocebo’ effect.

A placebo, also known as a substance without medical effects, is being used to study the reliability of reported effects of COVID-19. A recent study found that 35.2% of trial participants who received a saline solution instead of an actual vaccine against COVID-19 reported at least one adverse reaction. Those that received a vaccine and reported placebo-based symptoms demonstrated a nocebo response. During the trial, it was also found that when given a second dose, reported adverse effects went up from 46% to 61%, and the adverse effects for placebo recipients decreased from 35% to 32%. The facts that we have about placebos makes this information unsurprising. To learn more, click here.
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FDA authorizes new antibody treatment to fight omicron
6Jan By longhaulersnewNo Comments
Health

FDA authorizes new antibody treatment to fight omicron

Recently, the FDA has authorized a new drug called bebtelovimab, a monoclonal therapy for COVID-19 patients.  Patients as young as 12 that are high risk for sever illness can take this drug to prevent getting sicker or even end up in the hospital. Due to a shortage on drugs that have been proven effective in fighting the omicron variant, professionals have been faced with the difficult decision on who should receive the treatment. The latest authorization brings the total number of treatments for omicron to four. To learn more, click here.
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FDA postpones review of Pfizer data on vaccine for kids under 5
5Jan By longhaulersnewNo Comments
Health

FDA postpones review of Pfizer data on vaccine for kids under 5

After reviewing data, Dr. Peter Marks, the FDA’S vaccine chief, tells reporters that “at this time, it makes sense for us to wait until we have the data from the evaluation of a third dose before taking action.” Pfizer applied for an emergency use authorization for its vaccine for children aged 6 months to 4 years. Scientists continue to research a three-shot regimen, which may ultimately be the most effective vaccine regimen for children of that age group. Currently, the dosage for children 5 and under is only one tenth of the current dose for adults. Pfizer supports the idea of a three dose booster due to the data shown by other age groups. The estimated time to submit data on the third dose is early April. To learn more, click here.
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COVID is here to stay: countries must decide how to adapt.
5Jan By longhaulersnewNo Comments
Health

COVID is here to stay: countries must decide how to adapt.

As new variants arise, the healthcare system continues to be overwhelmed. Vaccines and boosters were not able to be implemented soon enough to avoid the surmounting cases. COVID continues to leave hospitals understaffed, forcing children to engage in remote learning, and limit travel opportunities. Countries must accept that COVID-19 is not going anywhere, and they must create an action plan to handle all that the virus comes with. With the evidence of more variants emerging, there is added urgency to distribute supplies to countries that lack them. It is clear that the virus will continue to circulate. Now, we must rely more heavily on the advice of scientists. To learn more, click here.
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COVID-19 in 2022: controlling the pandemic is within our grasp
5Jan By longhaulersnewNo Comments
Health

COVID-19 in 2022: controlling the pandemic is within our grasp

All pandemics must come to an end, and this virus is no different. The virus will continue to affect our lives until we collectively address the inequitable access to vaccines and therapeutic agents. However, over the course of the pandemic, scientists have achieved a record speed of the development of a safe and effective vaccine. Even still, government agencies have not provided access of sufficient doses of vaccines to low and middle income countries. This is unethical and only prolongs the pandemic. It is going to take more than vaccines to end the pandemic partly because of new variants and how quickly they circulate. To learn more, click here.
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The important role of antivirals in the fight against COVID-19
4Jan By longhaulersnewNo Comments
Health

The important role of antivirals in the fight against COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, scientist have been working non-stop on preventative vaccines and effective treatments. At present, the most effective prevention of contracting COVID-19 is getting vaccinated. However, variants are emerging resulting in the need for additional research. Treatments that target SARS-CoV-2 fall into two categories: monoclonal antibodies and antivirals. To learn more, click here.
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The COVID-19 vaccines: What you need to know
4Jan By longhaulersnewNo Comments
Health

The COVID-19 vaccines: What you need to know

Vaccines teach your immune system to recognize foreign germs and fight them of. When you choose to get vaccinated, you are protecting yourself from serious illness. The vaccines made by Moderna and Pfizer are mRNA vaccines that contain genetic material to teach cells in your body to make specific proteins. Those proteins produce antibodies that are needed to protect you. These types of vaccines have been studied for decades and science has proven them to be effective. COVID-19 vaccines do not actually give you the virus. When you begin to experience sickness after receiving the vaccine shot, your immune system is signaling you that it is working. If you would like more information about getting the COVID-19 vaccine, visit vaccines.gov or check in with your local state health website. T...
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9 tips to address COVID-19 at work
4Jan By longhaulersnewNo Comments
Health

9 tips to address COVID-19 at work

Heading back to work soon during the COVID-19 outbreak? There are some steps you can take to ensure your safety as well as others. Local CDC guidelines recommend that you get vaccinated. You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your second vaccine dose. Follow the workplace-specific guidelines as many workplaces have their own procedures and protocols. Rethink in-person meetings. Keep your hands clean at all times by using an approved sanitizer or soap. If you are feeling unwell, be sure to stay at home; self-isolate and get tested. It is important to mind your mental health. Take advantage of health and support services that are offered to you. To read more, click here.
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Pregnant during COVID-19? Tips to stay safe
3Jan By longhaulersnewNo Comments
Health

Pregnant during COVID-19? Tips to stay safe

Studies show that pregnant women are more likely to contract a more serious form of COVID-19 when compared to non-pregnant women. In order to stay safe, it is recommended that pregnant women get vaccinated. Be sure that those who are around you during pregnancy are vaccinated as well. Limit in-person interactions whenever possible, and wear a mask when you are in public spaces. It is important that pregnant women are washing their hands frequently and using an alcohol based sanitizer. Stay in communication with your primary healthcare provider for continued updates about COVID-19 updates and guidelines. To read more, click here.
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Coronavirus and COVID-19: What you should know
3Jan By longhaulersnewNo Comments
Health

Coronavirus and COVID-19: What you should know

COVID-19 is a respiratory tract infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. The infection can be mild, or even deadly for some. Like the other six types of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 is spread through person-to-person contact. The most common symptoms of COVID-91 are fever, fatigue, cough, lack of appetite, body aches, shortness of breath, and mucus. If you or anyone you know is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, seek help right away. To read more, click here.
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