Tag: COVID-19

The pandemic has taken a toll on children’s mental health. An expert weighs in
Health

The pandemic has taken a toll on children’s mental health. An expert weighs in

Kids experienced higher levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health impacts due to school closures and lockdowns. Another study found that the suicide attempt rates amongst adolescent girls increased during the pandemic as well. Parents are urged to look for common signs of their children needing help such as increased crying, more frequent tantrums, and difficulty sleeping. If these signs are noted, speak to a qualified professional. To read more, click here.
ECMO therapy cuts Covid-19 patients’ chance of dying by half, if they can get it
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ECMO therapy cuts Covid-19 patients’ chance of dying by half, if they can get it

Vanderbilt University recently conducted a study that shows sick patients are half as likely to die due to Covid-19 when put on an extreme form of life support called, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO.) ECMO works by tubes and pumps circulating and oxygenating blood. Many patients had to be turned away, and later died, because the access to treatment could not satisfy the demand. Patients that have undergone the therapy state that it literally saved their life. To read more, click here.
New CDC Covid-19 metrics drop strong mask recommendations for most of the country
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New CDC Covid-19 metrics drop strong mask recommendations for most of the country

According to the CDC, if you are generally healthy, you do not need to wear a mask indoors. Only 28% of the American population live in counties where they should wear a mask. These numbers support the new guidelines for dropping the masks. The U.S. Health and Human services states that the United States is in a better place than it was 6 months, 6 weeks, or even 6 days ago. However, always continue with caution. To read more, click here.
FDA doubles dosage of Covid-19 monoclonal antibody, raising concerns about access and supply
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FDA doubles dosage of Covid-19 monoclonal antibody, raising concerns about access and supply

The USDA released a statement advising individuals that received Evusheld to go back and get a second dose of the drug as soon as possible. Evusheld is a monoclonal antibody that is given to people that are immunocompromised and cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons. Originally, patients were to receive 150 milligrams of the drug, but it has now been doubled due to new findings from ongoing studies. Now that the treatment has doubled, this raises concerns about scarcity. Stay tuned for additional updates. To read more, click here.
CDC adds just one new destination to its highest-risk category for travel
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CDC adds just one new destination to its highest-risk category for travel

Vietnam is the only destination that has been added to the CDC’s level 4 category for travel. This level is “very high” risk and now contains nearly 140 places. This is an increase of about 60 places since January 2022. People are advised to avoid travelling to level 4 countries in order to stay safe and keep those around them protected as well. More broadly, it is not advisable to travel internationally without being vaccinated. To read more, click here.
A slew of states, cities and schools are ditching mask mandates this week. But the fate of one big mandate is still up in the air
Health

A slew of states, cities and schools are ditching mask mandates this week. But the fate of one big mandate is still up in the air

As hospitalizations and infections rates drop, many people are ditching their mask mandates. Many states are making past mandates into recommendations. Mandates in regard to transportation are still up in the air. As of now, their mandates are set to expire on March 18, 2022 with no clear plan on what will happen next. Even without masks being required, Americans are urged to be careful when choosing whether to ditch their masks or not. To read more, click here.
Demand for Covid-19 testing is falling, but experts caution it’s as important as ever
Health

Demand for Covid-19 testing is falling, but experts caution it’s as important as ever

The United States is recovering from the Omicron wave of Covid-19. Now, testing has slowed down substantially when compared to the beginning of the year. The Biden administration has allotted 500 million free at-home testing kits and fewer than 300 million have been ordered. The decline in testing may be due to efforts being too little and too late. However, testing is still necessary so researchers and scientists know exactly what they have to deal with. To read more, click here.
Hawaii is ending certain Covid-19 safety precautions for domestic travelers later this month
Health

Hawaii is ending certain Covid-19 safety precautions for domestic travelers later this month

Hawaii established a “Safe Travels” program that was intended to slow the spread of Covid-19. That initiative will officially come to an end as of March 25, 2022. Domestic travelers no longer need a vaccination card nor do they need a negative Covid-19 test. However, Hawaii is still requiring masks for indoor workplaces and airports. To read more, click here.
White House unveils plan to move America to a new stage of the Covid pandemic
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White House unveils plan to move America to a new stage of the Covid pandemic

The White House has a plan to approach the pandemic in a way where it does not disrupt the lives of citizens and where we are better equipped for possible variants to arise. The National Covid-19 Preparedness Plan will fund treatments for the virus, keeps schools and businesses open, and push vaccination. Biden has presented a plan, “Test to Treat” where Americans get tested for the virus and receive an antiviral pill, for free, on the spot, should they test positive. His plan will also address Americans living with long-term impacts of the virus. To read more, click here.
CDC loosens COVID-19 indoor mask guidance, including for schools
Health

CDC loosens COVID-19 indoor mask guidance, including for schools

The CDC is now advising counties to loosen their federal mask wearing mandates for counties that are in low or medium risk zones. This applies to 70% of Americans as 70% of Americans live in these counties. COVID-19 cases has fallen drastically since the immersion of the omicron variant. This fact has public health officials very optimistic in regard to the direction of the pandemic. While masking is not as crucial as it once was, it is important to note when wearing one matters the most. To read more, click here.