Three new studies suggest Omicron triggers milder illness. Combing through early data on the new variant, researchers found it doesn’t cause severe disease as often as the Delta variant does. On the other hand, Omicron is so contagious that it will likely increase hospitalizations, and the unvaccinated still need toContinue Reading

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 22, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Fresh Express packaged salads have been linked to a listeria infection outbreak in eight U.S. states, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. The outbreak has caused 10 illnesses, one hospitalization and one death. It is under investigation by the FDA, the U.S.Continue Reading

COVID-19 helps drive nearly 2-year decline in U.S. life expectancy. New data from the CDC for 2020 shows COVID as the third leading killer, after heart disease and cancer, with the average American now living to 77, down from 78.8 the year before Read more Flu season rebounds as anotherContinue Reading

Biden Administration will buy, distribute 500 million rapid COVID tests. The tests will begin to be available in January and be distributed free to Americans, the President will announce in a speech slated for Tuesday. Other steps to fight the fast-spreading Omicron variant include sending out hundreds of federal vaccinatorsContinue Reading

MONDAY, Dec. 20, 2021 (HealthDay News) – Proctor & Gamble has voluntarily recalled several dry shampoo sprays and hair conditioner spray products with brand names Pantene, Herbal Essences, Aussie and Waterless because of benzene contamination. This follows an earlier recall of some aerosol spray Old Spice and Secret products, alsoContinue Reading

Moderna says booster shot can combat infection with Omicron variant. As the variant surges worldwide, the company released data showing that its half-dose booster shot increased antibody levels by roughly 37-fold, and a full dose of 100 micrograms was even more powerful. Read more Biden to address nation on COVID-19Continue Reading

MONDAY, Dec. 20, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Large, simultaneous heat waves have become much more common in northern regions worldwide due to climate change and could have disastrous consequences, researchers warn. The investigators also found that these concurrent heat waves are becoming larger and hotter. “More than one heat waveContinue Reading

SUNDAY, Dec. 19, 2021 (HealthDay News) — If you’re among the many people who use space heaters and generators during the winter, you need to guard against fire and carbon monoxide (CO) hazards, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says. In the United States, that’s especially true for BlackContinue Reading

Masking up again? Here’s what works best. New research finds that when it comes to keeping the COVID-19 virus to yourself, a tight fit matters. So, too, do the materials used, experts say. Read more U.S. makes rule allowing abortion pills by mail permanent: With a Supreme Court decision loomingContinue Reading