A new study of antibody tests finds that as much as 14.5 percent of the population in the United States may already have antibodies for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19). This potentially puts the country closer to achieving the goal of herd immunity. This research is according to a study by Pfizer Vaccines, which determined that nearly 47 million … Continue reading Nearly 47 million Americans have been infected by coronavirus, study finds
Plastic face shields can’t prevent COVID-19 transmission, experts warn
Plastic face shields have become a popular alternative to face masks throughout the pandemic. Besides being less restrictive than a face mask, a face shield allows people to see the wearer’s mouth. This helps people who are hard of hearing understand the wearer better when communicating. However, new research reveals that a face shield does not protect … Continue reading Plastic face shields can’t prevent COVID-19 transmission, experts warn
Coronavirus controls will only delay large outbreaks of endemic diseases like influenza and RSV
A study from Princeton University has found that current non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) being utilized to prevent the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) make it likely that larger, delayed outbreaks of other diseases will occur soon. The study, which was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, argues that NPIs being employed against COVID-19, such as the wearing of … Continue reading Coronavirus controls will only delay large outbreaks of endemic diseases like influenza and RSV
Study: Patients still have immunity to coronavirus 6 months after testing positive
A study by British researchers found that patients may still have some form of immunity to COVID-19 long after the antibodies specific to the Wuhan coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) have fallen below detectable levels. Researchers from Public Health England (PHE) and the U.K. Coronavirus Immunology Consortium (UK-CIC), a public research initiative established to stem the COVID-19 pandemic, found that the T cell levels of coronavirus … Continue reading Study: Patients still have immunity to coronavirus 6 months after testing positive
Immunity developed from previous infection with endemic coronaviruses reduces COVID-19 severity – study
Previous infection with other coronaviruses may lessen the severity of COVID-19, reports a new study. Researchers at Boston University found that owing to genetic similarities with the SARS-CoV-2, prior exposure to other coronaviruses primes the immune system to mount a better response to the virus responsible for COVID-19. Although this doesn’t prevent people from contracting COVID-19, it does lessen the severity … Continue reading Immunity developed from previous infection with endemic coronaviruses reduces COVID-19 severity – study
Study: Coronavirus social distancing measures will trigger a flu surge next winter
Social distancing and other measures meant to slow the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) this year could result in a surge of flu cases next year. This is according to a new study by researchers from Princeton University. According to the researchers, social distancing and other so-called non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have helped slow down COVID-19, as … Continue reading Study: Coronavirus social distancing measures will trigger a flu surge next winter
South Sudan confirms new outbreak of vaccine-related polio
Health officials in the African nation of South Sudan confirmed a new outbreak of the poliovirus – ironically caused by vaccinations against it. The South Sudan Ministry of Health (MOH) said 15 vaccine-derived polio cases were identified in the northwestern portion of the country. Vaccine-derived polio is a rare instance in which the weakened poliovirus in the vaccines mutates … Continue reading South Sudan confirms new outbreak of vaccine-related polio
People deficient in vitamin D have a higher risk of COVID-19, reports new study
A person’s vitamin D status may determine his susceptibility to COVID-19, the disease caused by the Wuhan coronavirus. In a new study published September 4, researchers at the University of Chicago found that, compared to people with normal vitamin D levels, those who were deficient in the vitamin have a greater risk of testing positive for COVID-19. In line … Continue reading People deficient in vitamin D have a higher risk of COVID-19, reports new study
Being tested for coronavirus too early may lead to false positives, warn researchers
When it comes to COVID-19, timing is everything – even for testing. A team from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine announced in a recent study that testing an at-risk individual too early can lead to a false negative diagnosis, as they may test positive for the virus later on. The study, which was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, reported that … Continue reading Being tested for coronavirus too early may lead to false positives, warn researchers
Shed and spread: Study finds drug-resistant superbug Candida auris can spread through skin shedding
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been warning the public about an emerging and potentially deadly superbug for years. Candida auris, a pathogenic fungus that belongs to the same family that causes candidiasis, has recently been causing severe illness in hospitalized patients in many countries, including the United States. According to the CDC, C. auris is now considered a global health … Continue reading Shed and spread: Study finds drug-resistant superbug Candida auris can spread through skin shedding
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 