Health news 11 Feb, 2021

Obesity: Diabetes drug hailed as a 'game changer' after trial reveals dramatic weight loss - Sky News

Semaglutide is already used by patients with type 2 diabetes and has been submitted for approval for obesity treatment.

State's COVID-19 metrics are declining but fears of variant, fourth wave rise - KOMO News

Washington state health department officials on Wednesday confirmed that COVID-19 case numbers are trending in the right direction, which could lead to more counties being allowed to move to the second phase under Gov. Jay Inslee's reopening plan. But there a…

Fully vaccinated people can skip Covid quarantines, CDC says - CNN

People who have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus -- right now that means with two doses of either the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine -- can skip quarantine if they are exposed to someone infected with the virus, CDC said Wednesday.

COVID-19 in Illinois updates: Here’s what’s happening Wednesday - Chicago Tribune

Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Chicago area and the rest of Illinois.

Fauci says 20K pregnant women got COVID-19 vaccine with 'no red flags' - New York Post

Dr. Anthony Fauci on Wednesday said about 20,000 pregnant women have received the COVID-19 vaccine “with no red flags.” The top infectious disease expert announced the update at a Wednesday White H…

When will all adults who want the COVID-19 vaccine be able to get it? - Deseret News

Utah’s health department director told lawmakers Wednesday that every Utah adult who wants the vaccine could get it by the end of May.

Coronavirus update San Antonio, Feb. 10: Leaders report 660 new COVID-19 cases, 3 new deaths - KSAT San Antonio

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg reported an increase of 660 new COVID-19 cases and 3 new deaths.

Here's Who Will Be Eligible for the COVID Vaccine in Illinois Starting Feb. 25 - NBC Chicago

Illinois is set to expand the list of people eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations in Phase 1B of its rollout, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Wednesday.

SLO County opens up COVID-19 vaccines to people 65 and older - KSBY San Luis Obispo News

The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department is now opening up COVID-19 vaccine appointments to people 65 years of age and older.

In 'test run' for mass coronavirus vaccine event, Ochsner administers 1200 doses in Metairie - NOLA.com

Just before 1:30 Wednesday afternoon, Joyce Girard sat patiently in her great-nephew's car in the parking lot of the Shrine on Airline.

Memphis doctor believed to have died of rare COVID related syndrome - WATN - Local 24

The Centers for Disease Control is investigating Dr. Barton Williams' death.

UK covid variant detected in Allegheny County, officials say - TribLIVE

Allegheny County officials announced Wednesday that the covid-19 variant first seen in the United Kingdom has been detected in the county. Dr. Debra Bogen, the county’s health director, said the case is the first and only U.K. variant reported in the county t…

1,920 new COVID-19 cases, 82 additional deaths reported in Mass. - WCVB Boston

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has released the latest COVID-19 case numbers for the state.

B.1.1.7 variant identified at state prison in Ionia - WOODTV.com

A case of the B.1.1.7 coronavirus variant has been identified inside a state prison in Ionia.

Frustration builds among Pennsylvania residents trying to find COVID-19 vaccine - WPVI-TV

The Pennsylvania Department of Health launched the "Your Turn" vaccine eligibility tool, which is aimed at helping people understand where they stand in the vaccine priority line.

NJ. COVID vaccine hotline suspends booking appointments, giving staffers more training, state says - NJ.com

The state is working to improve the system, state officials said Wednesday.

South Africa coronavirus variant that reduces vaccine efficacy found in two Bay Area counties - San Francisco Chronicle

California’s first two cases of a coronavirus variant first found in South Africa that...

Next flu season could be extra weird, and potentially very bad - Livescience.com

Dementia patients more at risk for coronavirus infection, hospitalization, study finds - Fox News

Dementia patients are at an increased risk of contracting the novel coronavirus, suggests the findings of a new, large study that also determined those who suffer from the cognitive condition are more likely to be hospitalized due to a COVID-19 infection.

Here's the next group of people who will receive COVID-19 vaccines in Indiana - WLKY Louisville

Vaccine distribution in Indiana has remained prioritized by age, currently focused on getting Hoosiers 65 and older their shots. Before that, only 70 and older qualified for vaccines in Indiana.

Coronavirus Houston: 13 Investigates areas with more COVID-19 deaths and fewer vaccines - KTRK-TV

13 Investigates first reported how some of Harris County's most vulnerable neighborhoods are more in need of a COVID-19 vaccine, but have less access to receive one.

Discounted rides and unscheduled shots to be offered at new Birmingham vaccine site - AL.com

Organizers hope to improve the distribution of vaccines into underserved communities in Jefferson County

Wisconsin passes 800,000 vaccine doses given; coronavirus cases remain low - WBAY

35 more deaths were reported but hospitalizations have dropped sharply

Florida adds 7,537 COVID cases, 160 deaths. Positivity dips except in Palm Beach County - Miami Herald

Can COVID-19 cause diabetes? What you need to know - TODAY

Can COVID-19 cause diabetes? Scientists believe there could be a possible link between COVID-19 and diabetes, here is what you need to know, symptoms to watch.

Researchers unravel what makes someone a COVID-19 superspreader - Medical Xpress

Scientists and public health experts have long known that certain individuals, termed "super-spreaders," can transmit COVID-19 with incredible efficiency and devastating consequences.

New inhalable COVID treatment in Israel showing ‘dramatic results’ - MyNorthwest.com

Mercer Island MD Dr. Gordon Cohen on the new inhalable COVID treatment and acquired immunities.

Harris County makes 'leftover' vaccine doses available to school district employees - KTRK-TV

Harris County teachers and school staff on the waiting list for COVID-19 vaccines are now being called on by Harris County Public Health if there are any "leftover" doses at the end of the day.

Nevada’s COVID positivity rate drops, deaths remain high - Las Vegas Review-Journal

<p>Updated figures from the Department of Health and Human Services brought cumulative totals for the state to 285,795 cases and 4,582 deaths.</p>

Energy drinks can affect heart muscles, new study from Texas A&M finds - KSAT San Antonio

A new study by Texas A&M researchers has found that some energy drinks can have adverse affects on the muscle cells of the heart.

Drinking One Cup of Coffee Every Day Can Reduce This Heart Risk, Science Says - msnNOW

Drinking just one cup of coffee each day may help protect one of your most essential organs, a new analysis of three well-known studies suggests.

Study: Breastfeeding mothers produce COVID-19 antibodies - KTVB.com

Women infected with coronavirus passed along antibodies through their breast milk capable of "neutralizing" the virus, researchers say.

People With Underlying Conditions Can Get Vaccinated Starting Feb. 25 As Illinois Expands Eligibility - Block Club Chicago

The change won't apply to Chicago's vaccination campaign, since that is separate from the state's. But people who work outside the city are eligible for the state's vaccination program.

Albany County launches coronavirus vaccine pre-registration tool - Times Union

Albany County announced Wednesday that it has launched a pre-registration option on its...

Are eggs good for you now, or are they still the devil? - Yahoo Lifestyle

When I was growing up, my family lived in fear of the demon Cholesterol. That was because my father had an inflated count and needed to go on a low...

Vaccinations between health and geo-politics | COVID-19 Special - DW News

Coronavirus: California passes New York for most COVID-19 deaths - The Mercury News

While slowing considerably, COVID-19 deaths are still coming at three times the rate in California as in New York. But the state’s winter wave appears to be on its way down, particularly in p…

Dynamics of RNA–protein interactions studied in living cells - Nature.com

A tool that opens up the development of quantitative models of biology.

Texas Medical Association urges doctors to 'find anybody to not waste the vaccine' - KXAN.com

Doctors have occasionally been finding themselves in a race against time when their workday comes to an end. In some cases, they have open vials of the vaccine that will expire in hours.

Chills, appetite loss, headache may also be COVID-19 symptoms: UK study - Economic Times

While these wider symptoms were noted in addition to the known or so-called classic symptoms of loss of sense of smell and taste, fever and new persistent cough, around 60 per cent of infected people did not report any symptoms in the week leading up to their…

A hug, a fishing trip, the symphony: Seniors long for simple pleasures after 2nd dose of Covid vaccine - CNN

Rosemary Connelly just wants to have a good time. The 92-year-old feels the day is near now she has her second dose of Covid-19 vaccine.

COVID maths: All the virus in the world would fit in a coke can - Al Jazeera English

Sum by UK expert reveals ‘just a few mouthfuls’ worth of virus particles are driving the global coronavirus pandemic.

'Twindemic' Averted: Not Much Flu In Mass., And Record Low Rates Across The Nation - WBUR

Infectious disease specialists had feared a double hit from both flu and COVID-19, but it appears that measures to stem COVID have also kept the flu at bay.

New Study Suggests Apple Watch Heart Rate Sensor Can Predict COVID-19 Up to a Week Before a Swab Test - MacRumors

A new study by Mount Sinai researchers has found that an Apple Watch can effectively predict a positive COVID-19 diagnosis up to a week before...

Australia's Victoria keeps cap on arrivals after cluster at quarantine hotel - Yahoo! Voices

The Australian state of Victoria stepped back on Wednesday from plans to let more people return from abroad each week, following a cluster of cases linked...

Vaccine vs variant: Promising data in Israel's race to defeat pandemic - Reuters

Israel’s swift vaccination rollout has made it the largest real-world study of Pfizer Inc's COVID-19 vaccine. Results are trickling in, and they are promising.

Biden Team Fears No COVID-19 Herd Immunity Until Thanksgiving - The Daily Beast

Dr. Fauci is still “cautiously optimistic” that life can return to normal by the beginning of the fall. But others worry that we may not get there until the early winter.

At least 36 people may have developed a rare blood disorder after covid vaccination: report - Fox News

The cases were reported to the government's Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, which relies on individuals to send reports to the FDA, CDC, and does not indicate whether vaccines actually caused the problems.

Riverside supervisors 'enraged' and 'appalled' that neighboring counties received more vaccine per capita. Here's why. - kuna noticias y kuna radio

"If we had more supply, we could actually do three to four times as many vaccines per day, immediately,” Dr. Geoffrey Leung of Riverside University Health System told the Board of Supervisors Tuesday morning. While it's no surprise the demand for the coronavi…

Williamson County takes first step in filing lawsuit against City of Austin to fight hotel for the homeless - KVUE.com

The City of Austin approved buying the Candlewood Suites in northwest Austin, which also sits partially in Williamson County.

Dallas County Adds 30 More COVID-19 Deaths Tuesday, Including 3 People Under 40 - NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Dallas County is reporting 1,303 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday along with another 30 reported deaths from the virus, including a pregnant woman in her 20s and a…

Doctors say new COVID-19 variant now detected in Waukesha County is deadlier, more contagious - WDJT

WAUKESHA COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) - A second case of the more contagious COVID-19 variant known as B.1.1.7, originally discovered in the U.K., has been identified in Waukesha County.  Researchers say th

Coronavirus in Oregon: 529 new cases, 7 deaths as Portland area prepares for restaurant, gym reopening - OregonLive

The state’s coronavirus death toll is now at 2,031.

Florida surpasses 300 cases of more-contagious variant of COVID virus - WFLA

The variant that emerged in Britain was detected in a Martin County man in his 20s on New Year’s Eve with no history of travel.

Oregon reports 529 new coronavirus cases, 7 new deaths - KATU

Seven more people have lost their lives due the coronavirus in Oregon, raising the death toll to 2,031. The Oregon Health Authority also reported 529 new COVID-19 cases, including presumptive and confirmed. Tuesday's report brings the statewide case total to …

New mammogram guidelines for women recently vaccinated for COVID-19 - fox13now.com

Women should get their mammogram before their first dose of the vaccine, or four weeks after their second dose

FEMA COVID-19 vaccine mega pods on hold in Oklahoma due to absence of separate federal vaccine allocation - KFOR Oklahoma City

The federal COVID-19 vaccine mega pods that were announced in Oklahoma last week have been put on hold because of the absence of a separate federal vaccine allocation, according to a top state health official.

California set to top New York as state with most COVID deaths - Reuters

California surpassed New York on Tuesday as the U.S. state with the most coronavirus deaths, a grim reminder of the pandemic's toll even as the vaccine rollout and a sharp drop in new cases buoyed hopes of life eventually returning to normal.

9 Erie County youth sports teams on pause due to COVID-19 - WIVB.com - News 4

At the professional level, a number of Buffalo Sabres games have been postponed as more players are added to the NHL’s COVID-19 Protocol List.

Massachusetts National Guard to be deployed to Springfield’s Eastfield Mall vaccination site after seniors wa - MassLive.com

The vaccination site is overseen by the state and operated by a private company, Curative.

Two new variants of coronavirus found in England under investigation - Yahoo News

Two new COVID-19 variants, one of which has been classified as a "concern", have been identified in England with some similarities to the South African and...

Fort Bend reopens COVID vaccine registrations after receiving 'large shipment' of doses - KHOU.com

Fort Bend County announces that they have received a large shipment of vaccines from the state and have opened registration at www.fbchealth.org

Climate Change Lengthening Pollen Season in U.S., Study Shows - The New York Times

New research suggests that climate change is responsible for longer pollen seasons in the United States and more pollen in the air, as well.

Dr. Fauci Just Said That Doing This Could Create More Strains of COVID - msnNOW

Anthony Fauci, MD, just warned that delaying the second dose of the vaccine could inadvertently create more strains of COVID.

Indiana girl, 5, nearly dies from coronavirus-related illness - Fox News

The family of a five-year-old girl from Indiana is speaking out after a rare coronavirus-related inflammatory illness nearly claimed the child’s life.

OC Man Tests Positive For COVID-19 Weeks After Getting Second Vaccine Dose - CBS Los Angeles

Monday marked three weeks since a Lake Forest man received his second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, and one day since he got a positive COVID-19 test result.

7 Heart-Healthy Activities That Have Nothing To Do With Traditional Cardio - HuffPost

You don't need to run, cycle or sweat excessively. Here's how to improve your heart health without forcing your exercise.

White House warns against loosening COVID restrictions as states do just that - ABC News

Anthony Fauci Reveals When You Can Finally Shed Your Coronavirus Mask - HuffPost

Here's what it'll take -- and when it could happen.

The CDC Says This Is When You're Most Likely to Feel Vaccine Side Effects - msnNOW

Wondering what could be in store for you after your shot? Here's when you're most likely to experience COVID vaccine side effects, experts say.