Health news 20 Feb, 2021

US Covid-19 numbers may be slowing but experts project tens of thousands more deaths in next 3 months - CNN

Covid-19 trends may be encouraging in recent weeks -- but a new forecast offered a grim reminder the US is not in the clear.

UPMC Launches Website To Register For COVID-19 Vaccine - CBS Pittsburgh

UPMC has launched a website that helps people sign up for COVID-19 vaccines.

Russia records first case of H5N8 avian flu in humans, alerts WHO - The Times of Israel

Scientists isolate strain's genetic material from seven workers at a poultry farm; none suffered serious health consequences

What's safe after COVID-19 vaccination? Don't shed masks yet - msnNOW

You’re fully vaccinated against the coronavirus — now what? Don’t expect to shed your mask and get back to normal activities right away.

Local doctor shares concern about COVID-19 vaccine side effects for breast cancer survivors - KWCH

A Wichita breast cancer specialist shares her concerns about side effects to the COVID-19 vaccine for breast cancer survivors.

L.A. County coronavirus numbers continue drop - Los Angeles Times

The emergence of a more transmissible, potentially more virulent variant underscores the importance of pandemic safety precautions, officials said.

Oregon reports 536 new coronavirus cases, 5 more deaths - KATU

The Oregon Health Authority reported 536 new cases of the coronavirus on Saturday, both confirmed and presumptive. The new cases bring the state's total to152,711 since the pandemic began. Health officials also reported five new deaths related to the virus, …

Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa fighting $55K fine for COVID-19 violations - Santa Rosa Press Democrat

State regulators have fined Kaiser Permanente $55,350 for safety violations at its Santa Rosa medical center, alleging Sonoma County’s largest health care provider failed to take adequate steps to prevent COVID-19 from spreading through its workforce.

How science is FINALLY on the brink of beating AIDS after 40 years and 32 million global deaths - Daily Mail

In 1981, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a report on a rare lung infection in five 'previously healthy young men in Los Angeles'.

Lincoln County grapples with Moderna vaccine shipment delays - KATU

Lincoln County did not receive its shipment of Moderna vaccines this week, and health officials worry that the delay may impact next week's supply as well. The county expected 1,200 vaccine doses this week -- 500 first doses, and 700 second doses. Health off…

DPH: More than 1 million in Mass. have received first dose of COVID-19 vaccine - WCVB Boston

According to vaccine data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, more than 1 million people in the state have received at least one dose.

Deer Developed Hairy Eyeballs Due to Rare, Bizarre Condition - ScienceAlert

COVID-19: New Cases Of UK 'Super Spreader' Strain Reported On Long Island; Latest Breakdown - Daily Voice

New cases of the so-called COVID-19 so-called

Brain fog, pain, fatigue, nausea, dizziness: Almost one-third of people with 'mild' COVID-19 still battle symptoms months later, study finds - KABC-TV

What has become abundantly clear is that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is a tricky virus: Some people aren't aware they're infected at all, while others are hospitalized and some die. Some people get sick and then never fully recover.

778 new COVID-19 cases, 8 deaths reported Saturday in Utah - KSL.com

The state has also administered 18,383 more doses of the coronavirus vaccine since Friday.

West Side Rag » City Issues New Mask Guidelines: Wearing Two Can Raise Protection Level to 95%, Study Finds - westsiderag.com

UDOH reports more than 200,000 Utahns vaccinated in Saturday's COVID-19 report - fox13now.com

ER Doctor Documents COVID-19 Battle in a LA Hospital with His Camera - PetaPixel

There have been some dramatic images coming out of the coronavirus battle around the world and stateside as well. However, when a doctor attending on the

Coronavirus: California’s case and hospitalization numbers keep improving; nearly 7 million vaccines administered - The Mercury News

Almost 7 million vaccine doses have been administered in the state

COVID-19 in South Dakota: 147 total new cases; Death toll rises to 1,859; Active cases at 1,997 - KELOLAND.com

Active cases of coronavirus dipped below 2,000 for the first time since August 26, 2020 as 147 new cases were reported in Saturday’s update from the South Dakota Department of Health.

288 new COVID-19 cases in Montana - NBC Montana

Montana state health officials report 98,641 total cases of COVID-19 for Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021. 1,341 people have died of the virus. Click here for the latest detailed map on Montana's coronavirus response.

SC reports 1,617 new COVID-19 cases, 26 more deaths Saturday - WIS10

Today’s report brings the total number of people with confirmed cases since the outbreak began to 434,589 and confirmed deaths to 7,352.

No additional deaths from COVID-19 reported Saturday as case trend continues slide - KCRG

Officials reported no new people who have died due to the novel coronavirus to the state’s total as of Saturday morning, while the seven-day trend in newly-reported cases continued to decrease.

Costco set to administer COVID-19 vaccines in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino counties - KABC-TV

Costco is ready to offer COVID-19 vaccines in some several states including California.

Not out of the woods: Health officials say falling COVID numbers could be misleading - The Republic

COLUMBUS, Ind. -- Local health officials are concerned about pandemic fatigue and a “false sense of security” among residents as hospitalizations and infection rates start to fall from the sky-high levels seen during the winter surge because more cases of the…

Allegheny County reports 285 new coronavirus cases, 1 death - TribLIVE

Allegheny County on Saturday recorded 285 new coronavirus cases, a relative bump up, as cases had been on the decline in recent weeks. Reports haven’t reached 500 cases in nearly five weeks and the county hasn’t reported any 1,000-case days in the past seven …

Maine CDC reports 2 new coronavirus-related deaths, 143 cases - WMTW Portland

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported 143 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday and two new deaths.

Memorial Hermann opens West U, League City vaccine appointments - Community Impact Newspaper

Memorial Hermann will be able to make up to 1,000 appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine at its West University and League City clinic locations this weekend, the hospital announced Feb. 20.

Elon Musk got 4000 SpaceX workers to join a COVID-19 study. Here's what he learned. - Fox Business

The tech billionaire joined with researchers to track infections. The effort explored coronavirus immunity

Florida women dress as 'grannies' in apparent attempt to get COVID-19 vaccine, official says - WLS-TV

Young women in Florida arrived at a vaccination site "dressed up as grannies" in bonnets, glasses and gloves in an apparent attempt to qualify for COVID-19 vaccination but were turned away, a Florida health official said Thursday.

‘This is the most optimistic that we’ve been’: Alabama COVID cases, hospitalizations plummet - AL.com

The 7-day average for new coronavirus cases in Alabama fell below 1,000 for the first time in months this week. Hospitalizations and deaths are also down.

A Johns Hopkins professor predicts the US will reach herd immunity by April, but many experts aren't so optimistic - Yahoo News

The nation's rapid drop in coronavirus cases is evidence it's close to reaching herd immunity, Dr. Martin Makary wrote in The Wall Street Journal.

Brain-swelling Nipah virus 75 times more deadly than coronavirus may be next pandemic, scientists warn of ‘The Big One’ - NEWS.com.au

Brain-swelling Nipah virus 75 times more deadly than coronavirus may be next pandemic, scientists warn of ‘The Big One’

New eligible vaccine group planned for March 1, local health leaders raise concern - WISN Milwaukee

Public health leaders in Milwaukee County call state expansion plan "a bit irresponsible."

Iowa's new virus tracking method sends new case counts skyrocketing - The Gazette

Iowa on Friday reported 27,398 new coronavirus cases and 15 new, confirmed deaths, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Here's when other sectors included in the Phase 1B category can expect to start getting vaccinated - KSBY San Luis Obispo News

As the county of San Luis Obispo continues to vaccinate those in phase 1B, some in that category are still unable to be included due to vaccine allocation.

February 19 coronavirus news - CNN

The coronavirus pandemic has brought countries to a standstill. Meanwhile, vaccinations have already started in some countries as cases continue to rise. Follow here for the latest.

Summit County reports 95 COVID-19 cases, 12 hospitalizations over the week - Summit Daily News

VaccinationsSummit County officials continued to receive a low supply of vaccines in the past week, with just 300 doses sent to providers across the county.Summit County Public Health ordered the maximum amount of 2,000 doses for next week, Public Health Dire…

New Mexico COVID-19 update: 318 new cases, totaling 182,050 | NMDOH - Coronavirus Updates - NMDOH - Department of Health

Cases of coronavirus-linked inflammatory syndrome in kids have risen following surge in Bay Area - San Francisco Chronicle

The syndrome, called multisystem inflammatory ayndrome in children, is a condition in...

Ascension Sacred Heart to hold COVID vaccine clinic for people with special needs - WEAR

Ascension Sacred Heart will hold a special COVID-19 vaccine clinic Feb. 26 for Florida residents with developmental and intellectual disabilities who also have conditions that put them at high risk for serious complications from COVID-19. The clinic will inc…

Dallas County reports 40 more coronavirus deaths; Tarrant County adds 42 deaths - The Dallas Morning News

Dallas County reported 290 new coronavirus cases Friday, as well as 40 more deaths from COVID-19. Most of the latest victims were in their 50s or older....

Kern County expands eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines as state begins to take over distribution - The Bakersfield Californian

Agriculture, food, education, child care and emergency service workers will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine next week. They join a list that already consists of health care workers, long-term

Orange County will expand vaccination eligibility to educators, food and agriculture sectors next week - OCRegister

The county has been vaccinating health care workers, first responders, people in skilled nursing facilities and residents 65 years or older, but will soon dedicate 30% of its vaccine allocation for…

The Flu Season That Wasn’t - Gizmodo

This winter has been a complete nightmare for Americans, thanks to the raging covid-19 pandemic. But new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to show one bright spot: The flu has been suppressed to some of the lowest levels on re…

COVID-19 Statistics | Feb. 19, 2021 - Lost Coast Outpost

COVID-19 Daily Report for Humboldt County, Feb. 19, 2021

If You Have This Side Effect, the CDC Says Switch Arms for Your Next Shot - msnNOW

If you experience this delayed side effect to the COVID vaccine, the CDC says that you should receive your second shot in your other arm.

Coronavirus variant found in Idaho, vaccines delayed - KXLY Spokane

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Public health officials say extreme winter weather across the U.S. has prevented any coronavirus vaccine from being shipped to Idaho this week, potentially delaying some vaccination efforts. The news comes as Idaho Department of Health and…

Do You Have the Good or Bad Covid-19 Neanderthal Genes? - Ancient Origins

Back in 2020 researchers claimed that they had discovered a Neanderthal Covid gene which decreased our ability to fight the virus SARS-CoV-2 that causes Covid-19.

Tracking COVID-19 in Alaska: 210 new infections and no deaths reported Friday - Anchorage Daily News

Hospitalizations in Alaska are now less than a quarter of what they were during the surge in November and December.

Why covid hospitalizations are plunging in Allegheny County - TribLIVE

Allegheny County’s recent drop in covid-19 hospitalizations is likely the result of multiple factors, including public support for mitigation measures, officials said. Allegheny County on Friday reported the largest drop this month in hospitalizations resulti…

New study identifies 126 species that could host coronavirus - Big Think

The study suggests scientists are underestimating the number of animal species that could generate the next novel coronavirus.

High blood pressure: The DASH diet is one of the most effective ways to lower your reading - Express

HIGH blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a precursor to heart disease so it is vital that you keep it in check. The DASH diet is one of the most effective dietary strategies for lowering blood pressure, according to research.

The CDC Says You Don't Have to Do This Anymore Once You're Vaccinated - msnNOW

The CDC just updated its guidelines to say that people who have been vaccinated don't need to quarantine if they come in contact with a COVID case.

2 million Ohioans say they don’t plan to get COVID vaccine, including 40% of Black adults - Dayton Daily News

2 million Ohioans say they probably won't get COVID vaccines. Health experts hope to change minds.

Johnson County vaccine FAQ: How are hospitals and the county deciding who gets vaccinated? - Shawnee Mission Post

Read more here about how Johnson County and area hospitals are prioritizing vaccinations.

Florida’s 1st case of Brazil COVID-19 variant is in Miami-Dade - WPLG Local 10

Florida has reported its first case of the P.1 COVID-19 variant that was first noticed in Brazil, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

Pregnant women at higher risk for COVID-19 infection, study says - New York Post

Pregnant women appear to be at higher risk of infection by COVID-19, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The study shows that the infection rate…

Lovelace cardiologist shares warning signs of heart disease - KOB

Data shows heart attacks are becoming even more common.

Over 10% COVID-19 survivors 'can't taste or smell six MONTHS later' - Daily Mail

A new study from the University of Washington found that at least 30% of patients reported at least one persistent symptom, including 32.7% of outpatients and 31.3% of hospitalized patients.

Johns Hopkins expert backs school reopening: 'More kids die when schools are closed' - New York Post

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “overly burdensome” guidelines on returning to school are “dismissive” of science, which shows “more kids die wh…

Don't Get Other Vaccines Within 2 Weeks of Your COVID Vaccine - Best Life

There are precautions to keep in mind when getting vaccinated. The CDC says you should not get other vaccines within two weeks of your COVID vaccine.

People Who Have Had Covid Should Get Single Vaccine Dose, Studies Suggest - The New York Times

New studies show that one shot of a vaccine can greatly amplify antibody levels in those who have recovered from the coronavirus.

Hospital says women who receive second dose of COVID-19 vaccine should wait to get routine mammogram - kwwl.com

The new guidance comes after radiologists nationwide noticed a spike in mammograms showing swollen lymph nodes among women who received a COVID-19 vaccine.

Should snowbirds get the COVID-19 vaccine in Seattle or elsewhere, and what are the CDC’s new quarantine rules? - Seattle Times

Guinea knows how to fight Ebola. But can it handle four outbreaks at once? - Washington Post

New cases of the hemorrhagic fever are emerging as Guinea confronts the coronavirus pandemic on top of yellow fever and measles outbreaks.

A Quite Possibly Wonderful Summer - msnNOW

Families will gather. Restaurants will reopen. People will travel. The pandemic may feel like it’s behind us—even if it’s not.

Covid-19 Face Mask Mandates End in Some States, Fueling Tensions - The Wall Street Journal

Iowa lifted a face-covering rule as coronavirus cases fell, but Des Moines and other cities have resisted the move; health experts urge caution

Study Shows Pregnant People At 70% Higher Risk For COVID Infection - Yahoo Lifestyle

Pregnant individuals in the study were infected with COVID-19 at a 70% higher rate A new study out of Washington state shows that those who are pregnant are ...

Medicare Cuts Payment to 774 Hospitals Over Patient Complications - Kaiser Health News

Renowned medical centers are among the quarter of general hospitals that will lose 1% of Medicare payments for one year because their patients have high rates of bedsores, sepsis and other preventa…