11/18/2020 09:18 GMT — Promising early results from Chinese vaccine trials
Yesterday,
The researchers gave theparticipants two doses of the vaccine 14 days apart. Within 28 days of the first dose, they detected robust antibody responses.
However, this study was not designed to test how effective the vaccine is. Rather, it assessed the immune response and its safety. Ongoing phase 3 trials are investigating CoronaVac’s efficacy.
The results leave certain questions unanswered; for instance, the recent study did not assess T-cell activity. The authors are addressing this in the phase 3 trials.
Similarly, scientists will need to carry out further research to understand whether the vaccine is effective over the longer term. Additionally, the recent study only recruited healthy adults without existing health conditions.
“CoronaVac is one of many COVID-19 vaccine candidates that are being explored in parallel. There are a multitude of different vaccine technologies under investigation, each with their own advantages and disadvantages,” explains one of the authors, Dr. Gang Zeng from Sinovac Biotech.
He continues: “CoronaVac could be an attractive option because it can be stored in a standard refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C [35.6°F–46.4°F], which is typical for many existing vaccines, including [that for the] flu. The vaccine may also remain stable for up to 3 years in storage, which would offer some advantages for distribution to regions where access to refrigeration is challenging. However, data from phase 3 studies will be crucial before any recommendations about the potential uses of CoronaVac can be made.”
Read the full study
11/18/2020 08:41 GMT — Investigating asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 transmission among Marines
A new study demonstrates the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among asymptomatic Marine recruits, despite strictly enforced quarantines and other recommended health measures. The research appears in The New England Journal of Medicine.
Read more about the study here.
11/17/2020 11:00 GMT — COVID-19: Could immunity last at least 6 months?
A new study finds that 6 months after mild, moderate, or asymptomatic COVID-19, blood still contains immune cells that recognize SARS-CoV-2. This research suggests that reacquiring the infection may be rare. The study has not yet been peer-reviewed and appears on the preprint server, bioRxiv.
Read more here.
11/17/2020 09:21 GMT — Could flow and mindfulness help during lockdown?
A recent study concludes that flow and mindfulness might help us cope with the mental burden of lockdowns and quarantines. Flow occurs when someone is absorbed in an activity, and mindfulness is a state in which a person becomes fully conscious of their internal and external circumstances.
The study, which appears in
Read MNT’s full coverage of the study here.
11/16/2020 13:15 GMT — Moderna’s experimental vaccine almost 95% effective
Today, Moderna released the latest results from their research into an experimental vaccine called mRNA-1273. According to their press release, the “[p]hase 3 study met statistical criteria with a vaccine efficacy of 94.5%.” The study included more than 30,000 participants in the United States.
Explaining the results, the press release states:
“This first interim analysis was based on 95 cases, of which 90 cases of COVID-19 were observed in the placebo group versus 5 cases observed in the mRNA-1273 group, resulting in a point estimate of vaccine efficacy of 94.5% […]. A secondary endpoint analyzed severe cases of COVID-19 and included 11 severe cases (as defined in the study protocol) in this first interim analysis. All 11 cases occurred in the placebo group and none in the mRNA-1273 vaccinated group.”
The company plan to submit the findings of the so-called COVE study to a peer-reviewed journal for further scrutiny.
Speaking about the results, Prof. Peter Openshaw, professor of experimental medicine at Imperial College London, says, “This news from Moderna is tremendously exciting and considerably boosts optimism that we will have a choice of good vaccines in the next few months.”
However, he remains cautious: “We need more complete details than we have in this press release, but this announcement adds to the general feeling of optimism about vaccines for Covid-19. What we still don’t know is how long any protective immunity may last. For that, we will need to wait.”
Prof. Stephen Evans, professor of pharmacoepidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is also hopeful but with understandable caution. He says:
“This announcement from Moderna is a further encouragement that vaccines will be found to not only have an acceptable efficacy but an efficacy that is much greater than we had anticipated. […] Although they reported efficacy being over 94%, there is statistical uncertainty in this; but based on these data, the likely efficacy will be better than 85%, which would be greater than most scientists would have expected.”
Read more about Moderna’s experimental vaccine here.
11/16/2020 10:30 GMT — Autoimmune antibodies may cause blood clots in COVID-19
A recent study finds that SARS-CoV-2 can trigger the production of clot-causing autoantibodies. This finding may help explain the high rate of blood clots among people with COVID-19. The results appear in the journal
Read more here.
11/16/2020 09:44 GMT — COVID-19: Cell phone data reveals ‘superspreader’ venues
A model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission suggests that a small number of venue types, such as restaurants, hotels, and religious venues, account for the majority of infections. The model also helps explain why infections disproportionately affect people living in deprived areas.
According to the authors of the research, “Further model testing is needed, but given the challenges in gathering and interpreting other relevant data types, these findings could have a valuable role in guiding policy decisions on how to reopen society safely and minimize the harm caused by movement restrictions.”
Read MNT’s full coverage of the study here.
11/13/2020 15:00 GMT — MNT Video update: Immunity without infection
11/13/2020 15:00 GMT — Dr. Fauci: Another vaccine ‘literally on the threshold of being announced’
In a live webinar hosted by the British think tank Chatham House, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), said that, in addition to the Pfizer vaccine, another one is “literally on the threshold of being announced.”
The news comes soon after Pfizer/BioNTech reported their vaccine candidate has 90% effectiveness. The additional vaccine that Dr. Fauci refers to is under development by Moderna therapeutics and is almost identical to the Pfizer one.
“The cavalry is coming, but don’t put your weapons down,” Dr. Fauci added, urging people to continue to follow and “double down” on the public health measures against COVID-19.
Watch the recording of the webinar in full here.
11/13/2020 12:00 GMT — Who is immune without having an infection?
Scientists have discovered antibodies that react to the new coronavirus in blood samples donated before the start of the pandemic. They suggest that some people may have at least a degree of preexisting immunity to the new virus.
Just over 5% of 302 samples from adult donors had this type of antibody, which the researchers say may be due to previous infection with one of the four common human coronaviruses. These cause the common cold.
In samples from children, the team found higher levels of these antibodies.
The levels peak between the ages of 6 and 16 years. Read our full coverage of the research here.
11/12/2020 14:16 GMT — Growing evidence shows masks may protect the wearer
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recently updated their statement on the use of masks. In addition to preventing a person with the novel coronavirus infection from exhaling virus-laden droplets, masks also reduce the inhalation of droplets, the CDC now say.
Many countries recommend wearing cloth face coverings in public spaces, particularly where physical distancing is difficult.
Masks reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus by stopping droplets with the virus from entering the air when a person who has an infection breaths, coughs, or sneezes. This is particularly important in the case of people who have the virus but do not have any symptoms or have not started to show symptoms yet.
Now, the
Read more about some of the common myths about mask wearing here.
11/12/2020 09:30 GMT — More vaccine updates
Yesterday, Russia announced that the first phase 3 trial interim analysis of their Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine showed 92% efficiency, but many questions remain. Meanwhile, Moderna announced that they would be submitting the first set of their phase 3 trial vaccine data for analysis very soon.
The race to develop a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine has reached a new level. This week saw announcements from three of the companies who are currently running phase 3 trials of their vaccine candidates.
On Monday, Pfizer and BioNTech said that their experimental mRNA vaccine was 90% effective based on an interim analysis of 94 cases of COVID-19.
Yesterday, the Gamaleya National Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology announced that their interim analysis, based on 20 confirmed cases of COVID-19, showed an efficiency of 92%.
However, neither Pfizer nor the Russian team have shared their data yet, leaving many questions unanswered.
Moderna have followed suit, with a press release that explained that they had seen an increase of COVID-19 cases across all of their phase 3 trial study sites in the last week. The company have now collected enough data, based on at least 53 cases of COVID-19, to prepare this for the first interim analysis.
Read more about the different types of vaccine candidates in development here.
11/11/2020 07:58 GMT — Gastrointestinal effects of COVID-19 highlighted in new study
A recent study, which synthesizes evidence from 36 scientific articles, highlights the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in people with COVID-19. The authors also discuss the signs that abdominal radiologists should look out for when imaging people. The findings appear in the journal Abdominal Radiology.
Read MNT’s coverage of the study here.
11/11/2020 07:55 GMT — FDA authorizes monoclonal antibody for treatment of COVID-19
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have
The decision is based on the results of a study called BLAZE-1. In a news release, Dr. Daniel Skovronsky, Ph.D., Lilly’s chief scientific officer, explained:
“The BLAZE-1 data show bamlanivimab, when given early in the disease course, may help patients clear the virus and reduce COVID-related hospitalizations, supporting our belief that neutralizing antibodies can be an important therapeutic option for patients fighting this virus.”
The FDA press release notes: “While the safety and effectiveness of this investigational therapy continue to be evaluated, bamlanivimab was shown in clinical trials to reduce COVID-19-related hospitalization or emergency room visits in patients at high risk for disease progression within 28 days after treatment when compared to placebo.”
Read more
11/10/2020 13:20 GMT — Hopeful findings: Video update
11/10/2020 09:30 GMT — Hospital support staff hit harder than doctors and nurses
According to a recent study, nearly 10% of screened healthcare workers at a New Jersey hospital tested positive for COVID-19 or virus antibodies. Interestingly, members of the hospital support staff were more likely to test positive than doctors and nurses. The findings appear in Open Forum Infectious Diseases.
Overall, 24% of screened phlebotomists tested positive for COVID-19 or virus antibodies, as did 17% of maintenance and housekeeping staff, 17% of food service employees, and 14% of support staff. Meanwhile, only about 7% of screened doctors and 9% of screened nurses tested positive.
Read more about the study here.
11/10/2020 09:21 GMT — COVID-19 vaccines: What PAHO experts want you to know
With 47 COVID-19 vaccine candidates undergoing testing, it is no wonder that rumors and myths are circulating. Recently, experts from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) addressed some of these confusions in a webinar.
Read MNT’s full coverage of the event here.
11/09/2020 13:06 GMT — Pfizer and BioNTech announce preliminary COVID-19 vaccine results
Pfizer and BioNTech announced today that their experimental COVID-19 vaccine appears to be safe and effective, according to preliminary data. They explain that the vaccine was “more than 90% effective” in preventing the disease in people who received two doses of the vaccine 3 weeks apart.
Protection against COVID-19 begins 1 week after the second dose.
It is important to reiterate that these are preliminary findings. However, to date, they include data from 43,538 people in six countries. Importantly, the press release explains that “no serious safety concerns have been observed.”
So far, the analysis includes data from 94 people with COVID-19. The study will continue until there are 164 confirmed cases.
Once the required safety milestone is reached in the third week of November, the companies plan to submit the vaccine for Emergency Use Authorization to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“The first interim analysis of our global Phase 3 study provides evidence that a vaccine may effectively prevent COVID-19. This is a victory for innovation, science, and a global collaborative effort,” said Prof. Ugur Sahin, BioNTech co-founder and CEO.
“With today’s news, we are a significant step closer to providing people around the world with a much-needed breakthrough to help bring an end to this global health crisis. We look forward to sharing additional efficacy and safety data generated from thousands of participants in the coming weeks.”
Read more here.
11/09/2020 09:43 GMT — Could mouthwashes help reduce coronavirus transmission?
In a recent study, which appears in the
Study lead Craig Meyers explains: “While we wait for a vaccine to be developed, methods to reduce transmission are needed. The products we tested are readily available and often already part of people’s daily routines.”
It is also important to note that, even if further research confirms the antiviral benefits of mouthwash use, these products cannot replace face coverings, social distancing, and other methods. They will be an additional tool.
Read more about the study here.
11/09/2020 09:28 GMT — Quicker recovery may indicate long-term immunity
A recent study finds that some people who recover quickly from COVID-19 continue to have antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 for several months. The results suggest the potential for long-term protection among those with a strong initial immune response. The results appear in the journal Cell.
Read MNT’s coverage of the study here.
11/06/2020 09:16 GMT — SARS-CoV-2 transmission: How important is ‘super-spreading’?
A super-spreading event is a gathering where a virus transmits from one person to several others. A recent study suggests that COVID-19 super-spreading events might be more common than scientists originally thought. The findings appear in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Read more about the study here.
11/06/2020 09:14 GMT — A mutation may have made COVID-19 more contagious
A recent study explains how, between March and July 2020, a particular mutation became almost ubiquitous in SARS-CoV-2 infections in Houston, TX. This strongly suggests that it makes the virus more infectious. However, there is no evidence that it makes the virus any more deadly.
The researchers found that the mutation, which is called G614, was responsible for 71% of COVID-19 cases in Houston during the early phase of the first wave of infections. However, during the second wave, the variant accounted for 99.9% of all infections in the area.
Read MNT’s full coverage of the study here.
11/05/2020 11:40 GMT — Greece enters 3-week lockdown
On Saturday, Greece will enter a 3-week nationwide lockdown. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hopes it will ease pressure on the healthcare system. He explained that he “chose once again to take drastic measures sooner rather than later” after witnessing an “aggressive increase in cases” over the past 5 days.
Read more here.
11/05/2020 09:12 GMT — COVID-19’s impact on dengue transmission
A new study demonstrates that the physical distancing measures associated with COVID-19 have resulted in a significant increase in reported cases of dengue in Thailand but unchanged rates in Malaysia and Singapore. The findings appear in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
As the authors explain, “[This demonstrates] the need to understand the effects of location on dengue transmission risk under novel population mixing conditions, such as those under social distancing policies.”
Read MNT’s full coverage of the study here.
11/04/2020 08:54 GMT — Convalescent T cells could protect the vulnerable
A recent laboratory-based study of cellular cultures suggests that an infusion of immune cells from people who have recovered from COVID-19 could shield those with compromised immune systems from the infection responsible for the disease. The researchers published their findings in the journal Blood.
Read more about the research here.
11/04/2020 08:51 GMT — COVID-19 can disrupt electrical activity in frontal lobes of brain
A recent review concludes that abnormalities in the front of the brain identified by electroencephalography (EEG) tests are common among COVID-19 patients who have neurological symptoms. The results appear in the journal Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy.
Read MNT’s coverage of the review here.
11/03/2020 11:07 GMT — COVID-19 and preexisting conditions: Is a holistic approach needed?
A recent perspective article in Frontiers in Public Health argues that people with noncommunicable diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and chronic heart and lung conditions, are disproportionately affected by the ongoing pandemic.
For instance, people with noncommunicable diseases are more likely to have serious consequences if they develop COVID-19. At the same time, their socioeconomic circumstances and access to healthcare can be adversely affected by public health responses.
Read MNT’s coverage of the paper here.
11/03/2020 10:53 GMT — WIRED Health:Tech 2020: The fight against COVID-19
WIRED Health:Tech is one of the most prominent annual conferences exploring technological advances in medicine. Unsurprisingly this year, one of the main topics was the ongoing fight against COVID-19. In a Special Feature, we outline the main takeaways from the presentations.
Read the feature here.
11/02/2020 10:28 GMT — Surgeon General predicts vaccine by end of 2020
During a recent lecture, Dr. Jerome Adams, the U.S. Surgeon General, said he has “a high degree of confidence” that a vaccine will be successful because it is “the most scrutinized vaccine of all time.” He believes it will be ready by the end of the year.
During the lecture, which was part of the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine’s Grand Rounds series, he promoted the “three Ws” — wearing masks, washing hands, and watching your distance from others.
“We know what works to keep people safe,” said Dr. Adams. “When you look at New York, they were the worst in the world for COVID-19, and they were able to drive their transmission rates down to less than 1%. They didn’t have a vaccine; they did it with the three Ws.”
Read more here.
11/02/2020 09:50 GMT — England enters second lockdown
On Saturday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that England would enter a second lockdown. The 1-month lockdown will begin on Thursday. This time, schools and universities will remain open, but all nonessential retail, leisure facilities, and entertainment venues will close.
In an interview, senior cabinet minister Michael Gove said, “We can definitively say that unless we take action now, the [health service] is going to be overwhelmed in ways that none of us could countenance.”
Read more here.
10/30/2020 14:11 GMT — Video update: Halloween safety guide
Find MNT‘s full article here.
10/30/2020 10:02 GMT — Online Fauci rumor untrue
Rumors are currently circulating about a paper that Dr. Anthony Fauci co-authored. According to the rumor, the paper explains how most deaths during the 1918 Spanish flu were due to bacterial pneumonia caused by wearing a mask. In fact, the paper does not mention masks.
Many of the social media posts claim that “The unmasked buried the masked.” In the paper in question, the authors explain how “[t[he majority of deaths in the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic likely resulted directly from secondary bacterial pneumonia caused by common upper respiratory tract bacteria. This, however, is not related to face coverings in any way.
In fact, the 2008 paper focuses on how to prepare for a pandemic effectively. The authors explain how “pandemic planning needs to go beyond addressing the viral cause alone. […] Prevention, diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment of secondary bacterial pneumonia, as well as stockpiling of antibiotics and bacterial vaccines, should also be high priorities for pandemic planning.”
Medical News Today address more coronavirus myths here, here, and here.
10/30/2020 09:09 GMT — Vaccine may be ready by early January
According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, a vaccine may be available by early January. Initially, it would be offered to high risk individuals. Based on projections from Pfizer and Moderna, Dr. Fauci expects that we will know “sometime in December whether or not we have a safe and effective vaccine.”
In July, both companies began late stage trials involving tens of thousands of participants. However, Dr. Fauci also reminds us that even once a vaccine is ready, a return to “normal” will not be possible “until the end of 2021, at least.”
Read more here.
10/29/2020 09:34 GMT — Antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 does not decline quickly
According to the authors of a recent study that appears in the journal
Senior author Florian Krammer, Ph.D. explains the importance of the findings:
“While some reports have come out saying antibodies to this virus go away quickly, we have found just the opposite — that more than 90% of people who were mildly or moderately ill produce an antibody response strong enough to neutralize the virus, and the response is maintained for many months.”
Read the full study
10/29/2020 09:22 GMT — New restrictions begin in Europe
As COVID-19 case numbers rise, some countries and regions are setting new restrictions and entering fresh lockdowns. On Friday, France will begin a nationwide lockdown. In Germany, bars and restaurants are entering a 4-week shutdown. And in Switzerland, Italy, Bulgaria, and Greece, restrictions have been retightened.
“We are deep in the second wave,” explained European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “I think that this year’s Christmas will be a different Christmas.” On Wednesday, both Italy and Germany registered their highest number of new daily cases to date.
Read more here.
10/28/2020 09:04 GMT — Melbourne, Australia ends 111-day lockdown
Today, Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city, ended its 111-day lockdown. Although thousands of businesses will be able to open, masks are still compulsory in public spaces, and work-from-home orders remain in place. Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews announced the relaxation of measures on Monday.
Read more here.
10/28/2020 08:54 GMT — US: Almost half a million cases in past 7 days
Over the last 7 days, the United States has registered almost half a million new cases of COVID-19 and more than 5,600 associated deaths. Experts have noted particularly steep increases in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
At a news conference, Andrea Palm from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services said, “We must take significant and collective actions […] This is going to get worse before it gets better.”
During a White House briefing, President Trump told reporters:
“We did the ventilators and now we’re doing all of the equipment, and now we’re doing vaccines, we’re doing therapeutics. We’ve done a great job, and people are starting to see.”
Read more here.
10/27/2020 09:20 GMT — Older males recovering from COVID-19 may have the best plasma to treat the disease
A recent study finds higher numbers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the plasma of older males who required hospitalization for COVID-19. This plasma may help treat the disease in others. The results appear in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Find more information about the study here.
10/27/2020 09:13 GMT — Study identifies 3 existing drugs that may help treat COVID-19
A team of researchers recently identified three existing drugs that may be effective in treating COVID-19. Their findings appeared in the journal ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science. The drugs of interest are an antimalarial drug called amodiaquine, an antipsychotic called zuclopenthixol, and a blood pressure medication called nebivolol.
Read our full coverage of the research here.
10/26/2020 10:27 GMT — AstraZeneca’s ‘Oxford candidate vaccine’ moves forward
A candidate vaccine, developed by scientists at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom and AstraZeneca, recently passed another milestone. In July, the team announced that the experimental drug produced “robust immune responses” in adults. Today, they report that the candidate vaccine responds similarly in older adults and young people.
The scientists are yet to publish their findings in a peer-reviewed journal, but Prof. John Ball from the University of Nottingham, U.K., who was not involved in the study, is hopeful. He told the Financial Times:
“If what they’ve got is data that show the vaccine generates good immunity, as measured in the lab, in the age group over 55, and that also includes good responses in people who are even older than that, I think that’s a promising sign.”
However, he remains cautious, explaining that, “ultimately, it’s whether the vaccine protects against serious disease that’s crucial and we will only know that from phase 3 trials.”
Read more here.
10/26/2020 09:24 GMT — Convalescent plasma therapy for COVID-19: Where are we now?
In May 2020, Medical News Today spoke with Prof. Arturo Casadevall, from Johns Hopkins, about the potential of using convalescent plasma therapy in the treatment of COVID-19. In a recent feature, we caught up with Prof. Casadevall to discuss the latest findings.
Find the full interview here.
10/23/2020 09:20 GMT — FDA approves remdesivir for hospitalized COVID-19 patients
On Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved remdesivir for the treatment of people hospitalized with COVID-19. This makes remdesivir, which is manufactured by Gilead, the first drug approved to treat these patients in the United States.
In April, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published a
In response, the FDA made the antiviral drug available under an FDA emergency use authorization (EUA). More recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) analyzed data from almost 12,000 patients as part of their Solidarity trial.
Last week, the WHO
In response to the WHO trial, Gilead defended their drug, which they sell under the brand name Veklury. They write: “The emerging data appear inconsistent with more robust evidence from multiple randomized, controlled studies published in peer-reviewed journals validating the clinical benefit of Veklury.”
Following Veklury’s FDA approval, Gilead’s shares rose by 4.3%. The drug costs $3,120 for a 5-day course of treatment, or $2,340 for government purchasers.
Read more here.
10/23/2020 09:13 GMT — What will COVID-19 vaccine trials tell us? Less than some may think
What will COVID-19 vaccine candidate trials tell us? Not whether they will prevent deaths or serious illness, according to a new article in the
Read MNT’s full write up of the article here.
10/22/2020 13:07 GMT — Study looks at risk factors for ‘long COVID’
The authors of a recent study concluded that the risk of long COVID increases with age. They also found that those with higher body mass index (BMI) and females had an increased risk. Symptoms of long COVID include fatigue, anosmia, headache, and trouble breathing.
The researchers used data collected within the COVID Symptom Study app. In total, they had information on 4,182 people with a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The authors also concluded that the risk of developing long COVID increased in individuals who experienced “more than five symptoms during the first week of illness.”
In total, long COVID affected 9.9% of people aged 18–49 and 21.9% of people aged 70 or older. Comparing sexes, their analysis showed that 14.9% of women developed long COVID, compared with 9.5% of men. However, the difference between sexes was not significant in the older age group.
Among the participants in this dataset, 4.5% of people experienced symptoms for 8 weeks, and 2.3% — for 12 weeks.
It is worth noting that this research does not appear in a journal and has not been through the peer review process. As for other limitations, the authors write, “Our study was limited by being confined to app users who were disproportionately female, and underrepresented those >70years, which could increase or decrease our estimate of the extent of long COVID, respectively.”
Also, the analysis only included data from individuals with a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Over recent months, not everyone with symptoms of COVID-19 could get access to a test. It is not clear how the results might change if these people were added to the analysis.
Read more about long COVID here.
10/22/2020 09:09 GMT — COVID-19: Experts address 10 recent myths
In a recent feature, Medical News Today invited their resident experts to explore some of the latest and most persistent rumors and myths that surround the ongoing pandemic. They cover topics such as herd immunity, the safety of masks, and the role of 5G.
Read the full feature here.
10/21/2020 08:58 GMT — UK scientists plan to infect participants with SARS-CoV-2
Scientists in the United Kingdom are planning to infect young and healthy volunteers with SARS-CoV-2 deliberately. The U.K. government plans to spend $43.5 million on these human challenge trials. If regulators and the ethics committee approve, they will begin early next year.
London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital will manufacture the virus, while Imperial College London will run the studies. The trials will also involve hVIVO, a company that provides “viral challenge studies and laboratory services;” and the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
Involving up to 90 participants, the scientists plan to work out the minimum amount of virus sufficient to induce COVID-19.
According to Imperial College scientist Chris Chiu, this work will boost our understanding of the virus that causes COVID-19 and accelerate the search for treatments and vaccines.
Speaking about the ethical considerations, a spokesperson from the World Health Organization (WHO) said:
“What is critical is that if people are considering this, an ethics committee must oversee this and the volunteers must have full consent. And they must select the volunteers to minimize their risk.”
Read more about COVID-19 research here.
10/21/2020 08:50 GMT — Northeastern US states discourage travel
Yesterday, the Democratic governors of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut released a joint statement. In it, they ask “all of our residents to avoid unnecessary or nonessential travel between states at this time.”
Although the states are not quarantining those who travel between them, New York State still has quarantine measures in place for 38 states and two United States territories.
The governors write, “New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have among the lowest infection rates in the country because we have based our approaches to controlling the spread on science and data, and we will continue to do so.”
Read more here.
10/20/2020 09:26 GMT — Argentina registers more than 1 million cases of COVID-19
The Argentinian Health Ministry announced on Monday night that the country had become the fifth country to surpass 1 million cases of COVID-19. They also stated that, within the previous 24 hours, there had been almost 13,000 new cases.
Read more here.
10/20/2020 09:24 GMT — How does risk vary for Black and Asian patients with COVID-19?
New research suggests that people of Black, mixed, and Asian ethnicity are more at risk of COVID-19, but these risks vary over the course of the disease. The research appears in the journal EClinicalMedicine.
Read more about the research here.
10/19/2020 10:53 GMT — SARS-CoV-2 antibodies may provide immunity for at least 5–7 months
Recent reports of individuals being re-infected by SARS-CoV-2 raise concerns that our immune system may only provide short-term protection. However, a recent study concludes that people could remain immune to the virus for at least 5–7 months and probably much longer.
Co-author Dr. Michael D. Dake explains, “Whether antibodies provide lasting protection against SARS-CoV-2 has been one of the most difficult questions to answer. This research not only gives us the ability to accurately test for antibodies against COVID-19 but also arms us with the knowledge that lasting immunity is a reality.”
Read our full coverage of the study here.
10/19/2020 10:31 GMT — 1 in 3 excess deaths in the US not directly caused by COVID-19
A recent study concludes that 1 in 3 “excess deaths” in the U.S. were not directly due to COVID-19. Healthcare disruption and emotional crises could have led to around one-third of the 225,530 excess deaths in the United States between March 1 and August 1, 2020.
The authors published their findings in
Read more about the study here.
MNT video update: COVID-19 and vitamin D
10/16/2020 09:25 GMT — Russia approves a second vaccine
Last month, Russia announced the approval of a COVID-19 vaccine called Sputnik V. This week, President Vladimir Putin announced the approval of a second vaccine, called EpiVacCorona. As with the first, scientists have not yet tested this vaccine in phase 3 trials.
The vaccine was developed by scientists at the State Virology and Biotechnology Center, known as Vektor, in Novosibirsk. According to The Moscow Times:
“Early trials on 100 volunteers were said to have been successful.”
In a televised news conference, Putin explained that researchers had given the vaccine to Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova and the head of Russia’s consumer safety watchdog, Anna Popova, as part of ongoing trials. During the briefing, they explained that:
“Early trials on 100 volunteers were said to have been successful.”
As with Sputnik V, experts are likely to view the new vaccine with skepticism. Vaccines must be rigorously investigated before they can be used widely, and it is crucial to test their efficacy and, importantly, safety in a large group of participants.
Sputnik V is a vector vaccine, based on a human adenovirus, while EpiVacCorona is an antigen-based vaccine.
During the briefing, Golikova also announced that a third vaccine would be approved sometime in December.
Read more here.
10/16/2020 09:21 GMT — Researchers hunt for shared vulnerabilities in coronaviruses
A 200-strong group of scientists recently published a study that searched for shared vulnerabilities in three coronaviruses: SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and MERS. The research highlights specific cellular pathways and proteins that should be considered targets for therapeutic interventions. The results appear in the journal
In the past 20 years, SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and MERS have all caused deadly human respiratory syndromes: COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), respectively.
In their study, the scientists “generated and compared three different coronavirus-human protein-protein interaction maps in an attempt to identify and understand pan-coronavirus molecular mechanisms.”
“The efforts identified at least 20 host genes whose protein products significantly alter how much virus is produced by infected cells,” explains lead researcher Dr. Christopher Basler. “Those proteins represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention. For example, if a cellular protein is required for efficient virus growth, a drug that inhibits the cellular protein should slow the infection.”
Aside from their findings, which will guide scientists in their search for treatments to these and similar diseases, their innovative approach is also a model for future endeavors. As the authors explain:
“We used proteomics, cell biology, virology, genetics, structural biology, biochemistry, and clinical and genomic information in an attempt to provide a holistic view of SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses’ interactions with infected host cells. We propose that such an integrative and collaborative approach could and should be used to study other infectious agents as well as other disease areas.”
Read more here.
10/15/2020 10:06 GMT — COVID-19: What role does vitamin D play?
Studies investigating the role of vitamin D in preventing or treating COVID-19 have drawn conflicting conclusions. But should a lack of evidence stop us from topping up our vitamin D levels as the Northern Hemisphere heads toward winter? In a recent feature, we delve into the details.
Read more here.
10/15/2020 09:48 GMT — Influenza drug shows promise against SARS-CoV-2
A recent study finds that high doses of favipiravir, a drug designed to treat pandemic influenza infections, strongly inhibits SARS-CoV-2 in hamsters. Favipiravir also prevented infection in healthy animals that were exposed to an infected cage mate.
The study, which appeared in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, also investigated hydroxychloroquine. The scientists confirmed that hydroxychloroquine is ineffective.
Lead researcher Suzanne Kaptein says, “If further research shows that the results are the same in humans, [favipiravir] could be used right after someone from a high-risk group has come into contact with an infected person.”
Read MNT’s full coverage of the study here.
10/14/2020 09:31 GMT — World Bank promises $12 billion to battle COVID-19 in developing countries
This week, the World Bank committed to providing $12 billion in funding for developing countries to procure vaccines, tests, and treatments. This plan is part of their $160 billion pledge to help these countries fight COVID-19.
The World Bank will also provide technical support to help plan and deploy vaccines once they are available.
Read more here.
10/14/2020 09:25 GMT — Eli Lilly pauses drug trial
On Tuesday, Eli Lilly announced that they were pausing their COVID-19 antibody treatment trials due to safety concerns. In a statement, spokeswoman Molly McCully wrote, “Out of an abundance of caution, the ACTIV-3 independent data safety monitoring board has recommended a pause in enrollment.”
The drug that Eli Lilly are testing is similar to one that doctors used to treat President Donald Trump. The news comes 1 day after a similar announcement by Johnson & Johnson and 1 month after AstraZeneca paused a trial.
It is important to note that manufacturers often pause drug trials to examine safety concerns. As Johnson & Johnson explained in their press release earlier this week, “A study pause, in which recruitment or dosing is paused by the study sponsor, is a standard component of a clinical trial protocol.”
Read more here.
10/13/2020 14:35 — MNT video update: Males dominate COVID-19 decision making
10/13/2020 11:33 GMT — Italy introduces new anti-virus measures
Over the past week,Italy registered around 5,000 COVID-19 casesperday. On Tuesday, officials introduced new anti-virus measures. Bars and restaurants must close by midnight, and customers must consume their drinks at tables after 9 p.m. The new legislation also curbs sports activities.
Read more here.
10/13/2020 10:35 GMT — Johnson & Johnson pause vaccine trial
In a statement yesterday, Johnson & Johnson announced they had paused their Janssen COVID-19 vaccine trial “due to an unexplained illness in a study participant.” The participant’s illness is now under review with an independent safety board and the company’s clinical and safety physicians.
The vaccine is part of the United States government’s Operation Warp Speed program.
Johnson & Johnson explain that serious adverse events are “not uncommon in clinical trials,” especially when large numbers of participants are involved. At this stage, the company has not released any further information about the participant’s illness.
Find more live updates here.
10/12/2020 11:18 GMT — SARS-CoV-2 may be able to infect a significant number of mammals
The findings of a recent study suggest that a significant number of mammals could be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The research, which appears in the journal Scientific Reports, found that a “broad range” of vertebrate animals could, in principle, contract SARS-CoV-2.
The virus infects a host cell by attaching to ACE2 proteins. Using computer modeling, the researchers identified species with ACE2 proteins that might be susceptible to the infection.
In particular, they found that the binding process of SARS-CoV-2 and the host ACE2 protein in sheep and great apes is likely to be as strong as it is in humans.
Read more about the study here.
10/12/2020 11:04 GMT — COVID-19: Pain-numbing effect of virus may boost its spread
A recent study in animals suggests that SARS-CoV-2 might deactivate a pain signaling pathway. This may help explain why so many cases of COVID-19 do not cause symptoms and why transmission rates are so high. The study appears in the journal Pain.
Corresponding study author Prof. Rajesh Khanna explains the relevance of the findings: “It made a lot of sense to me that perhaps the reason for the unrelenting spread of COVID-19 is that in the early stages, you’re walking around all fine, as if nothing is wrong, because your pain has been suppressed.”
Read MNT’s full coverage of the research here.
10/08/2020 08:51 GMT — President Trump now symptom-free
On Wednesday, White House physician Sean Conley announced that President Trump has experienced no COVID-19 symptoms in the previous 24 hours and no fever for 4 days. Conley explained that his vital signs show that his condition remains stable.
Find more live COVID-19 updates here.
10/08/2020 08:47 GMT — Nitric oxide shows promise as antiviral treatment
A recent in vitro study finds that nitric oxide may suppress SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The researchers suggest that inhaled nitric oxide may be an effective treatment for the disease. The findings appear in the journal Redox Biology.
“Until we get a vaccine that works, our hope is that inhalation of [nitric oxide] might be an effective form of treatment,” explains senior author Åke Lundkvist. “The dosage and timing of starting treatment probably play an important part in the outcome, and now need to be explored as soon as possible.”
Read our full coverage of the study here.
10/07/2020 13:53 GMT — Face masks do not significantly affect oxygen or carbon dioxide levels
A small study in healthy volunteers and people with COPD found that wearing a surgical mask had negligible effects on the wearer’s oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. The authors hope that this research will help alleviate fears that masks pose a health risk.
Read more about the study here.
10/07/2020 10:42 GMT — Pandemic worries may fuel substance use
A recent survey finds that worrying about the COVID-19 pandemic had associations with substance use as a means of coping, while substance users worried more than non-users.
The study involved 160 people who took part online between April and May 2020.
The researchers conclude that people who started using substances during the pandemic, such as alcohol, stimulants, and cannabis, but not opioids, had the highest worry levels.
Based on their findings, the study authors suggest that doctors could use COVID-19 fear levels as a measurement to help identify people at greatest risk for substance use, and ultimately substance abuse.
Read our full coverage of the research here.
10/06/2020 09:58 GMT — Hopeful research findings 7 months into the COVID-19 pandemic
In a recent Special Feature, MNT leaped into the latest scientific research and asked if there are any reasons for (cautious) optimism. At almost 7 months into the COVID-19 pandemic, how close are we to being able to control the spread and impact of the new coronavirus?
Read the full feature here.
10/06/2020 09:50 GMT — Could a common antioxidant enzyme help treat COVID-19?
A recent study concludes that catalase, a naturally occurring enzyme in plants and animals, can suppress the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in rhesus monkeys. The results also indicate that this enzyme could dampen the inflammatory response associated with severe COVID-19. The results appear in the journal
Read MNT’s summary of the findings here.
10/05/2020 10:46 GMT — Less than 10% of US adult population developed antibodies by July
According to a large, nationwide study, less than 10% of the adult population in the United States had formed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by July 2020. The study used data from 28,503 randomly selected individuals receiving dialysis.
Read MNT’s full coverage of the study here.
10/05/2020 10:15 GMT — US election 2020: Many people concerned about COVID-19 risk
In a recent poll that Healthline Media commissioned in the United States, 68% of respondents reported being somewhat or very concerned that they or their family members may have exposure to SARS-CoV-2 when visiting the polling station on election day.
Read more about the poll’s conclusions here.
10/02/2020 15:00 GMT — Sufficient Vitamin D levels may reduce COVID-19 severity
MNT reports on a new study that suggests people with sufficient vitamin D levels are less likely to develop severe, life threatening complications from COVID-19.
The research, which appears in the journal
However, there are significant limitations to the study, such as the small number of participants and the fact that the researchers did not account for smoking or socioeconomic status — both of which can, in turn, affect vitamin D levels and COVID-19 severity.
Read our full coverage here.
10/02/2020 12:30 GMT — President Trump tests positive for the new coronavirus
United States President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump revealed today that they had both tested positive for the new coronavirus.
The announcement followed quickly after news that Hope Hicks, one of Trump’s close advisers, had also tested positive.
In a tweet, the president announced that he and the first lady would quarantine immediately.
In a public statement, Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean P. Conley, said, “The president and first lady are both well at this time, and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence.”
“Rest assured — I expect the president to continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering, and I will keep you updated on any future developments,” continued Dr. Conley.
Read more about this development here.
10/01/2020 14:59 GMT — Many people did not seek medical care during heart attacks or strokes, study suggests
A new study in the journal Heart looks at deaths due to cardiovascular disease in England and Wales during the first part of the pandemic.
The results show more than 2,000 additional deaths above expectations — an 8% increase compared to historical averages for the time of year.
More people were dying at home or in care homes, and fewer in the hospital.
“This is further support for the speculation that many people were staying away from the hospital even though they were very ill with an acute cardiovascular illness,” one study author comments.
Read more here.
10/01/2020 11:51 GMT — Conspiracy theories hamper public health efforts
A recent study finds that belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories rose between March and July in the United States. Conspiracy believers were less likely to report wearing a face covering and less likely to plan to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
The researchers surveyed 1,050 adults in the U.S. in March and interviewed 840 of these again in July.
The results show that conspiracy theory beliefs about the origin of the new coronavirus and the handling of the pandemic response increased.
This was most common among people who belong to disadvantaged groups.
Read our full coverage of the study here.
09/30/2020 11:01 GMT — Which fabrics used in homemade masks can block droplets?
A recent study tested if fabrics that people typically use to make homemade face coverings could block droplets. The researchers found that all of the fabrics were able to block droplets efficiently, particularly when they tested multiple layers of material.
The scientists used an inhaler to project water droplets through 11 fabrics, such as clothes, quilted cloths, dishcloths, and bedsheets. The droplets contained 100-nanometer fluorescent particles, which mimic the SARS-CoV-2 viral particles.
After counting how many particles could travel through each fabric, the team concluded that all fabrics could block the particles, but that multiple layers were more efficient.
While the study does have some limitations, it adds to the body of evidence that points to homemade face reducing the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Read our full coverage of the study here.
09/30/2020 09:14 GMT — Mask fines in New York
Yesterday, New York City mayor Bill de Blasio threatened fines of up to $1,000 for anyone refusing to wear a mask in public. On the same day, The Walt Disney Company announced lay offs of around 28,000 employees from their Californian theme park, Disneyland.
Similarly, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo warned that restrictions to indoor dining and other activities might soon be necessary.
Read more here.
09/29/2020 16:10 GMT — MNT video update: Safe voting guide
09/29/2020 14:40 GMT — The Lancet release COVID-19 mission statement
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09/29/2020 13:30 GMT — The WHO plan to roll out rapid tests for less wealthy countries
This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that they are teaming up with partners to distribute 120 million antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests to lower- and middle-income countries. The initial cost of the program will be $600 million, and it should get underway next month.
Although antigen-based tests are less accurate than polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, they return results quicker and do not rely on sophisticated laboratory equipment.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hopes that the tests will “enable the expansion of testing, particularly in hard-to-reach areas that do not have lab facilities or enough trained health workers to carry out PCR tests.”
Read more here.
09/29/2020 09:50 GMT — COVID-19 death total surpasses 1 million
This week, the global number of deaths from COVID-19 passed 1 million. As United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres writes in a recent statement, “Our world has reached an agonizing milestone.” He also reminds us we can overcome this challenge if we “learn from the mistakes.”
09/28/2020 11:59 GMT — 1 in 3 parents plan to skip flu shots during pandemic
A recent poll investigated parental attitudes toward flu vaccinations this season. They found that 1 in 3 parents don’t plan on vaccinating their children against the flu this year. The most common reason involved concerns about side effects.
In August 2020, the survey — called the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health — took data from 1,992 parents of children aged 2–18. The parents reported their reasons for not vaccinating their children, most commonly: concerns about side effects (42%) and a belief that the vaccine is not necessary (40%) or effective (32%).
A further 14% of parents who are not planning on having their children vaccinated cited concerns about visiting healthcare settings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In their report, the researchers explain: “Public health experts have emphasized the particular importance of flu vaccination during the COVID pandemic as a tool to limit the stress on healthcare systems. This includes reducing the number of influenza-related hospitalizations and doctor visits and decreasing the need for diagnostic tests to distinguish influenza from COVID.”
They continue, “Children should get flu vaccine to protect themselves and to prevent the spread of influenza to family members and others.”
Read more about the poll here.
09/28/2020 11:16 GMT — Anxiety symptoms increased during the pandemic, Google Trends data show
A recent study, which used data from Google Trends, explored the impact of the pandemic on mental health in the United States. Overall, the authors noted that searches for “worry,” “anxiety,” and “therapeutic techniques to manage worry and anxiety” have increased during the pandemic.
Discussing their use of Google Trends, lead author Dr. Michael Hoerger explains, “Although by no means a ‘window into the soul,’ people’s search terms reflect relatively uncensored desires for information and thus lack many of the biases of traditional self-report surveys.”
The findings appear in the journal Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. Dr. Hoerger paints a somewhat bleak picture of the future, saying:
“Over time, we should begin to see a greater decline in societal mental health. This will likely include more depression, PTSD, community violence, suicide, and complex bereavement. For each person that dies of COVID, approximately nine close family members are affected, and people will carry that grief for a long time.”
Read our full coverage of the study here.
09/25/2020 10:16 GMT — US COVID-19 cases pass 7 million
On Thursday, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the United States surpassed 7 million. This equates to 1 in 5 of all global cases. The U.S. has also registered more than 200,000 deaths. To date, California has reported the highest number of cases with 800,000.
Read more here.
09/25/2020 09:38 GMT — Flu vaccinations not linked to increased COVID-19 risk
A new study concludes that the flu vaccine does not increase a person’s risk of getting COVID-19. The scientists also demonstrate that the vaccine is not associated with severe illness and death from the disease. The results appear in theJournal of Clinical and Translational Science.
The authors explain that the flu shot will help prevent a “twindemic” when the flu season overlaps the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Lead researcher Dr. Joe Zein writes: “Our findings suggest that we should proceed as usual with our vaccination strategy for global influenza this flu season. […] Getting the annual flu vaccine remains the best safeguard against the influenza virus — both for yourself and the people around you.”
Read our full coverage of the research here.
09/24/2020 09:33 GMT — Most people in the United States could be vaccinated by July 2021
Despite promising candidates, there is still no vaccine for COVID-19. However, according to Robert Redfield — the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — the “entire American public [could be] completely vaccinated” by July. He estimates that 700 million doses will be available by April.
Read more here.
09/24/2020 08:57 GMT — COVID-19: Tackling the root cause of inflammation
Scientists have proposed that an existing drug may help prevent an excessive, life threatening immune reaction to SARS-CoV-2 in susceptible individuals. The drug might work by easing cellular stress that the virus causes. Their proposal appears in the journal Cytokine & Growth Factor Reviews.
“When cells are stressed by infection, they call the cytokines, and the more stressed they are, the more persistent they become, provoking this uncontrolled inflammation,” explains senior study author Iván Durán. “Hence, one possible treatment for COVID-19 is to reduce cellular stress.”
However, the authors are also clear that scientists will need to conduct more research to see if their model works outside of their laboratory.
Read MNT’s coverage of the paper here.
09/23/2020 09:15 GMT — Wisconsin governor declares a new public health emergency
Yesterday, following a spike in COVID-19 cases, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers extended a face mask mandate into November. Announcing this 2nd public health emergency, Evers explained, “We are seeing an alarming increase in cases across our state, especially on campus.”
Read more here.
09/23/2020 09:13 GMT — Republican governors took longer in making masks a requirement
A recent study shows that Republican governors waited longer than Democratic governors to issue mask-wearing mandates as a preventive measure against COVID-19. According to the data, states with Republican governors delayed issuing mask mandates by an average of 29.9 days compared with states with Democratic governors.
The study paper is available on the preprint server medRxiv, so it has not yet undergone peer review. Discussing the factors around this disparity, lead author Christopher Adolph explains:
“President Trump spent crucial months deriding masks and refusing to wear them in public. This deepened a partisan divide that few Republican governors have been willing to cross, even as their states’ cases shot up this summer.”
Read MNT’s full coverage of the research here.
09/22/2020 15:32 GMT — MNT video update: ‘Long COVID’
09/22/2020 10:08 GMT — United Kingdom experiences increased numbers of infections
Recently, the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.K. has surged. Although death rates remain low, officials are concerned. The government’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance explains, “If this continues along the path, the number of deaths directly from [COVID-19] could rise on an exponential curve.”
He continues: “We have, in a bad sense, literally turned a corner, although only relatively recently. At this point, the seasons are against us, we are now going into the seasons, late autumn and winter, which benefit respiratory viruses and it is very likely they will benefit [COVID-19] as they do flu.”
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove has told people to work from home “if they can.” Additionally, the government is pausing trials of spectators attending sporting events, and hospitality venues — such as restaurants and bars — must close at 10:00 p.m. from Thursday onward.
Read more about the situation in the U.K. here.
09/22/2020 09:32 GMT — Specialists discuss diagnosis and management of ‘long COVID‘
Following SARS-CoV-2 infection, some people experience weeks or even months of symptoms, which can include extreme fatigue and fever. Experts refer to this lingering condition as long COVID. In a recent BMJ webinar, specialists discussed how best to support these people.
During the webinar, six specialists from the United Kingdom and Germany talked about the best approaches to the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of long COVID.
Read MNT’s full coverage of the webinar here.
09/21/2020 11:15 GMT — COVID-19: How many patients return to the hospital after discharge?
Many people who arrive at the emergency room with mild COVID-19 symptoms are discharged upon initial presentation. A recent study investigates how many of these individuals are later admitted to the hospital. The authors found that doctors admitted almost 5% of these people within 72 hours.
In all, 66 patients (4.7%) returned to the emergency room and were admitted to the hospital within 72 hours because of worsening symptoms. An additional 56 patients (3.9%) also returned to the emergency room but were again discharged.
The research, which appears in the journal
Read more about the research here.
09/21/2020 10:47 GMT — US cases of depression have tripled during the COVID-19 pandemic
A recent study, which features in the journal
Among other findings, the researchers determined that people with less than $5,000 in savings were 50% more likely to experience symptoms of depression than those who had more.
Discussing ways to alleviate this, lead author Catherine Ettman says:
“There may be steps that policymakers can take now to help reduce the impact of COVID-19 stressors on depression, such as eviction moratoria, providing universal health insurance that is not tied to employment, and helping people return to work safely — for those able to do so.”
Read MNT’s full coverage of the study here.