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University of Nebraska Medical Center

Author: Claudinne Miller

Testing negative but still feeling sick? Doctors explain why

The Hill You’ve got the sore throat, runny nose and cough (or any of the other common COVID-19 symptoms right now), but when you swab your nose and take a test, it comes out negative. Is there a chance you still have COVID-19? Could it be something else? The answer – to both questions – is yes. “If […]

Jan 2, 2024

COVID-19 vs Seasonal Influenza: A Comparative Analysis Reveals Alarming Trends

Infection Control Today A recent article by Yan Xie and colleagues1 presented strong data that COVID-19 is much worse than seasonal influenza. The researchers observed increased rates of delayed and long-term death and disability in US military veterans who were hospitalized with COVID-19 as compared to those hospitalized with seasonal influenza. The COVID-19 group of patients had […]

Jan 2, 2024

Dr. Lawler’s COVID Update

Watch here: https://bit.ly/3vh3RRD Dr. Lawler discusses a Brazilian cohort study titled “Developmental impairment in children exposed during pregnancy to maternal SARS-COV2”. Plus, updates on COVID-19 hospital admissions and wastewater data.

Jan 2, 2024

Falcon Population Dwindling

Iceland Review The falcon population in Iceland has never been smaller, at least not since research into it began in 1981. Bird flu is the likely cause, experts at the Icelandic Institute of Natural History told RÚV. The gyrfalcon is the largest of the falcon species and its Icelandic population is genetically unique compared to other […]

Jan 2, 2024

COVID, flu severity similar, but Omicron BA.5 patients more likely to die, 2021-22 study suggests

CIDRAP In 2021 and 2022, the proportion of hospitalized COVID-19 and influenza patients admitted to a US intensive care unit (ICU) were similar, but COVID-19 patients admitted during the Omicron BA.5 variant period were more likely to die in the hospital, according to a study published late last week in Open Forum Infectious Diseases. A team led by […]

Jan 2, 2024

Why do people get sick with viruses in the winter?

Medical Express Respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and influenza surge in the colder months. And it’s not just because people are spending more time indoors. Dr. Matthew Binnicker, director of the Clinical Microbiology Molecular Lab and co-director of the Clinical Virology Lab at Mayo Clinic, explains what other factors promote virus spread in the winter. “It’s […]

Jan 2, 2024

Covid Slashed Consumer Choices. This Is Why They Aren’t Coming Back.

WSJ The furniture retailer Malouf sells beds and bedding in a fraction of the colors it did a few years ago.  Newell Brands, the Sharpie maker, has retired 50 types of Yankee Candle.  Coca-Cola offers half as many drinks.  Covid slashed consumer choices as companies pared their offerings to ease clogs in the supply chain. The logistical […]

Jan 2, 2024

New coronavirus variant JN.1 is spreading fast. Here’s what to know.

Washington Post The rapid growth of the coronavirus subvariant JN.1 during the holiday season could fuel winter waves of illness in the United States and beyond, public health authorities warn. JN.1 caused nearly half of new U.S. coronavirus infections in the two weeks leading up to Christmas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates. The World Health […]

Jan 2, 2024

Respiratory virus activity is high and rising across the United States, CDC data shows

CNN As seasonal virus activity surges across the United States, experts stress the importance of preventive measures – such as masking and vaccination – and the value of treatment for those who do get sick. Tens of thousands of people have been admitted to hospitals for respiratory illness each week this season. During the week […]

Jan 2, 2024

Avian influenza death of Alaska polar bear is a global first and a sign of the virus’ persistence

Juneau Empire A polar bear found dead on Alaska’s North Slope is the first of the species known to have been killed by the highly pathogenic avian influenza that is circulating among animal populations around the world. The polar bear was found dead in October near Utqiagvik, the nation’s northernmost community, the Alaska Department of […]

Jan 2, 2024