Nearly a third of all Mainers ages 5 years and older have received the omicron-targeting bivalent booster shot compared to less than 18% of individuals nationwide. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that individuals who have received the bivalent booster are at significantly lower risk of hospitalization and death compared to unvaccinated individuals.
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Posted inHealth, Nation & World, News
A deadly fungal infection is spreading in hospitals. Here’s what to know
Candida auris is a drug-resistant fungus that ‘presents a serious global health threat,’ according to the CDC.
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Posted inMaine
Kennebunk doctor had history of writing life-threatening opioid prescriptions, new documents say
Investigators say Dr. Merideth Norris of Kennebunk had the highest opioid prescribing rate in Maine with no legitimate medical purpose.
Posted inHealth, Nation & World, News
Face masks may return amid holiday ‘tripledemic’ of COVID, flu and RSV
With three highly contagious respiratory viruses sickening adults and children around the country and holiday gatherings just weeks away, public health officials are beginning to talk about face masks again. While mask mandates are unlikely in most parts of the country, health experts are renewing recommendations to wear a high-quality medical mask on public transportation, […]
Posted inNation & World, News
CDC officials describe intense pressure, job threats from Trump White House
Political infighting contributed to a subpar pandemic response, officials tell House committee.
Posted inHealth, Nation & World, News
U.S. advisers endorse updated COVID-19 shots for fall boosters
The original vaccines still offer strong protection against severe illness and death, especially among younger and healthier people, but those vaccines were designed to target the virus strain that circulated in early 2020.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Another View: Fauci waged war on foolish refusals of facts. He’s earned America’s heartfelt thanks.
The nation’s leading infectious disease expert is retiring in December. His mistakes were small compared to his successes.
Posted inNation & World, Uncategorized
Fauci announces December departure from government service
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s longtime top infectious disease expert, fell out of favor with then President Donald Trump when Fauci urged continued public caution as Trump sought to return to normalcy and to promote unproven therapies for the coronavirus.
Posted inHealth, Nation & World, News, Politics
Federal CDC director announces shake-up, citing COVID mistakes
The changes include internal staffing moves and steps to speed up data releases.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Another View: U.S. needs to get a move on fighting monkeypox
Getting enough vaccine was going to be a problem. But government at all levels was sluggish about preventing current outbreaks.