Many questions persist about immunity against SARS-CoV-2, especially the Delta variant. Researchers in Israel have compared the natural immunity acquired from infection and vaccination-acquired immunity. Natural immunity plus one dose of vaccine may be the most effective combination to prevent reinfection. Questions about the long-term protection provided by COVID-19 vaccines abound. How long does the […]
A new study argues that the widespread stigmatization of people who contract the virus, marginalized racial and ethnic groups, healthcare workers, and police is making the COVID-19 pandemic in India even worse. People who are afraid of being attacked are going without medical treatment rather than choosing to expose themselves to the stigma. This is […]
A study suggests that in the United States in 2020, around a third of COVID-19 survivors were diagnosed with a neurological or mental health condition within 6 months of their COVID-19 diagnoses. Anxiety and mood disorders were the most common diagnoses. Neurological conditions, such as stroke and dementia, occurred less often but were more common […]
According to a new editorial, vaccine hesitancy could seriously threaten efforts to stop the pandemic. The editorial blames vaccine hesitancy on the controversy, misinformation, a lack of confidence surrounding vaccine trial data, anxiety about vaccine safety, and historical mistrust of the medical establishment due to current or past negative treatment. They also state that there […]
Research suggests that a first infection with SARS-CoV-2 provides only 47% protection against a second infection for those aged 65 years and over, compared with 80% protection across all age groups. These findings underscore the importance of physical distancing and vaccinations, even among those who have already had COVID-19. The study found that the level […]
Currently, in various areas of the world, 13 COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized for use. In this feature, we look at the types and their reported side effects. As the global effort to produce vaccines that can curb the COVID-19 pandemic forges ahead, headlines continue to highlight development breakthroughs and safety concerns. This article summarizes […]
Face masks reduce the spread of the new coronavirus and may also lessen the severity of COVID-19. The present study finds that masks increase the humidity of the air that a person breathes. The researchers propose reasons that explain why increased humidity may reduce the severity of COVID-19 cases. Researchers have found that wearing a […]
In September 2020, scientists identified a more contagious variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in southern England. An analysis now suggests that the risk of dying for people who contract the new variant is around 35% higher compared with those who acquired preexisting variants. Other researchers caution that the results are preliminary and […]
Leaving women out of COVID-19 decision-making is not just bad for women — it’s bad for everyone. Research shows that achieving gender parity correlates with better outcomes in the pandemic overall, yet a new analysis found that only 3.5% of COVID-19 decision-making bodies have an equitable number of men and women. What does this mean […]
A new intergovernmental report has argued that the frequency and severity of pandemics will increase unless authorities worldwide put policies in place to lower the risk. The new report has argued that preemptive global action is necessary to avoid more frequent and severe pandemics. The authors behind the report, which the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on […]
