COVID-19 may raise risk of developing atrial fibrillation - UPI.com Add another post-COVID hazard to the list: Research suggests having the illness could raise risks for dangerous irregular heart beats. UPI

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3 million children lose Medicaid coverage Presented by CVS Health — Three million fewer kids have Medicaid coverage today compared to the end of the pandemic-era protections and beginning of the “unwinding” of coverage in April, according … emartin The Hill

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Texas and Florida alone account for more than 1 million of the children who have lost coverage. The total decline for adults and children due to the “unwinding” process is now at approximately 7.8 million, the analysis found. ...

Study shows long COVID worse for patients than 'long flu' wildpixel/ iStock CIDRAP

In the 18 months after a serious COVID-19 or seasonal influenza infection, patients are at a significant increased risk of death, hospital readmission, or health problems affecting a number of organs, though COVID patients are hit harder, according to a study published ...in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

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EU countries destroy €4B worth of COVID vaccines – POLITICO

EU warns countries are off track for 2030 climate goal European Union countries are falling behind on their core climate change target and without stronger emissions-cutting policies risk missing the goal, the European Commission said on Monday. Kate Abnett Reuters

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Long COVID played a role in thousands of deaths: CDC A new report from the CDC published early Wednesday found long COVID was the underlying or contributing cause of death for more than 3,500 Americans. ABC News ABC News

Results showed long COVID played a role in 3,544 deaths, with the condition listed as either an underlying or a contributing cause of death.

COVID and flu surge could strain hospitals as JN.1 variant grows, CDC warns "COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising quickly," the CDC said, and the new variant JN.1 is making up an increasing share of cases. CBS News

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At least $2.1 billion in new funds pledged at COP28, as foundations focus on health and agriculture With the United Nations climate talks wrapping up in Dubai, foundations and other funders pledged at least $2.1 billion in new financing to reduce climate impacts, especially from agriculture. AP News

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