COVID-19 linked to more heart complications than flu, RSV The odds of myocarditis were 61% lower in flu and 85% lower in RSV than with COVID-19. CIDRAP

A new study published in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders shows that pediatric and young adult COVID-19 patients are more at risk for cardiac complications than flu or RSV patients of the same age. 

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Health Gap at End of Life Is Now Wider in US Than Any Other Country Lifespan vs healthspan. Yahoo News

Humans today are living longer than ever before, but how many of those added years are spent in good health?

COVID: Updated CDC map reveals infection rates across US The latest data reveals that COVID-19 rates are rising in the U.S. compared to the previous week. Newsweek

The percentage of emergency department visits that were diagnosed as COVID has remained largely unchanged in recent weeks, at 0.6 percent—with the highest rates located in the Southwest: New Mexico at 1.8 percent and Arizona at 1.5 percent.

Deaths from COVID are highest in North Carolina, with 1.4 percent of deaths attributed to the virus.

California, Michigan, New York and Florida also have higher than average rates of COVID-related deaths, ranging from 1.2 percent in California to 0.6 percent in Florida.

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More Californians Are Freezing to Death. Experts Point to More Older Homeless People. - KFF Health News Hypothermia deaths have risen in California and across the nation. Experts point to the growing number of older, unsheltered homeless people as a key factor in the trend. paulavirna KFF Health News

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Rich countries, island states lock horns on climate change at UN court

H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation H5 bird flu is causing outbreaks in wild birds and poultry, other animals and sporadic human cases. CDC Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

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H5 Bird Flu Detections in USA

Biden administration has no current plans to authorize a bird flu vaccine for humans

Biden administration officials said Wednesday they have no current plans to authorize a stockpiled bird flu vaccine, despite an escalating outbreak among livestock in the U.S. and at least 58 human infections across seven states. 

Avian flu suspected in cats that drank raw milk as virus kills animals at Arizona zoo The Los Angeles County Department of Health today announced that it is investigating two suspected avian flu illnesses in indoor pet cats that drank recalled raw milk, fueling more concerns about wider spread in other animals, which includes zoo animals infected in Arizona's Maricopa County. CIDRAP

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Improving health in rural areas takes community, say researchers With type 2 diabetes on the rise, prevention measures are critical. But it's often hard for people living in rural areas to access health care and lifestyle resources that can improve their health. Sydney Barrilleaux Medical Xpress

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Involving local leaders and churches could make all the difference in these communities, according to a study from the University of Georgia. The research is published in The Journal of Rural Health.

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Flu vaccines drop among kids despite record deaths last year: CDC Fewer children in the U.S. have gotten a flu vaccine in 2024 compared to last year, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).   As of Nov. 30, about 36 p… aoconnelld The Hill

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As of Nov. 30, about 36 percent of the nation’s children aged six months to 17 years received a flu vaccination, a drop from last year’s 43 percent.

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