Coronavirus, COVID, Vaccines

Boost Now or Wait? Many Wonder How Best to Ride Out Covid’s Next Wave

Consistent messaging has been complicated by the different views of leading vaccine scientists. Although physicians like del Rio and Dr. Peter Hotez of Baylor College of Medicine see the value in getting a second booster, Dr. Paul Offit, a member of the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee, is skeptical it’s needed by anyone but seniors and people who are immunocompromised.

Infectious Disease, Sexually Transmitted Disease

What You Need to Know About Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a viral infection, a close cousin of smallpox. But it causes a much milder disease. It is transmitted through close contact, including sex, kissing, and massage — any kind of contact of the penis, vagina, anus, mouth, throat, or even skin. In the current outbreak, monkeypox has primarily been transmitted sexually.

Coronavirus, Drugs

Fast Access to COVID-19 Treatment in Washington

Test to Treat is a national program that gives people a fast way to access free lifesaving treatment for COVID-19. Through this program, people are able to get tested and — if they are positive and treatments are appropriate for them — receive a prescription from a health care provider, and have their prescription filled all at one location. Think of it as a one-stop-shop for treating COVID-19.

Coronavirus, COVID

The latest on COVID-19 boosters

Boosters are important for keeping our communities safe, especially as COVID-19 cases increase across Washington. But it’s not always easy to track when you or a loved one is eligible for a first, or a second, booster. Here’s what you need to know.

A computer-generated illustration of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19.
Coronavirus, COVID, Seniors

Got Long Covid? Medical Expertise Is Vital, and Seniors Should Prepare to Go Slow

Older adults who have survived covid-19 are more likely than younger patients to have persistent symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, muscle aches, heart palpitations, headaches, joint pain, and difficulty with memory and concentration — problems linked to long covid. But it can be hard to distinguish lingering aftereffects of covid from conditions common in older adults such as lung disease, heart disease, and mild cognitive impairment.

Child Health, Coronavirus, COVID

How important is the COVID-19 booster shot for 5-to-11-year-olds? 5 questions answered

Naturally, many parents are wondering about the importance and safety of a booster shot for their school-age children. Debbie-Ann Shirley, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of Virginia, answers some common questions about COVID-19 and booster shots in kids that she hears in her practice and explains the research behind why booster shots are recommended for children ages 5 to 11.