Category: Coronavirus
Deciphering the symptoms of long COVID-19 is slow and painstaking – for both sufferers and their physicians
Long COVID-19 often involves a constellation of symptoms affecting many parts of the body, but the most commonly reported are fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pains, cognitive changes, headaches, sensory changes and pain.
Rush to Boosters Sparks Confusion, Differing Recommendations
So what do we know about whether healthy, fully vaccinated people should get a booster? Here are answers to seven key questions.
How schools can reopen safely — a UW epidemiologist explains what works and what’s not worth the effort.
Vaccines and masking work well for preventing COVID-19 outbreaks in schools, but other strategies like plexiglass barriers and temperature checks are probably not worth the effort.
Delta variant in Washington state drives dramatic spike in cases
Unvaccinated people are being hit hardest, and public health officials continue to urge everyone who has not gotten fully vaccinated to do so immediately.
Third dose of COVID-19 vaccine recommended for certain immunocompromised individuals
“A third dose of Pfizer or Moderna will provide those who need it extra protection and help shield some of our most vulnerable from the highly contagious delta variant,” said Secretary of Health Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH
I Just Can’t Wait for Vaccines
(I Just Can’t Wait to Be King Parody)
How does COVID affect the brain? Two neuroscientists explain
Many with long COVID report difficulty with attention and planning — known as ‘brain fog.’
Inslee announces vaccination requirement for most state employees, private health care and long-term care workers
Employees who refuse to be vaccinated will be subject to dismissal from employment for failing to meet legal job qualifications.
‘Wisdom and Fear’ Lead 90% of U.S. Seniors to Covid Vaccines
When vaccines became available many states targeted seniors first. That effort has proved successful, although rates vary among states: Hawaii, Pennsylvania and Vermont vaccinated more than 99% of their seniors, while West Virginia ranks last with 78%.
The Pandemic Has Devastated the Mental Health of Public Health Workers
Public health workers have been vilified by a portion of the public and attacked by some political leaders and media figures. They have been fired or forced from office. They have been subjected to protests—some on their own front lawns—as well as curses, threats and even, on at least one occasion, racist taunts.
Pacific nations grapple with COVID’s terrible toll and the desperate need for vaccines
The Delta variant has drastically altered the situation for the Pacific.
Compliance and Defiance: States React to New CDC Mask Guidelines
CDC’s reversal on mask recommendations led to more disagreement between Republican and Democratic politicians over masks and other pandemic-related public health precautions.
Almost all COVID-19 deaths in Washington state are among those not fully vaccinated.
At least 94% of COVID-19 cases, deaths, and hospitalizations in individuals 12 years or older from Washington state occurred in individuals who were not fully vaccinated.
Masks will be required for all K-12 students and staff in Washington state schools
Given the high mixing of vaccinated and unvaccinated people in schools and the fact that vaccines are not available to children younger than 12, universal masking will be required in all K-12 schools.
Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Experts explain the safety, evidence and clinical trials