Category: Infectious Disease
4 Mask Myths That Put You at Risk
Get to the truth of the matter with these scientifically-backed facts from an infection prevention specialist.
COVID-19 activity declining in Washington state with the help of face coverings and distancing
The state is seeing decreases in both eastern and western Washington since the start of August. Whitman County, where cases are up, is a notable exception.
Immune response to coronavirus weaker in men and elderly, UW study finds
Our bodies appear to mount a vigorous immune response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, but that response is weaker in men and people over 60;
First confirmed cases of West Nile Virus reported in Washington
The Yakima County resident, a man in his 50’s, was hospitalized due to the infection. The Benton County resident, a man in his 60’s, was not hospitalized.
Anti-COVID-19 measures helping to tamp down other respiratory infections
While it is hard to quantify the exact effects of the COVID-19 mitigation efforts, reductions are almost certainly due to the COVID-19 control efforts.
Making Gyms Safer: Why the Virus Is Less Likely to Spread There Than in a Bar
At NW Fitness in Seattle, everything from a set of squats to a run on the treadmill requires a mask. Every other cardio machine is off-limits.
Preparing for the Worst, Health Agencies Mount Unprecedented Flu Shot Drives
Armed with 9 million free flu shots from the CDC and $140 million in additional flu vaccination funding, states are taking extraordinary steps to get people inoculated.
Most Americans Wary of Taking Any Vaccine Approved Before the Election
The public is deeply skeptical about any coronavirus vaccine approved before the November election–only 42% would be willing to get a vaccine in that scenario.
Learning Pods: Back to School Decisions During a Pandemic
With many schools opting for remote learning, pods are an agreement between families to have their kids come together in person to learn.
COVID-19 deaths in King County decline but remain high
Deaths due to COVID-19 in King County have slowed dramatically since the early peak in April. However, COVID-19 still ranks as the 6th leading cause of deaths
Dozens of U.S. Hospitals Poised to Defy FDA’s Directive on COVID Plasma
Instead of treating COVID-19 patients with plasma, hospitals want to conduct a gold-standard clinical trial to determine whether the treatment actually works.
Washington ranked #1 state for workers during pandemic
Oxfam America study ranks Washington best state — based on worker protections, healthcare and unemployment during COVID pandemic
Health Officials Worry Nation’s Not Ready for COVID-19 Vaccine
Health departments say they currently lack the staff, money and tools to educate people about vaccines and then to administer hundreds of millions of doses.
America Doesn’t Have a Coherent Strategy for Asymptomatic Testing. It Needs One.
The lack of consistent asymptomatic testing guidelines means that from state to state, county to county, a hodgepodge of strategies are being used.
Virus Imperils Health Care Safety Net
The safety net providers that take all patients regardless of ability to pay have sustained enormous financial losses during the COVID-19 crisis.