We can’t predict exactly what will happen when the flu arrives while COVID-19 still here; That makes it even more important to get a flu shot.
Hospitals, Nursing Homes Fail to Separate COVID Patients, Putting Others at Risk
Dozens of nursing homes and hospitals ignored official guidelines to separate COVID patients, as a result staff became infected and some died.
What’s in wildfire smoke, and why is it so bad for your lungs?
As smoke travels through the air, exposure sun and interactions with other chemicals in the atmosphere can make it more toxic.
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.
Wildfire smoke prompts closure of Seattle parks
Wildfire smoke making air quality “unhealthy” to “unhealthy for sensitive groups” is expected to remain in the area through the early next week.
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.
How to keep indoor air clean on smoky days
Children, adults sixty-five and older, pregnant people and people with lung or heart conditions are particularly vulnerable to smoke from wildfires.
Halting the Oxford vaccine trial doesn’t mean it’s not safe
The pause in the trials doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not safe. Rather, it indicates the testing is progressing as it should, with due consideration of safety.