‘No reliable evidence’ for most antidepressants in relief of long-term pain, review finds
By
Alicia Lasek
May 18, 2023
With the exception of duloxetine, there is not enough reliable evidence to support the use of most antidepressant medications in the relief of chronic pain, a new review and meta-analysis has shown.
At-home COVID-19 tests get a $70M boost as feds push to increase access
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 27, 2021
The Biden Administration is streamlining the process to bring new tests to market among other moves designed to increase testing supplies and access.
CDC says COVID-19 vaccine boosters not yet necessary, while Pfizer seeks approval for third dose
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 12, 2021
Fully vaccinated Americans do not need a COVID-19 booster shot at this time, according to federal health officials. But Pfizer has asked to offer a third dose of its current vaccine and is developing an...
Risk of respiratory infection nearly 6 times higher in people with insomnia
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 09, 2023
Chronic poor sleep is a risk factor for contracting influenza and other respiratory infections, and contributes to severity, a large study reveals.
High blood pressure plus COVID doubles risk of hospital stay: study
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Jul 25, 2022
Even after three COVID-19 vaccine doses, high blood pressure more than doubles the risk for hospitalization with an omicron variant infection, researchers report.
First biosimilar approved by FDA to treat common eye degeneration in elders
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 21, 2021
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a less expensive copy of the blockbuster drug Lucentis for treating age-related (wet) macular degeneration and several other eye conditions.
Strong clinical workforce protects against functional decline in nursing homes, review finds
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Jun 17, 2022
“Dramatic” yearly functional decline up to 51% among nursing home residents may be alleviated by a strong workforce and the onsite presence of geriatricians, a new study finds.
FDA panel recommends second J&J coronavirus vaccine dose for adult recipients
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 18, 2021
Independent experts have unanimously agreed that a full second dose of the drugmaker’s COVID-19 vaccine be offered to adults aged 18 years and older at least two months after receipt of the first...
Tuberculosis vaccine linked to 20 percent lower risk of Alzheimer’s in study
By
Alicia Lasek
May 21, 2023
An older tuberculosis vaccine also used as a cancer therapy has now been linked to a 20% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The oldest recipients appear to derive the most benefit,...
Survey: Over half of U.S. nurses attribute burnout to understaffing
By
Alicia Lasek
May 12, 2023
Respondents linked this issue to feelings of overwork, with 71% saying that understaffing is the key reason for poor mental health.