covid-19

PCR tests are considered to be the gold standard for detecting coronavirus infections. They are able to detect even the smallest amounts of the coronavirus genetic material in a specimen. Even though this sensitivity can be advantageous for detecting coronavirus after recent exposure, it also means…

Fast-food workers, grocery clerks, teacher, and people from many other jobs have been under pressure to work despite feeling sick or testing positive for Covid-19. Two-thirds of service workers surveyed said they did not stay home from work when they were feeling sick. During this pandemic, many…

Patients hospitalized with Covid-19 had lower ICU admission, ventilator use, and death during the Omicron variant period compared to the Delta period between July to October 2021 and the first winter surge from December 2020 to February 2021. Severity of disease was also lower because of higher…

In addition to the free COVID tests available to order across the United States, free N-95 masks are now available. The initiative is part of President Biden's plan to distribute 400 million free N95 masks from the Strategic National Stockpile through pharmacies and community health centers.…

With that last 22 months understandably focusing on COVID-19, many people have pushed precautions against the flu, specifically getting their flu vaccine, to the back burner. Some doctors attribute this to vaccine fatigue, with all the push and news about COVID vaccines. Even when people tried to…

Despite allowing a  vaccination requirement for all healthcare workers that work where federal money is received, the Supreme Court did not pass a ruling that would mandate vaccination or testing for big companies. Those who voted against the employee mandate said that it would infringe on the…

Despite increases in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, it appears the Omicron surge is beginning to slow down in California. Cases throughout the state are down compared to the averages from last week. Los Angeles county has gone from averaging 42,000 cases a day last week to 38,000 cases a day…

At the recent World Economic Forum’s Davos Agenda, Dr. Fauci made some comments on the future of COVID-19. He said no one knows how exactly things will play out, but considering smallpox is the only disease humans have completely eradicated, he is confident COVID-19 will not be the next. Dr. Fauci…

Beginning January 19, Americans will be able to request free COVID-19 tests through the US government's new website, covidtests.gov. Ordered tests are scheduled for delivery within seven to twelve days. There will initially be a maximum of four tests per residential household. The White House will…

Using a mass spectrometry-based screening technique developed in van Breemen's laboratory, van Breemen and colleagues, including scientists from Oregon Health & Science University, discovered two cannabinoid acids that bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, preventing the virus from infecting…

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The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors plans to investigate COVID-19 testing sites, following residents' concerns about fake testing sites. People have reported not receiving test results within the promised time frame or not receiving their results at all. There are also concerns about…

President Joe Biden announced that his administration would make "high-quality masks" to all Americans for free. Recently, experts have been advising the use of N95 and KN95 instead of cloth or surgical masks, previously recommended for the public. Biden also stated that the administration plans to…

Back in May of 2020, cloth masks were recommended as it blocked 90% of droplets. With the new Omicron variant, this statement is being challenged. On Monday, the United States hit a new record of 1.35 million new infections in a day. N95 masks were disliked by the public, as many stated it was…