Health

CDC reverse course again, says asymptomatic people should be tested

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reversed course again Friday, now recommending that people get tested if they come into contact with someone who has coronavirus, even if they are asymptomatic. 

During coronavirus vaccine development, medical groups urge FDA to 'maintain transparency'

Over 90 medical groups and organizations sent a letter urging FDA officials to remain transparent and maintain independent authority when giving approval to the COVID-19 vaccine candidates.  

Coronavirus therapeutics 'more complicated' than vaccine, expert says

Editors of a highly respected medical journal conducted an interview on Wednesday exploring the U.S. government’s Operation Warp Speed plan and its approach to COVID-19 countermeasures, including therapies.

Silver lining? Cases of infectious diseases plunge amid anti-COVID-19 measures

News/Canada/Toronto: Lockdowns and other tough measures implemented to fight the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a dramatic decline in other infectious illnesses such as influenza and sexually transmitted infections, public health data suggest.

Public Health Agency of Canada president resigns as COVID-19 cases spike

News/Politics: The president of the Public Health Agency of Canada is stepping down only 18 months into the job, leaving the federal agency tasked with coordinating the country’s COVID-19 response without a leader, CBC News has learned.

Coronavirus presents risk for about half of school employees, study finds

About half of school employees are at risk for contracting coronavirus, according to a recent study.

Adult obesity on rise in US, CDC says

New data released Wednesday show that adult obesity increased in the U.S. last year and racial and ethnic disparities persist, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

B.C. mom frustrated after waiting twice as long as expected for young son's COVID-19 test results

News/Canada/British Columbia: Anna Winter was told it would take 48 hours to find out if her four-year-old was sick. It took four days.

Coronavirus causing 'persistent fatigue' in more than half of recovered patients, study finds

As researchers work to understand both the short and longterm effects of the novel coronavirus, more than half of participants in a recent study who have recovered from COVID-19 are still experiencing “persistent fatigue” related to the disease. 

Case of rare mosquito-borne EEE virus suspected in Michigan

Michigan health officials this week reported a suspected human case of the dangerous mosquito-borne illness Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus. 

Canada's premiers push for $28B top-up to annual federal health care spending

News/Politics: Canada's premiers are demanding $28 billion in additional federal funding to cover their ballooning health care costs — a boost that would bring annual transfers to $70 billion.

Coronavirus outbreak hits naval shipyard in Maine

An outbreak of coronavirus in a Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is being investigated by the Maine Center for Disease Control.

Pharmacy COVID-19 testing on the way as Ontario sees highest daily count since early June

News/Canada/Toronto: The province has seen an upswing in its infection numbers since mid-August, largely in three public health units: Toronto, Peel and Ottawa.

Texas coronavirus patient, 70, undergoes double lung transplant

Texas surgeons performed a double lung transplant after the novel coronavirus damaged the lungs of a 70-year-old man.

Coronavirus: What's happening in Canada and around the world on Friday

News/Canada: Provinces say people are flouting provincial rules around gathering size limits, leading officials to crack down and impose new restrictions as COVID-19 infections climb across Canada. 

'That grin, that big heart': Remembering Terry Fox, the Marathon of Hope and one day in Thunder Bay

News/Canada/Thunder Bay: Bill Vigars, a close friend and confidante of Terry Fox, recalls the last days of the Marathon of Hope in Thunder Bay, Ont., and the inspiration it gave Canadians as a virtual version of the annual run is set to go ahead Sunday, 40 years later.

United Kingdom sees spike in coronavirus cases, second lockdown may be looming

Why doctors think you should get the flu shot this year — and soon

News/Health: As COVID-19 cases climb in many provinces, flu season is also on the horizon. Doctors say there’s more interest in the flu shot this year — and there should be. But they’re warning patients to get the shot sooner rather than later. Here's why.

Sorry to burst your COVID-19 'social bubble' but even small gatherings are getting riskier

News/Canada/Toronto: Whether you call it a social circle, household bubble or some other catchy term, it’s a concept being used across Canada to help people socialize safely. But with COVID-19 case counts rising, some warn the approach is getting riskier.

Why saliva testing for COVID-19 in Canada won't be a panacea for long lineups any time soon

News/Health: Canadians in several provinces face long lines for a swab to help diagnose COVID-19 as school and workplaces open. New testing technologies could help, but doctors say they won't be a silver bullet.