What It Will Take to Get a Next-Generation COVID Vaccine

Nearly 4 years since the first messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccines were developed, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus is evolving more quickly than tailored boosters can be made ready and continues to kill hundreds of Americans every week. Scientists around the world have been trying to break new ground with the next generation of vaccines, but the unprecedented speed and collaboration with which those first mRNA shots were developed and made available to the public have not been replicated.

Coronavirus, COVID-19, Health, Long COVID, Medscape, ScienceS HoOctober 30, 2024Vaccines, Universal Vaccines, mRNA, Public Health, Pan-Coronavirus, saRNA, sa-mRNAComment

MDs' One-Word Summary of Long COVID Progress: 'Frustration'

Researchers and clinicians now have a greater understanding of what health agencies formally call post-COVID condition, but the wide spectrum of symptoms, slow progress in launching pharmacologic clinical trials, and the research toward understanding the underlying causes mean standardized diagnostic tests and definitive treatments remain elusive. This piece follows a doctor and his patient as they navigate the complexities and challenges around long COVID. Read the full story on Medscape.

For Some MDs, Long COVID Burnout Is a New Reality

Dhaval Desai is one of thousands of physicians across the United States who have experienced burnout and depression, exacerbated by the pandemic. After 4 years, the impact is still being felt. I spoke with Desai about his experiences, a journey he documented in his book, Burning Out on the Covid Front Lines. Read the full story here.

Long COVID Coverage

From reinfection risks to the leading hypotheses on the causes behind long COVID, learn more about this potentially debilitating condition in these stories written for WebMD.

Inside a Long COVID Clinic's Fight to Meet Crushing Patient Needs

Insufficient funding from state and federal health agencies towards long COVID has led to significant hurdles in patient care, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities, according to interviews and surveys with more than a dozen clinics, doctors, advocates, and patients. At the same time, a lack of training and education on long COVID within the broader medical community is also hurting patients. I explore these challenges through the experiences of one long COVID clinic at the University of Washington.

‘Snake Oil’ Fake Cures for Long COVID Leave Patients at Risk

From fad diets and vitamins to “blood washing” and stem cell therapy, long COVID patients are seeking out experimental therapies in a desperate bid to find hope and relief from debilitating symptoms. But doctors worry about the potential harm – both physical and financial – some of these unproven and overhyped treatments could cause.

Long COVID Could Cost the Economy Trillions, Experts Predict

Staffing challenges across multiple industries have been attributed in part to the "great resignation" and in part because so many infected workers were out, especially during the Omicron waves. But increasingly, economists and health care professionals alike worry about long COVID's impact on employers and the broader economy.

WebMD, Medscape, Health, Economy, COVID-19, Coronavirus, Business, U.S.S HoOctober 24, 2022Long COVID, COVID-19, U.S. Economy, Employment, Disability InsuranceComment