When it comes to public health threats, you never know when a disaster will strike. The threats to public health are myriad—ranging from biological (as evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic) to environmental, and from manmade (such as the opioid epidemic) to natural disasters. Luckily, the U.S. has response teams in place to act quickly in times of great public health need. In the initial days following an environmental disaster, for instance, public health and preparedness teams often coordinate closely with disaster response teams to help ensure that public safety and health are not jeopardized.  A...

 The flu can be difficult on anyone—young or old. The current season has shown that it can pose a grave threat to children. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that as of February, pediatric flu deaths during the current season have reached 106. This figure represents the highest flu-related death rate among children since the start of the COVID pandemic.  This unfortunate milestone underscores the seriousness of the flu for people of all ages. It can also reinforce the importance of immunization, which can prevent infection and severe illness resulting from...

As of May 11, 2023, healthcare in the U.S. might feel different for many people. In the continuing battle against COVID-19, May 11 signals the end of the declaration of COVID as a national public health emergency (PHE).  The public health response to the pandemic gave many people in the U.S. a small taste of universal healthcare. Moving forward, Medicaid and Medicare recipients, people with insurance, and others who have relied on COVID vaccinations and boosters may wonder what the end of the PHE will mean.  Ending the PHE Declaration  Throughout most of the pandemic, Americans were able...

Women’s contributions have been incremental in shaping our medical and public health journey. To celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day on March 9, we can pay tribute to the women who have changed the face of medical science and healthcare. We can also use these observances to highlight today's pressing issues affecting women’s health and well-being.  Women’s Achievements in Medicine and Public Health  During Women’s History Month, it is fitting to celebrate the significant achievements of women who sparked advancements in physical, social, and emotional health. Here...

If you haven’t heard much about mpox (formerly known as the “Monkeypox” virus) recently, you’re not alone. A flurry of concern and worry had an uptick in early August of 2022 when the mpox outbreak was declared a public health emergency (PHE). However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) decided not to renew this PHE declaration when it expired at the end of January 2023.  So, is mpox in the rearview mirror, once and for all? Here’s what you need to know about the implications of removing the emergency declaration, the impact of mpox over the past six months, and how the...