Flu Cases are Surging and Rates Will Likely Get Worse, New CDC Data Shows
New CDC data show the U.S. flu season is off to an unusually fast and severe start, with hospitalizations rising sharply and millions already infected. The surge is being driven largely by a new influenza A(H3N2) subclade with lower population immunity, allowing the virus to spread quickly across multiple regions.
While the current flu vaccine may not be a perfect match, early data suggest it…
A State of Crisis’: record number of Americans are pessimistic about US healthcare system
A record share of Americans view the U.S. healthcare system as deeply troubled, with 23% describing it as “in a state of crisis” and nearly half citing major problems, according to new West Health–Gallup polling. Rising healthcare costs emerged as the most urgent concern, closely tied to worsening access and affordability.
Experts note that unpredictable expenses, an aging population, and inf…
Parents Who Delay Baby's First Vaccines Also Likely to Skip Measles Shots
A new study published in JAMA Network Open highlights a critical early indicator of childhood vaccination gaps: infants who miss or delay recommended vaccines in the first four months of life are significantly less likely to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine on schedule.
Analyzing records from more than 321,000 children with consistent access to care, researchers found dec…
In Public Health, Non-Governmental Actors Are Rising to Meet the Moment
As federal public health capacity faces workforce losses, funding constraints, and shifting priorities, non-governmental actors are increasingly stepping in to sustain essential public health functions. Health care systems, universities, community organizations, philanthropy, and businesses are playing expanded roles in areas such as data collection, evidence-based guidance, workforce training…
Tamiflu Isn’t the Only Flu Treatment Available
As flu activity increases nationwide, a recent article highlights that Tamiflu is not the only CDC-recommended antiviral available to treat influenza. Other options—Xofluza, Relenza, and Rapivab—offer different dosing, delivery methods, and age approvals, which may influence treatment decisions based on access, cost, and patient needs. Antivirals are most effective when started within two days…
The Little-Known Program Contributing to a Decline in Overdose Deaths in the US
Overdose deaths in the U.S. have declined unevenly since fall 2023, with states like West Virginia seeing notable reductions. One contributing factor gaining attention is crisis intervention training (CIT) for law enforcement, a program originally designed to help officers recognize and respond to mental health conditions.
CIT equips officers to identify substance use crises, engage empatheti…
American Academy of Pediatrics Sues RFK Jr. Over Funding Cuts
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has filed a lawsuit challenging the abrupt termination of nearly $12 million in federal grants by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The organization argues the funding cuts jeopardize long-standing public health initiatives unrelated to current policy disputes, including efforts to prevent sudden unexpected infant death, improve early ide…