PUBLIC HEALTH

Aug 30 2025HEALTH

CVS Changes COVID-19 Vaccine Rules: What You Need to Know

CVS has introduced a new rule for COVID-19 vaccines in 14 states, including New York. Now, you need a prescription to get the updated shot. This change comes as the federal health officials have stopped recommending the vaccine for everyone over 6 months old. The updated COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by the FDA for people who are 65 and older or have certain ...

reading time about 1 minute
Aug 29 2025HEALTH

U. S. Vaccine Policy Shifts: What You Need to Know

The U. S. recently updated its coronavirus vaccine guidelines. Now, only those at high risk or over 65 can get the shots. This change brings the U. S. more in line with other countries. But it's not all smooth sailing. The new rules have caused some confusion. People are unsure who exactly can get vaccinated now. This is not good. Clear communication is key during a...

reading time less than a minute
Aug 28 2025HEALTH

Oyster Alert: Deadly Bacteria on the Rise in Louisiana

In Louisiana, a dangerous bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus is causing serious trouble. This year alone, six people have died, and 34 others have gotten sick from it. The bacteria loves warm, brackish water and can make people very ill if they eat contaminated shellfish or swim with open wounds. The latest victims were two people who ate oysters infected with the ba...

reading time about 1 minute
Aug 27 2025HEALTH

Summer COVID Surge: What's Happening and How to Stay Safe

COVID-19 might not be as scary as it once was, but it's still around and causing trouble, especially during the summer. This year, a new subvariant named XFG, also called "Stratus, " is making its way through California, causing a rise in cases. Experts say this isn't surprising because COVID tends to spike twice a year, once in the late fall or early winter and agai...

reading time about 1 minute
Aug 23 2025HEALTH

West Nile Virus: What's Happening in NYC?

New York City has seen its first human cases of West Nile virus in 2025. Two people from Queens have been affected, and the virus has also been found in blood donations from Brooklyn and Staten Island. However, these donors did not meet the criteria for a confirmed case. The virus is spread by mosquitoes, which are active in the city from May to October. It's been f...

reading time about 1 minute
Aug 20 2025HEALTH

Plague in California: What You Need to Know

Plague, a disease that might sound like something from history books, has made a recent appearance in California. A person in South Lake Tahoe has tested positive for this bacterial infection, likely after a flea bite during a camping trip. This isn't an isolated case either; just last month, someone in Arizona died from the plague. So, what's the deal with this dis...

reading time about 1 minute
Aug 20 2025HEALTH

Kids and COVID Shots: What's the Best Move?

There's a big debate going on about whether young kids should get COVID shots. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says yes, especially for kids between 6 months and 2 years old. They think these kids are more likely to get really sick from COVID. But not everyone agrees. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. , who's in charge of Health and Human Services, has a different opin...

reading time about 1 minute
Aug 12 2025HEALTH

CDC Workers Face Uncertain Future After Recent Shootings and Budget Cuts

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is going through a tough time. Workers are feeling the pressure from recent events, including a shooting and big budget cuts. Many employees who lost their jobs are back, but things are still uncertain. Projects are on hold, and people are worried about the future. The shooting at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta a...

reading time about 1 minute
Aug 06 2025HEALTH

Legionnaires' Disease: A Hidden Threat in NYC's Skyline

In the heart of New York City, a silent menace has taken hold. Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia, has recently struck Central Harlem. This outbreak has left 67 people ill and tragically claimed three lives. The culprit? Cooling towers, those towering structures perched on buildings, releasing mist to cool the city's interiors. These cooling towers, w...

reading time about 1 minute
Aug 05 2025HEALTH

Florida's Raw Milk Scare: What You Need to Know

In Florida, 21 people fell ill after consuming raw milk from a single farm. Among those affected, six were children under 10, and seven required hospitalization. Two individuals faced severe complications. The Florida Department of Health expressed concern over the farm's sanitation practices, linking them to the outbreak. Raw milk, which hasn't undergone pasteuriza...

reading time about 1 minute