COVID-19 caused 21% excess of respiratory infections last winter, analysis finds Adults aged 30 to 39 years had the highest cumulative incidence, with 208 infections per 100 people. CIDRAP

A new study based on German data shows that SARS-CoV-2 caused a 21% excess of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) during the winter of 2022-23. The study was published this week in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases and suggests COVID-19 will add a significant burden during cold and flu seasons. 

Only One Harm From mRNA COVID Vaccines, Report Determines Independent reviewers reject causal links to infertility, myocardial infarction, stroke Nicole Lou medpagetoday

Independent reviewers confirmed a causal relationship between the first mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and myocarditis, and also determined that, more broadly, intramuscular shots can cause a series of shoulder injuries.

Is smallpox still a threat?

Smallpox, a disease that killed an estimated 500 million people in the 20th century alone, is the only human disease to be eradicated. However, a new report, "Future State of Smallpox Medical Countermeasures," from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) argues that the U.S. and the global community should prepare for smallpox to make a return.

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Young nose cells may help children fight off Covid Lab tests show ageing adult nose cells contain 100 times more virus soon after an infection. BBC News

Children are less likely than adults to develop severe Covid, because cells in their nose are better at fighting off the virus, a study suggests.

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