Health - Resources and discussion for everything health-related

Summary

The FDA has begun testing raw cow’s milk cheese for bird flu using PCR and viability tests.

This follows a December USDA order to collect raw milk samples. The FDA will examine 300 cheese samples aged at least 60 days to assess virus presence, with positive findings possibly leading to recalls or inspections.

Raw milk cheese, made from unpasteurized milk, is considered high-risk by the FDA, as pasteurization kills pathogens, including bird flu.

The U.S. has reported 66 human bird flu cases, mostly mild and linked to contact with infected animals.

Summary

Colorado has become the second state to legalize psychedelic therapy, allowing psilocybin to be used for treating PTSD and depression.

Tensions have arisen in conservative areas like Colorado Springs, where restrictions on "healing centers" have been passed despite objections from veterans advocating for the therapy.

Veterans argue it provides crucial mental health support, though concerns over FDA approval and potential risks persist.

Psilocybin therapy will be tightly regulated, with licensed facilitators overseeing treatments.

Advocates see it as a vital alternative for those unresponsive to traditional treatments.

Summary

Drugmakers plan to raise U.S. prices on over 250 branded medicines starting Jan. 1, 2025, including Pfizer's Paxlovid and Bristol Myers Squibb's cancer therapies.

Most hikes are under 10%, with a median increase of 4.5%, consistent with recent years. Companies like Merck are cutting prices on select drugs.

Critics highlight high U.S. drug costs, as new drugs launched in 2023 were priced 35% higher than in 2022.

Pfizer cited inflation and R&D costs for its adjustments, while Bristol Myers defended high prices for transformative cancer treatments. Additional price hikes are expected in January.

Summary

Lawmakers and physicians are targeting prior authorization reforms as frustrations with health insurance grow.

Prior authorization, initially designed to control costs, now delays even basic, low-cost treatments, with 24% of doctors reporting serious patient harm due to denials, according to the AMA.

Reforms have been introduced at state and federal levels, including rules to streamline processes.

Critics argue the system creates unnecessary administrative burdens, with providers facing confusing, inconsistent requirements.

Physicians claim insurers profit at the expense of patients, as delays persist for essential medications like asthma treatments.

Summary

ProPublica investigates health insurers’ reliance on controversial doctors to deny mental health treatment.

Highlighting Emily Dwyer’s case, it details United Healthcare’s rejection of coverage for her anorexia treatment, despite evidence she was gravely ill.

Courts have criticized insurers for “arbitrary and capricious” denials, with judges pointing to factual errors and dismissive reviews by company-hired psychiatrists.

While some families, like the Dwyers, fought back in court, most lack resources to challenge insurers.

Critics call for reforms as denials often worsen health outcomes and highlight systemic issues in mental health care access.

Summary

Norovirus cases are surging in the U.S., with 91 outbreaks reported in early December, up from 69 the previous week, according to the CDC.

Norovirus, the leading cause of foodborne illness, spreads easily through contaminated food, water, surfaces, or direct contact.

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, with most cases resolving in 1-3 days, though it causes 900 deaths and 100,000 hospitalizations annually, mostly among the elderly and young children.

Frequent handwashing and disinfecting surfaces are essential to prevent infection during its peak season from November to April.

Summary

H5N1 bird flu samples from a severely ill patient in Louisiana show mutations that could make the virus more transmissible to humans, the CDC reported.

The patient, over 65 with underlying health conditions, likely contracted the virus from backyard birds. Genetic analysis revealed mutations allowing the virus to potentially bind to human airway cells, though experts caution there is no evidence of person-to-person spread.

The CDC maintains that the public risk remains low but emphasizes the need for surveillance and preventive measures.

As human cases rise globally, experts warn of increased pandemic risk.

Summary

A Gallup poll shows 62% of Americans now believe it is the government’s responsibility to ensure health care access—the highest level in over a decade.

Support for government involvement has grown among Republicans (32%) and independents (65%), while 90% of Democrats agree.

Despite increased approval of the Affordable Care Act (54%), Republicans, led by Donald Trump, may target Medicaid and ACA spending to fund $4 trillion in tax cuts.

Trump has offered vague healthcare plans but has not provided detailed proposals to replace the ACA.

Summary

A new NORC poll reveals that most Americans blame both health insurance profits and coverage denials alongside the shooter for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

While 8 in 10 say the shooter holds the most responsibility, 7 in 10 also attribute blame to insurer practices, reflecting widespread frustration with the U.S. healthcare system.

Younger Americans especially view the incident as stemming from systemic issues, such as wealth inequality and denial tactics.

The poll highlights ongoing public dissatisfaction with insurers and the challenges many face in obtaining coverage.

Summary

The CDC identified rare mutations in the bird flu virus from the first severe U.S. human case, found in a Louisiana resident over 65 with severe respiratory illness.

The mutations, located in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene responsible for cell attachment, differ from those in local backyard flock samples and align with severe cases seen abroad.

The patient was infected with the D1.1 genotype, recently found in U.S. wild birds and poultry, not the B3.13 genotype seen in humans and livestock elsewhere.

The CDC states no person-to-person transmission occurred, and public risk remains low.

Summary

Researchers in Edmonton, Canada, are testing a “Noticing Nature Intervention” to boost mood during harsh winters.

Volunteers will spend two weeks observing natural elements in urban environments, like frosty trees or animal tracks, and record their feelings.

The study will measure changes in stress, anxiety, and happiness, comparing results with a control group.

Lead researcher Dr. Holli-Anne Passmore highlights winter’s overlooked beauty, such as hoarfrost and starry skies, as a source of mental refreshment.

Experts suggest small changes, like choosing tree-lined routes, to reconnect with nature.

Summary

Experts warn of a potential “silent” COVID surge in the U.S. during the holidays, driven by rising infections and low awareness following an unusually quiet fall.

Wastewater data from the CDC shows sharp increases in 21 states, with transmission fueled by mild or undetected cases at gatherings and travel.

Dominant variants, like XEC and KP.3.1.1, are highly transmissible but milder, though severe illness remains a risk for vulnerable groups.

Vaccination rates for the updated booster are low, with only 21% of adults immunized.

Summary

Starting Jan. 1, Medicare will cap annual out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $2,000, as mandated by the Inflation Reduction Act.

This cap, applying to Medicare Part D drugs, is expected to provide significant relief to millions, especially cancer patients, who often face unaffordable medication costs.

Previously, patients could spend over $7,000 annually before catastrophic coverage. Around 3.2 million enrollees are projected to save by 2025, with many seeing savings over $1,000.

While some argue $2,000 remains high, advocates see this as a critical step in easing financial burdens for retirees on fixed incomes.

Summary

Alcon Laboratories has voluntarily recalled one lot of Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF due to potential fungal contamination, the FDA announced.

The recall follows a customer report of foreign material, identified as fungal, in a sealed vial.

The affected lot (10101, expiring September 2025) was sold in 25-count single-use vials at Publix stores. The contamination could cause serious eye infections, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Customers are advised to stop using the product immediately and seek a refund or replacement.

Summary

The FDA escalated its recall of Costco’s Kirkland Signature organic, pasture-raised eggs to a Class I alert, indicating a serious risk of illness or death due to salmonella contamination.

The recall involves 10,800 cartons sold in 25 Costco stores across Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee since Nov. 22.

The affected products, sold in 24-count cartons with UPC 9661910680 and a use-by date of Jan. 5, 2025, should be returned for refunds.

Summary

The FDA has proposed phasing out oral phenylephrine, a common decongestant in cold medicines like Sudafed PE and DayQuil, after studies showed it is no more effective than a placebo.

The drug, ineffective when swallowed due to breakdown in the stomach, remains usable in nasal sprays.

Alternatives include pseudoephedrine, nasal sprays, and steroid treatments like Flonase.

The regulatory process to remove phenylephrine could take over a year, but experts argue removing ineffective options will help consumers choose better remedies for congestion. Drugmakers are expected to challenge the proposal.

Summary

Del Bigtree’s anti-vaccine nonprofit, the Informed Consent Action Network (ICAN), saw a 74% revenue increase in 2023, totaling $23 million, while spending $17 million on legal battles and advocacy.

ICAN's rise contrasts with a revenue decline for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Children’s Health Defense amid his presidential campaign.

ICAN funds legal actions targeting vaccine mandates and exemptions, producing anti-vaccine media like Bigtree’s show The HighWire.

Critics accuse ICAN of spreading misinformation and exploiting courts, while its funding sources and expenditures, including payments to controversial figures, have drawn scrutiny. Bigtree remains a prominent anti-vaccine figure.