What’s Up With the Latest COVID‑19 Findings?
Short & sweet: These headlines spotlight research still on the run‑way—no peer‑review stamp yet, and still begging for a second look.
Main Take‑aways
- Uncertain evidence – Claims that need extra scientists to double‑check.
- No official “green light” – Peer‑reviewed approval is still on the horizon.
Why the back‑seat caution?
When studies tiptoe between promising and speculative, the scientific community says, “Hold up, let’s test it again.” That’s the essence of progress—safety first, curiosity second.
What to keep an eye on
Keep watching for:
- Follow‑up trials that solidify the data.
- Official publications that withstand the rigorous peer‑review process.
Until then, stay skeptical, stay curious, and—most importantly—stay safe.
Blood thickness linked with death risk in severe Covid-19
COVID‑19, Blood Thicker Than Gravy, and a Higher Death Risk
Turns out, the more “thick” your blood is, the less likely you’re going to survive a COVID hospital stay. A recent study from six New York hospitals in the last 18 months shows folks with higher blood viscosity—think of it as blood that’s gasping to move in tiny vessels—had mortality rates 38 % to 60 % higher than patients with thinner blood.
Why Thicker Blood is a Bad Idea
When inflammation from COVID swells the body, the blood can get all gelatinous and sluggish. This makes it harder for oxygen‑laden plasma to squeeze through capillaries and ramps up the chance of clots. Those clots can clog arteries and damage vessel linings—exactly the kind of complications doctors want to avoid.
Key Findings at a Glance
- 5,621 COVID patients studied between Feb 2020 and Nov 2021.
- High‑viscosity patients: 38 %–60 % higher death rates versus low‑viscosity peers.
- Blood thickness measured easily with routine lab tests.
- Researchers call for further work on whether blood‑thinning meds could help.
What Dr. Robert Rosenson Has to Say
“We need to check blood viscosity early in the hospital stay,” Dr. Rosenson raved. “It’s a quick, routine lab draw that can point us toward patients at higher risk.”
Next Steps for Doctors and Patients
With this evidence in hand, the medical community is urging:
- Add blood viscosity tests as a standard part of COVID care.
- Explore anticoagulants or other measures to thin the blood.
- Conduct larger studies to confirm whether lowering viscosity actually saves lives.
In short, if you’re caught in a COVID hospital bed, ask your docs about a blood viscosity check. A lighter, smoother flow might just be the difference between a full recovery and a tragic outcome.
Few excess effects of Covid-19 booster, flu shot together
Flu Shots + COVID‑Boosters: A Slightly Snaggy Combo
Good news for your health‑routine, science’s latest gossip reveals that getting your yearly flu jab at the same time as the COVID‑mRNA booster is almost just as safe as sticking to the single-shot schedule. The only catch? You might feel a smidge more uncomfortable, like a mild “after‑party” hangover.
What the study did
- Tracked 981,099 U.S. youngsters & adults during September‑October 2021.
- Checked who received the COVID booster alone versus who got a flu shot too.
- Measured “systemic” reactions—fatigue, headache, muscle aches—within the weekly follow‑up.
Head‑butt stats
Those who took the flu shot + Pfizer booster reported an 8% bump in side‑effects, while those with the flu shot + Moderna booster saw an 11% rise, compared to the COVID‑booster-only group.
In plain English: and yes, you’re almost as safe. The extra side‑effects are modest—much like a slight, harmless bug in a new software update.
Doctors can say the word with confidence
Ultimately, the research backs Dr. A’s voice: “You can comfortably co‑administer the flu jab and COVID booster—there’s just a tiny uptick in side‑effects vs. the booster alone.” So, the next time you hit the clinic, bring your yearly flu shot and your booster, and enjoy them both without fretting—just sip a cold drink afterward if you need to.
Kids with vaccine allergies safely receive Pfizer shots
Kids Can Get the Pfizer Shot — Even If Their Body Raised a Red Flag
Scientists with a knack for sniffing out allergy risks just announced that most children who had a flare‑up after their first Pfizer mRNA COVID‑19 dose can safely take the second shot. Yep, even those bitten by the sneaky ingredients PEG (polyethylene glycol) and polysorbate.
Why This Matters
Allergists had already shown that adults could bump back for a 2nd dose after a reaction to the first one. Now, that safety net is getting a child‑friendly upgrade.
What the Study Showed
- Nine young patients with distinct allergic reactions—including three who nearly had life‑threatening anaphylaxis—went through a specialist clinic review.
- All nine eventually received the 2nd dose and reported minimal or no symptoms.
- One of those nine had a pre‑medication strategy to keep the reaction in check.
- Another small group of three kids with past PEG/polysorbate concerns didn’t flare up at all. They tolerated both shots without any allergic shout‑outs.
What Dr. Joel Brooks Says
“Any kid who might have experienced anaphylaxis right after vaccination should absolutely be assessed,” Dr. Brooks, the study’s lead scientist from Children’s National Hospital, reminds us. “We’re talking balancing the risks against the benefits. In this study, most of the initial kick‑backs didn’t really meet anaphylaxis standards, and the kiddos were fine for the follow‑up dose.”
The Bottom Line
If a child had a tough time after the first Pfizer dose—or has a history with PEG/polysorbate—don’t lose hope! With careful evaluation and, if needed, a little pre‑medication, the second shot can be a go‑ahead without the panic.
These findings give parents a reassuring check‑mark against the fear that a reaction could doom a child’s future vaccination. It’s a small, but mighty, step toward keeping every family safe from COVID‑19.
