CDC Reports Highest Flu Hospitalization Rate in Over a Decade
The 2024–25 influenza season was the most severe in over a decade, with the highest recorded flu hospitalization rate in the U.S., according to CDC’s Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network. Preliminary data show that 89% of hospitalized patients had underlying conditions, 17% required ICU admission, and 3% died—figures consistent with past seasons.
Vaccination and timely antiviral tre…
The End of the Word “Misinformation”?
NewsGuard, a platform that evaluates the reliability of news sources, is retiring the terms “misinformation” and “disinformation” in favor of more specific labels such as “false claim.” The organization argues these words have become politicized and less effective, echoing the decline of “fake news.”
For public health communicators, this shift highlights the importance of language in shaping…
New Blood Test Detects HPV-Associated Head and Neck Cancer 10 Years Early
A new federally funded study demonstrates that a liquid biopsy called HPV-DeepSeek can detect HPV-associated head and neck cancers up to 10 years before symptoms appear. HPV causes roughly 70% of these cancers in the U.S., yet no screening test previously existed. Using whole-genome sequencing and machine learning, HPV-DeepSeek identifies microscopic fragments of HPV DNA in the blood with high…
FDA Seeks to Abandon Expert Reviews of New Drugs
Under the Trump administration, FDA leaders signaled plans to reduce the use of outside advisory committees for reviewing individual drug applications, a decades-old practice intended to provide expert input and public transparency. FDA officials argue that these meetings are redundant, citing the recent publication of “complete response letters” to companies as an alternative form of transpare…
CDC’s Flu Vaccination Recommendations Published
CDC has released its 2025–26 flu vaccination recommendations, urging everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated, ideally by the end of October, though efforts should continue while flu viruses circulate. Updates include FDA approval of FluMist for self- or caregiver administration and expanded use of Flublok for ages 9 and up.
ACIP advises single-dose, thimerosal-free formulations for chil…
Chagas Disease, or Deadly "Kissing Bug" Disease, has Spread in the U.S
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi parasites transmitted by triatomine “kissing bugs,” is increasingly recognized as a potential public health concern in the United States. The CDC reports locally acquired human cases in eight states, including Texas, California, and Arizona, with the insect found in 32 states.
Infection can occur when bug feces enter the body through bites or mucous…
For Some, Medicare Isn't Covering the Updated Covid Vaccine Yet
Some older adults on Medicare are reporting difficulties accessing the updated Covid vaccine, with some being asked to pay out of pocket despite federal assurances of coverage. While HHS has stated that most Americans should be able to receive the vaccine at no cost, delays in pharmacy systems and payer updates are creating confusion for patients and providers.
Public health communicators sho…