Epidemiology
Do Childhood Colds Help the Body Respond to COVID?
A mechanism known as “original antigenic sin” protects some people from flu. Whether it helps immune reactions to coronaviruses is still unclear
Epidemiology125 articles archived since 1845
Epidemiology
This COVID Winter May Cause Fewer Deaths yet Still Bring a Surge
This year is unlikely to see as many severe cases as last year, but relaxed restrictions and a patchwork of vaccination could still mean trouble, experts warn
Epidemiology
Closest Known Relatives of Virus Behind COVID-19 Found in Laos
Studies of bats in China and Laos show southeast Asia is a hotspot for potentially dangerous viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2
Epidemiology
Even Mild Cases of COVID May Leave a Mark on the Brain
The new findings, although preliminary, are raising concerns about the potential long-term effects of COVID-19
Epidemiology
Humanitarians Push to Vaccinate in Conflict Zones
Pandemic ceasefires offer an opportunity to expand vaccination efforts, experts say. But negotiation is tricky
Epidemiology
Masks Are a Must-Have to Go Back to School during the Delta Variant Surge
Face coverings are essential to protecting children, keeping schools open and slowing the highly contagious coronavirus variant, experts say
Epidemiology
Why Do Variants Such as Delta Become Dominant?
Mutations that make a virus more transmissible are only part of the equation
Public Health
How the Delta Variant Spreads So Quickly
Viral load is roughly 1,000 times higher in people infected with the Delta variant than those infected with the original coronavirus strain, according to a study in China
Public Health
Flu Has Disappeared for More Than a Year
Mask wearing, social distancing and other steps to stop COVID-19 have also curtailed influenza
Public Health
COVID Risks at the Tokyo Olympics Aren’t Being Managed, Experts Say
Current prevention measures may not be enough to prevent an outbreak
Public Health
How Dangerous Is the Delta Variant, and Will It Cause a COVID Surge in the U.S.?
A new, more transmissible form of SARS-CoV-2 is rapidly spreading in the country and poses a threat to unvaccinated and partially vaccinated people
Public Health
Schools Can Open Safely during COVID, the Latest Evidence Shows
The risk of COVID transmission in schools is very low if precautions are taken
Public Health
Hidden Toll of COVID in Africa Threatens Global Pandemic Progress
Undercounting or ignoring cases of the disease on the continent could lead to new variants that might derail efforts to end the pandemic
Public Health
How the U.S. Pandemic Response Went Wrong—and What Went Right—during a Year of COVID
On the anniversary of this global disaster, we take a look back at some of the biggest mistakes, surprising successes and lingering questions
Medicine
Vaccines Need Not Completely Stop COVID Transmission to Curb the Pandemic
Lessons from other viruses show that even if vaccines don’t completely stop disease spread, they can still successfully contain it
Public Health
How to Minimize COVID Risk and Enjoy the Holidays
Experts suggest limiting travel and keeping Thanksgiving and other celebrations small and outdoors
Public Health
How Straight Talk Helped One State Control COVID
Nirav Shah directs Maine’s response, which is seeing impressive results despite risk factors
Public Health
How ‘Superspreading’ Events Drive Most COVID-19 Spread
As few as 10 percent of infected people may drive a whopping 80 percent of cases in specific types of situations
Public Health
How Coronavirus Spreads through the Air: What We Know So Far
The virus that causes COVID-19 can persist in aerosol form, some studies suggest. But the potential for transmission depends on many factors, including infectiousness, dose and ventilation...
Public Health
How a Warming Climate Could Affect the Spread of Diseases Similar to COVID-19
A hotter planet could change the relationship among infectious agents, their hosts and the human body’s defense mechanisms
