The US is starting 2024 in its second-largest COVID surge ever, experts say A COVID wave is hitting the US in 2024, and it could be the the 2nd largest ever. COVID-19 mask mandates are returning. Know the symptoms, and take precautions. Yahoo News

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What kinds of schools fared the best and worst during the pandemic? HeyTutor looked at a 2023 NWEA report to determine how the pandemic affected test score outcomes for students by comparing 2019 and 2022 test scores. Natalie P. McNeal, Data Work By Wade Zhou AOL

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Fauci sits through first 7 hours of questioning with COVID select subcommittee Former chief White House medical adviser Anthony Fauci sat for a seven-hour closed-door meeting Monday, facing questions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and offering his expertise on preparing for … jchoi The Hill

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Care-seeking for heart-related illness fell amid pandemic—with long-term fallout likely Wavebreakmedia / iStock CIDRAP

Rates of long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (CVEs) fell after the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020 and remained lower over the next year among commercially insured New England patients seeking care, and the incidence of congestive heart failure (CHF) and angina (chest pain) remained lower than expected.

World is dangerously close to a global warming limit, new data shows | CNN The year 2023 had already been confirmed as the hottest on record, but new data shows an alarming rise in heating. Angela Dewan, Krystina Shveda, Lou Robinson CNN

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After winter holidays, respiratory virus activity continues to build across the US | CNN The first look at trends following most of the winter holidays shows that seasonal virus activity remains elevated and continues to rise across the United States, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As infections and hospitalizations mount, the CDC continues to emphasize the importance of vaccination — and the value of treatment to avoid severe disease. Deidre McPhillips CNN

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FDA approves first state request to import drugs from Canada | CNN Politics The Food and Drug Administration has approved Florida’s request to import certain drugs from Canada, marking the first time a state has been authorized to buy lower-cost medications in bulk from abroad. Tami Luhby CNN

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Why fears over a ‘tripledemic’ are surging Cases of three major respiratory viruses — the flu, COVID-19 and RSV — are surging in the U.S., pushing the country toward a feared “tripledemic” during its first post-pandemic respiratory viral se… colinmeyn The Hill

Cases of three major respiratory viruses — the flu, COVID-19 and RSV — are surging in the U.S., pushing the country toward a feared “tripledemic” during its first post-pandemic respiratory viral season. ...