Global Health

COVID-19 reinfection ups risk of long COVID, new data show People who had 2 COVID infections were more than twice as likely to report long COVID as those with 1 infection, and the risk rose with more reinfections. CIDRAP

A new survey study reveals that people who had two COVID-19 infections were more than twice as likely—and those who had three or more COVID-19 infections were almost four times more likely—to report long COVID as those with one infection.

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New COVID Variant XEC Is Spreading in Europe. Here's What You Need to Know Experts say the variant might become dominant globally in the next few months. Fran Kritz Verywell Health

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Cognitive Impacts of COVID Equivalent to 20 Years of Brain Aging - Neuroscience News A new study reveals that 12-18 months after hospitalization for COVID-19, patients show significant cognitive decline comparable to 20 years of aging. Neuroscience News Neuroscience News

A new study reveals that 12-18 months after hospitalization for COVID-19, patients show significant cognitive decline comparable to 20 years of aging. MRI scans and blood tests also show brain injury markers and reduced brain volume in these patients. The findings suggest that COVID-19 has lasting effects on brain health, even in those without neurological complications.

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Why climate change means more blood shortages: Q&A with HHS’ Rachel Levine “The only way to solve this is more donations,” said HHS's Rachel Levine. Theresa Gaffney STAT

This summer, the American Red Cross declared an emergency blood shortage in the U.S. There’s a seasonal pattern to blood donations, which often dip over the summer and during the winter holidays. But experts also say that climate change disrupts the national blood supply, with extreme heat and worsening storms in certain regions keeping people away from blood banks.

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