Public Health

China's COVID-19 epidemic has 'basically' ended, but not completely over Health authorities in China said on Thursday the country's COVID-19 epidemic has "basically" ended, but it is not completely over as it found seven imported cases of the highly-transmissible XBB.1.5 variant since Jan. 8. Reuters Reuters

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COVID-19 vaccination may lower risks of heart attack, stroke if infected - UPI.com Researchers linked COVID-19 vaccination with fewer heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular issues among people who later got COVID-19. UPI

COVID-19 shot may protect a person from more than the virus alone, new research suggests.

COMMENTARY: Wear a respirator, not a cloth or surgical mask, to protect against respiratory viruses CIDRAP

Two recent publications conclude there are no differences between surgical masks and respirators for preventing person-to-person transmission of infectious respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. But these studies are deeply flawed.

Flu vaccine worked well in season that faded fast, CDC says Early estimates suggest the flu vaccine performed well in a U.S. winter flu season that has already dissipated. The vaccines were more than 40% effective in preventing adults from getting sick enough from the flu that they had to go to a doctor's office, clinic or hospital, health officials said during a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccines meeting Wednesday. Officials generally are pleased if a flu vaccine is 40% to 60% effective. YahooNews

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