Study Finds Link Between COVID-19 and Autoimmunity
A population-based study conducted by researchers from the Republic of Korea found a significantly higher risk of developing autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus, Crohn’s disease, and alopecia, among individuals who had COVID-19, with risks particularly elevated for those with severe cases, Delta variant infections and those who were unvaccinated.
Nasal Swab May Predict Severity of COVID-19
New research suggests autoantibodies in the nasal cavity may predict the severity of COVID-19 disease.
FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Combo Flu and COVID Test Outside of Emergency Use
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the first over-the-counter combination COVID-19 and influenza test, the Healgen Rapid Check COVID-19/Flu A&B Antigen Test, outside of emergency use.
Updated COVID Vaccines Approved by FDA
FDA has approved and granted emergency use authorization for updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (2024-2025 formula) to include a monovalent (single) component that corresponds to the Omicron variant KP.2 strain of SARSCoV-2.
CDC Identifies New COVID Strain Known as XEC
A newly discovered COVID strain known as XEC continues to spread rapidly across multiple countries, including the U.S.
Nasal COVID-19 Vaccine Halts Transmission of SARS-CoV-2
A study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis indicates next-generation vaccines that target a virus’s points of entry — the nose and mouth — may be able to contain the spread of respiratory infections and prevent transmission.
COVID Vaccines: What’s Available Now and What’s in the Works?
Three top vaccine producers are making newer vaccines that not only protect against the newer sublineages of COVID-19, but that also protect against other respiratory viruses.
Nasal COVID-19 Vaccine Trial Opens
A Phase I clinical trial testing the safety of an experimental nasal vaccine, MPV/S-2P, that may provide enhanced breadth of protection against emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is now enrolling healthy adults at three sites in the United States.
HHS Awards $45 Million in Grants to Expand Access to Care for People with Long COVID
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced nine grant awards $1 million each for up to five years to support existing multidisciplinary Long COVID clinics across the country.
Fourth Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Increases Protection in Rheumatic Disease Patients
A new study suggests that patients receiving disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs should receive a fourth dose of the mRNA vaccine to protect against COVID-19.