Infectious diseases Archive

Diseases & Conditions

Why won't some health care workers get vaccinated?

Updated February 17, 2021

COVID-19 vaccination rates among health care workers in nursing homes and long-term care facilities have been lower than expected. Is this an information problem or does it stem from other issues –– and what can be done?

Good news: Deaths due to HIV are way down

Updated December 18, 2020

A new study cites a remarkable decline in deaths due to HIV infection, and dramatically fewer new cases of HIV infection in the US over the past decade. But there is still a long way to go before declaring victory over HIV/AIDS.

Diseases & Conditions

Pregnant and worried about the new coronavirus?

Updated November 6, 2020

If you are pregnant, naturally you have concerns about COVID-19 and its potential effects on you and your fetus or newborn. Although there is limited data on the new coronavirus and pregnancy, some questions can be answered.

Robert H. Shmerling, MD

It’s still true: Not all the news about COVID-19 is bad

Published November 4, 2020

We’re more than nine months into the COVID-19 pandemic, and continue to face new challenges every day. But there are still positive developments in the fight against the virus, which should be recognized.

Claire McCarthy, MD

Keeping your family safe this Thanksgiving

Published October 29, 2020

This year, the safest choice for celebrating Thanksgiving is to do so at home only with those you live with, yet some people are still going to want to gather. If you are considering celebrating with others, there are some things you can do to help limit COVID-related risks.

Promoting equity and community health in the COVID-19 pandemic

Published October 22, 2020

At one Boston health care system a range of initiatives aimed at improving health care equity were launched as the pandemic swept forward last spring, taking a disproportionate toll on communities of color. Building on this could prove key as the virus resurges this winter.

Joseph R. Betancourt, MD, MPH

Communities of color devastated by COVID-19: Shifting the narrative

Published October 22, 2020

Communities of color, which have long struggled against health disparities, have been affected much more severely by the COVID-19 pandemic than white communities. Now is the time to take stock of misconceptions, mistrust, and missteps that helped fuel infection rates and devastating outcomes last spring.

Infectious diseases

Bracing for contact tracing

Updated October 22, 2020

As states reopen, contact tracing — locating and testing people known to have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 — will be an important tool to help contain further spread of illness. But how does it work, and what do you need to know about it?

Staying Healthy

Think your child has a penicillin allergy? Maybe not.

Updated August 16, 2020

Infectious diseases

Driving across the country in a pandemic

Updated June 23, 2020

Driving halfway across the country may not seem enticing these days, but at the moment traveling by car is arguably safer than traveling by plane. If you're considering a road trip, some planning will make things easier — and safer.

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