Health

How Many COVID Deaths Will Chinese Protesters Accept?

Strict zero-COVID policies have kept disease from spreading, but at enormous social cost. How far should they be rolled back?

Expiration Dates Are Meaningless

“When in doubt, throw it out” doesn’t cut it anymore.

We Still Don’t Know What Fundamentally Causes Canker Sores

But it’s probably the immune system’s fault.

The Pandemic Broke the Flu ... Again

COVID knocked flu, RSV, and other respiratory diseases out of whack. When will they be back to normal?

Thanksgiving’s Most Underrated Food

All hail the sweet potato.

Inside the Mind of an Anti-Paxxer

Paxlovid can be a lifesaving treatment for COVID. Why do so many patients turn it down?

What Does It Mean to Care About COVID Anymore?

Mask smarter, not harder.

Do You Really Want to Read What Your Doctor Writes About You?

You’re now allowed to see everything physicians say about you in their notes. It’s complicated.

Doctors Are Failing Patients With Disabilities

Decades after the ADA passed, medical care still isn’t accessible.

Will We Get Omicron’d Again?

It’s been a year since Omicron changed everything. Experts say a repeat is unlikely, but not impossible.

What a ‘Tripledemic’ Means for Your Body

How many times will I get sick this winter?

Annual COVID Shots Mean We Can Stop Counting

For most Americans, “how many” doesn’t matter anymore. “How recently” does.

Rejoice in the End of Daylight Saving Time

It’s the most wonderful day of the year!

Why Does Chronic Pain Hurt So Much?

When doctors ran out of answers for me, I looked to philosophy instead.

The Worst Pediatric-Care Crisis in Decades

An early, massive wave of RSV, flu, and other viral infections is slamming kids and overcrowding emergency departments.

A Pandemic Silver Lining in Senegal

Oxygen was a crucial COVID treatment. Now it’s helping treat children with pneumonia.

The End of Evusheld

If you’re immunocompromised, this … isn’t great.

We Could All Learn a Thing or Two From Fans of Lousy Sports Teams

The Washington Wizards bring me endless pain. So why do I keep rooting for them?

It’s a Bad Time to Be a Booster Slacker

Americans aren’t getting the new bivalent COVID shot. What does that mean for the looming winter wave?

The Pet-Name Trend Humans Can’t Resist

Why would anyone name their dog Kyle?