Author: Mike Woods

BeMedWise, COVID-19
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COVID-19: Omicron Variant and Beyond

This article originally appeared on BeMedWise. An up-to-date version can be found here. Omicron BA.1 has had a major impact on the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the multiple differences from the Delta variant, the Omicron variant has prolonged and intensified the pandemic, made COVID more difficult to treat, and reduced the effectiveness of currently available coronavirus vaccines and infections from previous variants to prevent further spreading and disease. A new Omicron variant, BA.2, has now entered the picture, although its impact on the epidemic is as yet unknown. The good news is that both Omicron variants are generally milder illnesses. […]

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Hand holding a COVID-19 vaccination record card against a blue background
COVID-19, Vaccinations
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Proof of COVID Vaccination – Where, When, and How

This article originally appeared on BeMedWise. An up-to-date version can be found here. On October 25th the White House issued a proclamation that will lift flight restrictions from certain countries and on November 8th replace it with a requirement that all non-resident passengers travelling to the United States present proof of vaccination before boarding the aircraft. Although children and adolescents less than 18 years old are exempt, they must provide proof of a negative COVID test within three days of travel if they cannot document COVID vaccination. This also includes United States citizens returning from another country. For United States citizens who wish to travel there […]

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COVID-19
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Rapid COVID Testing – An Effective Preventive Measure

This article originally appeared on BeMedWise. An up-to-date version can be found here.   Periodic screening for COVID infection is one of many proven ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately it is underutilized.   Although vaccine mandates have become part of many workplaces, there are still those who will not accept vaccination. Periodic COVID testing has become the alternate choice, although predominantly done using a test that takes at least 24 hours to get the results, during which time the person could potentially be spreading the virus. The typical testing interval is a week, although some companies such […]

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Health
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COVID in Children Is Not Insignificant

This article originally appeared on BeMedWise. An up-to-date version can be found here.   COVID-19 is not rare in children and adolescents. At time of writing, it has infected more than 7.3% (5,518,815) of the young people in the United States. Since even those with mild or asymptomatic disease can spread COVID to others, they are a source of infection for unprotected and vulnerable individuals.   Other than reducing the spread of COVID infections, there are many reasons why we need to commit to immunizing children and adolescents and utilizing other proven protective measures such as face masks, social distancing, […]

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COVID-19, Vaccinations
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COVID Vaccine Booster: Controversy or Necessary?

This article originally appeared on BeMedWise. An up-to-date version can be found here.   In the United States, the COVID vaccine is available to anyone over 12 years old for protection against severe COVID disease and death. Many have not taken advantage of this, either by not getting fully vaccinated or not getting vaccinated at all. Most of these people, aside from those who will be getting them due to vaccine mandates, are unlikely to get the vaccine any time soon.   In the meantime, Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson are still producing vaccines and more companies are working […]

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About Us

Welcome to the NeedyMeds Voice! We look forward to presenting you with timely, provocative pieces on healthcare reform, patient advocacy, medication and healthcare access, and other health-related news. Our goals are to educate, enlighten, and elucidate; together, we will try to make sense of the myriad and ongoing healthcare-related changes in the U.S. today.