Air pollution may boost risk of longer-term long-COVID symptoms, research suggests In California, one pregnant woman and her twins were sick, and both infants died. CIDRAP

Exposure to small- or fine-particle air pollution may predispose COVID-19 survivors to a longer duration of persistent symptoms by increasing the severity of the infection, among other contributing factors, finds a study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal).

Targeted texts boost COVID vaccine uptake, 2 trials show The authors establish that text messages sent with an ownership frame, "your [vaccine] is ready for you," were associated with higher vaccine uptake. CIDRAP

Two randomized control trials conducted in the Netherlands show text messages can increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake, especially if they are formulated with a message using ownership words, such as "your vaccine is ready."

Paxlovid cuts COVID hospitalization, death risk and speeds symptom relief, studies find Overall, the risk of developing 28 out of 36 long-COVID symptoms lessened when vaccines were effective. CIDRAP

New findings from two studies have tied use of the antiviral drug nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) to a reduction in COVID-19 hospitalizations and death, as well as to faster resolution of symptoms and less use of healthcare resources.

Benefit seen only in older patients

France raises bird flu risk to high as EU cases spread