Laughing gas and childbirth: An option for patients looking for a middle ground

Doctors and patients around the world are likely familiar with using laughing gas during childbirth, but it’s largely gone under the radar here in the U.S. — until now.

Mississippi women's health clinic drops challenge of state's near-ban on abortions

The Mississippi abortion clinic that was at the center of the U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade has ended a lawsuit in which it was seeking to block the state from enforcing a law banning most abortions.

CDC endorses more traditional Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for adults

Health officials say U.S. adults who haven’t gotten any COVID-19 shots yet should consider a new option from Novavax.

75% of US teens aren’t getting recommended daily exercise, particularly females, study finds

Researchers suspected that the environment at school could play an important role in determining how comfortable students feel participating in school sports or other physical activities.

Fentanyl risk from $1 bill? Drug safety expert dispels myths about second-hand exposure

In a viral Facebook post, a Kentucky woman says she had to be hospitalized after picking up a dollar bill from the ground that she thinks was laced with the drug fentanyl.

White House updates response plan for infectious COVID variants; pushes boosters

“If you’re over 50 and you haven’t gotten the shot this year, you should go get a shot," said White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha. "It’s going to save your life.”

Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among US children continues to rise, study suggests

The study estimated that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among U.S. kids was 3.14% as of 2020. Meanwhile, there has been more awareness and a wider availability of services.

EU urges second COVID-19 boosters for people ages 60 to 79

The European Union said Monday it's “critical” that authorities in the 27-nation bloc consider giving second coronavirus booster shots as a new wave of the pandemic sweeps over the continent.

Beijing appears to retract vaccine mandate after pushback

The Chinese capital Beijing appears to have backed off a plan to launch a vaccine mandate for entry into certain public spaces after pushback from residents.

Beijing mandates COVID vaccines to enter some public spaces

The Chinese capital has issued a mandate requiring people to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination before they can enter some public spaces including gyms, museums and libraries, drawing concern from city residents.

Pharmacists can prescribe COVID treatment drug Paxlovid, FDA says

The FDA change will make thousands more pharmacies eligible to quickly prescribe and dispense the pill, which has been shown to curb the worst effects of COVID-19.

Parasitic worms found across US parks put kids, pet owners at risk

Eggs of the tiny worm, which are found in pets' fecal matter, have been widely detected in New York City public spaces, with evidence of significant levels of contamination in all five boroughs.

Texas Supreme Court blocks order that said clinics could continue abortions

The whiplash of Texas clinics turning away patients, rescheduling them, and now potentially canceling appointments again illustrates the confusion and scrambling taking place across the country since Roe was overturned.

Here's who should get vaccines for monkeypox

Reacting to a surprising and growing monkeypox outbreak, U.S. health officials on Tuesday expanded the group of people recommended to get vaccinated against the monkeypox virus.