COVID-19 cases are stable or declining across most U.S. states. The CDC reports 36 states show declining or likely declining infections. Only one state shows growth, while 10 states remain unchanged. In some U.S. states and territories, the data is still inconclusive.

Even with cases dropping, new COVID-19 treatments remain essential. Future surges or infectious new variants could still emerge. Researchers are actively seeking therapies to lower risks for patients.

A study from King’s College London tested inhaled heparin. Results showed lower risk of severe complications and reduced need for ventilation. The drug also showed promise for other respiratory infections

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When I had Valley Fever, I spent months facing misdiagnoses. At one point, I received intravenous antibiotics at an urgent care clinic. Because Valley Fever is a fungal infection, those antibiotics could not help. Misapplied treatments like this add to a larger crisis: antibiotic resistance.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued an alarming report on NDM-producing, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterioles (NDM-CREs). These are dangerous strains of bacteria that resist nearly all antibiotics. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, shows infections rose more than 460% between 2019 and 2023.

NDM-CRE infections can include pneumonia, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, and wound infections. They are extremely hard to treat and can be fatal. Detection is also difficult, since many clinical labs lack the tools to identify them.

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In October 2020, then 69-year-old Chicago resident Linda Tomcow tested positive for COVID-19. A chest X-ray later showed pneumonia after several weeks of illness. In May 2021, she began cognitive rehabilitation for ongoing symptoms. Doctors also found mild brain scarring caused by COVID-19.

The scarring was believed to be behind her severe brain fog symptoms. Tomcow sought help from many specialists, including a pulmonologist and neurologist. She also visited a neuropsychologist, psychiatrist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist.

Tomcow represents thousands who live with Long COVID brain fog. This broad term refers to lasting fatigue and cognitive difficulties. In one recent study, researchers used brain imaging to find a biomarker. The biomarker was connected to brain fog in Long COVID patients.

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Most people recognize the flu through familiar symptoms like fever and fatigue. Others rely on nasal swab tests to confirm infection with the influenza virus. But a third, unusual way of sensing the flu may soon arrive: tasting it.

Researchers recently developed a molecular sensor that produces a flavor when it detects influenza. The study, published in ACS Central Science, envisions the sensor embedded in gum or lozenges. This would allow people to screen for flu at home with a simple taste.

Such a tool could help reduce flu transmission by alerting people who might not realize they are contagious.

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In March 2020, then 14-year-old Kitty McFarland was living an active lifestyle. She spent her time dancing ballet, paddle boarding, running, and playing netball. That spring, Kitty contracted COVID-19. She developed a cough and fever, and at one point her mother recalls finding her frighteningly unresponsive.

Though her symptoms eased at first, Kitty’s health sharply declined a month later. Severe illness left her bedridden for eight months. She missed large portions of school, while doctors struggled to provide answers. Kitty describes living with Long COVID as being “on a roller coaster forever,” with constant, unpredictable ups and downs.

Kitty’s experience is far from unique. Recent research published in Lancet Infectious Diseases shows that children and teens are especially vulnerable. The study found that people under 21 are twice as likely to develop Long COVID after a second infection compared to their first. Many had assumed later infections would be milder, but the findings challenge that belief.

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