Health

COVID Parenting Has Passed the Point of Absurdity

This was always unsustainable. Now it’s simply impossible.

It’s a Terrible Idea to Deny Medical Care to Unvaccinated People

Omicron is pushing hospitals to their limit, but the medical system still has an ethical responsibility to all patients—no matter the choices they make.

What America Lost by Delaying the Vaccine Rollout

In September 2020, regulators asked for extra safety data on the new mRNA vaccines. The human cost of that request is far from clear.

Omicron Is Making America’s Bad Jobs Even Worse

The latest wave of the pandemic is pushing service workers to the brink.

The Worst of the Omicron Wave Could Still Be Coming

A long descent from a peak in cases could exact a larger toll than even Omicron’s blistering ascent.

An Anti-overdose Drug Is Getting Stronger. Maybe That’s a Bad Thing?

Naloxone is an extraordinary, lifesaving medication. But at high doses, it can backfire.

Calling Omicron ‘Mild’ Is Wishful Thinking

We are far past the point of hoping that this variant will spare us.

COVID-Hospitalization Numbers Are as Bad as They Look

Many supposedly “incidental” infections aren’t really incidental, and cannot be dismissed.

Should Teen Boys Get Boosted?

Third shots for adolescent boys and young men were already a hard sell. Then came Omicron.

Omicron Is Forcing Us to Rethink Mild COVID

The staggering number of infections among the vaccinated is changing Americans’ pandemic mindset.

COVID Isolation Is a Lot Like … Muffin Baking

Stay with me.

You Can’t Simply Decide to Be a Different Person

Forming new habits isn’t impossible, but it’s much easier for some people than others.

Hospitals Are in Serious Trouble

Omicron is inundating a health-care system that was already buckling under the cumulative toll of every previous surge.

America’s COVID Rules Are a Dumpster Fire

If you’re confused by the CDC’s new isolation guidelines, you’re not the only one.

Do Your Genes Know What’s Making You Sick?

Testing for immune-system changes, rather than for the presence of a virus, could give an earlier indication of whether people are ill.

Should I Just Get Omicron Over With?

If you’re vaccinated, an infection might not make you super sick, but don’t count on it making you super immune, either.

Stop Wasting COVID Tests, People

With the surge in cases, tests should be reserved for those who need them most.

Our Relationship With COVID Vaccines Is Just Getting Started

We probably will need additional shots. But just how many depends on our immune systems, the virus, and how often they collide.

A Very Radical, Very Delicious Take on Risk Management

When times are dark, I lick the bowl.

Omicron Is Pushing America Into Soft Lockdown

Nobody wants to mandate business closures, but so many people are getting sick that businesses are closing anyway.