Pink Eye News and Research

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Medical debt is making Americans angry. Doctors and hospitals ignore this at their peril.

For Emily Boller, it was a $5,000 hospital bill for a simple case of pink eye that took four years to pay off. For Mary Curley, it was the threatening collection letters from a lab that arrived more than 2½ years later, just as her husband lost his job and the family was fighting to save their home.

21 Jul 2023

Tracking SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant XBB1.16

The World Health Organization recently named the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant XBB1.16 a variant of interest to encourage tracking of this genetic variant of the pandemic coronavirus.

28 Apr 2023

CDC issues health alert about children identified with hepatitis and adenovirus infection

CDC today issued a nationwide health alert to notify clinicians and public health authorities about a cluster of children identified with hepatitis and adenovirus infection – and to ask all physicians to be on the lookout for symptoms and to report any suspected cases of hepatitis of unknown origin to their local and state health departments.

26 Apr 2022

Mosquito protein study could lead to therapeutics against deadly viruses

The mosquito protein AEG12 strongly inhibits the family of viruses that cause yellow fever, dengue, West Nile, and Zika and weakly inhibits coronaviruses, according to scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and their collaborators.

10 Mar 2021

FDA issues EUA for third COVID-19 vaccine

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the third vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

1 Mar 2021

MRI scans reveal major abnormalities in the eyes of people with severe COVID-19

Researchers using MRI have found significant abnormalities in the eyes of some people with severe COVID-19, according to a study published in the journal Radiology.

16 Feb 2021

Researchers hope to develop an effective COVID-19 vaccine using bovine adenovirus

A researcher in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences is part of a team of scientists working to develop a unique COVID-19 vaccine that uses a bovine adenovirus as a safe and effective delivery vehicle.

7 Oct 2020

Conjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis can be possible primary symptoms of COVID-19

A case of pink eye is now reason to be tested for COVID-19, according to University of Alberta researchers.

18 Jun 2020

New textile coating prevents viruses from adhering to the surface

Masks, gowns, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential for protecting healthcare workers. However, the textiles and materials used in such items can absorb and carry viruses and bacteria, inadvertently spreading the disease the wearer sought to contain.

14 May 2020

Coronavirus unlikely to spread through tears

While researchers are certain that coronavirus spreads through mucus and droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing, it is unclear if the virus is spread through other bodily fluids, such as tears.

25 Mar 2020

AAO highlights dangers of wearing illegal costume contact lenses

Spooky contact lenses can complete your Halloween costume. But beware of the dangers of illegal costume contact lenses lurking on store shelves and invading online retailers.

25 Oct 2019

UNC Health Care extends free access to virtual care service in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence

In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence and continued challenging conditions across much of the state, UNC Health Care has extended its offer of free access to its virtual care service, UNC Urgent Care 24/7

18 Sep 2018

Immunization shots effective at preventing measles

High fever. Cough. Runny nose. Red, watery eyes. It may not be the flu. It could be measles.

30 Aug 2018

The storm has passed, but Puerto Rico’s health faces prolonged recovery

As President Donald Trump signals impatience to wind down emergency aid to Puerto Rico, the challenges wrought by Hurricane Maria to the health of Puerto Ricans and the island's fragile health system are in many ways just beginning.

16 Oct 2017

Study opens the lid on overprescribing of antibiotics for acute conjunctivitis

A new study suggests that most people with acute conjunctivitis, or pinkeye, are getting the wrong treatment.

29 Jun 2017

Expert explains why onions bring tears to your eyes

According to the National Onion Association (yes, that's a thing), approximately 170 countries grow onions, and it's estimated that 9.2 million acres of onions are harvested annually around the world.

21 Jun 2017

Most people with acute conjunctivitis get wrong treatment, study suggests

A new study suggests that most people with acute conjunctivitis, or pink eye, are getting the wrong treatment. About 60 percent of patients are prescribed antibiotic eyedrops, even though antibiotics are rarely necessary to treat this common eye infection.

19 Jun 2017

Environmental contaminants contributing to increase in bacterial resistance

While the rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has prompted the medical community, non-profit organizations, public health officials and the national media to educate the public to the dangers of misusing and overusing antibiotics, the University of Georgia's J. Vaun McArthur is concerned that there's more to the problem than the misuse of common medications.

24 Dec 2015

Significant divide can exist between patients and physicians about same medical terms

Few things are more stressful than dealing with a sick child. From discussing treatment with a pediatrician to complying with day care policies, a parent must consider many factors when making a decision about their child's health. Now, a recent study from the University of Missouri and the University of Michigan is shedding light on the significant divide that can exist between patients and physicians about the same terminology--especially when it comes to discussing "pink eye," a particular flashpoint in childcare.

25 Aug 2015