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“Zero evidence that the flu shot prevents any hospitalizations or any deaths … If you get a flu shot you’re six times more likely to give the flu to somebody else”: HHS secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s lies and misinformation on everything from flu vaccines, diabetes, and autism. (New York Times)
And Kennedy has argued without evidence that Black people should have separate vaccination schedules, a Washington Post investigation found.
Meanwhile, Kennedy’s views on addiction medication won him support from his cousin Patrick. (STAT)
The American Public Health Association and other groups sued the Trump administration over its freeze on disbursement of federal grants and loans, including health-related grants. A federal judge stayed the freeze until Feb. 3. (Reuters via MSN, CNBC)
Amid confusion over the extent of the freeze, state Medicaid agencies were in chaos on Tuesday, reporting that their portals for drawing Medicaid funds were down; however, some had regained access by late afternoon. (The Hill)
The State Department specified that the Trump administration’s 90-day freeze on foreign aid will not include “life-saving humanitarian assistance” such as medical services, food, and shelter. (Reuters via MSN)
Have the Trump administration’s changes at federal health agencies affected you? Contact MedPage Today here to tell your story.
Coca-Cola is recalling some of its drinks in Europe, citing concerns over higher levels of chlorate. (BBC News)
What’s it like to purposely make yourself sick for a clinical trial? (New York Times)
Medicare’s plan to cover pricey GLP-1 drugs exclusively for weight management is getting lots of support. (Newsweek)
Heavy lifetime cannabis use is associated with lower brain activation during working memory tasks, researchers found. (JAMA Network Open)
The number of youth tobacco users is at its lowest in 25 years, but 2.25 million middle schoolers and high schoolers are still using tobacco, according to a report from the American Lung Association.
The good news: overall infant mortality rates are dropping. The bad news: sudden unexplained infant deaths may be increasing. (JAMA Pediatrics)
At least 40 Native Americans residing in sober living homes in the Phoenix area died — most of them from drug and alcohol addiction — as the state government fumbled its investigation into Medicaid fraud in the facilities. (ProPublica)
When should people take oseltamivir (Tamiflu) for the flu, if at all? Time looks into the question.
Outbreaks of gastrointestinal disease sickened almost 150 people on Princess and Viking cruise ships; the outbreak on the Princess ship was caused by norovirus while the cause of the Viking outbreak was unknown. (USA Today)
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