Category Archives: News to use

Useful news for all to advance knowledge of the world and how it works

The pill could be sold in pharmacies without prescription – BBC News

Some contraceptive pills could be sold over the counter in the UK for the first time, the government has said.

It is asking the public for their views on whether two progestogen-only pills, also known as the “mini-pill”, should be available without prescription.

The move has been called “a landmark opportunity in women’s health” that would improve access to contraception.

But there are also concerns about how much the pills would cost and how they would be given out.

The public consultation, which is open until 5 March, concerns two pills: Lovima 75 microgram tablets and Hana 75 microgram tablets.

Source: The pill could be sold in pharmacies without prescription – BBC News

Avian Flu Diary: CDC HAN Advisory: XDR Salmonella Typhi Infections (typhoid fever) Among U.S. Residents Without International Travel

  • All travelers to Pakistan are at risk of getting XDR typhoid fever. Those who are visiting friends or relatives are at higher risk than are tourists and business travelers.
  • Travelers to South Asia, including Pakistan, should take precautions to protect themselves from typhoid fever, including getting a typhoid fever vaccination.
  • Travelers to these areas should also take extra care to follow safe food and water guidelines.

Source: Avian Flu Diary: CDC HAN Advisory: XDR Salmonella Typhi Infections Among U.S. Residents Without International Travel

Texas to get more than 400,000 first doses of COVID-19 vaccine for week of Feb. 15 | KXAN Austin

Texas is expected to receive 407,650 first doses of COVID-19 vaccine from the federal government next week, according to a release from the Texas Department of State Health Services Friday.

Source: Texas to get more than 400,000 first doses of COVID-19 vaccine for week of Feb. 15 | KXAN Austin

El Paso immigration advocacy groups prepare for ‘Remain in Mexico’ changes | KTSM 9 News

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Beginning next week, the Biden administration will begin processing 25,000 asylum seekers who’ve been waiting their claims out in Mexico under the Trump administration’s Migrant Protection Protocol, or the “Remain in Mexico” policy.

This change will allow those processed to wait out their court dates in the United States; however, it only applies to those currently in the program and not those who’ve had their cases terminated or already have deportation orders.

Local immigration advocacy groups are planning for that change as officials say about 300 migrants are expected to be processed per day. Melissa Lopez, the executive director of the Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services, said the community will play a pivotal role in the execution of the changes.

Source: El Paso immigration advocacy groups prepare for ‘Remain in Mexico’ changes | KTSM 9 News

Health minister eagerly awaits completion of field hospital in Western Jamaica

“I think it (field hospital) will be a very important addition to the COVID ward capacity that we need in the region. I looked at the numbers this (yesterday) morning on my way here, and as attested by the regional director, Errol Greene, we are under pressure in the region. There is 90 per cent (occupancy) or a little over 90 per cent of our COVID wards. It’s the highest it has been since we have had to deal with COVID in the region,” Dr Tufton cited.  “It is certainly higher than the national average of 85 per cent.  So Western Jamaica is under pressure. And at this rate, if we continue to see increases in numbers of COVID cases, you are likely to see increases of hospitalisation because the two are related and then from there you are likely to see greater burden on the public health system,” he added.

Source: Health minister eagerly awaits completion of field hospital in Western Jamaica