One variant that's now growing exponentially in the U.S., called BQ.1.1, is "very troublesome," according to Pei-Yong Shi, associate chief research officer and vice president for research innovation at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

Newer omicron COVID-19 subvariants such as BQ.1.1 and XBB.1 have accumulated additional spike mutations that impact the efficacy of available vaccines, according to a pre-print study published Thursday by University of Texas Medical Branch.

Any protection is better than no protection,” said Kenneth Plante, associate director of the World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

A mother’s diet can have health impacts not only on her immediate offspring, but also on the next generation, a mouse study suggests.

The University of Texas Medical Branch was preparing for an uptick in hospital admissions. “We will typically see an increased number of injuries during the event,” medical branch spokesperson Dizhi Marlow said. “We caution against drunk driving and to prepare for the weather and drive safe.”

“First, people should talk to their physician who should indicate whether chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation therapy will weaken their immune system,” wrote Drs. Megan Berman and Richard Rupp in the latest Vaccine Smarts column.

Feeding fish can be a relaxing and even meditative activity. Plus, it has other health benefits, wrote Dr. Samuel Mathis in his newspaper column.

“We need to further promote the health benefits of breastfeeding on the health of newborns and their mothers,” wrote Drs. Norbert Herzog and David Niesel in Medical Discovery News. “This a public health issue that would save the lives of women.”