logo
Two summer COVID strains – Nimbus and Stratus – less severe than earlier strains: doctor

Two summer COVID strains – Nimbus and Stratus – less severe than earlier strains: doctor

The Hill2 days ago
CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW) — While you are soaking up the summer sun, doctors say you can still get sick, including from two new COVID strains that are going around.
Dr. Paul Richardson at Conway Medical Center in Conway, South Carolina, told Nexstar's WBTW that even though the nimbus and stratus strains are now out there, he has not seen a major increase in COVID cases or hospitalizations so far this summer.
He also said the two new strains are less severe than earlier strains.
'If you look at the way a lot of viruses evolve, that's not uncommon,' he said. 'A lot of viruses evolve to be less virulent. They may be more contagious, but they're less virulent.'
The nimbus strain, which has been detected in several countries, had not been found to increase sickness or hospitalization rates, the World Health Organization said last month.
The symptoms, however, may still be bothersome. Dr. Richardson told WBTW that most recent COVID patients come in with symptoms very similar to an upper respiratory tract infection.
'I read about, 'Oh, you've been having a lot of sore throats,'' he said. 'I think one of them has even had the nickname 'razor blade throat,' or something of that nature. But if you think about that, a lot of upper respiratory infections do that same thing.'
Dr. Richardson said most people will not need another COVID booster because of these strains. However, he recommends talking to your doctor, especially if you are immunocompromised.
'With any infection, I worry about patients who are susceptible to worsening,' he said. 'You think about the elderly. You think about people with chronic lung disease, any type of immune issues, and cancers.'
Even with summer holidays and mass gatherings, Dr. Richardson said he is not concerned about the spread of the two new strains. He does not believe wearing a mask will stop the spread, but many events being outdoors should help with that.
Healthcare facilities like doctors' offices and hospitals cannot test for specific COVID strains; labs are typically tasked with that work. However, that will not affect treatment.
'We would just know positive or negative for COVID,' Richardson explained. 'We will treat absolutely the same, regardless of what type, whether it be nimbus or stratus or whatever the next one is.'
Dr. Richardson told us the best protection against viruses is washing your hands frequently.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

How to Check Your Soil for Toxic Contamination After a Wildfire
How to Check Your Soil for Toxic Contamination After a Wildfire

Los Angeles Times

time4 hours ago

  • Los Angeles Times

How to Check Your Soil for Toxic Contamination After a Wildfire

Wildfire survivors across Los Angeles County are discovering that the most dangerous consequence from a wildfire isn't always visible. Lead, arsenic, and other toxic metals could be hiding deep in their soil, contaminating gardens and making the homes and yards they are rushing to rebuild and play in unsafe. Lead poisoning can lead to damage to the brain and nervous system, as well as digestive, reproductive, and cardiovascular issues, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Arsenic exposure can cause skin lesions, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, and has also been linked to effects on childhood brain development and neurotoxicity, according to the World Health Organization. Tests conducted after the Eaton and Palisades fires have revealed high levels of both toxic metals in soil surrounding homes, schools, and parks in areas that didn't burn. Recent data from Los Angeles County and the Pasadena Unified School District show that up to 80% of soil samples from homes downwind of the Eaton Fire exceeded California's lead safety limit of 80 mg/kg, and nearly half of Pasadena school campuses tested above state safety levels for lead or arsenic, with some samples showing arsenic levels nearly eight times the local reference. Federal cleanup crews skipped post-fire soil testing this year, angering local residents and elected officials who are putting pressure on the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to pay for testing. Several school officials and researchers stepped in to take action themselves, as children, gardeners, and construction workers are especially at risk for health problems from these toxic substances. If you live in a burn zone and are returning to your property, use this guide to understand soil testing and learn where you can get help. Testing is especially important on properties where children may have direct contact with soil, since lead exposure can cause serious long-term health problems for them. Consider soil testing if: Los Angeles County residents have a few options for getting their soil tested for toxins. LA County Eaton Fire Soil Testing Program Los Angeles County's Department of Public Health is funding free lead soil testing for homes and yards downwind of the Eaton Fire. Postcards were sent to about 26,000 eligible addresses. Verify your eligibility and sign up online to get more information. The samples will be analyzed by County‑contracted certified labs within 7–10 business days, and you should expect to receive results by email, including soil lead concentration (in mg/kg), along with clear interpretation guidance and next‑step recommendations. The program runs through December 2025, with potential extension based on demand and results. USC CLEAN Project Take advantage of testing done by USC's Clean Project by collecting a small soil sample of your soil using USC's detailed PDF guide. Register your sample online and drop it off or mail it to one of several local sites, including Altadena, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and the Palisades. Results are available in about one to three weeks and are mapped anonymously online. These tests are offered at no cost and screen for lead only. They do plan to expand and include other toxins such as PAHs and arsenic. Private/Certified Lab TestingIf you choose to do private testing, make sure any lab you use is accredited by California's Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP). You can find accredited labs by searching the California ELAP Certified Laboratories map. Private testing often costs several hundred dollars per site. It can also include a broader range of toxin tests tailored to your requests. Collecting samples from multiple areas of lawns, gardens, play areas gives a more complete sense of the risks you might face. For larger or high-use spaces, such as a school field, multiple composite samples may be needed. If lead is above 80 mg/kg or arsenic is above 12 mg/kg the soil is considered unsafe, especially for children. If your report shows soil toxins above state or county safety standards, here's what to do: For less severe contamination, alternatives to soil removal may include capping soil with new clean dirt, building raised beds, or using organic amendments that can help bind toxins and reduce exposure. Grow Real Organic and similar groups offer practical help for residents who want to restore their gardens safely and sustainably with some DIY practices. Their services include soil consultations, testing, and organic gardening classes focused on rebuilding soil health after fire. They will share recommendations for using compost, biochar, and plant-based remediation methods that can help stabilize or break down toxins while supporting long-term soil recovery. While some services may have costs, many nonprofit workshops and community classes are available across the region. If you're returning to a burned property or working in a neighborhood affected by wildfire, don't assume the soil is safe just because cleanup crews have moved on. Take advantage of the testing resources now available, ask questions, and reach out for expert help if you need it. Anyone who has developed breathing problems, suspects they ingested contaminated ash or wildfire smoke, or believes they may have come in contact with contaminated soil or ash, should undergo free blood testing for lead poisoning to prevent future health issues.

Degenerative Joint Disease DJD ICD 10: Complete Guide
Degenerative Joint Disease DJD ICD 10: Complete Guide

Time Business News

time5 hours ago

  • Time Business News

Degenerative Joint Disease DJD ICD 10: Complete Guide

Degenerative Joint Disease DJD ICD 10 (DJD), commonly referred to as osteoarthritis, is the most prevalent chronic joint condition, especially among the aging population. It leads to the progressive breakdown of cartilage in joints, causing pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. In healthcare documentation and billing, DJD is classified using the ICD-10 system, which provides a standardized way to code and track medical diagnoses across healthcare systems. This blog explains what DJD is, how it's categorized under ICD-10 codes, and what patients and healthcare providers need to know for proper diagnosis and documentation. DJD ICD 10 is a chronic condition characterized by the wearing away of cartilage—the flexible, protective tissue at the ends of bones in joints. As the cartilage deteriorates, bones begin to rub against each other, leading to: Joint pain and stiffness Swelling or inflammation Decreased range of motion Bone spurs Knees Hips Spine (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar) Hands and fingers The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) is a globally used coding system maintained by the World Health Organization (WHO) and adapted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the U.S. It allows for standardized documentation, billing, and statistical tracking of health conditions. Each ICD-10 code provides specific information about: The type of disease of disease The location of the disease of the disease The laterality (right, left, bilateral) (right, left, bilateral) The severity (if applicable) In ICD-10, Degenerative Joint Disease is primarily coded under M15–M19, depending on the location and nature of the arthritis. ICD-10 Code Description M15.0 Primary generalized osteoarthritis M15.4 Secondary multiple osteoarthritis M16.0 – M16.9 Osteoarthritis of the knee M17.0 – M17.9 Osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint (thumb base) M18.0 – M18.9 Osteoarthritis of first carpometacarpal joint (thumb base) M19.0 – M19.9 Other and unspecified osteoarthritis DJD of Right Knee: ICD-10 Code: M17.11 Description: Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right knee DJD of Bilateral Hips: ICD-10 Code: M16.0 Description: Primary osteoarthritis of the bilateral hips Generalized DJD: ICD-10 Code: M15.0 Description: Primary generalized osteoarthritis affecting multiple joints DJD of Lumbar Spine: ICD-10 Code: M47.816 Description: Spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy, lumbar region Healthcare providers use ICD-10 codes to: Document clinical diagnoses in patient records in patient records Facilitate insurance claims and reimbursement and reimbursement Track epidemiological data Coordinate treatment plans Accurate ICD-10 coding ensures that the severity and location of DJD are well-documented, helping improve care and billing compliance. To select the correct DJD ICD-10 code, the provider must: Specify the joint(s) affected affected Note the laterality (left, right, or bilateral) (left, right, or bilateral) Clarify if the DJD is primary, secondary, or post-traumatic Mention if there's an associated condition (e.g., spondylosis or joint deformity) Type Description ICD-10 Implication Primary DJD Age-related wear and tear with no known cause M15.0, M16.0, M17.0 Secondary DJD Result of another condition or injury (e.g., trauma, obesity, gout) M15.4, M19.x Aging Joint overuse or repetitive motion (e.g., athletes, laborers) Obesity Previous joint injuries or surgeries Genetics Poor posture or spinal alignment Understanding risk factors helps with prevention and early diagnosis, which can delay progression and improve quality of life. Patients often report: Aching pain that worsens with activity Morning stiffness lasting < 30 minutes Clicking or popping in the joint Swelling or warmth around the joint Limited range of motion In the spine, DJD may also lead to nerve compression, causing numbness or tingling in the arms or legs. Physicians use: X-rays : To detect bone spurs and cartilage loss : To detect bone spurs and cartilage loss MRI or CT scans : For detailed soft tissue views : For detailed soft tissue views Physical exams : To assess mobility and tenderness : To assess mobility and tenderness Patient history: Essential for understanding progression Once diagnosed, ICD-10 codes are selected based on findings and included in the patient's record and claims. Although there's no cure for DJD, many treatments can manage symptoms and improve function: Physical therapy Weight loss programs NSAIDs and pain relievers Joint injections (steroids or hyaluronic acid) Assistive devices (braces, canes) Joint replacement (hip/knee) Arthroscopy Osteotomy (bone realignment) The ICD-10 code remains relevant through all stages of care for tracking diagnosis, treatment progress, and outcome. DJD ICD 10 is a chronic, progressive disorder that affects millions globally. Whether you're a healthcare provider documenting a diagnosis or a patient trying to understand your condition, knowing the correct ICD-10 code is essential for treatment, communication, and insurance. From M15.0 (generalized osteoarthritis) to M17.11 (right knee OA), each code tells a story about the location, severity, and origin of the disease. Proper coding ensures better care, faster claims, and more accurate data collection, benefiting both patients and practitioners. ICD-10 DJD Range: M15–M19 M15–M19 Most Common Locations: Hips, knees, spine, hands Hips, knees, spine, hands Important ICD Codes: M15.0 (generalized) M17.0–M17.9 (knee) M16.0–M16.9 (hip) Primary vs. Secondary DJD: Age-related vs. trauma/disease-related TIME BUSINESS NEWS

Nursing home operator Genesis Healthcare files for bankruptcy
Nursing home operator Genesis Healthcare files for bankruptcy

Yahoo

time12 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Nursing home operator Genesis Healthcare files for bankruptcy

This story was originally published on Healthcare Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Healthcare Dive newsletter. Genesis Healthcare, one of the largest providers of skilled nursing facilities in the country, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protections on Wednesday. Pennsylvania-based Genesis, which operated about 175 skilled nursing facilities across 18 states at its filing, said it struggled with post-pandemic challenges, legacy liabilities and inadequate Medicaid reimbursement. Staff will retain their positions and the filing is not expected to impact patient care, a Genesis spokesperson told Healthcare Dive. Affiliates of Genesis' investor ReGen Healthcare, a private equity firm, have entered into a deal to acquire Genesis, according to bankruptcy court documents filed Thursday. ReGen's deal to acquire Genesis is a 'stalking horse bid,' which sets the floor price to buy Genesis in the event of an auction. The private equity firm has invested in Genesis before, when it was on the verge of filing for bankruptcy for the second time in 2021, according to court documents. The operator had filed for Chapter 11 before in 2000 and emerged from restructuring in 2001. ReGen's initial $50 million investment in 2021, paired with a lease restructuring agreement with Genesis' largest landlord, allowed the operator to 'narrowly' avoid a bankruptcy filing, according to court documents. The private equity firm continued to invest in Genesis, and its investment totaled about $100 million. However, liabilities related to past expansions, 'years of financial stress and deferred capital expenditures,' pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic and inadequate Medicaid reimbursement prompted Genesis to file for Chapter 11 protections again on Wednesday. 'All told, while ReGen's cumulative investment of approximately $100 million (over approximately two years) allowed the Company to avoid bankruptcy and provided a liquidity runway to a business struggling with legacy liabilities and other business challenges, it was unfortunately insufficient to allow the Company to fully transform its business model and achieve long-term viability,' Louis Robichaux IV, co-chief restructuring officer, wrote in court documents Thursday. In initial filings, Genesis said it has up to 25,000 creditors, with liabilities between $1 billion to $10 billion. Genesis has faced other financial challenges in the past, including a nearly $54 million fine in 2017 from the government to settle allegations it violated the False Claims Act for submitting 'medically unnecessary therapy and hospice services, and grossly substandard nursing care.' Genesis joins a growing number of notable bankruptcies this year. In January, health system Prospect Medical Holdings filed for Chapter 11 protections. Last year, both medical center operator CareMax and hospital operator Steward Health Care filed for bankruptcy. Although healthcare bankruptcies declined in 2024, the sector still notched the second-highest number of filings in the past six years. Recommended Reading Healthcare bankruptcies declined in 2024: report

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store