COVID Variant Myths: Debunking misconceptions about new coronavirus variants such as "BA.5" or "Ninja"

America may want the coronavirus pandemic to be over, but new numbers show the infection is far from done with us, thanks in part to new variants BA.5, otherwise known as "ninja" variant. But, what exactly do we know about them?

Georgia seeing spike in new COVID BA.5 variant cases across state

A new highly transmissible variant of COVID-19 has Georgia seeing a spike in new cases and positive tests not seen since the end of the omicron wave in February.

Arizona is most guilty of COVID-19 'panic buying,' study says

Researchers are revealing the top states guilty of COVID-19 “panic buying," and Arizona sits at the top of the list. We have how other states rank on the list, too!

Novavax COVID-19 vaccine: FDA authorizes new shot for adults

Novavax makes a more traditional type of shot than the three other COVID-19 vaccines available for use in the U.S. -- and one that’s already available in Europe and multiple other countries.

When should you get a a second COVID-19 booster shot?  One infectious disease doctor weighs in

Should you go ahead and get a second COVID-19 booster now, or wait until a newer, potentially more effective shot is available this fall or winter? We asked Emory infectious diseases physician Dr. Colleen Kelley to weigh in.

Fentanyl risk from $1 bill? Drug safety expert dispels myths about second-hand exposure

In a viral Facebook post, a Kentucky woman says she had to be hospitalized after picking up a dollar bill from the ground that she thinks was laced with the drug fentanyl.

Monkeypox in Georgia: CDC sees new spike in cases as virus spreads

The number of confirmed monkeypox cases in Georgia has more than tripled in over a week. The Peach State remains one the 10 states in the country with the most confirmed cases of infection.

White House updates response plan for infectious COVID variants; pushes boosters

“If you’re over 50 and you haven’t gotten the shot this year, you should go get a shot," said White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha. "It’s going to save your life.”

Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among US children continues to rise, study suggests

The study estimated that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among U.S. kids was 3.14% as of 2020. Meanwhile, there has been more awareness and a wider availability of services.

Line dancing offers Atlanta seniors an escape from pandemic isolation

No group may have been hit harder by the pandemic than seniors. The group at highest risk of dying of complications of the coronavirus, many have be sidelined at home, cut off from their social and support networks. But, at Oak Street Health in Decatur, Georgia, line dancing classes are helping seniors reconnect with each other and the world around them.

EU urges second COVID-19 boosters for people ages 60 to 79

The European Union said Monday it's “critical” that authorities in the 27-nation bloc consider giving second coronavirus booster shots as a new wave of the pandemic sweeps over the continent.

NYC COVID: Health department urges use of masks in public places and in crowds outdoors

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is recommending all New Yorkers wear masks in certain settings, again, in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.