coronavirus coverage Archives

Social media sites, especially Facebook, were the top conduits for vaccine misinformation, according to a U.S. survey of health care workers who treated unvaccinated patients. The findings point to an 'urgent' misinformation problem. Photo Illustration by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Vaccine misinformation on social media is an ‘urgent’ problem

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals say that COVID-19 vaccine misinformation on social media channels is an “urgent” problem that may be negatively influencing people’s decisions to get inoculated, according to a survey by researchers from Northeastern and partner institutions.

by Peter Ramjug January 20, 2022

Omicron’s increased infectiousness and decreased severity among vaccinated and boosted people has led university officials to end wellness housing for students who test positive for COVID-19. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

COVID-19 is evolving. So is Northeastern’s approach to managing it.

As the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has evolved, so too has Northeastern University’s management of it. Most recently, the university has moved to phase out its wellness housing for most students who test positive for COVID-19.

by Molly Callahan January 19, 2022

Only 21% of people wore a high-quality mask such as the N95, according to a U.S. survey by Northeastern and other partner institutions. Cloth masks, gaiters, bandanas, and surgical masks remain the top choice of most people. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

N95, bandana, or something in between: Which masks are the most popular?

Masks remain a vital tool in limiting the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Researchers from Northeastern and several partner institutions looked into which face masks are most preferred.

by Peter Ramjug January 19, 2022

Photo by Ruby Wallau/Northeastern University

Has omicron peaked? An unexpected source offers clues.

COVID-19 cases remain high. But an alternative metric for monitoring the pandemic—tracking the virus in wastewater—could indicate good news on the horizon in Massachusetts, say Northeastern experts.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki January 13, 2022

Omicron has set records. How much do case counts matter now?

COVID-19 cases are high, but it’s not 2020 anymore: Being nearly two years into the pandemic may make all the difference. “If we were seeing these numbers back in September of 2020, it would be a different story,” says Northeastern public health expert Neil Maniar.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki January 11, 2022

People wait in line to test for COVID-19 in Long Beach, Calif. AP Photo/Ashley Landis

When will the omicron surge be over? Very soon.

The omicron variant is driving a record-setting surge of COVID-19 cases across the nation. But coronavirus numbers are expected to plummet just as quickly as they soared, says Alessandro Vespignani, director of the Network Science Institute at Northeastern. And that may happen fast.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki January 6, 2022

Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

People are receiving unapproved extra COVID-19 vaccine doses. Is it a problem?

The break with CDC guidelines doesn’t present a huge ethical concern in situations where immunocompromised patients are, in consultation with their physicians, receiving additional shots, several Northeastern experts say.

by Tanner Stening January 6, 2022

Northeastern community members receive a first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the Cabot Testing Center. Photo Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Do I need another COVID-19 booster?

Given the rise in omicron cases, U.S. officials have been talking about the need for a second booster, or a fourth shot. Which begs the question: Is it possible to overstimulate the immune system with too many shots? Theoretically, yes, say Northeastern pharmacy and public health experts.

by Tanner Stening January 4, 2022

Photo illustration of paper and cloth masks in the Northeastern studio on Monday, Dec. 20, 2021. Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

Which is the best COVID-19 mask?

The threat of breakthrough infections brought on by the omicron variant has reinvigorated discourse about which face masks best protect you from the coronavirus. The answer, say Northeastern experts, is that it depends. Here are the factors to consider when putting on a mask.

by Eva Botkin-Kowacki December 23, 2021

A survey of U.S. booster shot recipients finds that 30% of vaccinated people have received an extra shot. That is expected to ramp up quickly as the highly transmissible omicron variant spreads during the winter. Photo Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Who is getting COVID-19 booster shots (and who’s resistant)?

More men than women, and more Democrats than Republicans, said they received a booster injection. This and more from a new study by researchers at Northeastern and several partner institutions.

by Peter Ramjug December 22, 2021

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