The ‘most transmissible variant’ yet has hit the Northeast and appears headed to Michigan. Doctors say it evades immunity, but much remains unknown about the latest strain.
Michigan Health Watch
In-depth reporting on the intersection between public policy and important health topics ‒ such as insurance coverage, hospital admissions, opioid abuse, access to care, medical research and the business of health care ‒ that impact nearly every Michigan resident.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
COVID-19 in 2022: Deaths fall, but Michigan had 5th most in US
The virus, now a part of daily life, kills far fewer in Michigan in 2022 but remains the No. 3 cause of death in the state.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
ER or urgent care? As respiratory ailments pound Michigan, who do you call?
Misery is at its worst in the still of the night, when doctor offices are closed. There are sure signs for when to call 911 or hit the ER, and when urgent care of merely a call to your doctor is enough.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Here’s where to get free COVID test, treatment before holidays
The so-called ‘tripledemic’ is prompting a whole host of health concerns as the holidays near. Here’s how to prepare.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
As flu slams Michigan, COVID-19 hospitalizations rise as well
After virtually vanishing amid the pandemic, influenza is back big time. Hospitals are handled the uptick so far, but White House warns of winter COVID surge.
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U-M hospital system to acquire Sparrow Health in latest Michigan merger
Lansing-based Sparrow is to become part of Michigan Medicine by next summer, offering midstate market share to U-M Health and better financial footing to Sparrow.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan Democrats eye other abortion law changes as Prop 3 set to take effect
Proponents of a Michigan constitutional protections for abortion vowed existing limits remain in place. That doesn’t preclude a Democrat-led Legislature from eventually changing them.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan hospitals lost 1,700 beds from staff shortages, seek more money
Over the past year, healthcare is one of many industries eyeballing federal relief dollars. Michigan hospital leaders say funds will bolster staff and protect health care and local economies.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan takes steps to boost bed capacity for kids in mental health crisis
Michigan has lost hundreds of mental health treatment beds for kids in the juvenile justice and foster care systems due to staff shortages. Officials hope to boost staffing by offering steadier funding to residential treatment centers.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan’s pandemic baby bump over: 2022 births sliding again
Preliminary data through June appears to show that any increase in Michigan births following COVID stay-at-home orders was just a blip. In a state aging faster than most, lagging birth rates present another challenge to its economic future.