(CNN) -- Merck said Monday it is seeking FDA emergency use authorization for its experimental antiviral COVID-19 treatment, molnupiravir. If authorization is granted, the drug, made by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, would be the first oral antiviral treatment to fight Covid-19.
As the known death toll has grown over 18 months, a Tribune analysis of state and federal data shows how the pandemic's deadly waves have evolved since March 2020 amid starkly different mask-wearing and vaccination habits across the state.
Health officials are urging Americans to get their flu shots, warning the flu season that didn't materialize when most of society was shut down last year could come roaring back and strain hospitals in the months ahead.
Experts say that steady inoculation rates are crucial to avoid a winter coronavirus surge. San Francisco is easing some mask restrictions for vaccinated people.
New COVID-19 cases continue to fall around the United States — down nearly 25% over the past two weeks, with deaths dropping by more than 10%. But there are still far too many losing their lives, especially in Alaska where just 58% of the population is fully vaccinated and hospitals are implementing "crisis standards of care" because of a shortage of beds and staff.