COVID-19 & Health News

CaroMont Health enforces new visitor restrictions

New visitor restrictions are now in place at CaroMont Health.

Sick Wasted Man Lying In Sofa Suffering Cold And Winter Flu Virus Having Medicine Tablets In Health Care Concept Looking Temperature On Thermometer

Why does it feel like everyone is sick right now?

Medical professionals say in the wake of a return to in-person activities without coronavirus-related precautions, RSV, the flu and other respiratory illnesses are hitting peak levels.

Novant and Atrium restricting visitors as respiratory viruses spread

Starting Tuesday, children under age 12 are asked not to visit Atrium Health facilities and children under age 13 are asked not to visit Novant Health hospitals in North Carolina. The hospital systems are taking extra precautions to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.

Blue Cross NC customers can request early prescription refills due to anticipated impacts from the winter storm

In advance of the forecasted winter storm in North Carolina, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is allowing early prescription refills to ensure that customers have access to the prescription drugs they need.

'Dry January' forces local breweries to adapt

The first month of the year has always been a tough time for the hospitality industry. It's gotten a lot worse in recent years with the growing popularity of Dry January. A study by Civic Science found 25% of Americans are cutting out alcohol this month.

Medic extends first responder contract with Charlotte Fire

Medic and the Charlotte Fire Department have reached a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), extending the current First Responder agreement for six months.

Approaching winter storm threatens community blood supply

As the first major winter storm of 2025 approaches, The Blood Connection (TBC) is urgently calling for blood donations to prevent a critical shortage.

Scientists find new source of ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water

Scientists discover concerning new source of ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water.

Concord Mom glues eye shut after mistaking nail glue for eye drops

A Concord mother is recovering after accidentally gluing her eyelid shut because she thought her nail glue was her eye drops. It turns out the mistake may be more common than you think.

New call for cancer warnings on alcohol

The U.S. Surgeon General is calling for updated health warning labels on alcoholic beverages. He wants people to know about the increased cancer risk.

Surgeon General calls for new label on drinks to warn Americans of alcohol's cancer risk

Alcohol is a leading cause of cancer, a risk that should be clearly labeled on drinks Americans consume, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy proposed on Friday. Murthy’s advisory comes as research and evidence mounts about the bad effects that alcohol has on human health.

Cruise ship illnesses hit 12-year high

Gastrointestinal cases on cruise ships hit a 12 year high in 2024.

Experts say one exercise could help ease lower back pain

Lower back pain can have a significant impact on your body, limiting range of motion, and even causing pain that radiates to other parts of the body. Experts say one exercise could help.

National Institues of Health calling for more action on bird flu

Leaders at the National Institutes of Health are calling for more action on bird flu.

'Winter Arc' is replacing New Year's resolutions for some

A new year brings new goals. But studies have shown that most people don’t tend to uphold their New Year’s resolutions much past the first month. So in an attempt to reframe the thinking around new year goal-setting, a new wellness trend has popped up online.