Local Health Alerts
This Is Why Prescription Drugs Are So Expensive
High U.S. prescription drug costs are driven by a lack of price regulation, patent monopolies, and complex supply chain mechanics involving pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that incentivize high list prices. Infographics highlight that these factors, combined with extensive marketing spend over R&D, lead…
Hospital Price Transparency Enforcement (CY 2026): What CMS Data Means
CMS will enforce revised CY 2026 Hospital Price Transparency machine-readable file requirements starting April 1, 2026. This guide explains the updated allowed-amount data elements, how CMP reductions work, and how to read CMS’s enforcement dataset—plus why transparency doesn’t automatically make bills affordable.
Tooth Abscess Warning Signs: Dental Pain Is an Emergency—What to Do Next
A tooth abscess can start as severe tooth pain and swelling—but it can also spread and become life-threatening. Use this “don’t wait” checklist to know when to call a dentist vs. go to the ER.
Papaverine Injection Recall: Steps for Patients and Clinics (Lot 25202)
FDA says American Regent is voluntarily recalling one lot of papaverine hydrochloride injection because vials may contain visible particulate matter. This guide explains how to check the lot, what to do if you have the affected product (or already received it), and when…
COVID-19 at Home (Fall 2026): Fast Outpatient Treatment & EUA Changes
A positive COVID-19 test is a “call today” moment. This explains what to do right away to avoid missing outpatient treatment windows, who may qualify, and how HHS/FDA’s COVID-19 EUA transition could affect families and caregivers over time.
FDA Alert: Hintermann Series H3 Total Ankle Replacement — What to Do Now
On June 3, 2026, the FDA updated its safety communication for the Hintermann Series H3 total ankle replacement. If your ankle is working well, FDA does not recommend surgery to remove the implant—but you should keep follow-up appointments and contact your clinician promptly…
Long COVID brain fog: goal-focused cognitive rehab can improve real-life goals
A new randomized trial of remote, individualized, goal-focused cognitive rehabilitation for Long COVID brain fog found better “goal attainment” at 3 months—and the improvement persisted at 6 months. The benefits weren’t broad across all cognitive tests or every symptom, but they offer a…
CMS Hospital Price Transparency Enforcement: How to Estimate Costs from Posted Prices
CMS will begin enforcing updated hospital price transparency requirements for CY 2026 on April 1, 2026. The goal is to make it easier to compare prices before care—but posted hospital charges still won’t perfectly predict what you’ll pay after insurance. Here’s what CMS…
Cyclospora outbreak tied to Taylor Farms lettuce: what to do if you’re sick
If you’ve had watery diarrhea after eating certain iceberg lettuce, CDC and FDA say it may be linked to Cyclospora. Here’s how to replace fluids and electrolytes, what to tell your clinician about testing, and when diarrhea symptoms mean you should get urgent…
FDA’s July 2026 non-device software update: AI apps and patient safety
On July 14, 2026, FDA asked the public for input as it prepares its next report on “non-device software functions,” including certain forms of limited clinical decision support. Here’s what FDA is asking—and practical ways patients, caregivers, and clinicians-adjacent readers can verify AI-generated…
What FDA’s fall 2026 COVID-19 vaccine formula update (JN.1 XFG) means
FDA advised that the U.S. 2026–2027 seasonal COVID-19 vaccine should use a monovalent JN.1-lineage XFG target for use beginning in fall 2026. Here’s what a “formula update” changes, how families can think about timing with CDC guidance, who should be especially deliberate, and…
If intranasal epinephrine doesn’t work right away: anaphylaxis steps
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Use your prescribed intranasal (nasal) epinephrine at the first signs, repeat after 5 minutes if symptoms aren’t improving, and call 911—then go to the ER for emergency treatment and monitoring.
